#REVIEW: “TROLLS”

Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

From the screenwriting duo behind the Kung Fu Panda Trilogy (Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger) comes a new Movie about the toys that took the nation by storm in the 1960s and 1990s. Trolls stars a lovable cast with some really catchy tunes. When a Movie brings such sheer and utter joy as well as suspense to its young audience, does it really matter what the bigger ‘kids’ think? Trolls is a fun, energetic, upbeat experience that will have that child within dancing in its seat!

For years, the Bergens have been terrorizing and kidnapping Trolls as they feast on them. The reason being is that the Bergens believe that the Trolls will bring them happiness, because the Trolls themselves are filled with happiness and joy. King Peppy (Jeffrey Tambor) helped the Trolls escape the first time from the Bergens. This leads to King Gristle Sr. (John Cleese) letting-down his son King Gristle (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) as he never tasted a Troll. This disappointment leads to King Gristle Sr. banishing Chef (Christine Baranski).

Fast-forward to modern day, we have Poppy (Anna Kendrick) who now is queen of the Trolls. Poppy is the happiest Troll in all the land, while one of her ‘friends’ Branch (Justin Timberlake) is a very sad, grey Troll who doesn’t believe in the happy lifestyle. When Poppy tells Branch that she is throwing the biggest, loudest party of all time, he warns her that the Bergens are going to find them, and unfortunately he is right. After Chef finds and kidnaps some of the Trolls including Creek (Russell Brand), Biggie (James Corden), Cooper (Ron Funches) and other Trolls, it is up to Poppy and Branch to save the Trolls.

What makes Trolls so much fun is the chemistry between Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake.  Above this, the Music overseen by Montreal’s Christophe Beck – a combination of original score and classic covers – complements the animation perfectly throughout. Standouts among the cast include Russell Brand, James Corden and Zooey Deschanel, whom all are great, each adding a layer of depth to the story. The Film speaks eye-level with both its younger and older audiences.

Every year there are a handful of Animated Features that come out that really have audiences flocking to theatres and Trolls is one of these Films. Brace yourself for another wave of Troll Fever!

20th Century Fox Canada release TROLLS on Friday, November 4, 2016.