The Lego Movie

After several small-scale DVD features, the first big-screen Lego adventure takes the fun - and merchandising possibilities - to a whole new level. Thankfully, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller have created a film every bit as imaginative, colourful and cleverly constructed as their plastic inspiration. The story centres on Emmet (voiced by Chris Pratt), a chirpy, rule-abiding construction worker for whom life is simply "awesome". That is, until he's chosen by a rebel group of master builders to stop President Business (Will Ferrell) executing his plan to keep the Lego populace exactly where he wants them. Our unlikely hero's journey treads a similar path to Kung Fu Panda and The Matrix but, in a savvy moment of self-awareness, the Lego-brick borders separating fantasy and reality are brought crashing down. Ferrell enjoys the most memorable role, but there's great support from Morgan Freeman, who plays a blind seer, and Will Arnett as a dour Batman - not forgetting Anthony Daniels and Billy Dee Williams popping up to voice their Star Wars minifigure alter egos. The breakneck pace may be overwhelming at times, but the action is literally block-busting and the gags come thick and fast, while the film's message about freedom of expression is positively inspiring.