LEGO are back again and this time, we get a film based on one of their own original themes. So since Ninjago became a LEGO theme, its become very popular to the point where its had numerous sets, a TV series or two, lots of video games, a board game and some graphic novels. In other words, ninjas are pretty popular with LEGO builders so LEGO took advantage of this. So following the success of The LEGO Movie, many LEGO films were put into production and all being set in a LEGO cinematic universe. I already talked about Batman earlier this year and now we have a Ninjago film which while not based on the TV series or the original theme, follows the same story, but with the style and humor of the other LEGO films of recent years. So we have a film and video game to get through so let's get to it:
Film
In the real world, a boy (played by Kaan Guldur) visits an old relic shop and meets the shop owner (played by kung fu legend Jackie Chan) who tells the boy the legend of Ninjago. We then cut into the LEGO universe where Ninjago is a city that is repeatedly invaded by an evil warlord named Lord Garmadon (voiced by Justin Theroux) who is often defeated by a group of masked ninjas led by his own son and the green ninja Lloyd (voiced by Dave Franco). Lloyd has to endure a life where everyone hates him just because he is the son of an evil warlord with his only friends being the red ninja Kai (voiced by Michael Pina), the blue ninja Jay (voiced by Kumail Nanjiani), the silver ninja Nya (voiced by Abbi Jacobson), the white ninja Zane (voiced by Zach Woods) and the black ninja Cole (voiced by Fred Armisen). But when Garmadon's latest invasion comes into play, its up to them to stop him while learning a valuable lesson in learning the elements, parenthood and the whole "with great power comes great responsibility" thing.
I just want to point out that when I say the black ninja and white ninja, I am not being racist in any way. Just want to point that out. Anyway so the film is good. Its well acted by everyone and manages to keep the style and humor of the other LEGO films. But it can be a tad predictable as the story revolves around the main hero and the main villain understanding one another and making peace which has also been done in the other two LEGO films. But its a good film that can get insane, unreal and over the top. Also it can have too much pop music for one film, but unlike the last two films it manages to keep focused on its own original characters without bringing in licensed characters like Batman or the Gremlins which is ok I guess. 7/10
Video Game
So I guess LEGO Dimensions has come to an end which is why we got a tie in game to the film rather than figure packs for that game. But anyway, so the video game follows the same plot as the film using clips from the film as well as some that are exclusive to the game (including a level based on the short film The Master). While largely attempting to replicate the gameplay of other LEGO games, this one actually feels like a different experience. Instead of stud bars which need to be filled up before the end of the levels, players can collect a certain amount of studs which can unlock new abilities in the skill tree. Levels are seemingly non-existent therefore allowing the game to be played without having to go to certain places to complete the levels. But there are still lots of collectibles including studs, gold bricks and what I'm guessing is supposed to be the replacement for minikits. As well as a fully explorable world, over 100 characters to play as and also featuring stuff from the original LEGO Ninjago theme thus allowing this to be more than just a film tie in.
Despite not being part of Dimensions, I like that TT Games are going back to making full on games based on non-Disney properties rather than packs containing 1-6 levels based on a franchise. It helps them make better games in the long run as well as an overall better experience as well. The game is nothing special, but its a welcome change to previous LEGO games as far as gameplay and variety is concerned. Its fun, has its humor when its needed and makes the overall experience fresh. 8/10
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