‘Trolls’ Journeys into Familiar Territory

‘Trolls’ layers the same old song and dance with a beat that’s worth your time.

What does it take to be genuinely happy? Well, for starters, allow yourself to be tickled pink. And Dreamwork’s newest animated feat, Trolls, does exactly that.

Trolls shoots the infamous toy brand into film stardom, having them embrace their new home with a  state of eternal pleasantries. The Trolls find themselves singing and dancing their troubles away, making the threat of the Troll-eating Bergens that much more distant. However, when Princess Poppy (Anna Kendrick) pushes her celebratory efforts to an all-time high, the Chef for the Bergens locates their secret cove. Hence, with the deeply-cautious Branch (Justin Timberlake) by her side, Poppy must make the ultimate quest to save her friends and restore happiness to the Troll kingdom.

This animated adventure, as expected, follows a formula. It’s a formula so widely-applied, that it’s practically expected by even the most naked eye. Nevertheless, when closing credits engulf the frame, you’ll find yourself oddly-charmed. The hero’s journey goes through each stage and abides to each rule in the rulebook. However, something felt off. Something felt different.

And that’s when it hit me: Trolls was coated. Even though the story had a high level of predictability, the jokes, the cast and even the soundtrack were not predictable. They are all layers of the film’s skin, covering the blubbery fat that holds little to no substance. Not to say that this children’s flick lacked in originality or value, but rather, it succeeded based on the efforts made to give it said originality and value.

“Trolls keeps you invested, despite the fact that it feels like something you’ve seen before,” said Janet Tormey, 20. “It was strange, yet enjoyable. A vast color palette of immense dignity and grace only seen in animated movies starring Justin Timberlake.”

Overall, Trolls works at face value. If you dive into its innermost sanctums, you will find rainbows and unicorns. However, if you keep your head above the water, you’ll comprehend its passion for something more. You will understand its true purpose at surface level, similar to the audience that it’s geared towards.

In other words, keep your head up. According to Trolls, you just might find happiness.

Trolls is now playing in movie theaters worldwide! Some local venues include AMC Clifton Commons, AMC Essex Greens in West Orange and even Bow Tie Bellevue Cinemas in the heart of Upper Montclair. For a list of even more theaters and show-times, visit fandango.com and start planning your next trip to the movies today.

  Animation, children, Dreamwork’s, Entertainment, family, movie, Trolls