Trolls Band Together (2023) Movie Review
Trolls Band Together Movie: The third part of the popular Trolls animated series is here, featuring the familiar voice of Anna Kendrick and new additions Amy Schumer and Zosia Mamet. However, the film seems to have gone a bit overboard with puns and references to '90s music bands, making you wonder if it's more for kids or their nostalgic parents.
Branch's significant other, Poppy (Anna Kendrick), discovers his celebrity past when his brother Floyd (Troye Sivan) gets kidnapped by the villainous pop stars Velvet (Amy Schumer) and Veneer (Andrew Rannells). This leads Branch to reunite with his siblings for a rescue mission, introducing various plotlines, including the wedding of Bridget (Zooey Deschanel) and Gristle (Christopher Mintz-Plass) and the unexpected appearance of Viva (Camila Cabello) as Poppy's long-lost sister.
The film is packed with musical numbers, featuring both old and new tunes, but the charm of the first film's hit song "Can't Stop the Feeling" is hard to replicate. Despite an energetic performance by the trolls, the musical novelty has faded, and even the much-anticipated NSYNC reunion track falls short. [Trolls Band Together Movie]
The talented voice cast puts on an enthusiastic show, but Kenan Thompson steals the spotlight as Tiny Diamond, the wisecracking infant. Elizabeth Tippet's screenplay delivers laughs with a plethora of jokes, although the balance between hits and misses might be a bit off. The film also humorously explores the limited career options in the music business, including the potential for a desperate Christmas album or a one-off National Anthem performance. [Trolls Band Together Movie]
The computer animation remains vibrant and colorful, featuring a standout hand-drawn psychedelic sequence set to the disco classic "The Hustle." However, your enjoyment of the visuals may depend on your appreciation for trolls, which may not be everyone's cup of tea. All in all, a fun watch, but perhaps not as universally appealing as some other animated favorites. [Trolls Band Together Movie]