Movies

The Lego Ninjago Movie

Animated characters appear in the movie “The Lego Ninjago Movie.” Rated: A-II, PG. WARNER BROS. | CNS

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A few flashes of wit relieve the noisy tedium of this martial arts-themed animated adventure. With his home town constantly under attack by his villainous father (voice of Justin Theroux), a schoolboy (voice of Dave Franco) leads a double life by battling bad Dad, disguised as a ninja warrior. He does so as part of a team of fighters trained by his wise and virtuous uncle (voice of Jackie Chan). As directed by Charlie Bean, Paul Fisher and Bob Logan — the latter two also co-writers, along with four others — the attempt to blend a children’s feature and an action movie proves awkward, resulting in a forgettable series of explosions and other disturbances that drown out such themes as the possibility of personal conversion and the value of family reconciliation. Additionally, some vague mumbo-jumbo about humans harnessing the power of the elements is not for the easily confused.

 

Watch out for: Perilous situations, a bit of mild scatological humor and a couple of mature references.

 

Rated: A-II, adults and adolescents; MPAA: PG

 

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