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How The Lego Movie Altered My View on Animation
I used to think I was alone in my frustration with the current wave of overly energetic animation—until the seemingly top contender for the Best Animated Oscar, The Lego Movie, stumbled in its tracks. Surprisingly, it didn’t even receive a nomination, although its lively theme song, “Everything is Awesome,” did secure a spot for Best Song. So, why do I find myself weary of animated films? After countless viewings as both a film critic and a parent, I’ve found the genre has turned into a monotonous, headache-inducing experience.
Animation these days feels like a chaotic Minion frenzy—cute but completely out of hand.
My disdain for this trend wasn’t always present. Growing up when Disney reigned supreme, I cherished classics like Fantasia (in 2-D), which held a special place alongside The Wizard of Oz. Even before I could spell “images,” I recognized the magic of animation through beautifully crafted cartoons. Hippos didn’t just waddle in nature shows; they twirled gracefully in tutus to the “Dance of the Hours”—a far more enchanting scene.
Television was my playground, where cartoons ruled my childhood. If I had any identity crisis, it was deciding whether I belonged to the futuristic Jetsons or the prehistoric Flintstones. Was I a part of a quirky nuclear family from the future or stuck in the whimsical past of Bedrock?
As a mother, I continued to share my love for animation with my kids. We reveled in the classics, and my favorites evolved with my new perspective as a parent. Dumbo’s poignant tale of mother and son separation resonated with me deeply, especially during sleepless nights and those moments when I dropped my son off at daycare.
I delighted in watching Snow White while my daughter endlessly replayed Peter Pan. We bonded over The Lion King, where I had to explain the tough realities of loss and betrayal—lessons that are integral to growing up, even in a children’s movie.
As my kids matured, new networks emerged like Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, and Cartoon Network, ushering in a golden era of animation in the ’90s. Everything felt genuinely awesome. We adored shows like Dexter’s Laboratory—my husband is still affectionately called Dexter—and enjoyed the edginess of South Park.
My disillusionment with animated films stems from insights shared by acclaimed animator Genddy Tartakovsky in a piece I wrote for a publication. He remarked, “If you look back at the history of animation, characters like Bugs Bunny were made for adults and shown before feature films. While they appealed to children with their slapstick humor, the best cartoons operated on multiple levels, blending physical comedy with intellectual humor.”
So, what exactly bothered me about The Lego Movie? I caught it with my teenage daughter while we were stuck in a hotel room, trying to find a film we could both enjoy. Snuggled up in a king-sized bed, munching on snacks, we relished the shared experience while simultaneously scrolling through our social media feeds. The humor was sharp, but the pacing—EVERYTHING IS AWESOME!!!—felt overwhelming, raising concerns about its impact on a generation of kids who struggle to sit still.
I’m not entirely against animated films; I can easily name several recent ones I adore, such as The Stone Giant, Finding Nemo, and the masterpieces by Hayao Miyazaki, including Spirited Away. Then there’s the celebrated The Triplets of Belleville and the poignant Persepolis. All these films showcase incredible artistry.
However, the onslaught of hyper-animated, caffeinated films has dampened my enthusiasm for the craft itself, much like a tuna fish sandwich that makes you ill and ruins your appetite for mayo forever. The Academy’s oversight of The Lego Movie might mark a turning point, but it’s unlikely. Just the other day, I saw a vividly colored Minion bouncing across the screen, whether in a trailer for Despicable Me 29 or a commercial for a fast-food chain, who knows? I might be taking a break from this genre (and encouraging you to consider doing the same), but Hollywood shows no signs of slowing down with this frantic style of animation.
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Summary:
In this reflective piece, Clara Thompson shares her journey from adoring classic animated films to feeling overwhelmed by modern, hyperactive animations like The Lego Movie. While she fondly recalls the emotional depth and artistry of past animations, she expresses concern over the chaotic nature of current offerings, which she believes may not serve today’s youth well.