This was Somara’s pick at the discount theater. I was reluctant because I’ve watched some of the TV version on Cartoon Network and it’s boring. It’s an extended toy commercial worse than the Eighties crap which didn’t even try to disguise itself. As for the movie, it’s too bad it flopped. Ninjago is funny, clever and almost as entertaining as the previous two Lego outings.
For those not familiar with the show/toy’s premise, Ninjago is a metropolis on an island protected by a band of colored ninjas who pilot element-based robots (or mechs), similar to the Power Rangers. Every day or so, Ninjago is attacked by the villain Garmadon who wants to rule the place. There’s never a strong explanation for why Garmadon wants to be the boss beyond being the villain.
During one particular attack, the ninjas’ mechs and their strategy fail allowing Garmadon to finally succeed. Led by their sensei Master Wu (voiced by Jackie Chan), the ninjas must go back to basics on becoming true ninjas by taking an arduous journey through the island’s treacherous jungle. Hilarity ensues through verbal jokes, Lego gags and circumstances.
When Ninjago comes to DVD, cable and streaming services, give it a try. It’s not quite as great as The Lego Movie but it shares some the predecessor’s DNA through some A-list people providing voices: Fred Armisen, Kumail Nanjiani, Michael Peña, Abbi Jacobson, Chris Hardwick, Michael Strahan and Ali Wong. There’s jokes aplenty for adults and children.