Movie Review: TROLLS

I have to be honest when I first saw the teaser trailer for Dreamworks' "Trolls" I wasn't so happy, you see I'm a 90's kid and I was already studying when the Trolls toys were a trend. My classmates and cousins had them, everyone did. The oftentimes naked Trolls had a blank stare through their black round eyes and a perpetually creepy smile that seemed to know your deepest darkest secrets. Of course it was their brightly colored coiffed hair which stood out as their defining trait. 

So to see this new breed of Trolls whose soft skin which was brightly colored (even shining in Guy Diamond's case) and came in different sizes and whose eyes were now expressive was a real surprise to me. But when the first official trailer came along I was already looking forward to seeing it-it was sooo funny! I was very happy when the original Trolls made a cameo in the film.  90's kids and those from Generation X should watch out for that. 

An extravagant musical of epic proportions Dreamworks' "Trolls" follows the story of the Trolls- a perpetually happy people who spend their whole day singing, dancing and hugging  hence the alarm every hour to remind them of "Hug Time". Then we have the Bergens, a race which could be described as being similar to Ogres, Bergens are a sad and miserable people who believe that the only way for them to be happy is by eating a Troll. Yes, I know it's morbid but aren't most fairy tales? The humor has some morbid tones which I think balances it out, it is the kind of humor which both kids and adults get.  

Poppy and Branch. 

After a hair raising (pun intended) escape twenty years ago, the Trolls are now Bergen-free and have been singing and dancing (and hugging) ever since. 

Princess Poppy (Anna Kendrick) is throwing a big party to celebrate being free of the Bergens and while everybody seems on board with her plans for the biggest and loudest party, the ever cautious Branch (Justin Timberlake) doesn't think it's such a good idea. 

The ever cautious Branch believes that one day the Bergens will find them and resume their "Troll-eating practice", Branch is so convinced of this that he even has a bunker stocked with supplies to help him survive "Burgen Apocalypse" and while the other Trolls see him as a crazy "doomsday prepper" who doesn't sing or dance, Branch refuses Poppy's invite to her big party and sulks in his bunker, which is what save him from his greatest fear - a Burgen attack! 

While most of the Trolls escape, Poppy's friends are captured and she decides on saving them but what does an ever optimistic princess know about the wild and most importantly how does she plan on entering Burgen town unseen in order to rescue her friends? 

Poppy reaches out to Branch for help and after much convincing (Poppy can be very persistent) agrees to help her. 

What follows is a hilarious rescue mission with probably the best "Cinderella" spin with Zooey Deschanel playing a Burgen scullery maid looking for love. 

I was impressed with the underlying lesson in the film which teaches children (and adults) that what we perceive to be the only source of happiness is not the only way to be happy, there is no "pill" which you take that will instantly make you happy and that true happiness is inside all of us and sometimes all you need is someone to help you find it.

Featuring music from the 60's all the way to the 2010's plus some new originals (which was a big treat for a music geek like me) I swear, you will never look at "Total Eclipse of the Heart" the same way again-both kids and adults will surely be singing and dancing (and laughing and crying) until the end of the movie. 

My favorite animated film of the year (so far) I will be awarding this fresh, delightful musical adventure with a perfect 10. 

Dreamworks "Trolls" is in cinemas November 2! 

Images courtesy of 20th Century Fox. 

Movies: JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE’S TRUE COLORS REVEALED IN “TROLLS”

Multi-talented actor and musician, Justin Timberlake who has won nine Grammys and numerous other awards leads an impressive voice cast and serves as executive music producer in the movie for all ages – “Trolls.”  

 Timberlake is in charge of the upbeat music of “Trolls” and has combined classics from Earth Wind & Fire, Simon & Garfunkel, Gorillaz and Cyndi Lauper, with original songs he wrote for the film, including the number one hit song ‘Can’t Stop the Feeling!’. Also starring in the film are Anna Kendrick, James Corden, Gwen Stefani, Zooey Deschanel and Russell Brand.

“Trolls” can be enjoyed by youngsters as a unique world rich with unforgettable characters, music, humor, adventure and color; as well as by adults, for whom the film’s overarching theme of the search for happiness will resonate long after the end credits have rolled.

Indeed, the Trolls’ all-singing, all-dancing, all-hugging world is all about happiness, which infuses every frame of the film.  “Trolls” explores how we treat others and, more importantly, how we treat ourselves.   Its emotion-charged message is that happiness comes from within, and can be a powerful and infectious force when it’s spread.  

With Justin’s Branch character, long after the Trolls’ liberation from Bergen captivity, he was the only one who continued to see the Bergens as a threat, but no one in town believed him.  Branch lives a discontented existence and is constantly preparing for the worst.   He’s lost his sense of joy and is flummoxed by the over-the-top positivity of the other Trolls.  Branch often wonders if he is the only sane Troll left.  Over the course of the film, he is challenged to let go of his past, even if that includes a dreaded burst of singing, dancing and hugging.

Branch represents our fears and how they can envelop us and prevent our inner happiness from blossoming.  Ever vigilant, he is consumed with exploring potential dangers and spends his life bracing for the worst instead of enjoying the present.   While some of his concerns are well-founded because there are very real dangers nearby, Branch must learn he has to keep living his life and not let fear win. 

"Branch isn’t much of a people person,” notes Justin Timberlake.  “He doesn’t sing, dance or hug, which makes him somewhat of an outcast—by his own choice—in the Troll community.  He’s a hardcore survivalist and a huge contrast to all the other Trolls. He doesn’t connect with anybody,” Timberlake continues.

Citing the character’s relatability, despite—or maybe, thanks to—his persistent negativity, Timberlake jokes that, “Branch is going to be the voice of every dad who sees Trolls."

 "Can’t Stop the Feeling,” written by Timberlake, Martin and Shellback, is a celebratory anthem that brings the Trolls and Bergens together.  The song is performed by Timberlake, Deschanel, Funches, Mintz-Plasse, Kendrick, Corden, Icona Pop, Stefani, Nayyar, and a chorus.  “It’s full of optimism, which carried over to its creation,” notes Timberlake, adding, “Writing it actually made me feel happy.”  Director Mike Mitchell adds that the song “sums up everything we wanted to do with the film.  It creates happiness when you hear it.

 “Trolls” opens November 2 in cinemas (also in 3D screens) nationwide from 20^th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros. 

Movies: ZOOEY DESCHANEL’S UNIQUELY COLORFUL CINDERELLA SPIN IN “TROLLS”

Emmy Award, Golden Globe Award and Grammy Award nominee and Critics’ Choice Award winner Zooey Deschanel cemented her place as a mainstream presence with a handle for nuance when she re-introduced the classical leading lady to the modern audience with her old-fashioned charm in her starring roles in “500 Days of Summer” and “Yes Man”.

 

              Lauded as timeless, vintage and ethereal, Deschanel stars and gives a new spin in her latest (voice )role as Bridget aka Lady Glittersparkles  in DreamWorks Animation’s unique world of “Trolls” along with the talented Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick, Russell Brand, Gwen Stefani,  Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Russell Brand, Zooey Deschanel, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski, James Corden, Kunal Nayyar, Ron Funches, Icona Pop, Quvenzhané Wallis and John Cleese  

 

              “Trolls” is a funny and irreverent new movie from DreamWorks Animation, which is all about happiness. Anna Kendrick stars as the voice of Poppy, the optimistic and relentlessly positive leader of the Trolls. With their trademark, rainbow-colored hair and upbeat personalities, they are the essence of joy. Only one member of the community is sad. Branch (Justin Timberlake), a fearful and over-cautious Troll, is terrified that miserable monsters called The Bergens will find them. The Bergens are only happy when they eat Trolls!   The Bergens are the flip side of the Trolls.   These depressed giants believe that menacing Trolls is the only viable path to their happiness. 

 

              Given the Bergens’ king’s (King Gristle Jr. voiced by Christopher Mintz-Plasse) childish ways, it’s no surprise that he is unlucky in love.  But that status may change, if the Bergen scullery maid Bridget aka Lady Glittersparkles has anything to say about it.  Voiced by Zooey Deschanel, Bridget is the sweetest, most kindhearted Bergen in all of Bergen Town; in fact, she may be the only kindhearted Bergen. Bridget is sensitive and soft-spoken, and harbors a crush on the king.  “She’s our Cinderella,” says director Mike Mitchell.

 

               Screenwriter Jonathan Aibel has a special affection for Bridget, a character he describes as being “a challenge to write, because when we meet her, she’s uncommunicative. So to see her grow and learn how to express herself is probably my favorite part of the movie, especially when she goes on her dream date with King Gristle.” 

 

              An entertainer in every sense of the word, Deschanel sings Lionel Richie’s ballad “Hello” that underscores her character’s touching crush on King Gristle.  Additionally, Deschanel was asked to record a rap verse for a remix of Diana Ross’ “I’m Coming Out.” She explained, “I didn’t want to screw it up, but the one thing I can’t do is that (rap). It was really scary, but Justin was a great coach.”

 

              As her big evening with Gristle unfolds, Bridget gets help from Poppy and her friends, who not only provide the maid with rainbow-colored tresses made from their own collective hair, but try and help to converse with Gristle.  Hair is a defining aspect of the Trolls and their universe, and bringing its nearly supernatural powers to life fell to a specially created “Hair Task Force,” made up of hundreds of artists and technicians working only on hair effects, ensuring that this magical thing was always looking—and acting—fabulous.   All that hair-raising derring-do didn’t come easily:  the Hair Task Force created a total of 1.8 million strands, with Poppy taking 84,000, Branch almost 50,000—and Lady Glittersparkles (aka Bridget) taking the furry crown, using 237,375 strands, with help from Poppy and her pals, of course.

 

              Let your hair down and let the happiness flow when “Trolls” opens November 2 in cinemas nationwide from 20^th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Movies: ANNA KENDRICK STARS IN FUNKY ANIMATION "TROLLS" IN CINEMAS NOVEMBER 2

              “Pitch Perfect” actress Anna Kendrick sings to life one of the most beloved toy figures in the latest musical animation “Trolls,” starring alongside an ensemble of equally talented artists such as Justin Timberlake, James Corden, Gwen Stefani, Zooey Deschanel, Russell Brand, Christine Baranski, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Swedish pop music duo of Caroline Hjelt and Aino Jawo, Kunal Nayyar and Ron Funches.

              Kendrick is the voice of Poppy, the feisty and fearless leader of the Trolls, who are naturally cheerful and optimistic. They love to sing and dance, and they have rainbow-colored hair.  Justin Timberlake voices Branch, a gray and fearful troll. He is convinced that the Trolls’ mortal enemies, the Bergens, will track them down in their forest Utopia and capture them. The Bergens are miserable monsters and they are only happy when they eat Trolls. 

              The film was inspired by the quirky cute/ugly looking dolls with brightly colored hair that were invented by a Danish woodcutter in 1959. Created by woodcutter Thomas Damm, who then couldn’t afford a Christmas gift for his daughter, was inspired to make a doll based from his imagination.  The unique look of the doll caught the attention of the other children and from then on, Damm’s dolls became popular and has become one of the biggest toy fads among children and adults too.   

              In the latest toy-to-movie adaptation of “Trolls” where Kendrick’s character Poppy lives, the audience will be introduced to a stunning and original world, with a distinct hand-made look, which mirrors Poppy’s passion for scrapbooking.

              But when we meet Poppy, she is an eternal optimist who finds the inspiration for optimism from within.  She is the ultimate purveyor of positivity.   Moreover, she is an empowered female who is capable and confident, strong and resolute, collaborative and inclusive.   Kendrick appreciates Poppy’s toughness, sassiness, can-do attitude, loyalty and, most of all, her leadership skills.  But when she first met with directors Mitchell and Dohrn to discuss the role, the actress notes she had some concerns.  “I hardly felt like the person to play the happiest Troll; sugary sweet isn’t really my forte.  I warned Mike, Walt and Gina that I might lead Poppy down a feistier path.  I think I used the term ‘sparkplug.’”

              When the filmmakers assured Kendrick that her vision for Poppy was in sync with theirs, she embraced her inner Troll with a vengeance.  “Each time I stepped into the recording booth and was greeted with a picture of Poppy’s smiling face, I couldn’t wait to add some fire, sarcasm, sass and determination to her,” Kendrick recalls.  “That’s what makes the difference between a relentlessly happy character that’s a little irritating and one that really comes to life. 

              “That said, I usually ruined the first five minutes of each recording session by talking in my ‘adorable voice.’   I couldn’t help it; Poppy is so cute!  But Mike and Walt encouraged me to make this tiny pink creature feel real and complicated.  Poppy might not look like Shrek, but she’s complex, like him.”

              After viewing some early footage, Kendrick discovered even more unexpected aspects to the character, thanks, she says, to the “animation dream team at DreamWorks, which had captured the little firecracker inside Poppy with every minute expression. 

              “Every time they asked me to do another recording session, it made my week.  I experienced that moment of recognition when I wondered, how does a six-inch-tall pink Troll kind of remind me of myself?  Watching Poppy and the other Trolls fills me with joy.”

              A DreamWorks Animation feature, “Trolls” opens in cinemas on November 2 in cinemas nationwide (also in 3D) from 20^th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Movies: “TROLLS’” COLORFUL JOURNEY FROM BELOVED TOYS TO MOVIE STARTS NOVEMBER 2

Honestly, when I saw the first trailer to "Trolls" I was quite upset. "Those aren't Trolls" I thought to myself, of course the "Trolls" I grew up with were the Troll dolls, which were a big fad in the 1990s (I know-I'm old). I remember my cousins had them, my classmates brought them to school. -They were everywhere! 

Coincidentally I did a little research and it seems that Dreamworks Animation, which is distributing the film, actually brought the rights to the "Troll dolls", so they might have intentionally given them the updated look. At least the hair is still the same- kind of. 

Back in the 1990's these little guys were EVERYWHERE! 

From the creators of “Shrek” comes DreamWorks Animation’s “Trolls,” a smart, funny and irreverent comedy about the search for happiness, and just how far some will go to get it.  The film transports audiences to a colorful, wondrous world populated by the overly optimistic Trolls, who have a constant dance in their step and a song on their lips, and the comically pessimistic Bergens, who are only happy when they have Trolls in their stomachs.  After the Bergens invade Troll Village, Poppy (Anna Kendrick), the happiest Troll ever born, and the overly-cautious, curmudgeonly Branch (Justin Timberlake) set off on a journey to rescue her friends.  Their mission is full of adventure and mishaps, as this mismatched duo try to tolerate each other long enough to get the job done. 

                Happiness was foremost in the minds of “Trolls” director Mike Mitchell and co-director Walt Dohrn, even during the earliest stages of story discussions with screenwriters/co-producers Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger and producer Gina Shay. 

                The two filmmakers had worked together on DreamWorks Animation’s blockbuster “Shrek” franchise, and their familiarity with the beloved ogres of that world led them to their distant cousins, the Trolls. Their research into Troll lore, which sprang from Scandinavian mythology, revealed that Trolls came in myriad shapes and sizes, from monstrous giants to tiny creatures who granted wishes.   As DreamWorks had done with Shrek, Mitchell and Dohrn decided to adapt the Trolls mythology to create a new universe and set of characters.

                The filmmakers note that they did embrace one aspect of previous Trolls history.  “We were fascinated by how these creatures were originally scary and evolved over time into being cute and lovable,” says Mitchell.  “In the 1970s they became a symbol for happiness.” 

               

                “Those ideas compelled us, as did the opportunity to create a story and mythology from scratch,” says Dohrn.  “We decided it was time to start spreading some joy again.  Mike and I had a blank slate, from which we could create anything with these characters, their story and their environments.  With happiness as a guidepost, we wanted to create a film with a mix of fun, adventure, heart, music, color and textures.”

                In many ways, says producer Gina Shay, another of Mitchell and Dohrn’s Shrek franchise alumna, “Trolls” hearkens back to the 1970s, a time “when there was this feeling of freedom; disco, pop and dance music was everywhere; and everybody seemed to be roller skating.  We wanted the Trolls to reflect that joy in their society.  They’re also very peaceful.”

The Trolls even have a special kind of watch that reminds them to hug every hour on the hour.  No matter what they’re doing, when the watch blooms, it’s “hug time.”   Notes Mitchell: “Part of being happy is connecting with others, and what better way to show that than with a hug.”

I had to LOL at the second trailer + there's Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick, James Corden and Gwen Steffani! So yehey! Also you might have heard Justin Timberlake's catchy tune "Can't Stop The Feeling", well, it's in the movie, so double yehey! 

In case you're hiding under a rock - here's the Music Video! Also I love the album art on Spotify! 

               “Trolls” opens November 2 in cinemas nationwide (2D and 3D) from 20^th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.