Trolls Band Together is the third film in the franchise – and possibly the loopiest. This new film does have a message (try your best, perfection is overrated), but honestly, the characters, themes and messages are all just a backdrop to the glitter and bonkersness.
Anna Kendrick returns to voice Poppy, queen of the Trolls, who is now officially dating grumpy Branch (Justin Timberlake). The third in DreamWorks’ animated Trolls series is as adorable as the first two, and irresistible in the truest sense of the word. Even parents who fear they were dragged into the theater and just hope it will be short (well under 90 minutes) and painless will find themselves mesmerized. It is sweet without being sugary, colorful and very charming, with terrific voice talent and a lot of music. It’s the best of the three.
The Trolls movies have created a sunny, happy world of music, kindness, community and generosity. We hear snippets of songs that feel like home, like “9 to 5,” “Push It,” and, of course, “We Are Family,” and that’s a very nice place to spend 83 minutes.
This charming instalment in the musical Trolls franchise is likely to amuse kids and boy-band fans of all ages. The script, by Elizabeth Tippet and Thomas Dam, is filled with silly dad jokes and band name puns, but the tone is so cheerful and earnest that it will make viewers smile regardless.
The biggest soundtrack news is that NSYNC reunited to sing the catchy "Better Place", their first song in more than 20 years. You don't need to be an NSYNC or boy-band fan to appreciate the jokes, but it helps.
Trolls Band Together, rated PG, plays at the Patricia Theatre in Powell River from December 8 to 14 at 7 pm, with a matinee on Sunday, December 10, at 1:30 pm. Running time is one hour and 23 minutes.
Gary Shilling is executive director of qathet Film Society.
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