By Ben Wright (@iamzavagno | www.xgeeks.co.uk)
This review is spoiler-free.
Synopsis:
Looking for a much-needed break, Finn arranges a surprise vacation for his friends Rey, Poe, Rose, Chewie, BB-8, R2-D2, and C-3PO, aboard the luxurious Halcyon. However, Finn’s plan to have one last hurrah together quickly goes awry.
Kelly Marie Tran (Rose), Billy Dee Williams (Lando), Helen Sadler (Rey), Shelby Young (Leia), Matt Sloan (Darth Vader), James Arnold Taylor (Obi-Wan), Matt Lanter (Anakin) and Trevor Devall (Palpatine) all return as their LEGO Star Wars characters, as does Omar Benson Miller (Finn) – and it is Miller’s Finn who is at the centre of this story! This was a nice touch as each movie has had a different lead – from Rey in The Holiday Special to Poe in Terrifying Tales – so now we complete the trilogy of movies with Finn.
In terms of guest stars, Weird Al Yankovic (Vic Vanko) and Yvette Nicole Brown (Colvett Valeria) are the most notable and impactful additions to LEGO Star Wars franchise, with Brown bringing her A-game and really leaving a lasting impression on the movie. Ross Marquand (Han Solo) was also a great get for the film as his impressionist skills always deliver – with his Han being a real character highlight.
The main story is essentially a reflection of friendships and how friends can grow together, but ultimately reach a point where their paths may head in different directions. How do cope with not seeing these people every day? When any friendship dynamic shifts, there is always a concern that you might grow apart or lose touch for good! The writing makes these complex issues rather implied and accessible for the younger audience for which it is intended – to great success I might add! The sub-plots within the main story are the usual mix of fun, VERY non-canon, stories that really put our characters in some very unique situations. As always, the creators have a lot of fun playing with these characters and it just makes for a fun, enjoyable movie.
There are plenty of deep-cut gags and reference to satisfy the most encyclopedic Star Wars fans but as with anything Star Wars – there is always something for everyone to enjoy! I always find that these movies contain a few genuine ‘laugh-out-loud’ moments, and while there have been more in the previous films, one joke in particular really got me, so I still had that moment!
LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation is a fun and joyously chaotic romp through the Star Wars universe that brings huge Summer vibes and a sense of closure to this trilogy of LEGO Star Wars movies in a reflective and satisfying way.
X-Geeks 