Trolls (2016)
Trolls is a 2016 Dreamworks animated film based on the widely loved toys. It follows Princess Poppy on a mission to rescue her friends from the Bergens that have been taught they must eat trolls to be happy. This goes back to a festival called Trollstice that used to be held every year, until the trolls managed to escape and live in hiding for 20 years. This all came crashing down as Chef, the Bergen that organised Trollstice every year until her banishment, is alerted to their location and delivers the trolls to the King.
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I’ve been to the cinema many times over my life, but still not frequently enough for the novelty to wear off. So it’s really special when I have had the opportunity to see a film on the big screen, like Trolls which I saw in 2016.
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The one thing I remember vividly is how great the soundtrack was. Jukebox musicals can sometimes fall flat, but I think Trolls reimagined the concept in a way that was very creative and fresh. One of my favourite covers from the film is ‘Move Your Feet’ by Junior Senior, which offers a very electrified version of the original. ’True Colours’ is a beautiful moment in the film too.
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At the time it was released, Anna Kendrick was being booked for every musical project and I’m a big fan of her voice. I loved The Last Five Years, the Pitch Perfect franchise and Into The Woods so this feels like the perfect addition to her repertoire.
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The plot and characters themselves are also well conceived and the whole movie is beautifully colourful with expansive scenery. I love the felted details too and I think the comedic timing is what really makes this film, along with how lovable the characters are like Bridgette who dreams of leaving her life as a Scullery Maid behind and marrying the King. I also feel an affinity for Poppy and her ability to find light everywhere.
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This version includes a sing-along edition, and the bonus content is bursting with treats including a tour of the characters, a look at the creative process and deleted scenes. It gives an appreciation for the amount of work that goes into a project like this and how it’s unlike anything we’ve seen before.
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It’s important to acknowledge whilst enjoying this film that some of the cast are problematic, including Justin Timberlake for his treatment of Britney Spears and his stance on the Palestinian genocide, and Russell Brand for his s*xu*l ab*se though he doesn’t feature in later sequels.
