At this point in Dreamworks’ “Trolls” enterprise, the adult thing to say is “Just give the kids what they want.”
“Trolls Band Together” has a few chuckles, an inane plot and an NSYNC reunion to top off another sing-along-with-the-living-toys comedy starring the always-committed Anna Kendrick, a somewhat less enthusiastic-sounding Justin Timberlake (who did a lot of work on the soundtrack), with Daveed Diggs, Amy Schumer, Kid Cudi and Rupaul joining the candy-colored festivities for the third film in a trilogy.
The story concerns a former boy band of brothers that Branch (Timberlake) was in who need to reunite because one of their number has been kidnapped by villain singers Velvet (Andrew Rannells) and Veneer (Schumer).
That entails Queen Poppy (Kendrick) and Branch joining BroZone leader John Dory (Eric André) as they set out on a quest to “get the band back together” and take one last shot at “perfect family harmony” so that they can hit a note that shatters diamonds.
Because that’s where their bandmate is imprisoned.
The former bandmates have led far different lives post-stardom, making each visit its own challenge.
The animation gets progressively more ornate and detailed with each passing film, and can be lovely to look at here, despite the risk of early onset diabetes from subjecting yourself to this.
Lots of kid-favorites are back — glittery Tiny Diamond is played by America’s most reliable laugh, Kenan Thompson. Watch out for those “wet willies,” there, chief.
“Wet WILLIAM.”
David Mamet’s daughter Zosia Mamet plays the put-upon servant of the pop star villains of the piece, Velvet and Veneer, and is so buried under their needs that she covers Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5,” and does it justice.
The juvenile jokes are often of a boy band pun variety — with One Direction, Backstreet Boys, etc. referenced.
And Orlando’s most famous boy band shows up as well.
None of which moved the needle for me, but I’m not the target audience here. Heck, parents have been forced to take their kids to a “Paw Patrol” movie and re-releases of “Nightmare Before Christmas” just to introduce a new generation to the movie-going habit.
The Orlando underage audience I saw this with hooted and applauded and sang along when knew to the tune. Not many knew “9 to 5” or “The Hustle.” But they will.
Rating: PG, a bleeped profanity
Cast: The voices of Anna Kendrick, Amy Schumer, Daveed Diggs, Zooey Deschanel, Andrew Rannells, Kenan Thompson, Eric Andre, Kid Cudi, Zosia Mamet, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Rupaul and Justin Timberlake.
Credits: Directed by Walt Dohrn and Tim Heitz, scripted by Elizabeth Tippet and Thomas Dam. A Dreamworks/Universal release.
Running time: 1:32




