They're colorful, they're bright, they're furry, they love to sing and dance and…they fart glitter. Yes, that's right, Universal Studios/DreamWorks Animation is once again bringing their beloved Trolls back for a second round. Poppy (Anna Kendrick; Pitch Perfect), Branch (Justin Timberlake; In Time) and the rest of the group are back and once again they are heading out on an adventure in order to save their beloved village. This time though, they have a new, unexpected enemy and Poppy's good intentions only serve to make matters worse. Once again Universal Studios/DreamWorks has a hit on their hands and the timing couldn't be any better as it debuts on Digital HD in time for the Easter Holiday Weekend.
All is right and everyone is happy in the Troll Village. Poppy is queen now and Branch is her loyal sidekick and best friend…who also happens to be in love with Poppy but doesn't know how to tell her. One bright and sunny day a bat flies into their village with a message for the Queen. It is from Queen Barb (Rachel Bloom; Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) announcing the Rock Tolls' world tour and inviting Poppy to attend with her "string". Just then her father reveals that there are other trolls out in the world who live in their own musical lands and each one has a magical guitar string.
Poppy, who at first thinks Barb wants to unite all the trolls so they can live in peace and harmony (pun intended), soon finds out Barb has more sinister plans. By the time Poppy, Branch and Biggie (James Cordon; Into the Woods) make it to classical music land, they find the place has been destroyed and all the trolls taken by Barb. Determined to prevent Barb from taking over all the trolls, Poppy continues on her quest not listening to anyone, not even Branch. In the end, Troll land is saved and everyone learns a thing or two about getting along and embracing each other's differences.
Kendrick is perfect to voice the character of Poppy. Not only can she sing well but she seems to have a bright and bubbly personality that shines through vocally throughout the film. Timberlake is equal as her counterpart and their voices blend together beautifully. The returning cast is joined by Bloom, Mary J. Blige (Rock of Ages), Kelly Clarkson (UglyDolls), Sam Rockwell (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) and a terrific cameo by Ozzy Osbourne.
Trolls World Tour, if not as good as the first film plot-wise, certainly lives up to the technical standards we have come to expect from Dolby (Vision and Atmos). The animation is wonderful with sharp details including every single strand of hair on each trolls head standing out individually. The video runs through the entire color palette and the results are fantastic (even on a small screen). The audio is equally as strong which showcases the eclectic soundtrack beautifully. From Osbourne's "Crazy Train" to "Who Let The Dogs Out" and a sad, country ditty sung by Kelly Clarkson, the various genres offer something for everyone. The only thing missing is an original pop tune like "Can't Stop The Feeling" from the first film.
While most of us are starting to go stir crazy being stuck at home, especially those that have children under the age of 8, Trolls World Tour offers a cute, family-friendly, film with a message of embracing our differences and working together instead of fighting in a quest for world dominance.
Though the plot is cookie cutter for the most part, kids will love the music and colorful images displayed onscreen. If you have kids, get this movie and watch them dance their little butts off to the timing of the music. You won't regret it.
Grade: B
