‘Trolls Band Together’ Review – A Nostalgic Pop Journey For Characters And Viewers Alike

Synopsis: After two films of true friendship and relentless flirting, Poppy (Anna Kendrick) and Branch (Justin Timberlake) are now officially, finally, a couple (#broppy)! As they grow closer, Poppy discovers that Branch has a secret past. He was once part of her favorite boyband phenomenon, BroZone, with his four brothers: Floyd, John Dory, Spruce, and Clay. BroZone disbanded when Branch was still a baby, as did the family, and Branch hasn’t seen his brothers since. But when Branch’s bro Floyd is kidnapped for his musical talents by a pair of nefarious pop-star villains—Velvet and Veneer—Branch and Poppy embark on a harrowing and emotional journey to reunite the other brothers and rescue Floyd from a fate even worse than pop-culture obscurity.

Life is full of surprises and unexpected problems and there’s nothing you can do but respond and react. And whether good or bad, it’s beneficial to have people by your side. It could be friends, family, or an acquaintance that you trust, knowing that you have someone there to help guide you makes everything much simpler. Keep people around you that you love, trust, and respect, and make sure that all three components are reciprocated because you never know when you might need them by your side.

“We’re looking for our brother.”

The kids are invited but the adults may have more fun on this musical roller coaster of boy band bliss. Directed by Walt Dohrn, Trolls Band Together is a nostalgic pop journey for characters and viewers alike. Some of you may be asking yourself if a third installment to this melody-filled franchise is necessary. Perhaps not, however, there’s always more story to tell. As its predecessor, Trolls World Tour took on multiple genres and showed us how to coexist, Trolls Band Together is all about our favorite F-word, family. Moreover, there’s no better way to expound on and celebrate that message than with music from not only boy bands but specifically, family bands. This isn’t an overly complicated story with hidden meanings. This is a family adventure in which you simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the vibrant concert-like environment. Featuring bops that’ll make you bounce such as Candy Girl, Boombastic, Fame, Keep It Comin’ Love, Push It!, Good As Hell, Island In The Sun, I Want You Back, You Got It, and more, it’s very difficult to not dance in your seat.

In this race against time to save a brother, we encounter new worlds featuring various animation styles, a long-lost sibling, Milli Vanilli-like villains, more than one kind of reunion, and the sound of *NSYNC. The story is full of heart, forgiveness, and tons of humor. And don’t worry parents, a good portion of the jokes are for you. The pacing, liveliness, and dynamic colors favor the kids, but the music favors those born before 1999. I prefer Trolls World Tour myself, but Trolls Band Together is a fun time nonetheless. One could say that it’s poppin’.

“A brother is a friend who can never leave you.”

Besides the amazingly vivacious and attention-grabbing animation, this film survives off of its great soundtrack. Every song sung throughout the film is one that you can play on repeat. Its original song, Better Place by *NSYNC and Justin Timberlake is fire and is now in rotation on my playlist. The voice acting is phenomenal, and the writing is fun-loving and exciting. From its road trip atmosphere to its genuine emotion, Trolls Band Together is nothing short of a good time. If you want to leave the theater in a good mood, this is the film for you. Its rewatchability is med-high. Oh, and there is a mid-credits scene but not a post-credits one.

Pace & Pop

The film moves at an effortlessly rhythmic pace. Its uptempo strides and dramatic beats resemble the pop music it’s celebrating. What popped for me was the various animation styles as the story traverses different worlds. The various textures and vibrancy are incredibly pleasing. It seems as if you can almost touch some of them.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Camila Cabello, Eric André, Amy Schumer, Andrew Rannells, Troye Sivan, Daveed Diggs, Kid Cudi, Zosia Mamet, Zooey Deschanel, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, RuPaul Charles, Aino Jawo, Caroline Hjelt, Kenan Thompson, Anderson .Paak, Kunal Nayyar, Ron Funches

As expected after working together in this franchise this cast has amazing chemistry. I’m not sure if they are recording together but it most definitely feels like it. From the romantically awkward moments between Poppy (Anna Kendrick) and Branch (Justin Timberlake) to the hilarious interjections by Tiny Diamond (Kenan Thompson), it all comes together in perfect harmony. Speaking of Tiny Diamond, he is without a doubt my favorite Troll. I don’t know if it’s the size paired with the deep voice, the comedic timing and delivery, the writing, or the combination of it all but he’s fantastic. And with the new additions of Eric André, Daveed Diggs, Kid Cudi, and Troye Sivan adds more dynamic voices and another layer of hilarity. And let me not forget the evil brother and sister duo of Velvet and Veneer voiced by Amy Schumer and Andrew Rannels, respectively. They are more diabolical than they appear and their over-the-top personalities coupled with their hunger for fame make them the perfect villains.

Trolls Band Together releases in theaters on November 17, 2023. Remain safe and Bye Bye Bye.

Rated: PG Runtime: 1h 31m Director: Walt Dohrn Screenplay: Elizabeth Tippet Based on: Good Luck Trolls by Thomas Dam Producer: Gina Shay, p.g.a. Co-Director: Tim Heitz Co-Producer: John Swanson Executive Producers: Jonathan Aibel & Glenn Berger, Dannie Fest

https://youtube.com/watch?v=ftUpFjGKuY0%3Fsi%3Dx9JQwVX0Q9cVSy8D