REVIEW: TROLLS

From the creators of ” Shrek”comes DreamWorks Animation’s “TROLLS,” an animated musical comedy about the search for happiness. “Trolls” was actually such a popular doll in the early-mid 90s that in 2010, Dreamworks announced that it would be making an all-singing and dancing musical extravaganza about the iconic doll that people of all ages are bound to enjoy.

The film gives a clear contrast between the very happy Trolls and the miserable Bergens. The Bergens believe that the only way to achieve happiness is to eat a Troll. With that, the Trolls led by the Troll King Peppy (played by Jeffrey Tambor) escaped to safety. Although the Trolls have found their sanctuary, some are still wary of the Bergens.

Their new leader Princess Poppy (played by Anna Kendrick) is all about the happiness. There are hourly hug alerts, lots of singing, dancing and scrapbooking. The Trolls love her, except one, Branch (Justin Timberlake) who remains cold and distant, always been preparing relentlessly for the next Bergen invasion and refusing to join the parties, believing that it would draw the Bergens to their nest.

When Trolls are snatched away by evil Bergen Chef (Christine Baranski) to make a meal for Prince Gristle (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), Poppy and Branch head off on a mission to save their friends and met some interesting Bergen characters along the way.

“TROLLS” is one film that hits me close to home. Though an animation, the movie is a fountain of wonderful life lessons, three of which I share below:

1. The movie should lead one to reflect on the essence of happiness. Happiness transcends all externals. It comes not from doing certain things but rather from a state of being. No one can make you happy except yourself.

In the movie, the Bergens falsely believe that the way to happiness is eating a Troll. They believe that happiness can be found from things and other people and they searched for happiness where it cannot be found and the search proved futile, a chasing after the wind.

2. The world was not created a bed of thornless roses – one cold truth everyone must face when growing up. The world is always a mixture of happiness and sadness, of joys and sorrows, of heights and valleys.

3. There is tremendous power in love. Love conquers all things and if we all had love, the world would be a much happier place for everyone.

Produced by Justin Timberlake, the film’s executive music producer, the movie soundtrack features four original songs, including songs by Justin Timberlake Gwen Stefani, Anna Kendrick and Ariana Grande. The soundtrack also features some classical hits from the 1960s-1980s, rearranged and covered by the cast members to bring in a new version of the smash hits from before!

The movie is top billed by names well known names in the industry – Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Russell Brand, Zooey Deschanel, Gwen Stefani and many more!

What’s interesting is that this 3D feature film also showcases a unique world inspired by fibers, flocked materials, fur, glitter and bright colors. The filmmakers call it “fuzzy immersion”—which is unlike any experienced before on film. There’s also the hair—bright, candy-colored coifs grown to gravity-defying heights, the hallmark and crowning glory of Trolls everywhere.

The ear-candy soundtrack and stunning visuals gives the audience a heartwarming message about finding happiness in the right place. Haven’t seen the movie? The trailer above should give you a good taste. And please, do not just watch the trailer! Be sure to catch this animated comedy, and you may find your happy place too.