
(from left) John Dory (Eric André), Clay (Child Cudi), Poppy (Anna Kendrick), Department (Justin Timberlake), Viva (Camila Cabello), Floyd (Troye Sivan) and Spruce (Daveed Diggs) in ‘Trolls Band Collectively,’ directed by Walt Dohrn.
‘Trolls Band Together’, which arrives in theaters on Friday, is the third outing for the favored franchise, following within the footsteps –– or maybe that must be dance steps on this case –– of 2016’s ‘Trolls’ and 2020’s extra controversial ‘Trolls World Tour’.
That second movie was problematic not due to any explicit content material, however as a result of it was one of many earliest films to be launched concurrently in theaters and on Peacock, which angered main film chain AMC sufficient that it swore to not launch Common films going ahead (that has since been reversed due to a brand new contract between the studio and the corporate).
‘Trolls Band Collectively’ has confronted its personal problem –– the actors’ strike has meant its stars, together with Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick –– weren’t permitted to advertise till this ultimate week of launch now the strike is over.
So, the brand new film has to face by itself deserves, which actually have gotten fewer and fewer because the franchise rumbles alongside.
Is ‘Trolls Band Collectively’ a enjoyable household movie?

‘Trolls Band Collectively,’ directed by Walt Dohrn. © 2023 DreamWorks Animation. All Rights Reserved.
The ‘Trolls’ franchise, regardless of its star vocal energy and field workplace success, has by no means appeared to get pleasure from the identical status as, say, the ‘Shrek’ films or ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ within the DreamWorks Animation Canon. It’s noticeable that there isn’t a troll to be discovered within the fancy current animated legacy emblem for the studio.
And whereas the unique ‘Trolls’ was filled with power and no little invention, and the second seemed to boost the stakes, ‘Band Collectively’ sadly feels prefer it’s working low on each, pressured to depend on hokey outdated chestnuts as beforehand unexplored kinfolk and fame-hungry divas.
Plus, if we’re trustworthy, the film largely appears like an excuse to have Justin Timberlake reunite boyband NSYNC for a closing music. It’s a advertising resolution that impressed a film, and that exhibits.
‘Trolls Band Collectively’: Script and Path

Zooey Deschanel voices Bridget in ‘Trolls Band Collectively,’ directed by Walt Dohrn.
With DreamWorks veteran Walt Dohrn (who co-directed the unique) and co-director Tim Heitz working from a script by Elizabeth Tippet (‘Trolls World Tour’) ‘Band Collectively’ flashes again to Department’s (Timberlake) youthful days when he was a part of a boy band referred to as BroZone together with his brothers. Fairly why he’s by no means thought to say this reality to Poppy (Kendrick) is considerably defined by the truth that the group –– and the household –– broke up after they failed to realize a “good household concord” throughout their massive live performance. And in case you guessed that may issue into the plot down the highway, have a gold star –– it’s at all times how this stuff work out.
However Poppy and Department heading out on a mission to assist save a kind of mysterious brothers when he’s kidnapped by fame-hungry performers Veneer (Andrew Rannells) and Velvet (Amy Schumer), who actually have a solution to siphon his expertise for their very own use is much from probably the most compelling idea. The storyline wends its means via the predictable beats that may maintain the children entertained sufficient however will probably really feel punishing to most adults who should take them.
It’s actually vibrant and frenetic consistent with the opposite films, however that’s all in service of a really bland story. And the jukebox musical format principally makes you assume that extra effort was put into discovering methods to squeeze in pop and oldies hits into the plot.
Related Article: Movie Review: ‘Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken’
‘Trolls Band Collectively’: Performances

(from left) Department (Justin Timberlake) and Poppy (Anna Kendrick) in ‘Trolls Band Collectively,’ directed by Walt Dohrn. © 2023 DreamWorks Animation. All Rights Reserved.
As typical, Kendrick is the standout right here, her infectious enthusiasm as Poppy serving to to paper over a few of the cracks. Timberlake not often will get above serviceable as Department, although he appears to select up some power each time he’s given an opportunity to sing.
There are a number of of the veteran ‘Trolls’ performers right here, particularly Zooey Deschanel as Bridget and Christopher Mintz-Plasse as King Gristle, the previous Troll-hunting Bergens who are actually good mates of our heroes, whereas Kenan Thompson provides in his typical aspect gags as Tiny Diamond.
Of the brand new recruits, Schumer and Rannells take advantage of influence because the posturing performer twins, who’re styled like Twenties cartoons from rivals Disney (absolutely no coincidence), whereas Camila Cabello does her greatest to match Kendrick’s power as Viva, Poppy’s heretofore unmentioned sister. Credit score additionally to Zosia Mamet as Crimp, the twins’ overworked and underappreciated assistant.
‘Trolls Band Collectively’ Remaining Ideas

Department (Justin Timberlake, middle) in ‘Trolls Band Collectively,’ directed by Walt Dohrn.
Should you’re in the suitable age bracket for the ‘Trolls’ films, then this primarily delivers what you’re after –– quite a lot of music, some vibrant, peppy animation that strikes at a excessive gear and loads of foolish jokes. It’s chaotic and sweet coloured, and in case you don’t love one sequence, one other will probably be alongside shortly.
Plus, there was some effort lavished on the musical sequences, that are the promoting level right here –– some experimental animated moments that evoke the likes of ‘Yellow Submarine’ or wilder and wackier comedian books to face other than the standard mix of felt Trolls and the remainder of the characters, who’ve a close to stop-motion really feel.
Those that are older would possibly smile on the sheer variety of boyband names and different references crammed into the dialogue. However basically, you’re prone to find yourself simply feeling just a little bored with all of it. These Trolls might actually use spending quiet time of their tree for a number of years –– at the very least till they dream up some new materials.
‘Trolls Band Collectively’ receives 5 out of 10 stars.

What’s the story of ‘Trolls Band Collectively’?
Poppy (Anna Kendrick) discovers that Department (Justin Timberlake) was as soon as a part of the boy band ‘BroZone’ together with his brothers, Floyd (Troye Sivan), John Dory (Eric André), Spruce (Daveed Diggs) and Clay (Kid Cudi).
When Floyd is kidnapped, Department and Poppy embark on a journey to reunite his two different brothers and rescue him.
Who else is in ‘Trolls Band Collectively’?
‘Trolls Band Collectively’ additionally options the voices of Zooey Deschanel, Kevin Michael Richardson, Patti Harrison, Andrew Rannells, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Kunal Nayyar, Amy Schumer, Kenan Thompson and Zosia Mamet.

(from left) Poppy (Anna Kendrick) and Viva (Camila Cabello) in ‘Trolls Band Collectively,’ directed by Walt Dohrn.
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