Toys hold a special resonance in our lives due to all the memories they bring to us. They conjure up  memories of an idyllic oasis away from the confusing realm of reality. Legos, their very foundation based upon the idea of creating whatever you want, hold a particular special place in the hearts of many kids and adults alike as they are the closest thing to an object embodying the very essence of imagination. And so, The Lego Movie comes forth as a way to take those toys to the big screen, and manages to bring more than enough laughs and heart to make this an amazing treat worthy of being paired with those historic toys.

For Emmett (Chris Pratt), trying to fit into society is difficult, as he seems to be just too ordinary, too normal for anyone to notice him. But he is soon declared to be The Special, a person who will save the entire universe from Lord Buisness (Will Ferrell). With Wyldstyle (Elizabeth Banks), Vitruvius (Morgan Freeman) and Batman (Will Arnett) by his side, Emmett decides to try to be the hero for the first time in his life and maybe, just maybe, make a difference.

A lot of times, animated films are content to keep things strictly for the younger audience members and leave adults to take a 90 minute nap. That’s a shame, as the medium of animation is capable of telling untold stories, ones that can entertain anyone of any age. Luckily, The Lego Movie appeals to any audience member looking for A-grade entertainment. In fact, I think adults and teenagers are the only ones who will be able to truly comprehend the insane amount of jokes present here, as well as appreciate all the films wonderfully poignant moments. Kudos to the screenplay for managing to balance the comedy and the drama in a great manner that makes the film an overwhelmingly awesome experience.

Now, at this point, directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller (the duo who previously brought you 21 Jump Street) haven’t missed yet in the world of film and they make perhaps their best creation yet here. The Lego Movie, which at first glance seems like nothing more than a two hour commercial, is actually an introspective look at imagination and how important it is to the human spirit. That’s a hefty message for even an R-rated Richard Linklater drama to tell in an entertaining manner, but somehow this film manages to tell it in an exhilarating fashion under the watchful eye of Lord and Miller.

But it isn’t just in the worlds of directing and screenplay that The Lego Movie brings it’s A-game. Seriously, the cast on this thing is insanely perfect, especially Chris Pratt as Emmett. He conveys sympathy, lovability and subtle courage even in his most flummoxed moments, creating a hero more than worth rooting for. Elizabeth Banks brings several of the films more interesting moments, Will Ferrell makes a compelling bad guy (nice change of pace for the actor) and somehow, Liam Neeson and Morgan Freeman retain their intimidating personalities simply through their iconic voices. And as for Will Arnett as Batman, it’s the role he was born to play and he does it spectacularly.

Trust me on this one readers, there is a good, no, great, reason everyone has been talking about The Lego Movie. Maybe it’s the witty script, which somehow creates this perfect blend of well developed characters and great plot structure with gut-busting hilarity, or maybe it’s the lovable characters. Maybe it’s the dynamic between Lego Superman and Lego Green Lantern (oh man, I’m giggling about those two just writing about them). Or perhaps it’s the fact that all of those things, and so, so much more came together in perfect harmony to create a movie that will just make you happy for two hours.