Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lego product tie-in is difficult to follow.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
Two Matorans living on the island of Mata Nui -- a "Herald" (Jason Michas) and a "Chronicler" (Andrew Francis) -- find a mask of light. This mask seems to prophesize the arrival of a seventh Toa, joining the six Toa who already protect the island from evil. Meanwhile, Makuta -- an evil spirit -- seeks to possess the mask and sends hordes of mechanized warriors to invade Mata Nui. It's up to the Herald and the Chronicler, with the help of the six Toa, to protect both the island and the mask from Makuta's evil machinations.
Is It Any Good?
For kids and adults who love or loved the Bionicle line of toy products marketed and manufactured by LEGO, BIONICLE: MASK OF LIGHT: THE MOVIE could be enjoyable. The computer animation is quite good, and the action sequences are unrelenting. However, for everyone else, this is an overly and needlessly detailed and confusing fantasy movie that is very difficult to follow, and not very engaging, in spite of the action.
It's difficult keeping track of who's who, why they're doing what they're doing, and what's at stake for these characters. The confusion is enhanced by the cliched fantasy writing -- characters are frequently saying trite phrases like "fulfill your destiny" and "walk in the light." Arcane phrases are pointlessly thrown out into the dialogue, but the ultimate result merely enhances the confusion for those who aren't especially interested in these toys.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about commercialism. Why do you think LEGO would want a series of feature-length movies in which their toys are prominently featured?
Did you find this movie easy to follow? Why or why not?
How does this movie compare to other fantasy movies?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 16, 2003
- Cast : Andrew Francis , Jason Michas , Scott McNeil
- Director : David Molina
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures
- Run time : 70 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Action violence and scary images.
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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