Common Sense Media Review
By Betsy Bozdech
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lego friends back for more adventure, action in fun sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 24 parent reviews
Parents say the sequel presents a mix of humor, catchy songs, and a positive message, but many feel it doesn’t live up to its predecessor, often being chaotic and targeted more towards adults than children. While there are enjoyable elements like strong female characters and nostalgic references, it's also criticized for being darker and confusing, potentially leading to mixed interpretations of its messages, especially for younger viewers.
- mixed reception
- humor and songs
- targeted audiences
- darker themes
- strong characters
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 71 kid reviews
Kids say that this sequel offers some entertaining moments with catchy songs and positive messages but generally falls short compared to its predecessor. While many appreciate the humor and animation, several viewers feel the plot lacks depth and coherence, making it less enjoyable and memorable than the first movie.
- catchy songs
- positive messages
- lacks depth
- compared to original
- entertaining moments
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In THE LEGO MOVIE 2: THE SECOND PART, cheery Lego everyman Emmet (voiced by Chris Pratt) is pretty much the only resident of Bricksburg who's still smiling after ongoing hostilities with mysterious invaders have turned their once colorful town into a Mad Max-style wasteland now known as Apocalypseburg. Emmet dreams of a cozy domestic future with Lucy/Wyldstyle (Elizabeth Banks), but she thinks he's too cheerful and unrealistic for his -- or anyone's -- own good. Then masked General Mayhem (Stephanie Beatriz) arrives, loads Lucy, Unikitty (Alison Brie), Batman (Will Arnett), MetalBeard the Pirate (Nick Offerman), and Benny (Charlie Day) into her ship, and makes off for the faraway Sis-tar system, where Queen Watevra Wa'Nabi (Tiffany Haddish) reveals her plan for her special "guests." Determined to rescue his friends, Emmet sets out to find them -- but can he make it alone? And, if he does, will they even want to come back?
Is It Any Good?
It's not quite the lightning in a bottle that its predecessor was, but this entertaining sequel is still definitely better than the average kids' movie. In all fairness, it would have been almost impossible to match or surpass The Lego Movie, given what a delightful surprise that turned out to be. And The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part is tons of fun -- it just somehow manages to feel a little bit slower/less snappy, despite the frequent action sequences. But kids will unquestionably be invested in Emmet and Lucy's latest round of adventures, and they'll love the nonstop use of creative Lego vehicles, tools, and other imaginative brickwork. And adults will get a kick out of the cameos (hey there, Bruce Willis); the punchy, pop culture-savvy humor; and the talented voice cast. Haddish is a strong addition as Queen Watevra (her song about not being into "Gotham City guys" is a highlight), and the supporting players are all strong.
The plot has some creative twists, too, and a message about cooperation and getting along that kids -- especially siblings -- will recognize and appreciate. And, believe it or not, the filmmakers manage to one-up themselves in the earworm department. If you've finally gotten "Everything Is Awesome" out of your head, be warned: The tongue-in-cheek (but accurately titled) "Catchy Song" is bound to take its place.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about movies based on toys. How do the Lego movies stack up to other toy-based franchises, like the Barbie or Transformers films? Does watching them make you want to get the Lego characters in the movie?
Talk about the violence/action in The Lego Movie 2. Is it less scary because all of the people and buildings are made out of Lego bricks? How much scary stuff can young kids handle?
General Mayhem suggests that Lucy did the bulk of the "save the day" work in the events of the original Lego Movie, calling her a strong leader who was in man's shadow. Do you agree? Does Lucy? Do you think that affects how she behaves in this movie?
How does the story show the importance of teamwork and perseverance? Why are those important character strengths?
What do the real-world characters learn in the end? How is that reflected in the movie's story?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 8, 2019
- On DVD or streaming : May 8, 2019
- Cast : Chris Pratt , Elizabeth Banks , Stephanie Beatriz , Tiffany Haddish , Will Arnett
- Directors : Mike Mitchell , Trisha Gum
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Bisexual Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures
- Character Strengths : Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 106 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some rude humor
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : March 6, 2026
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate