Dreamworks Trolls Review *spoilers*

The much awaited film of our favourite 90s toys Dreamworks Trolls is almost over! Based on the Good Luck Trolls who are known for their spectacular long, colourful hair — they are the happiest creatures ever. They love to sing, dance, bake cupcakes and scrapbook. There’s music and glitter everywhere! Their leader Poppy (Anna Kendrick) is the happiest, most positive of them all: But when a Bergen finds their hideout she must embark on a journey that will change the world of more than just herself. My family and I were lucky enough to attend the European Premier Screening at the BFI London Film Festival Family Gala attended by the Film’s directors Mike Mitchell and Walt Dohm.

What I thought of Dreamworks Trolls (warning includes spoilers!)

Dreamworks Trolls made me laugh, it made me cry and it even made me dance in my seat. Such a vibrant and positive film, with so many great messages and easy to follow storyline. I watched it in 3D and it really was a feast for my eyes with all the wonderful colours of the rainbow and glitter!

The main focus of Trolls is of the search for happiness, and what some will do to find it. This involves two opposite characters Poppy (Anna Kendrick) and Branch (Justin Timberlake) coming together to help save the day. I liked the positive negative balance between the two main characters – which really made the film more humorous and endearing. They have completely opposite ways of seeing how to do things but grow closer on their quest to go back to the Troll Tree and rescue the others. Branch tries to tell Poppy that this is dangerous and a Bergen will eat her but she is prepared to take that risk and put the others first because it is the right thing to do, and they are her friends.

On the journey we discover that actually Branch isn’t as cold as he seems and has a good reason for being the way he is and why he no longer sings. But when he sees Poppy becoming more like himself he allows his true colours to show. Equally I liked how this was also contrasted with the Bergens love story of Bridget and Prince Gristle, another unlikely pair. Bridget worries that Prince Gristle will have no interest in her because of the way she looks and her role in the kitchen. However, their love is how in the end everyone discovers that everyone has happiness inside themselves – they just need to look for it.

With a great Cast of voices including Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick, John Cleese, Gwen Stefani, James Corden and Russell Brand it was bound to be a success. I was a little disappointed in the role of Creek (Russell Brand) in the film – I just didn’t find a character connection or any real reason for him to be a part of it: Unlike how I felt with Poppy and Bridget especially. Walt Dohm spoke of how they had originally made the movie too much focus on Bridget and had to pull it back again to ensure that Poppy was the main focus.
Trolls reminded me of days gone by with a new age twist – just like the Trolls themselves. In particular the use of music (with Justin Timberlake being Executive Music Director as well as the voice of Branch) – such as when the hug alarms played the music to Cyndi Lauper’s 1986 True Colours and the twist on Junior Senior’s (2003) Move Your Feet. Plus five original songs by Justin Timberlake, Ariana Grande, Anna Kendrick and Gwen Stefani. It really did help intensify the feel good factor of the film – making you find your happy place.

The film was enjoyed by my whole family with a whole variety of ages and appealing to both males and females. Definitely a family film to recommend this half term holidays.

I was invited to the BFI London Film Festival Gala Family Screening of Dreamworks Trolls with my family – opinions are honest and my own.