Yes this is a film about emojis, those smiling or frowning faces on our smart phones. Sony Pictures have actually managed to make a movie, give the individual emojis personalities and put together somewhat of a plot and storyline. Unfortunately they haven’t done this very well.
The film centres around Gene (T.J. Miller) who struggles to just deliver his ‘meh’ emotion and goes on a journey to find out how to become ‘meh’, and I wish I was kidding but that is actually the plot. With the help of Hi-5 and Jailbreak, this trio leave the world of Textopolis to find the true meaning of their identities. It doesn’t get any better than that right? Don’t worry it gets worse, because the film is loaded with references to memes, pop culture and even has voice cameos from the likes of Patrick Stewart as none other than the ‘Poop’ emoji.
The Emoji Movie struggles to decide what their target audience is as while its clearly aimed at children, so many of the jokes will go way over their heads because they are aimed at teenagers and young adults. If this was targeted at young adults in the first place, and it was switched to a PG or M rating, a better result would have been able to be achieved. Opportunities to send children a better message about technology, social media and the use of smart phones was also there to be used, but was not taken. The opening sequence is of a high school with every student and their phone, which is the reality of today’s youth.
Lending their voices to the film is an all-star cast who each manage to do their roles well, and is what makes the film bearable. Miller is likable and quite funny as Gene, and James Corden provides the comic relief with his character Hi-5. Anna Faris is also easily the most likable character, the mysterious Jailbreak; mostly for her bubbly and fun persona she gives the emoji. Jennifer Coolidge is, however, the standout in a rather small yet effective role as Mary Meh, Gene’s expressionless Mother. It goes to show that sometimes less is more, and Coolidge certainly gives little effort with maximum results.
Excessive use of generic pop songs and cuts to funny YouTube videos were totally unnecessary, and just about every popular social media application gets a mention or is seen on the screen at one point. While children watching are laughing at the funny things the emojis are saying, adults watching will simply lose interest and won’t find more than half of this film even slightly amusing.
Overall, The Emoji Movie is not a film you need to rush out and see, but if you find yourself sitting down and taking it in, keep in mind it’s harmless fun and enjoy what the actors provide as there are some very funny one-liners. You may also think twice before sending that ‘Poop’ emoji next time as well.
Reviewed by Daniel Knowles.
Check out the official site here.
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