Lego Builds Interest with ‘A LEGO Brickumentary’

When it comes to play things in this world, Legos sit pretty high on the list. They’re one of the most sold next to Barbie and board games like Monopoly and are all staples in childhoods around the globe. What separates Legos from the rest of the pack is a list all in its own. A hit movie, a TV series that don’t stop and just this year it became the world’s most powerful brand, replacing Ferrari. The power behind these plastic blocks didn’t come out of thin air. There is a story behind them and it’s coming to the big screen in “A LEGO Brickumentary” this summer.

Little did Danish carpenter Ole Kirk Christiansen know when he invented the Lego almost 70 years ago it would not only last but become the giant it is today. Since 1949, it’s gone from a simple plaything to a Hollywood inspiration, countless games and even theme parks. Over 600 billion Lego pieces have been produced and their numbers are only growing. Now on the heels of their 2014 smash, “The Lego Movie,” the company is taking fans behind the scenes of what has become the ultimate toy giant.

“A LEGO Brickumentary” not only goes behind the scenes, but takes a look at the culture impact that the blocks have had on a worldwide scale. Like a smile, Legos have crossed borders and are found all over the world and while it’s not uncommon for a toy to do so, it’s an interesting topic worth discussing. Why are people so fascinated and dedicated to a toy that could be broken down as easily as it could be put together? One reason one could guess is that Lego has always sparked imagination. Whether people are given the blueprint to make a “Star Wars” figure or create their own from a bucket of the colorful pieces, imagination and initiative is always key.

“Arrested Development’s” Jason Bateman takes audiences on this journey as the narrator. This is an interesting choice because one would think they would have gone with someone who was in “The Lego Movie,” say like Chris Pratt or Bateman’s onscreen brother Will Arnett. Instead, they have Bateman who isn’t a stranger to voice work. He has this and an upcoming Disney film, out next year.

“A LEGO Brickumentary” lands in theaters July 31.