By Megan Ruge, Co-Editor in Chief
Recent films have fallen short when trying to create original content. The past two years in the film industry have been a constant regurgitation of old material.
Whether the film is a manifestation of a popular book or takes on the responsibility of rebooting an ‘80s television show, the film industry has reached an all time low.
Though many of the past year’s films have already found their way to our favorite streaming sites, it has been almost impossible to find a diamond among the countless rough.
Nevertheless, a diamond has ascended and it comes in many colors.
The Dreamworks film “Trolls” brings to life the popular hair troll dolls that remained consistently popular from their original release in 1959 all the way through the mid-to-late ‘90s.
The film presents a colony of said Trolls, all different and special in their own respect, that are imprisoned by a much larger race of creatures called the Bergens.
The creatures are described as ugly, horrible and all-out miserable beings until they realize that eating Trolls can help them achieve true happiness.
Now free of Bergen captivity, the Trolls are living the crazy happy party that they were meant to.
Peace and non-stop party characterize the village until they are again found and must save their friends from the Bergens and, in turn, save their village.
Of course, this sounds like a playful plot to a children’s film. Though tailored to children, the film is worth viewing by adult audiences as its message and emotional con- text reached the child inside this editor and woke her up.
The film is a great testament to friendship and self worth.
The main character, Poppy, goes on a deep self-exploration as she journeys through the forest to Bergen Town to rescue her friends.
The journey helps Poppy to prove, to her village and herself, that even though she seems naive and weak, she is capable of anything.
The original song “Get Back Up Again” shows the audience that Poppy is willing to take everything that comes at her and pick herself up when the obstacles are able to knock her down. Another character in the film, Branch, is characterized by his paranoia and fear of the enemy.
Branch’s past has turned him gray, literally, and left him alone and afraid.
By joining Poppy on her journey, Branch is able to overcome many of his fears and regain the color in his life. Through the strength of friendship, Branch overcomes.
The film, in a way, also addresses the struggle of depression. The characters discuss how finding others to share life with helps to improve the overall quality of life.
In the film, one character’s overall positive outlook on life helps to allow the seemingly depressed character to find a way to feel happy, thanks to the people in his life.
The film addresses real-life issues and is still able to maintain a feel good persona. The film maintains its childish whimsy while also bringing to light how important it is to surround yourself with positivity.
With class-A animation and eye-catching color, this overall deep yet playful film leaves you feeling light and happy. I give this film an astounding 4 out of 5 stars.
