Trolls – Film Review by Emily Elphinstone

Directors: Mike Mitchell, Walt Dohrn
Writers: Jonathan Aibel (screenplay), Glenn Berger (screenplay)
Stars: Anna Kendrick, ZooeyDeschanel, Justin Timberlake

‘Animated Comedy Musical’ always sounds like a promising start for a children’s film; and the addition of trolls (the much loved toy with an all-encompassing grin and fluffy rainbow coloured hair, not the evil trolls of the internet) is an obvious choice for the creation of a family favourite.

As we learn from the scrapbook-style prologue, Trolls are the happiest creatures in the world; existing purely for singing, hugging, and general merriment. Their happiness is so alluring in fact, that the trolls are in danger of being eaten by the evil (and thoroughly miserable) Bergens, who can see no other way to feel joy. Though forced into hiding, even mortal danger does little to dampen the trolls’ spirits; with hourly hugging sessions, and regular raves led by Princess Poppy (Anna Kendrick.) This is all accompanied by a disco-pop soundtrack coordinated by Justin Timberlake in his role as Executive Music Producer, which may make or break audience reception: It certainly sets the tone, but some of the cover choices, including Earth Wind & Fire’s ‘September’, seem to come from a generic ‘Feel Good Party Mix’ we’ve seen too many times before.

This sickly sweet, trippy atmosphere, threatens to be destroyed after the trolls extravagant celebrations are discovered by outcast Bergen Chef (a brilliantly terrifying Christine Baranski). Poppy must then venture toward Bergen Town in order to rescue her friends, accompanied by the morose Branch (Justin Timberlake): The only Troll to shun happiness in favour of a secluded bunker, whose extreme negativity has drained his troll colours into sad grey.

Though an obvious plot device, the odd-couple adventure of eternal optimist Poppy and melancholic Branch is surprisingly entertaining; as Poppy struggles to sing her way through mortal danger, and Branch is faced with his own battles: A high-five with the inspired character of ‘Cloud Guy’ (Walt Dohrn, as a fluffy cloud in sports socks). This originality in characterisation is the real success of the film, which otherwise could have given too much of a rainbow sugar rush to prove palatable. Kendrick and Timberlake are thoroughly enjoyable in the central roles, and a supporting cast including John Cleese, Russell Brand, James Corden, and Zooey Deschanel (as the downtrodden Bergan Bridget who gets her own Cinderella story thanks to the trolls) give real personality to what could have been flat stereotypes.

With deliciously sensory animation that includes multiple sprays of glitter and felted texture, and a light hearted tone which sees trolls leaving ‘droppings’ of cupcakes when nervous; Trolls is most successful when creating its own particular personality rather than leaning too close to any go-to set pieces. Likewise the most memorable elements of the soundtrack will be those which have true feeling; whether Timberlake’s own joyous hit ‘Can’t Stop the Feeling’, or a heart wrenching rendition of Cyndi Laupers’ ‘True Colours’, which finds new emotional depth in the classic song. Ultimately Trolls may not rival favourites like Shrek; but by the final number, it’s hard to resist grinning as broadly as the trolls themselves.