The Emoji Movie : Review

So, they made The Emoji Movie. Those little yellow faces we send along with text, to convey emotions to the other parties receiving our message. Yet, what do you do with such a movie?

Well, Gene Meh (T.J. Miller – Deadpool, How To Train Your Dragon 2), a multi-expressional emoji, sets out on a journey to become a normal emoji. Gene, along the way and as most stories require, has to overcome personal issues, he meets a few friends along the way, in the guise of Hi-5 (James Corden – Trolls, Into The Woods), and Jailbreak (Anna Faris – 22 Jump Street, Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs: 2). Each of whom has their own obstacles to overcome, but as a buddy movie goes, they need to find a way to work together, so each of their strengths can add to the group, and succeed.

With the help of his new friends, Gen tries to save the day. We get to meet a good many of the most used app emoji, including Gene’s parents Mel Meh (Steven Wright), Mary Meh (Jennifer Coolidge), Poop (Patrick Stewart – Logan, A Million Ways To Die In The West), Akiko Glitter (Christina Aguilera), Flamenca (Sofía Vergara – Wild Card), Spam (Rachael Ray), and as the Devil Steven (Sean Hayes – Monsters University), to name but a few of the more well known names lending their voice talent to the story. And, not forgetting the antagonist, Smiler (Maya Rudolph – CHiPS, The Angry Birds Movie), setting up in opposition to the goals of Gene and friends.

Now, The Emoji Movie. The idea alone begs many questions, and yet walking out, one would be forgiven for wondering, who is the movie is indeed aimed at. It’s not the very young, because the core story might go right over their head. Yet, it’s not the teen or adult market either, as this just feels way too silly. It’s a movie idea, looking for an audience, for an on-going craze that didn’t really need its own movie in the first place. Emojis might have done better had they featured as side characters for another story, much like the Minions from the Despicable Me series.

Worth perhaps an escape when really bored, else, wait for the film to come on TV. That way you can change channels when you get bored, and reach for your phone as your attention turns to your own emoji use.

The Emoji Movie opens 22 September 2017, in South African cinemas.

 

By Andrew Germishuys

Founder of SAMDB | Actor | Armourer | Tech Enthusiast With over two decades in the film industry, I'm a seasoned actor and skilled armourer. I hold numerous certifications in acting and filmmaking, complemented by degrees and diplomas in IT and technology, giving me a unique blend of creative and technical expertise. When I'm not on set or in the workshop, you'll find me immersed in the world of gaming and VR, fuelling my passion for cutting-edge technology. Connect with me: X / Twitter Facebook Instagram Mastodon Threads Explore my work on SAMDB IMDb