Will Trolls live up to the Shrek franchise?

What do you get when you take small, cute creatures with weird hairstyles, in adorable clothing living in a peaceful, natural habitat in their little homes? You get Trolls. Although trolls – adopted from the dolls production since 1959 – has been made into a movie, chances are that it will soon become a memory instead of a classic. The reason being simple – it’s characters and story have a stark resemblance to the Smurfs. The only thing that’s different is the theme song.


DreamWorks Animation has come up with blockbuster hits such as Antz, Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar and Turbo – with that comparison in mind, Trolls has proven to be a disappointment. The movie consists of too much colour and way too many songs. It also didn’t do much to connect with the adult audience.

Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick in Trolls (2016).Photo: IMDB

The story revolves around trolls – creatures that live in a perpetual state of happiness; always singing and dancing. However, they’re soon discovered by the Bergens – large, hideous creatures that remain forever unhappy unless they eat a troll – experiencing a moment of glee that is short-lived. This is where the actual story begins.

Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski, Anna Kendrick, and Ron Funches in Trolls (2016).Photo: IMDB

The Bergens manage to capture the trolls by caging them. Luckily, King Peppy (Jeffrey Tambor), the leader of the trolls, manages to escape, along with a many others. The way they escape is probably the best part of the movie so I won’t disclose those details! But I will say this: the escape brews up a confrontation between King Peppy and the King Gristle Sr (John Cleese), the leader of the Bergens.

Days turn into years and King Peppy’s daughter, Princess Poppy (Anna Kendrick), rules over the trolls, and she is as happy as any troll can be! She is fond of colours and parties and declares that she wants to throw one. But, Branch (Justin Timberlake), a troll who survived the onslaught of the Bergens, fears that the loud music will attract their nemesis to the area. But, despite Branch’s concerns, Princess Poppy decides to throw a party anyway and invites all the trolls.

Did the Bergens crash the party?

Did they capture the trolls?

You will have to watch the movie to find out!

But one thing is for sure; whatever happens, it sends Princess Poppy and Branch on a peculiar journey.

Justin Timberlake, Walt Dohrn, and Anna Kendrick in Trolls (2016).Photo: IMDB

Despite the positives in the movie, there’s one thing that irritated me – Princess Poppy’s over-the-top happy attitude. I know it has been established that trolls are forever happy and energetic, but her habitual singing and blissful ignorance towards any danger, even when it’s just a yard away, is bound to get on your nerves too. Branch’s cautious attitude comes across much more believable and realistic, thus making him a relatable character.

Zooey Deschanel and Christopher Mintz-Plasse in Trolls (2016).Photo: IMDB

Keep your eyes on Bridget (Zooey Deschanel), a Bergen that appears to be genuine and caring, but works for the Chief of the Bergens (Christine Baranski).

Will she be of any help to the trolls in their fight against her own kind?

John Cleese, Gwen Stefani, James Corden, Walt Dohrn, Kunal Nayyar, Ron Funches, Aino Jawo, and Caroline Hjelt in Trolls (2016).Photo: IMDB

The cast of the movie comprises of a multitude of renowned artists. One is Russel Brand, who voices Creek; a troll who is always optimistic. Another is James Corden as Biggie, a large sized troll. Gwen Stefani voices DJ Suki and last, but not the least, is Ron Funches as Cooper, a giraffe-like troll.

Russell Brand in Trolls (2016).Photo: IMDB

There’s no doubt regarding the fact that the animators have given attention to detail when rendering the trolls; from their movement to the environment they live in, executed to perfection – making them come to life on screen. Nevertheless, even when the animation is impeccable – the story and the characters’ appearance seem a bit of a cliché to the viewers. Some comical scenes will make you wonder, “Hmmm…where have I seen this before?” or the characters may compel you to think, “who does this character resemble?”

In other words, it will feel somewhat familiar.

It is interesting to see how DreamWorks Animation has yet again taken an ugly monster, a troll, and turned it into an adorable creature – they had done the same thing in Shrek. That being said, only time will tell if Trolls leaves the same impact on its viewers.

Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick in Trolls (2016).Photo: IMDB

There are a number of songs in the movie including, Hair Up, Can’t Stop the Feeling, Move Your Feet, Get Back up Again, The Sound of Silence, I’m Coming Out, and September; which takes me back to what I had previously said – too much singing and way too many songs!



But that’s not all there is to Trolls; you will also find entertainment, happiness, and traces of romance, only to be interrupted by the Bergen and Princess Poppy’s hugging and singing (again, the singing!). The movie will thoroughly entertain children, however, adults may lose interest after the first 30 minutes. That being said, the movie is not even close to being an all-rounder.

Walt Dohrn and Anna Kendrick in Trolls (2016).Photo: IMDB

So – would I recommend this movie?

Yes – to children because they would thoroughly enjoy themselves. But for adults, it’s a waste of time.