NinjaGo: Masters of Spinjitzu - Day of the Departed

NinjaGo: Masters of Spinjitzu - Day of the Departed is an action-packed, fun-filled Lego animated feature film that was released in 2016. Directed by Peter Hausner and starring well-known voice actors such as Vincent Tong, Kelly Metzger, and Michael Adamthwaite, this movie is a gripping mix of heart, humor, and high-energy ninja action. It's a part of the worldwide popular "Lego Ninjago" franchise, a spin-off of the Lego Ninja theme, with its roots grounded in martial arts, oriental mythology, and Lego's unique sense of fun.

Set in the mystical, oriental realm of Ninjago, the gripping narrative follows the journey of six young ninja heroes - Kai, Jay, Zane, Cole, Lloyd, and Nya. They are not just ordinary teenagers, but skilled Spinjitzu masters trained under the wise old Master Wu. In this movie, life in the picturesque city of Ninjago takes a wild twist on the Day of the Departed, a special day wherein the living remember and pay tribute to their departed ancestors. The day that's meant to celebrate peace and remembrance turns into a fantastic rollercoaster ride when familiar enemies get resurrected and attack the city.

With the voice talents of Vincent Tong embodying the fiery Kai, Kelly Metzger as the energetic Nya, and Micheal Adamthwaite as the strong yet gentle Jay, the movie is steeped in engaging character interactions and dynamics. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, with high-flying ninja action scenes etched with a light-hearted sense of humor. The sharp comic timing between the characters, especially the six ninja heroes, lends an appealing charm to the plot.

The movie's animation quality is top-notch, blending strikingly detailed backgrounds with fluidly animated Lego characters. The intricate oriental designs and the vivid landscapes of Ninjago city provide a visually striking backdrop to the high-energy Spinjitzu battles. With painted skies, ancient temples, bustling marketplaces, and more, there's a wealth of eye-catching imagery on display throughout the movie. The Lego elements in the animation add unique quirks to the visual storytelling, with the creative use of Lego bricks for structures and objects reflecting the franchise's signature charm.

The film's storytelling navigates through adrenaline-fueled action sequences, heartfelt moments of friendship, brotherhood, and the timeless wisdom of Master Wu. One of the film's key strengths is its ability to use its humor and action to communicate lessons about teamwork, bravery, and resilience. While it is filled with epic fights and showdowns, NinjaGo: Masters of Spinjitzu - Day of the Departed is not just about battles and victories, it also focuses on the personal journeys of the heroes, their struggles, growth, and the bonds they share.

The plot is well paced, supplying a steady stream of twists and turns that keep the narrative fresh and engaging. Spliced into it are intimate moments between the characters that lend depth and maturity to the plot. These mini-arcs often tie back to the central narrative, forming an underscoring theme of unity and friendship which resonates with viewers of various age groups.

The music, composed by Michael Kramer and Jay Vincent, plays a significant role in capturing the energetic and vibrant world of Ninjago. Each track is a fusion of oriental tunes, dynamic beats and harmonious melodies that perfectly encompass the ever-changing moods of the film. From the pumping action sequences to the emotional intimate moments, the music complements and enhances the overall viewing experience.

Overall, NinjaGo: Masters of Spinjitzu - Day of the Departed serves up a feast of action, comedy, and heart that caters to both existing fans of the franchise and newcomers. This film is hearty family fun, a memorable addition to the Lego Movie Universe, and a must-watch action-adventure that provides an entertaining take on the traditional ninja genre. The movie, while being an ideal entertainment choice for younger viewers, also has enough depth and charm to engage adult audiences as well. If you're a fan of Lego, ninjas, fun-filled action, or simply great animation, this movie is an absolute treat to watch.