Troll Band Together Movie Release Date, Cast, When, And Where To Watch

In recent years, DreamWorks Animation has been on a roll, delivering fresh and dynamic films that break away from the mundane conventions of computer animation. From the brilliant adaptation of Aaron Blabey’s books in “The Bad Guys” to the revival of the beloved “Puss in Boots” franchise with “The Last Wish,” the studio has shown its commitment to innovation in animation. This year, DreamWorks has surprised us with “Trolls Band Together,” offering a unique take on the ever-popular Trolls franchise.

Rediscovering the Magic of Boy Bands

“Trolls Band Together” brings a new dimension to the Trolls universe, diving deep into the world of boy bands, particularly those from the 90s. The film introduces a boy band medley that will undoubtedly strike a chord with nostalgic parents. While the movie features some intriguing animation choices and new characters, it also treads familiar ground, lacking the humor and quality of its predecessors.

Branch’s Journey to Save His Brother

The story begins with Branch, voiced by Justin Timberlake, revealing his past as a member of the boy band ‘BroZone’ with his brothers Floyd, John Dory, Spruce, and Clay. Trouble arises when Floyd is kidnapped by the pop band Velvet and Veneer, played by Amy Schumer and Andrew Rannells, who are draining his talent for their own gain. Branch, along with Poppy (Anna Kendrick) and John Dory (Eric André), embarks on a journey to reunite the BroZone brothers and rescue Floyd from the clutches of the scheming pop duo.

An All-Star Cast and Their Musical Journey

The film boasts an impressive cast, including Anna Kendrick, Zooey Deschanel, Troye Sivan, Daveed Diggs, Justin Timberlake, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse. With such a talented lineup, the audience can expect a captivating musical journey.

Embracing the 90s Boy Band Phenomenon

“Trolls Band Together” celebrates the 90s boy band era, delivering a charming medley that pays homage to iconic boy bands such as Boys II Men and the Backstreet Boys. Justin Timberlake’s vocal talents add a nostalgic touch to the medley, making it a delightful treat for those who grew up in the 90s. However, the film’s choice to have Timberlake’s character left behind by his band, in contrast to his real-life NSYNC experience, carries a touch of irony.

A Mixed Bag of Characters and Subplots

While the film excels in its boy band references, it sometimes leaves other characters and subplots feeling underdeveloped. The subplot involving the newly married Gristle Jr. (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) and Bridget (Zooey Deschanel) tends to rely on sexual innuendos and serves as a deus ex machina in the overall narrative.

The introduction of Viva (Camila Cabello), Queen Poppy’s long-lost sister, adds a new dimension to the story but leaves her character with limited involvement. Strangely, the film sidelines the original cast of secondary characters, focusing on a new group, which might disappoint fans of the earlier films.

Innovative Animation Choices

Director Walt Dohrn, who has led all three Trolls films, and co-director Tim Heitz, make up for the film’s musical choices with their innovative animation. Velvet and Veneer’s designs blend claymation and Max Fleischer aesthetics, creating a unique visual experience. Vacay Island, the home of BroZone member Spruce (Daveed Diggs), features inhabitants reminiscent of Dr. Seuss characters and the Muppets. Branch and Poppy even undergo 2D redesigns that deviate from DreamWorks’ typical computer animation style, offering a refreshing change.

A Familiar Path with Diminishing Returns

While “Trolls Band Together” explores new animation styles and characters, it follows a similar structure to “Trolls World Tour,” leading to diminishing returns in terms of humor and musical quality. The Trolls franchise has always been known for its vibrant, colorful world and catchy music, but it might be time to reevaluate the formula. Other DreamWorks franchises like “Kung Fu Panda,” “How to Train Your Dragon,” and “Puss in Boots” have ventured into deeper and more impressive territories, while Trolls seems to be stuck in a creative rut. The film offers moments of animation experimentation, but they may not be enough to rekindle the franchise’s magic.

Conclusion: ‘Trolls Band Together’ – A Familiar Tune with a Dash of Nostalgia

“Trolls Band Together” hits theaters in the U.S. on November 17, 2023, promising a colorful and musical journey for audiences of all ages. While it may not break new ground for the Trolls franchise, it does bring a touch of 90s nostalgia with its boy band medley. The film’s animation choices and new characters add some flair, but fans may find themselves yearning for the freshness of the earlier Trolls installments. Nevertheless, “Trolls Band Together” remains a delightful escape into a whimsical world of trolls, music, and nostalgia.