LEGO: The Adventures of Clutch Powers (DVD)

It’s graced toy boxes across the globe for generations, has taken the world of video gaming by storm and now, the long lived LEGO franchise finally gets the silver screen treatment.

LEGO: The Adventures of Clutch Powers unsurprisingly follows the trials and tribulations of its titular hero, Clutch; the greatest hero in the LEGO universe, and his motley crew of intrepid explorers. While Clutch and his team preoccupy themselves in the hunt for his missing father, three notorious villains escape from captivity and begin to run amuck through space and time. The group eventually tracks one of the nefarious nasties down to the medieval realm of Ashlar. There, the stage is set for an all or nothing battle between our yellow bricked protagonists and the villainous Mallock the Malign.

As far as family films go, Clutch Powers doesn’t scale new heights in any department. The story is certainly inventive and a thrilling enough ride, but it won’t go breaking any moulds. Likewise, the colourful characters are all endearing enough, but they’re the same unsurprising rabble we’ve seen time and again. And the CGI, while colourful and crisp; certainly won’t contend with some of the bigger family blockbusters doing the rounds at your local multiplex this summer.

However, all that considered; Clutch Powers plays to both its strengths and limitations and proves solidly entertaining throughout its seventy-something minutes. The voice cast are all energetic and enthusiastic, even if they’re not top drawer, recognisable talent. And the animation certainly benefits from the LEGO novelty factor that made the franchise’s foray into videogames such a hit. The core characters are all well designed and individual, while the inventive set pieces gleam with vibrant shades and textures.

But most pleasing of all; the script itself is a rather sharp one. The story is hardly revolutionary, but there’s plenty of amusing pop culture references and moments of genuine humour that should please kids and parents alike. The overall package is let down by an unimpressive batch of special features, but all in all; this is a solid piece of family entertainment that’ll raise plenty of smiles on a Saturday night.

Overall Verdict: It’s no Toy Story, but The Adventures of Clutch Powers is a thoroughly enjoyable ride nonetheless. Entertaining, engaging and incredibly inventive; this is family entertainment at its best.

Special Features:
‘Bad Hair Day’ Short Film
Power Miners Movie
Trailers

Reviewer: David Steele