"The Emoji Movie," an animated adventure-comedy, burst onto the big screen in 2017, offering a vibrant and imaginative journey through the digital world.
Directed by Tony Leondis, this film explores the secret lives of emojis, those tiny characters that have become an integral part of our daily digital communication.
Release Date and Director:
The Emoji Movie was released on July 28, 2017, with Tony Leondis taking the directorial reins.
Synopsis:
In the bustling city of Textopolis, each emoji has its own unique expression, except for Gene (voiced by T.J. Miller), who has the ability to display multiple emotions.
Deemed a "malfunction" by the other emojis, Gene embarks on an adventurous quest to become a "normal" emoji. Joined by his friends Hi-5 (voiced by James Corden) and Jailbreak (voiced by Anna Faris), the trio navigates various apps, encountering challenges and discovering the true meaning of individuality and self-acceptance.
As the trio travels through apps like Candy Crush and Just Dance, they must outsmart obstacles and avoid being deleted, all while racing against time to fix Gene's supposed "malfunction" before the phone's owner decides to wipe everything.
Significance, Themes, and Why You Should Watch:
"The Emoji Movie" explores themes of individuality, self-discovery, and the evolving nature of communication in the digital age. It offers a visually engaging and entertaining experience for audiences of all ages.
Beyond its colorful and playful exterior, the movie invites viewers to reflect on the importance of embracing one's uniqueness in a world that often encourages conformity.
While the film faced some criticism for its perceived commercialism and simplistic plot, it provides a lighthearted and humorous take on the world inside our smartphones.
"The Emoji Movie" is a delightful choice for a family movie night, offering a blend of humor and heartwarming moments.
Where to Stream
United States (US):
There are currently no streaming offers in the US.
- Streaming: DIRECTV
- Buying: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Microsoft Store, DIRECTV, AMC on Demand, Spectrum On Demand
- Free: None
Australia (AU):
There are currently no streaming offers in the AU.
- Streaming: Netflix, BINGE, Foxtel Now, Netflix Kids, Netflix basic with Ads
- Buying: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, YouTube, Telstra TV, Fetch TV
- Free: None
United Kingdom (GB):
There are currently no streaming offers in the GB.
- Streaming: Netflix, Sky Go, Netflix Kids, Now TV Cinema, Netflix basic with Ads
- Buying: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Sky Store, Chili, Microsoft Store, YouTube, Rakuten TV
- Free: None
Germany (DE):
There are currently no streaming offers in the DE.
- Streaming: Netflix, Netflix basic with Ads
- Buying: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Sky Store, Rakuten TV, maxdome Store, MagentaTV, Chili, Microsoft Store
- Free: None
Brazil (BR):
There are currently no streaming offers in the BR.
- Streaming: Netflix, Netflix basic with Ads
- Buying: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Claro video
- Free: None
Spain (ES):
There are currently no streaming offers in the ES.
- Streaming: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix basic with Ads
- Buying: Apple TV, Rakuten TV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Amazon Video
- Free: None
France (FR):
There are currently no streaming offers in the FR.
- Streaming: Netflix, Netflix basic with Ads
- Buying: Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Orange VOD, YouTube, Canal VOD, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video, Bbox VOD
- Free: None
Canada (CA):
There are currently no streaming offers in the CA.
- Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Club Illico
- Buying: Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Cineplex, Microsoft Store, YouTube, Amazon Video
- Free: None
Production Details:
Directed by Tony Leondis, the film's production involved a creative team that brought the digital world to life. The screenplay was written by Tony Leondis, Eric Siegel, and Mike White.
The challenges of animating a world based on smartphone apps required innovative animation techniques to capture the dynamic and ever-changing landscape.
The film had a budget of approximately $50 million and went on to gross over $217 million worldwide at the box office.
Reception and Awards:
Critical reception of "The Emoji Movie" was mixed, with some critics praising its animation and family-friendly elements, while others criticized its perceived lack of depth and commercial motivations. However, it found a more favorable reception among younger audiences.
The film received nominations at the 38th Golden Raspberry Awards (Razzies) for Worst Picture, Worst Director, and Worst Screen Combo.
Trivia and Fun Facts:
- The concept for "The Emoji Movie" was inspired by the popularity of emojis in contemporary digital communication.
- The movie features a variety of real-life apps, including Spotify, Twitter, and Instagram, as part of the characters' journey.
- Patrick Stewart lends his voice to the character of Poop, adding a touch of humor to the film.
- Despite its mixed critical reception, "The Emoji Movie" has gained a dedicated fan base, particularly among younger viewers who appreciate its colorful animation and relatable themes.
In conclusion, "The Emoji Movie" may not be everyone's cup of tea, but its vibrant animation, entertaining characters, and positive message about self-expression make it a worthwhile watch, especially for families and those who appreciate the ever-evolving landscape of digital communication.