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Trolls backdrop

Trolls

4 November 2016English1h 32mPart 1 of The Trolls series
AdventureAnimationFamily
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 8 scored reviews · 3 not rated

Bright, bouncy fun undercut by a saccharine story with few surprises.

Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: infectious cheerfulness and musical energy
  • Criticised: overly sweet and predictable story

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Critic consensus

What 11 critics are saying

Critical reception for Trolls is largely positive, with most reviewers finding it a cheerful, breezy watch suitable for both children and accompanying adults. The film's vibrant visuals, colorful animation, and musical elements — including cover versions of well-known songs — were frequently highlighted as strengths. The most common criticism was that the film leans overly sweet and predictable, with some noting its preachy undertones and underutilization of its musical talent.

How the 8 scores spread

3 not-rated reviews aren't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 11 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (11)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    IBNLive

    Film review ·

    Doctor Strange is entertaining despite its formulaic plot, but will need more than just good humor and snazzy CGI to justify a sequel.

  2. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    http://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/review-of-trolls-by-rashid-irani-an-animated-romp/story-dlk9nduoI0qr3dtbe5DywI.html

  3. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    Trolls is a fail-safe film that young parents can take their kids to, and hopefully enjoy a few chuckles themselves.

  4. Deccan Chronicle

    Film review ·

    Trolls, the latest venture from DreamWorks Animation studios, is a light-hearted, sunshine-happy musical about single-mindedly sunshine-happy Trolls. The heart of the film is premised on the question, "What is happiness?" — the answer to which is as elusive as the question is profound.

  5. Filmfare

    Film review ·

    Director Mike Mitchell loads the movie with countless pop culture references that make the story telling both cute and cool. The trolls are small and cute, in a funky disco-flavoured Smurfs sort of way and that works for the visuals of the movie. With a 90 minutes runtime, Trolls is a breeze to sit through. The camerawork complements the 3D content to great effect as well. Colours and glitter keep popping out of the screen all the time. While the sweetness and cutesy nature may seem over-the-top, that's exactly what works for this movie. It's light, bright and a very happy film.

  6. Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    Suffused with cover versions of such chart-topping tunes as 'Hello', 'True colours' and 'The sound of silence', it also features a rousing rendition of the theme song 'Can't stop the feeling', by Timberlake. The cheerfulness of Trolls is infectious. Go for it.

  7. India

    Film review ·

    Overall, "Trolls" is infectious, as it is not too preachy while balancing the universal truth about happiness. It will appeal to children and adults alike.

  8. CatchNews

    Film review ·

    What really did seem like an utter waste of talent was to not utilise Timberlake to sing more considering the fact that he is a pop superstar. But when he does sing near the end - Cyndi Lauper's True Colors - it's bound to have you squeeze out a tear at least (if you have heart).

  9. BookMyShow

    Film review ·

    ...even with its cheesy ending, the constant singing, and the eye-rolling action, the movie leaves you with a positive feeling, and as you look at your watch (or your phones) to check the time, you too, would wish for that hug at the end of every hour.

  10. LiveMint

    Film review ·

    There is a buoyancy to the proceedings, even though they are utterly predictable. It helps that the film is a musical; it has actor-singers as a part of its cast and at many points, the songs help the scenes breeze through. The film's primary target audience is, of course, children, but accompanying adults should have a good time too.

  11. The Hindu

    Film review ·

    I just wish that the film had been a lot more fun, and perhaps, less preachy. But that's like wishing that a chocolate-dipped peanut butter cup-stuffed Oreo were less sweet. It is what it is, and you'll love it if you have the taste for it.

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