The world of fuzzy-haired, multi-colored lovable “Trolls” get the big screen treatment. From the creators of Shrek comes DreamWorks Animation’s “Trolls,” a smart, funny, and irreverent comedy about the search for happiness, and just how far some will go to get it. This film transports audiences to a colorful, wondrous world populated by the overly optimistic Trolls, with a constant dance in their step and a song on their lips, and the comically pessimistic Bergens, who are only happy when they have trolls in their stomachs. After the Bergens invade Troll Village, Poppy (Kendrick), the happiest Troll ever born, and the overly-cautious curmudgeonly Branch (Timberlake) set off on a journey to rescue her friends. Together, this mismatched duo embark on a rescue mission full of adventure and mishaps – trying to tolerate each other long enough to get the job done. “Trolls” is directed by Mike Mitchell and Walt Dohrn, and is rated PG for some mild rude humor.

“Trolls” is a sweet post-Halloween treat that adults and children alike will get plenty out of. With its rich tapestry of cotton candy like atmosphere color in character design, as well as dreamy landscapes, Dreamworks strides in presenting another fairytale come-to-life that adds to their reputable library. Teaming together two of the most popular pop culture figures today in Kendrick and Timberlake, Mitchell and Dohrn construct a very energetic blend of eye-popping visuals to compliment the comedic stylings of their co-stars, vibe their chemistry around a soundtrack that beats through toe-tapping musical numbers that will no doubt increase in download sales after their use in this movie.

Funny enough, the property does of course come from the popular line of children’s toys that really blew up during the 90’s, so I was quite curious to see what they were going to do in terms of storytelling depth and plot when it came to an 83 minute feature. Luckily, with any musical genre movie, there is an equally important string of song numbers that accompany the storyline to fill in the holes from a hollow script. There’s nothing of any major detailing, plot devices or character development here. It’s all played pretty close to the hip, without taking any major chances or risks, deeming the mostly enjoyable a little predictable in delivery. The main story here is Timberlake playing a troll who hates happiness and doesn’t like to sing. Considering he’s one of the biggest pop stars in the world, it certainly makes you think they cast him for a reason, so you see quickly where this whole thing is going. Besides this, we’ve seen the outline of this story before, mostly in movies like “Toy Story” or “Wreck-It Ralph”. There’s usually a protagonist who has to get back to living for happiness, and needs the help of a slightly more annoying co-protagonist who pushes all of their buttons. Predictable yes, but enjoyable none the less, and that’s because of a cast that is every bit as infectious as its narratives.

Timberlake and Kendrick have certainly enjoyed their respective success in movies during the past decade, but what makes this different aside from it being animated, is their essence in charisma translated to a vocal-only delivery. The movie doesn’t have the most risky or edgy of material in jokes, so what always kept me laughing was how far these two pushed the most out of every reactionary joke, investing everything into sending the audience home with a good feeling. Timberlake’s character is kind of reserved for a majority of the movie, but his character is one of a kind against an environment of annoyingly pleasant characters. I found myself appreciating his character most of all because it was closest to my personality. These two are a great one-two punch of opposites, and I appreciate that the movie didn’t beat us over the head with an inevitable romance. Kendrick is the star here for sure. Most of the movie rests on her shoulders and vocal ability, and she proves that she can still deliver on the pipes she polished in the “Pitch Perfect” series of movies. Kendrick’s tender delivery and endless heart will captivate audiences into falling in love with this character. So much life to someone so small.

The soundtrack offers a compromising blend of top 40 hits from the past and present, never singling out anyone on the age scale of audience members who take it in. There are definitely no shortage of musical montages here, as I counted seventeen musical tracks throughout the movie. I normally wouldn’t have a problem with this, but it does take up more-than a majority of the brief 83 minutes that the movie has to tie everything together. Part of me feels that a lot of the reason very little chances are taken is because there’s not a lot of wiggle room to play opposite of this majority in music that feels like a pause button every five minutes. So we’re left with a flimsy script that doesn’t explore the most in adventurous opportunities. If you’re here to have a good time though, the music will certainly inspire you and your little ones to always keep moving through the vibrant colors that intoxicate us in this colorful world.

There’s not much for accompanying 3D effects here, so sadly this will be a wasted opportunity for anyone who is expecting more out of visual effects. I was disappointed to take off my 3D glasses halfway into the movie and watch a 2D presentation like I never bought a ticket for a third dimension. The only minor kind of usage is for character outline shading for personal shots in camera direction, but that is the bare minimum of what this kind of technology can do in 2016. There is certainly enough beauty to go around in the dreamlike atmospheres that don the film’s landscapes and character designs, but this one lacks any reason to spend extra to see it in 3D.

“Trolls” is surprisingly an infectious blend of rendering color palate, combined with the chemistry in timing of two charismatic actors in their prime. It’s a visual LSD trip of positivity for the whole family that will make it difficult for anyone not to give in to the concept of happiness that the movie so spiritually teaches. Despite the tiresome story rich in cliches, this movie will resonate with you in that area of the chest that still beats to the rhythm of life.

6/10