Pleasant fodder for kids

Yeun

TYoo EXTING is so common these days, everyone does it. So is using emojis (emoticons, if you will) in posts or messages, in a quick and easy way to express what words can’t. explains how each emoji has its own purpose and one purpose only. So what if one of the emojis malfunctions and comes out differently in the text than what the sender had wanted?

That’s the story behind this quirky movie, which dives into a colourful world where the emojis come from, a phone owned by highschooler Alex (Jake T. Austin).

It’s very much like watching Disney’s animation featuring a subject matter that you’re familiar with but shown in a different light.

At the centre of the story is Gene (voiced the TJ Miller), a Meh emoji who can’t seem to stick to one facial expression like what’s expected of every emoji out there. Now labelled a malfunction and fleeing from being deleted, Gene goes on a quest to become a normal emoji.

The introduction to the world of emojis is fun! You will see every emoji that’s ever existed, corresponding to their various preset personalities. Those who utilise messaging apps will definitely be able to relate to many elements in the film.

One memorable scene for me was seeing the cool and exclusive lounge where only Alex’s Favourite emojis can hang out. For the emojis that Alex never uses, there is the Loser Lounge. I laughed out loud when I saw the emojis that I myself have never ever used, like the fish cake with a pink swirly line in the middle.

There are plenty more of elements that you will find yourself familiar with and they’re one of the biggest attractions of the film. How Gene and his friends High-5 (James Corden) and Jailbreak (Anna Faris) encounter them will tickle your funny bone.

Gene (centre) has help from Jailbreak (left) and High-5 in his adventure.

Meanwhile, the storyline’s pace is consistent and Gene’s adventures are thrilling, especially when the evil Bots (who has been ordered to delete him) are hot on his tail.

Displaying this incredible virtual adventure are awesome and eyecatching visuals full of bright colours and adorable-looking characters. Again, the film features apps that we are familiar with but we will see them through Gene’s eyes. It’s so cleverly done!

The voice talents did an okay job. You get brownie points if you can identify which actor did which voice.

On top of the fun and laughter, there is a moral value to be learnt — “Being

number one doesn’t matter if there aren’t any other number.” The film also teaches about friendship and loyalty, which both the adults and children can learn from.

The storyline as a whole, however, is too simple that perhaps only young audiences would enjoy it best. And if you pay close attention, there are some plot lines that are left hanging. So if you fancy watching a film about cutesy animated characters, go right ahead and watch the film.

Oh, be sure to come early to the cinema in order to catch a new short clip from animated film, where Vlad presents a gift to his grandson Dennis.