As a huge fan of the Dreamworks Trolls franchise, I was excited to see Branch and Poppy’s story continue. However, once the trailer dropped for Trolls Band Together and I learned they would be leaning into the boyband side of Branch’s voice actor, Justin Timberlake, my tween heart screeched for joy! On top of which “NSYNC was giving a new song for the first time in 20 years?! I’m all in!

Hi, my name is Sarah and I’m a boyband fanatic. As a tweenager my obsession with singing and dancing boys could not be contained. Now, that I’m an adult I’ve been able to channel that hormone-raged fandom into something more bearable. So, unless this film really missed the mark with what they were going for I knew it was made for people like me. 

TROLLS BAND TOGETHER WITH EVERY BOYBAND TROPE THEY CAN GET

TROLLS BAND TOGETHER, directed by Walt Dohrn.
(from left) Branch (Justin Timberlake) and Poppy (Anna Kendrick) in Trolls Band Together, directed by Walt Dohrn.

From the very beginning, Trolls Band Together captivates audiences with its vibrant animation, catchy musical numbers, and endearing characters. When the film begins, 10 years have passed since the first film. Bridget and King Gristle are getting married while Branch and Poppy are living in awkward bliss. However, during the wedding ceremony, Branch’s estranged brother John Dory (Eric André) comes flying in! He tells Branch that their brother Floyd (Troye Sivan) is captured by two untalented pop stars! Now, they have to get the brothers (band) back together in order to save him.

If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly film to watch, Trolls Band Together is a great choice. The film is full of humor, heart, and catchy songs. The voice cast is excellent, with Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick reprising their roles as Branch and Poppy. The animation is beautiful and vibrant, and the songs are sure to stay in your head long after the credits roll.

ALL ABOUT BRANCH…OR IS IT?

TROLLS BAND TOGETHER, directed by Walt Dohrn.
TROLLS BAND TOGETHER, directed by Walt Dohrn.

After two Trolls films, we really don’t know a ton about Branch other than he lived with his grandmother who was eaten in the first film. Trolls World Tour was much more about learning about the vast world of the trolls. Now, we get to dive into more backstory which I think is really fun. The writing really leans into the joke, the musical numbers and character designs paint an image of boyband’s past. 

My only miss with the film is with Poppy. While Branch is on his adventure to reconnect with his brothers, as well as his past, she finds a long-lost/hidden sister. Personally, I found this to detract from what I thought the film was trying to do. Let’s focus on Poppy in the 4th film and let Branch have the spotlight for this one.

While some may argue that the plot follows a familiar formula, the film’s execution and the genuine chemistry between the characters make it an enjoyable and entertaining experience nonetheless. The catchy musical numbers, choreography, and infectious energy will have audiences tapping their feet and singing along.

GIVE THE JOKE WRITERS A RAISE!

The writing in Trolls Band Together is also very well done. On top of all the incredible boyband jokes, the film embraces the 10-year timeline from the first film. Poppy and Branch have grown up a lot in that time. Now, the two have to dive into deeper issues of communication, relationships between themselves, as well as family, and even abandonment. The writers do a great job of tackling these issues in a way that is digestible for all ages. They don’t talk down to their viewers, and the storylines, jokes, and delivery of the heavier subject matter are all done in a way that is both poignant and entertaining.

Overall, I found Trolls Band Together to be excellent. I can honestly say it’s my favorite out of the 3 films we have so far. It’s funny, heartwarming, and thought-provoking, and it’s sure to resonate with viewers of all ages.