It’s not every day that a film takes place inside a smartphone, yet The Emoji Movie attempts to turn this digital microcosm into a world of adventure. Released in 2017, the animated film stars T.J. Miller, James Corden, Anna Faris, and Maya Rudolph in voice roles. Set within the bustling, hidden world of Textopolis, the film explores what it means to be an emoji trying to find your place in a digital universe. Classified as a family-friendly, animated comedy, it’s a movie that aims to entertain both children and parents by capitalizing on our smartphone-driven culture.
The plot revolves around Gene, a “meh” emoji voiced by T.J. Miller, who feels out of place because he has more than one emotion. Unlike his peers, who can only express the singular emotion they were programmed for, Gene struggles to conform to his pre-defined role. After a disastrous first day on the job, Gene embarks on a journey to fix his programming and find his true self, aided by his friends Hi-5 (James Corden) and Jailbreak (Anna Faris). Their adventure takes them through different apps like Candy Crush and Instagram, while they are pursued by Smiler, the villainous “smiley face” emoji, played by Maya Rudolph. Along the way, Gene learns important lessons about self-acceptance, friendship, and the importance of being unique in a world that expects conformity.
One of the most striking aspects of the film is its animation. Visually, it’s bright, colorful, and well-rendered. The world of Textopolis is designed as a bustling city filled with personality, offering viewers a vibrant and engaging environment to look at. Each app they visit has its own distinct visual style, which helps keep the film visually interesting. The digital landscapes, from the grid-like city of Textopolis to the sugary world of Candy Crush, are beautifully animated, making each setting feel distinct and memorable. However, despite the rich animation, the film’s reliance on familiar app brands sometimes feels like it’s catering more to corporate partnerships than storytelling.
The voice acting is another element that stands out. T.J. Miller does a solid job as Gene, capturing both his frustration and charm as an emoji that doesn’t quite fit in. His vocal performance adds depth to a character that could have easily been one-note. James Corden’s portrayal of Hi-5 adds comedic relief with his upbeat energy, although at times his constant enthusiasm can border on over-the-top. Anna Faris, as Jailbreak, brings a sense of independence and strength to her character, a refreshing contrast to the otherwise stereotypical portrayals in the film. Maya Rudolph’s performance as the villainous Smiler is delightfully menacing, her exaggerated enthusiasm making her the film’s most memorable character. Despite these strong performances, the film’s dialogue sometimes falls flat, relying heavily on puns and references to internet culture, which may not age well over time.
While the direction by Tony Leondis keeps the pace moving quickly, the film often feels like it’s trying too hard to cover too much ground. The story jumps from app to app, giving the audience little time to truly engage with the characters or their journey. The fast pace might work for younger audiences with shorter attention spans, but it sacrifices emotional depth. There are moments where the film touches on deeper themes, like the pressure to conform and the value of individuality, but these themes are often glossed over in favor of quick jokes or another app-related adventure. The direction feels more focused on maintaining a frenetic energy rather than allowing the emotional core of the story to breathe.
The soundtrack, composed by Patrick Doyle, is serviceable but largely forgettable. It blends into the background, never really standing out or adding any unique layer to the film. The inclusion of pop songs, like the use of “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” in a pivotal scene, feels more like a marketing tool than a meaningful addition to the narrative. It’s an element that seems designed more for the sake of appealing to a broad audience rather than enhancing the emotional or narrative beats of the story.
Cinematography in animated films often goes unnoticed, but here, the framing of action sequences within the different apps is one of the film’s more interesting aspects. The directors and animators make clever use of space, especially in scenes like the Candy Crush level, where characters interact with the environment in playful and unexpected ways. However, despite this visual creativity, the film’s heavy reliance on product placement — from Spotify to Dropbox — can sometimes feel more like an extended advertisement than a cinematic experience.
Another area where the film could have done better is in its storytelling. The plot is fairly predictable, and while the concept of exploring a smartphone’s inner workings is intriguing, the execution lacks originality. The film borrows heavily from other animated hits like Wreck-It Ralph and Inside Out, but doesn’t quite reach the same emotional or narrative heights. The themes of self-discovery and embracing one’s uniqueness are commendable but delivered in a formulaic way, which diminishes their impact. The film tries to tackle too many ideas at once — from the dangers of artificial intelligence to the pressure to fit into societal expectations — without fully exploring any of them.
In conclusion, while The Emoji Movie has its moments of visual charm and energetic voice acting, it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. The film’s reliance on pop culture references and app-based humor may appeal to a younger audience or those looking for a light, visually engaging experience. However, it lacks the emotional depth or originality that would make it a standout in the world of animated films. For those looking for a fun, mindless diversion, it might hit the right notes, but for anyone expecting more substance or innovation, it may feel lacking. If you’re in the mood for a bright, fast-paced adventure with minimal emotional engagement, this could be a good watch — just don’t expect it to leave a lasting impression.
