To celebrate 20 years since their escape from the troll-eating bergen, Princess Poppy (Kendrick) throws a huge party for the giddy troll community, which is dedicated to singing, dancing and hugging. But the paranoid Branch (Timberlake) warns that all the celebrating will alert the bergen to their location. Sure enough, bergen Chef (Baranski) pounces, taking a bum-bag full of trolls back to King Gristle (Mintz-Plasse). So Poppy convinces Branch to launch a rescue mission. And they'll need the help of bergen scullery maid Bridget (Deschanel) to make this work.

There's never even a hint of suspense here, even though bergen constantly talk about eating trolls. They think that's the only way to achieve happiness, so of course a lesson is required. Stir in a couple of romantic subplots, and it comes to life thanks to a script that's packed with deranged gags and unexpected dialog. Action set-pieces are riotously funny, while the characters manage to surprise us along the way. They also continually break out singing.

Voice work from the starry cast is full of character-based personality. This gives the sense of a terrific mix of people who each have just a bit of shading. Kendrick and Timberlake are solid as our heroes, surrounded by a lively ensemble of quirky fun-lovers. As the villain of the piece, Chef is the only one-note role, but she's played with gusto by the fabulous Baranski.

The film zips along so effortlessly that it's over long before we're ready to leave this colour-soaked universe. The classic pop songs will have the audience singing along (and dancing too), and there are some catchy original numbers as well. Technically, the animation is at a very high standard, using a wide range of tactile surfaces and lurid hues, and it's directed with an exhilarating surplus of energy and motion. If anything, the whole movie is too jaunty for its own good. Although the central message that we can be happy whatever our circumstances has some bite. But what you'll remember (and want to buy in the shops) is the troll that farts glitter.

themes, innuendo

7.Oct.16 lff