Trolls: Band Together Film Review

Trolls: Band Together

Most of us have had that sibling dynamic. We love them, but can’t get over how annoying they are. However,

siblings are family, whether we like it or not. 

But what happens when siblings arrive back into your life? Do you take the high road and try to mend your

relationship? Or decide the easy route and never talk? 

Branch knows what that is like. When he was a baby, his four brothers walked out on him after a show gone

wrong. Ever since then, he has never glanced back. Poppy is his girlfriend, Gristle and Bridget are getting

married. Surely, nothing could stand in his way.

However, when older brother John Dory (leader of the former boy band Brozone) saunters back in, Branch

is none too pleased. After hearing Floyd is captured, Branch, Poppy, John Dory and Tiny Diamond hit the road.

Maybe along the way, all four of them will learn something about family. (Note: if you haven’t watched the film,

there are spoilers, so please read with caution).

Positive Elements: Branch is cautious about letting his brothers back into his life. However, the film

incessantly shows us that forgiveness is crucial to healing past hurts. It points out how bitterness divides family,

and pride does more harm than good. Branch and other characters fight to save Floyd. The brothers express

their love for each other.

Poppy encourages Branch to open up about his feelings. She is by his side even when he is rude to her.

When Branch expresses fear of Poppy leaving him, she rebukes it. “I’ve been by your side since the moment we

met,” she admits. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Gristle and Bridget deeply love each other. When facing a trap, they declare their love. Even Bruce

(formerly Spruce) and his wife Brandy have a healthy marriage. They care for their kids. Brandy tells Bruce to

rescue his Floyd, stating “You wouldn’t forgive yourself if you didn’t help your brother.”

(Spoiler Warning): It’s revealed that Poppy has a sister: energetic Viva. Though Viva is scared of leaving

her protective home, Branch reminds her that it’s rewarding to socialize with others. Viva spares Gristle and

Bridget, helping them in finding Poppy.

Veneer tells the truth to everyone about him and his sister’s fraud. Both siblings get arrested for their

crimes. Floyd challenges Veneer to stand up to Velvet (his domineering sister).

Spiritual Content: Velvet and Veneer are succubi, thriving off Floyd’s singing power. They trap him in a

diamond prison and spray it onto themselves. Each time, Floyd becomes glassy. Eventually, John Dory, Clay and

Bruce are trapped as well, and we see them groan from losing their powers. Velvet asks “How is my aura?”

In this subplot, the film proclaims that fame is draining. No matter how much you have, you still desire

more. Once a perfect harmony is reached, all four diamond prisons shatter.

Sensual Content: As mentioned, Bridget and Gristle get married. We see them kiss several times. Both

Floyd and Veneer are voiced by gay actors, though their lisps and “sensitive” moods aren’t outright confirmed.

The wedding scene features several rainbow flags.

There are some suggestive quips about “making it work,” “junk in the trunk,” and “hotness.” Bridget and

Gristle exchange flirty banter during their honeymoon. John slaps Branch’s backside. Some song lyrics stray

into suggestive territory.

There’s a brief shot of Branch’s bare backside when he slips into a diaper. Clay wears underwear that is

tight and gross. Bruce and Brandy are married with kids, and smooch once. Poppy and Branch kiss.

Violence: Most of the action is slapstick. However, one troll is turned to glass after losing his power (he’s

saved). Bridget and Gristle are heading towards doom before Viva pulls the plug. A chase scene features

bumping into cars, rolling diamonds and jumping from high heights.

As mentioned, the trolls groan when their powers are stripped from them. Floyd causes a mess when

trying to escape Veneer. A magic explosion happens when all the diamond prisons break.

Language: Three or four misuses of God’s name, one or two of “h—“, four or five of “gosh,” and one “OMG.” Other name-

calling insults include “beautiful idiot.” There is a bleeped curse word (in symbols).

Drugs/Alcohol: A couple scenes picture characters with umbrella drinks. Two scenes dive into the “hustle”

mode where the colors change and it’s a vivacious wonderland. Tiny asks Poppy if she’s a “narc.”

Other Negative Elements: Young Branch makes a statement about “barfing and peeing my pants all at

once.” There’s a joke about diaper rash. John Dory bosses his siblings around, which is called out a few times.

(Spoiler Warning): The real bombshell drops when John Dory confesses this gig was only to save Floyd,

not be a family. Branch is (justifiably) upset at this news, and it causes a brief rift in the brotherhood. Velvet

bosses Veneer around constantly, and both siblings treat their assistant Crimp with little respect. Velvet makes

a remark about “autographing butts.”

Conclusion: Trolls Band Together has a lot to like. The music is catchy with 80’s songs being remade, voice

cast is on fire with their dialogue, and the worlds are colorful. Messages about family, courage, and brotherhood

play a huge role here. Indeed, this sequel is vibrant in every way.

But hold your horses, because we have some content problems here. While Trolls Band Together is

marketed as a kids film, there are several instances of subtle adult innuendo. I don’t think I’ve heard many

references of this kind since seeing Shrek 2 and Flushed Away. Some language is heard, along with

domineering behavior that while not praised, is somewhat hard to stomach. Yep, parents need to be careful

about watching this one with their kiddos.

However, this sequel dives deeper into growing up and leaving behind childish ways. When Branch and his

brothers reunite, they still think the former is a baby and has nothing good to offer. It isn’t until John Dory’s

bombshell that Branch has had enough.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Is that funny to you? That I might want us to actually be a family again? …You’re mad at

[John Dory], but you do the exact same thing to me. You all still treat me like the baby of the family, but guess

what, I stopped being a baby the day you guys walked out on me. Cause I had to.”

Hearing Branch’s speech brought two Bible verses to mind. 1 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV) declares “When I was

a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of

childhood behind me.” 1 Timothy 4:12 (NCV) states “Do not let anyone treat you as if you are unimportant

because you are young. Instead, be an example to the believers with your words, your actions, your love, faith,

and your pure life.”

Both verses don’t mince it here: growing up and maturing is hard, but necessary in life. In a way, Branch

has matured more than his brothers. Though Branch makes mistakes, he holds firm to being a family again.

Branch isn’t a child, but a grown troll who understands that words and actions are two different aspects.

Eventually, his brothers submit to his leadership in a poignant moment.

That scene reminds me of Matthew 20:16 (NLT): “So those who are last now will be first then, and those

who are first will be last.” In other words, everyone is equal in the eyes of God. We all want to be leaders no

doubt, but not everyone is meant to be one. In some ways, we have more growing up to do.

Trolls Band Together is a great sequel. Despite the (as mentioned) content problems, this film opens our

eyes to family dynamics and forgiveness. If you enjoyed the other two Trolls movies, I’d recommend this sequel.