The Trolls franchise has always been synonymous with infectious music and vibrant positivity, and Trolls Band Together continues this tradition, amplified by a heartwarming story of family and reunion. Returning with their signature charm are Anna Kendrick as Poppy and Justin Timberlake as Branch, whose vocal talents and engaging personalities remain central to the movie’s appeal. This latest installment leans into the series’ inherent silliness while delivering a genuinely family-friendly experience, propelled by a soundtrack brimming with both nostalgic hits and catchy original tunes.
In Trolls Band Together, Poppy and Branch embark on a quest beyond their Troll village to uncover Branch’s hidden past. We learn that Branch was once part of BroZone, a Troll boy band with his brothers. This revelation intrigues Poppy, an only child, deepening her bond with Branch as she discovers more about his family history. BroZone consisted of Floyd (voiced by pop sensation Troye Sivan), John Dory (Eric André), Spruce (Daveed Diggs), and Clay (Kid Cudi). The brothers disbanded due to creative differences and the elusive pursuit of perfect harmony. However, when Floyd is captured by the villainous pop duo Velvet (Amy Schumer) and Veneer (Andrew Rannells), who are draining his musical essence, the BroZone reunion becomes crucial. The only way to save Floyd is for the brothers to put aside their past and achieve that elusive perfect family harmony once more.
Image alt text: The vibrant movie poster for Trolls Band Together showcases Poppy and Branch alongside Branch’s brothers, the boy band BroZone, highlighting the film’s musical and family themes.
Directed by Walk Dohrn and Tim Heitz, Trolls Band Together effectively blends a road trip adventure with a family reunion narrative. Poppy also undergoes personal growth, discovering her own family connections through Viva (Camila Cabello), a new Troll leader. Their instant friendship is tested when Poppy must leave to aid Branch, while Viva, wary of external dangers, is hesitant. Viva’s journey involves overcoming these fears, facilitated by a mix of cover songs and original tracks that smoothly address the characters’ emotional challenges and evolving perspectives.
While familiar faces reappear and new characters are introduced, Kenan Thompson’s Tiny Diamond steals many scenes. Despite his youth, Tiny Diamond believes he’s matured and proves it by stowing away and even driving their vehicle, reminiscent of the Catbus from My Neighbor Totoro. Keep an ear out for vocal cameos from Zooey Deschanel, Zosia Mamet, RuPaul Charles, Ron Funches, and Anderson .Paak. Notably, the film features the highly anticipated reunion of all five NSYNC members, contributing a brand-new song to the soundtrack. This NSYNC reunion track is a major highlight for fans and adds a layer of nostalgic appeal to the Trolls Band Together songs.
Although the plot is straightforward and the villains are resolved somewhat quickly, the sheer dedication to the musical aspect is captivating. The soundtrack is a vibrant mix of well-known pop anthems and original compositions, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The success of the Trolls movies and their soundtracks suggests DreamWorks Animation will likely continue the series. However, Trolls Band Together feels like a satisfying culmination of this colorful, musical, and energetically quirky franchise. For fans of feel-good movies and catchy tunes, the Trolls Band Together songs and the movie itself offer a delightful and harmonious experience.
