“The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part” is here, and it is awesome. The next installment in Lego’s film library is nothing short of impressive, building off its predecessor with hilarious comedy, powerful character growth and a warm message that will melt even the toughest of hearts. If there is one thing that made “The Lego Movie” stand out, it was its unique blend of comedy and heart, and the sequel brings even more of both in a way that does not feel spoon-fed, canned or predictable.

What really impressed in this film was its plot, which once again follows Emmet Brickowski (Chris Pratt, “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”), the lovable, optimistic minifigure that saved the universe in the last movie, and his friend, Lucy (Elizabeth Banks, “The Happytime Murders”), in their quest to save the world—again. This time, though, five years have passed, and the villain is the sister, not the dad.

Since the first movie clued the audience into the fact that the entire story is a manifestation of one boy’s imagination, the sequel wastes no time in using even more real-world cuts as an integral and important part of the conflict throughout the movie. Though the real-world story is brother versus sister, the main film is Emmet and Lucy versus the film’s initial antagonist, Queen Watevra Wa’Nabi (Tiffany Haddish, “Nobody’s Fool”), which is entertaining and exciting in a way that only Lego movies can be.

Watevra Wa’Nabi is not the only new character; introducing the sister as the antagonist means plenty of new characters from the Systar system, all hilarious, cute and fun. It even has a dark, brooding leader to rival Lucy, General Mayhem (Stephanie Beatriz, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”). Another new world, the Stairgate, brings in action hero Rex Dangervest (Chris Pratt) to help save the day, and he is so fun to watch.

All the characters grow and change throughout the story’s conflict in realistic and sometimes surprising ways, adding depth to what could have easily been a rather flat, hollow story. That depth is subtle but powerful, in much the same way its lesson is. The lesson in the first movie was about learning what makes everyone special, and the sequel matures that lesson along with its characters to show viewers that growing up does not have to mean growing angry.

Between all that character growth and learning is plenty of comedy to go around, present from minute one. It features Lego’s signature self-aware style, plus enough meta humor to rival “Deadpool.” Similar to the first movie, the humor is a natural part of the plot and occasionally even drives it. With nods and references for fans of Lego and movies in general, there is plenty to please nearly every type of viewer.

With all that being said, there is one matter that may turn off a few viewers. Unlike its predecessor, this movie is a musical, though its self-aware humor does help it to not be an agonizing, predictable and cheesy musical. Surprisingly for a kids movie, but not so much for Lego, the soundtrack is a delight for the ears, with catchy, funny lyrics that viewers will want stuck in their heads. Even if the songs seem unnecessary at times, at least they are an enjoyable aspect of the story.

Once again, Lego has managed to amaze, presenting a well-thought-out story with awesome characters, comedy and heart. Sure, it may boil down to a 106-minute-long commercial, but it is possibly the deepest, most entertaining commercial ever created that viewers of all ages can enjoy.

Image from Warner Bros. Pictures via YouTube