The Emoji Movie

If you are after a comedy that actually makes you laugh out loud, The Emoji Movie is available in Australia on Netflix and Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel, and in the US on Amazon Prime Video and Hulu right now. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. A 5/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. T.J. Miller's performance alone is worth the time investment. Put it on tonight on Netflix and see for yourself.

The Emoji Movie arrived without much fanfare and built its audience the hard way — through word of mouth. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate The Emoji Movie from the crowd. Gene, a multi-expressional emoji, sets out on a journey to become a normal emoji. Between them, T.J. Miller and James Corden carry the comedy without ever forcing it. It hit screens in 2017. The timing in The Emoji Movie is precise enough that even the throwaway lines land on a second watch. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

For viewers who want something light without wanting something stupid, The Emoji Movie respects your intelligence. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single evening. T.J. Miller sets the tone, but the supporting cast is where a lot of the best moments come from. A reliable pick for any night you want quality comedy without the homework.