Lego Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu

Long before time had a name, the First Spinjitzu Master created the realm of Ninjago using the four Golden Weapons of Spinjitzu. Before he passed, his two sons swore to protect the weapons from evil, but the older brother, Garmadon, was consumed by darkness and aimed to wield all four weapons so that he could recreate Ninjago in his own image. In the ensuing battle between brothers, the younger brother Wu cast Garmadon down to the Underworld and hid the weapons across Ninjago. Now, Sensei Wu finds four teenage ninja to recover the Golden Weapons and save Ninjago from Garmadon and his Skulkin army.

Directed by Michael Hegner, Justin Murphy, Lego Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu leans on a strong ensemble — Vincent Tong, Paul Dobson, Kelly Metzger — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about animation titles of 2011.