How films like The LEGO Movie are replacing destiny narratives with messages of scepticism and adaptability…

Warning: contains spoilers forThe LEGO MovieandKung Fu Panda.

cheerleading prevalent in kids movies.

Sometimes you cant do it, said this film, even if you really, really, really try.

Its not as bleak a caution as it might seem.

Isnt it about time kids movies became comfortable with that idea?

The makers ofMonsters Universitythink so.

They told the story of Mike Wazowski, a young monster with big dreams of being a professional Scarer.

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What you lack simply cannot be taught.

Monsters Universityisnt the only recent family film to reject traditional victory narratives in favour of more realistic life lessons.

Prophecy shmophecy, say these kids pictures; heroes arent born, theyre made.

Moreover, theyre self-made.

There is no secret ingredient.

Because their customers believe theres a special addition, the soup is considered the tastiest bowl around.

Whether or not the ingredient exists is beside the point; the belief does the job.

On being unfurled, Po discovers that the scroll is blank.

If the Dragon Warrior believes in his power, that belief does the job.

I dont think hes ever had an original thought

The LEGO Movieis a neat illustration.

In itself, thats a twist on kids movie tradition.

What Emmet can do is follow instructions.

Arthur coins Do it with worry!

as his somewhat awkward mantra towards the end of the film, finding strength in his weakness.

Not all gifts are a blessing,Frozenreminds us.

Its your attitude towards them that counts.

(And of course, true love, but where would a Disney movie be without that?)

It also pokes fun at the fantasy genres reliance on Chosen One prophecies.

Well leave it for another time.

I volunteer as tribute!

One choice that is allowed her is the essentially suicidal decision to volunteer and save her sister.

That thread of scepticism continues in its depiction of revolutionary politics.

These characters followed instructions, marking their way through a series of pre-ordained steps to succeed in their tasks.

but through the recitation of a line someone else has written, You have no power over me.

Everything is awesome

On reflection, the modern message is ultimately the more uplifting.

If there are no Chosen Ones, then we all have the choice of becoming a hero.

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