The Trolls Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Movie Overview: The Trolls
| Movie | The Trolls |
| Release Year | 2016 |
| Director | Phillip Lybrand |
| Genre | Comedy |
| Runtime | 97 minutes (1h 37m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Trolls (2016) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Trolls are led by Rob Gagnon . The supporting cast, including Lisa Friedrich and Katie Pengra , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Trolls does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Comedy films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Trolls has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Trolls
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2016, The Trolls is a Comedy film directed by Phillip Lybrand, written by Rob Gagnon. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Rob Gagnon as Roman Walsh.
Ending Explained: The Trolls
The Trolls Ending Explained: A Texas tech start-up breaks every crowdfunding record in the books, but they lose it all when a patent troll shuts them down. Directed by Phillip Lybrand, this 2016 comedy film stars Rob Gagnon (Roman Walsh), alongside Lisa Friedrich as Jamie Tannen, Katie Pengra as Kate Walton, Pat Dean as Gum. With a 6.3/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Trolls?
A Texas tech start-up breaks every crowdfunding record in the books, but they lose it all when a patent troll shuts them down. Refusing to go down without a fight, our heroes use a legal loophole to beat the trolls at their own game. By obtaining a patent for BEING a patent troll, they're able to... troll the trolls.
Phillip Lybrand's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Rob Gagnon (Roman Walsh)'s journey. Refusing to go down without a fight, our heroes use a legal loophole to beat the trolls at their own game.
How Does Rob Gagnon (Roman Walsh)'s Story End?
- Rob Gagnon: Rob Gagnon's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Lisa Friedrich (Jamie Tannen): Lisa Friedrich's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Katie Pengra (Kate Walton): Katie Pengra's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Trolls Mean?
The Trolls's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Rob Gagnon may feel rushed. Phillip Lybrand's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
The Trolls Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Trolls Based on a True Story?
No, The Trolls is a work of fiction. While the comedy film directed by Phillip Lybrand and starring Rob Gagnon may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Trolls?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Rob Gagnon or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Trolls
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $30.0K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Trolls Budget
The estimated production budget for The Trolls is $30.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch The Trolls Online?
Streaming HubThe Trolls Parents Guide & Age Rating
2016 AdvisoryWondering about The Trolls age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Trolls (2016) is 97 minutes (1h 37m). Directed by Phillip Lybrand, the film runs for 97 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.3/10, and global performance metrics, The Trolls is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2016 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Trolls worth watching?
The Trolls is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.3/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Trolls parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Trolls identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Trolls (2016)?
The runtime of The Trolls (2016) is 97 minutes (approximately 1h 37m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.