The LEGO Batman Movie (2017) – Review

Director: Chris McKay
Starring: Will Arnett, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson, Zach Galifianakis

The Overview
Bruce Wayne must not only deal with the criminals of Gotham City, but also the responsibility of raising a boy he adopted. (Source: IMDb)

The Good
The Batman movies have been patchy in the past, and after the overwhelming success of The LEGO Movie and its break-out star, the brick version of The Dark Knight voiced by Will Arnett, it seemed only a matter of time before he was given his own adventure. 

What could have been a straight-up sequel or a shameless cash-in, has actually resulted in a riotously funny film that manages to expertly parody it’s history, and the superhero sub-genre in which it resides. There is much to be appreciated on a second watch of The LEGO Batman Movie as the jokes come thick, fast, and subtle, and you’ll be laughing so hard at one joke you might miss the one that follows. 

As was with the case with The LEGO Movie, LEGO Batman is expertly pitched at both children and adults, with enough zany visuals and bright colours to keep the kids entertained, and some incredibly clever references and nods that will have the parents laughing much harder than the kids. There’s a lot that will go over the kids’ heads but this is by no means a bad thing!

Whilst it is action-packed and wall-to-wall hilarious, it still makes time for a surprisingly sweet message about fatherhood, and the importance of family, which is touching and delightful in equal measure.

The story could’ve been a pretty by the numbers superhero story, but with its hilarious take on the “relationship” between Batman and his notorious villain The Joker, it adds a funny and interesting new layer. Poking fun at, and parodying itself, superhero movies, previous Batman movies, and every other pop culture and film reference in between, there is so much going on here, and it could certainly never be accused of being boring!

The voice cast are particularly wonderful, with Arnett, Galifianakis and Cera being the stand-outs. It is worth checking out the cast list at the end just to see the ridiculously amazing cast who were part of this, some of whom only had a handful of lines, but whose contributions will surely delight.

The animation, something so glorious stand-out about The LEGO Movie, is also truly exceptional in this. The attention to detail is wonderful and the unique brick design really lends itself to the thrilling action scenes and chases.

 The Bad
There is nothing overtly terrible about this film, but it is worth knowing that most of the best lines have already been seen in the trailer, which is a shame but no real fault of the film itself. The marketing was fairly extensive for this film which it didn’t really need to be; it is LEGO and Batman, people will go and see this!

It is also not quite as dazzlingly original as The LEGO Movie, but few things are, so going in with slightly lower expectations (if that is possible!) is advised.

The Verdict
I saw this movie and you should too. In a time where comedy movies are a little hit or miss, and animated movies like Boss Baby are here to try and besmirch the good foundations laid down by the likes of Pixar, The LEGO Batman Movie  is a hysterical, action-packed and super fun superhero movie that will delight audiences of all ages. If you see one movie about a masked billionaire with a penchant for violence, make sure it is The LEGO Batman Movie and NOT that distinctly “Grey” affair going on in other screens!