2014’s The Lego Movie showed audiences that a simple building block formula can be applied to almost any form of media and work. The film was a critical and commercial success that no one saw coming (admit it, you thought it would be terrible!!). With stunning animation, perfect voice acting, annoyingly catchy songs and a tonne of pop culture references, it wasn’t long before a movie franchise began. Fast forward to 2017 and The Lego Batman Movie has proven that the first film wasn’t a fluke! Backed up by the same brilliant animation as The Lego Movie, this is already looking like the best DC Comics film this year!
While not technically a sequel to The Lego Movie, Lego Batman does work as a better film for those that are familiar with the original film. No actual story elements carry over (other than one very sly reference to Chris Pratt’s Emmet) but this is the same Batman that fans of that movie know and love. He’s arrogant, obsessed with maintaining a dark persona and completely and utterly devoted to himself. If you’ve seen any of the trailers, then you know that Batman appears to act like a complete and total idiot! That’s because he is! Constantly rebuking Alfred and his allies (and even The Joker), the whole film is basically a “hero learns an important lesson about friendship and family” movie. Which is fair enough. The film carries a U certificate in the U.K. so the plot has to be basic enough for young kids to understand whilst also providing enough humour for parents to enjoy the film.
And humour is plenty! The filmmakers clearly knew there would be several types of audiences members watching this film: those who enjoyed The Lego Movie, kids who made their parents take them to the cinema, people that wanted to see a fun, goofy movie and DC Comics fans (Me) that pore over every frame looking for Easter eggs and references. And there are things to look out for in literally every single scene. Whether it’s a sign that says “Batman Forever,” a costume labelled “New 52” or Batman discussing how a team of villains teaming up to defeat another villain is a terrible idea (via 2016’s cinebortion Suicide Squad), there are jokes for everyone to appreciate. The slapstick humour can get a little wearisome and there could have been less scenes of Batman rapping but overall, the humour is consistently strong. Also, kudos to Warner Bros for letting the filmmakers basically joke about how terrible the DCEU is right now. Seriously, watch out for those jokes.
The main highlight of the film however is the superb voice acting from everyone involved. Will Arnett portrays Batman as arrogant and an idiot but never makes him unlikeable. Ralph Fiennes channels Michael Caine as Alfred, delivering the best joke of the movie (which you’ve already heard if you’ve seen the trailers), Rosario Dawson is a brilliant Barbara Gordon, giving Babs a kickass attitude that gives the character real depth and a sense of fun. Once again, Dawson proves that she’s one of the most underrated actresses of the last few years. Zach Galafianakis can’t hold a candle to Mark Hamill as The Joker (in fairness, no one can) but his Joker is aloof and funny in a way that hasn’t been seen since Jack Nicholson in 1989 (granted, that film was much, much darker but you get what I mean). But it’s Michael Cera that steals the show as Dick Grayson. Often typecast as the “awkward teenager” in films like Juno and Superbad, Cera’s high-pitched voice is perfect for the insecure but lovable Grayson. Always willing to impress and help those in need, Dick Grayson/Robin is very much the heart and soul of the picture and will no doubt be the majority of the audience’s favourite character upon leaving the cinema.
If there is one negative to the film, it’s that the plot feels very by the numbers. It’s basically a story of how Batman learns to care for other and not just himself. Likewise, the third act of the film veers into completely batshit crazy territory that may have viewers wondering what the hell is going on. Granted, The Lego Movie had a mental ending but that at least made sense within the context of the film. The third act here feels like there were 25 minutes of Movie left and the writers just threw in whatever they wanted, hoping it would work. Personally, I also could have done with seeing more of the DC Comics lineup other than just Batman characters. The Justice League appears for one scene and then never turns up again. It seems like wasted potential.
Finally, and this is just a situational complaint, don’t see this in a packed cinema full of screaming kids! I made that mistake and was paying for it for hours afterwards! Who knew that kids don’t have an off button?
VERDICT: Lego Batman is a fun, goofy movie that appeals to all kids of movie and comic books fans. A formulaic plot and bizarre third act are only minor grievances that don’t spoil the fact that this is the best Batman Movie since The Dark Knight (and before anyone asks, yes that includes Dark Knight Rises. That film was such a disappointment! And the less said about BVS, the better!).
RATING: 4/5.
Comicsinmymind.com 