The LEGO Batman Movie – Film Review

The LEGO universe is continuing its bold vision with adapting its licensed properties to the big screen. With The LEGO Batman movie, they take a character from the first LEGO Movie and give him a great arc that is separate from the main LEGO franchise. Batman is such a popular character that this adaptation is a funny spoof film on not only the Batman franchise, but DC Comics as a whole. I found that they were given a huge toy box full of characters and played with all of them.

I didn’t think this is the best Batman film in years. It to me is a film that utilizes the Batman characters, has fun with them and made something entertaining for all audiences. It shows the core essence of Batman and gives him a full arc that helps him grow as a character. Showing the messages of the positivity of working together and how to realize selfishness were greatly used.

Black. All important movies start with a black screen. And music. Edgy, scary music that would make a parent or studio executive nervous. And logos. Really long and dramatic logos. Warner Bros. Why not Warner Brothers? I dunno. DC. The house that Batman built. Yeah, what Superman? Come at me bro. I’m your kryptonite. Hmm, not sure what RatPac does but that logo is macho. I dig it. Okay, get yourself ready for some… reading. If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change. Hoooo. No, I said that. Batman is very wise. I also have huge pecs and a nine pack. Yeah, I’ve got an extra ab. Now lets start the movie.

At the beginning of the film I thought the pacing was too fast for me to keep up with. I almost got detached from the movie until it started slowing down with the plot. I did like the overall story and thought it was very inventive with how they used the characters and the villains that they chose. The dichotomy of the Joker and Batman was very well played in this movie. Zach Galifianakis’ version of the joker was more playful and less evil. He was more of tone down version of a bad guy that only wanted Batman’s affection.

I thought Will Arnett’s portrayal of the character was very strong in his tone of voice. He has shaped that character to be very memorable. Michael Cera’s Dick Grayson/Robin has some great one-liners. I enjoyed Rosario Dawson’s voice performance for Barbara Gordon, her character I found hard to be likeable at points but I understood her perspective. Ralph Fiennes does an excellent job as Alfred. He brings his gravitas to the film. The other villains they brought in the film were a great addition that evolved the film beyond its confines of DC properties into a larger variety. I appreciated that creative choice.

Overall I would say this is a solid kids film that doesn’t exceed the early works of Pixar, but stays on a strong course for the LEGO brand to be as thought provoking and educational for young children that both old and new fans an appreciate. I would see a sequel, just not at a premium price.

7.5/10