![]() But seriously, this move is awesome. It's almost impossible to deny that The Lego Movie was a stroke of animated genius; the casting, the humor, the animation, everything about it ensured the film would be an instant classic. And while Lego isn't a stranger to the Batman universe, with countless games, products, and DC Heroes Lego films galore, it was only a matter of time after the success of the 2014 animated hit that we would see Will Arnett don the plastic, pointy eared cowl once again. And man, it was worth the wait. This movie is just downright fun and has a heckuva lot of heart. A perfect balance of humor and serious moments give way for a climactic and entirely unique Batman experience. It's every 90s kid's Batman fan-fiction come true, it's incredibly meta in all the right ways, and Zach Galifianakis will be your new favorite Joker (one you never knew you needed). Sure, it has quirks that makes it more humorous than a typical Dark Knight film, but it's so satisfying. The Lego Batman Movie is the fan-service Batman film we've all been waiting for. Honestly, it could be THE Batman film we've been waiting for. ![]() First off, I have to praise the folks at WB because this film is beautiful. The coloring and lighting design of the film gives it that dark 'Gotham' feel while still highlighting the effects and animation that people adored and applauded about the original Lego Movie. The sound design leaves the viewer feeling the stark emotions of the brooding protagonist as he wanders through the film trying to understand his purpose. Subtle graphic choices really make the scenes pop, simple things like making light refractions come from Robin's sparkling cape, to little white specks in their eyes to showcase tears (which leads to just the right amount of break-your-heart 'naw' moments), to something as simple as the iconic hole that's made when you fold over the tiny cape cloth on Lego mini-figs really shows off the detail and care put into this film. Warner Brother's married it perfectly with an impressive voice cast and an incredibly fun soundtrack, making for not only an aesthetically pleasing adventure for the senses but an entirely exciting side-story in an increasingly deep world of cinematic Lego films. The physics, cross-dimensional and franchise travel, and Master Builder lore flow effortlessly into this brick Gotham setting. I love that it stuck with the canon of the original film, it really felt like it belonged in the Lego cinematic universe, paying homage to a film I absolutely adore without the need to resort to a half-baked sequel just for profit's sake. The shared universes and lore are prominent but the movie stands proudly alone as it's own blockbuster hit, which I highly appreciate in a time when cheap spin-offs and rushed sequels are so prominent. (Some minor plot spoilers): The movie follows the life of a very ego-centric, anti-social Batman (voiced once again by the incredible Will Arnett) as he continues to spiral downward into a life of solitude and lobster thermidor, shoving away everyone due to his greatest fear lingering in the back of his mind - being a part of a family (this fear stands only slightly above snake-clowns, mind you). His ever vigilant and loving butler Alfred (Ralph Fiennes) is fed up with his immaturity and reclusive nature. he urges Batman to take a hiatus from his 'seventy eight' year brooding streak (told through incredibly creative Lego based flashbacks) and his constant battle with The Joker (Galifianakis) to sit down and start a family. In an incredible opening sequence filled with - literally - every Batman villain known to man, The Joker diligently tries to lay claim as Batman's greatest nemesis. Batman breaks The Joker's heart, telling him that 'he doesn't need him' and 'there's no us' (which causes one of the cutest Joker moments in history), sending the heart-broken clown prince of darkness on a path to extract revenge on all of Gotham City. Batman is loved by everyone, but horribly alone - spending his time watching Jerry Maguire and other sad romantic comedies to fill the void coming from his lack of meaningful relationships. Commissioner Gordon is set to retire, paving the way for Barbara (Rosario Dawson) to step in as acting head of GCPD. She's a 'Harvard School for Cops' ace with a plan to stop Batman's vigilante ways. No more lone-wolf shtick, it's time to join forces or retire. All the while the incredibly adorable Dick Grayson (Michael Cera) somehow manages to talk a distracted Batman into adopting him, leading to the creation of an easily influenced and pop-music loving Robin who is just happy to have a place to call home. The Joker uses the ceremony for the new commissioner to set a plan into action that will unleash the most iconic and evil villains from The Phantom Zone, undeniable forces of dastardly deeds such as Sauron, King Kong, and Voldemort (also played by Fiennes, that's how meta this film is), to bring down Gotham City and The Bat once and for all. Batman finds himself on a half-baked quest to try and rid Gotham of the Joker once and for all, to prove to the city how much they really need him. Joined by Robin, Alfred, and Barbara, Batman must battle the forces of evil to regain his popularity status and prove to Gotham that he is the hero they need. This inevitably leads to the stone cold heart of Batman warming up, feeling a sense of pride, and laughing along with a new family he didn't think he needed - and would do anything to protect. It's a plot that feels appropriate for Batman - emotional, dark, and full of heart-string pulling moments - but adds a sense of humor so rarely seen in Batman content (or superhero content in general) that just makes it so refreshing and original. ![]() The heartfelt moments in this film are what really make it so enjoyable, it shows a unique perspective on the impact that loss can have on an individual and the importance of family and doing the right thing for those you care about, making a point of stating that even friends are family in the end credits song. The film is incredibly aware of itself and the extensive career of Batman through all of the unique media over the last seventy some odd years. They poke fun at some of the ridiculous costumes and over-used tropes that make the franchise iconic, even throwing references in from as far back as the original 1960s television program. As a long-time, dedicated Batman fan it's always enjoyable to me to see a more broken and more troubled Batman, it's something a lot of newer media is starting to focus on and it just adds an even more human sense to such a beloved icon. A lot of people put Bruce Wayne in a box. Arnett strives to change the mold, taking characteristics that are well known and amplifying them to an almost cartoonish (no pun intended) level. The dynamics between Batman and Robin create one of the coolest on screen relationships I've seen in a long time (with Arnett and Cera having previous chemistry from Arrested Development, it adds a convincing realism to the surrogate dad/son relationship in this film). It's heart-warming to see cold, big-headed Batman warming up to a spastic little Robin, welling up with pride and admiration - even letting him refer to him as padre. I love that the film delves into the relationships between Batman and his cohorts, the story has an incredible focus on character development and Arnett brings such an unique perspective on the icon it's hard not to fall in love with the egotistical, loner vigilante presented on the big screen. The film is quick-witted, cleverly written, and fast-paced but takes time to dwell on the life-lessons it's trying to instill in its viewers. You leave the film with a sense of satisfaction and warm-fuzzy feelings, which is always a nice way to feel when you leave an animated film. The movie is entirely enjoyable for all ages and really feels like a big budget Batman film, with an ending is entirely satisfying. As a movie fan, I left completely satisfied and feeling good. As a Batman fan, I felt emotional and excited. I can't tell you how pleased I was with this film. It truly is awesome. ![]() Written by Alycia D. (MaybeMockingbird ) All pictures are copyright Warner Brothers. The Lego Batman Movie is currently playing in theaters and is rated PG
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