Published February 9, 2017 by

The Lego Batman Movie

You know a movie is going to be hilarious when you find yourself laughing
out loud before the beginning credits start.

It’s no surprise a second film was in development after the massive success
of the first LEGO movie in 2014. The lengthy list of Batman movies/TV
shows that have existed–yes, this film actually addresses each one–always
ask the questions, but never quite answers them. The LEGO Batman movie
will answer them all for you in the best way LEGO movies can–with major
master builder craftsmanship, sarcasm, and slapstick humor.

In serious denial about his loneliness, Batman (Will Arnett) spends most of
his days saving Gotham from the Joker(Zach Gilfianakis), eating alone, and
watching sappy romantic comedies. He never lets anyone get close enough to
him for fear that he will lose them just like he lost his parents when he
was a young boy.
Commissioner Jim Gordon (Hector Elizondo) retires thus handing the baton
and Bat signal over to his daughter, Barbara Gordon (Rosario Dawson). The
newly appointed commissioner decides that Gotham Police Department should
take a more involved approach instead of just relying on one person to
fight crime. Of course, Batman isn’t having it—he works alone!
By this point in the film, Batman has managed to adopt a son, Dick Grayson
(Michael Cera), released the kracken on some of movies most notorious (some
forgettable) villains, and broken up one of the greatest relationships ever
to exist. I don’t want to give away too much because there are some great
cameos.

In true LEGO spirit, this movie addresses the importance of relationships,
working together, being part of a team, and trust. Batman is such an
important character to pop culture–we all have our own interpretation of
him–our ideals, our definition of a hero, and our own moral choices. It’s
nice to have this refreshing and comical take with way more depth,
creativity, and character development than we’ve seen from some of DCs
latest feature films. If you’re not too big on delving into the dark side
and complexity of Batman, don’t fret. Just sit back, relax, laugh, and
enjoy a wonderful movie for the whole family. Be sure and stay till the
end to watch the credits. The reason we all have come to love Batman
throughout the years is addressed and appreciated.

4.5 out of 5

 

Second Review by Jennifer Fiduccia

 

 

The Batman Lego Movie is a hilarious, fun for all ages film.

The movie, released by Warner Brothers, is rated PG and stars Will Arnett as Batman, Michael Cera as Nightwing, Ralph Fiennes as Alfred J Pennyworth, Rosario Dawson as Barbara Gordon, and Zach Galifiankis as The Joker.
Lego Batman is fast paced, full of action, loud, colorful, and funny. Many of the jokes will fly right over the kids heads, but they are woven into the storyline in a way that even if they don’t get it, they won’t notice that they don’t get it.
This movie has more bad guys, more explosions, more, bombs, more guns, and, more ‘feelings’ to explore than the origins Lego movie.
The main story lines spin around the relationship between The Joker and Batman, and around Batman and everyone else in his life (or even, LACK of people in his life, and how he deals with that.)
Kids will be drawn to the non stop action, and should be able to follow the story well. My son is 8, and loved it, and my nephews are 16 and 17, and they liked it as well.
With its base cast, listed above, and a host of other super villains (some of which I’d never heard of before) including Clayface, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, and Condiment King, combined with quick wit, gag jokes and a good sound track, I thought it was well done, with a good story and a good message, that you can’t always ‘go it alone’.
I wouldn’t be able to say that I enjoyed it ‘more than’, OR ‘less than’ The Lego Movie, because the two films are different enough that they can’t really be compared to one another. Each stands alone as a separate film, with the only connections being Batman is in both films, and they are both made using Legos. The one thing I noticed that I could definitively say I liked ‘less’ in Lego Batman was that the ‘theme song’, for me, was not as catchy as the ‘Everything Is Awesome’ theme song from The Lego Movie.
I would give this movie 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Barnetty Kusher

Barnetty Kusher

Movie Reviews

Lego Batman