Review of The Lego Batman Movie (2017) by Nicholas B — 02 Oct 2017

Everything is Batman and everything is awesome!

As a big fan of Batman and The Lego Movie, I have been super excited for this film since it was announced. But as ever with something like this, I have been worried that it might not live up to my expectations. Fortunately, about five seconds in, all of my fears were laid to rest.

Director Chris McKay brilliantly explores the endless possibilities of Lego. It is a beautiful roast but also love letter and tribute to the character and films of Batman. The level of detail and attention paid to the characters and also the Lego world is second to none and there are some great callbacks to The Lego Movie.

There is naturally a lot of fan service and the film is jam packed with references and jokes about the previous Batman movies but there is enough humour, action and cameos from other franchises and Lego properties to keep younger children and non-Batman-fans entertained.

The animation in The Lego Movie was brilliant and it has been improved upon here, the cinematography is gorgeous and the soundtrack is superb, taking motifs from classic Batman movies but I also felt a hint of Mad Max Fury Road in there! And that opening number was insane!!

Will Arnett was one of the best things about The Lego Movie and he transitions effortlessly to his own feature. Michael Cera is wonderful as Robin and injects even more humour into the film with his innocent mind. Ralph Fiennes wonderfully channels his Monsieur Gustav from The Grand Budapest Hotel as Alfred Pennyworth and Rosario Dawson is a good Batgirl.

Zack Galifianakis is a brilliant Joker and is clearly - much like the rest of the cast - having an absolute blast playing these wonderful characters. Also, Lego Joker > Jared Leto Joker.

If I have any criticisms it's that the beginning of the third act does take a change of pace which feels somewhat out of place with the rest of the film but it does soon pick up. Also, there is so much going on I feel like I'm missing lots, but if that means I can watch this again and again and still take new things from it then that is fine by me!

I sat through this film with a smile on my face from its fourth-wall-breaking-beginning to its fourth-wall-breaking-end.

The Lego Movie was great but The Lego Batman Movie is absolutely fantastic. They both however take places among my favourite animated movies. I can't wait to see The Lego Ninjago Movie but let's get a sequel to this very soon, yes?

4.5/5.