The Lego Movie was a surprise success, a fun and clever romp that was much better than audiences, or maybe just me, thought it ever could be.
Still, when The Lego Batman Movie was announced, the skepticism returned.
Does the world really need a Batman-themed LEGO spin-off? He was a popular character in the original movie, but is there enough material to make a proper, stand-alone film?
After seeing it in theaters, I can say the answer is a resounding yes.
Directed by Chris Mckay and written by a group of comedy writers—including Phil Lord and Chris Miller, the writers and directors of the original Lego Movie—The Lego Batman Movie follows everyone’s favorite caped crusader, “Batman.”
Featuring the voices of Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson, and Ralph Fiennes, The Lego Batman Movie follows the events of the original movie.
Batman does his thing in Gotham City, continuing to battle foes like “The Joker” and reveling in being the hero of the city.
When the new police commissioner is introduced and has plans for the police and Batman to work closer together to fight crime, Batman doubles down on wanting to do everything by himself.
As the Joker puts his evil plan into action, Batman realizes that, contrary to what he thought, he can’t do everything by himself and turns to his friends to help him defeat his nemesis.
The movie is a breath of fresh air in the middle of this era of superhero films and shared universes, taking this opportunity to call out just how ridiculous it’s starting to get, especially just in the world of Batman.
From the cheesy Adam West era to Ben Affleck’s current iteration, there are loads of jokes poking fun at how Batman and his group have changed through the years.
Not taking itself seriously is the movie’s best quality, along with not trying to do too much with an overcomplicated plot or unnecessary themes.
It’s pretty much exactly what one would expect going in, and it’s better off for it.
Like The Lego Movie, the writing is top-notch; there are plenty of hilarious one-liners and absolutely no wasted jokes. Even ones that seem unnecessary get called back to.
For example, an early emphasis on Batman’s abs comes back at the end for a fantastic payoff.
Arnett’s Batman is still just as full of himself as he was in the original movie, and this plays well with Cera’s innocent and naïve “Robin.”
Zach Galifianakis comes off as probably the most sympathetic Joker ever, and the writers cleverly work out a story structure that isn’t simply the Joker being a bad guy and having an evil plan.
Hurt that Batman doesn’t consider him important in his life, despite the fact that they are archenemies, Joker’s evil plan comes out more as jealousy than maliciousness.
There’s nothing too complicated here; The Lego Batman Movie is fun, silly, hilarious, and essential viewing for those who need to smile for a couple hours.
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