The LEGO Batman Movie review: Will Arnett returns as the caped crusader in the spin-off to The LEGO Movie.
Read our The LEGO Batman Movie review below. The film previews across the UK on February 4th and 5th ahead of a wide release on February 10th.
The LEGO Batman Movie review
The LEGO Movie was a surprise smash upon its release in 2014. The film seduced children to the power of the Lego whilst romancing adults with a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Now comes a spin-off, The LEGO Batman Movie, which once again proves that everything LEGO touches is awesome.
In case the title hasn’t given it away The LEGO Batman Movie throws Batman / Bruce Wayne into the spotlight. It’s a clever move as Will Arnett‘s super cool, but slightly dumb and heavily self-centred Batman all but stole the previous film. Nothing has changed when the film opens, Batman once more saving Gotham City whilst at the same time upsetting The Joker, who just wants Batman to admit that he is his greatest foe. Of course this Batman doesn’t have time for emotions and unwittingly puts Gotham City on a course for total destruction. If Batman is to stand any chance of winning he must admit that he needs help and construct a team which includes his newly adopted son Robin.
The LEGO Batman Movie review
Fans of The LEGO Movie are sure to find plenty to enjoy, this is a non-stop laughter fest, buoyed by clever action, an emotional cornerstone, and insane plot. Fans of Batman are in for a treat, it’s a true treasure trove for Bat-fanatics. Every incarnation of the caped crusader gets a homage, from Adam West all the way through to last year’s Batman Versus Superman: Dawn of Justice. A self-referential story, and in many ways a U-certed version of Deadpool, nothing gets away without a nod or joke. We especially liked the ‘LEGOised’ scenes from Man of Steel which form part of a news broadcast, the footage courtesy of one Z. Synder. This is just the tip of the iceberg, trust us, that Batman fan you know will spend the entire film with a massive grin on their face. It’s not all about the Batman though, there are plenty of LEGO staples, as well as some unexpected cameos (we’ll say no more).
Move over ‘Everything is Awesome’, The LEGO Batman Movie offers us not one but two songs to rival it, the highlight being the Batman rap. Not since Bart Simpson’s ‘Do the Bartman’ have we had such a catchy rhyme sang by such a cool animated character.
Will Arnett clearly had a lot of fun with all aspects of this role and is fast becoming our favourite Batman. LEGO Batman is everything we want from the hero, he’s a crowd-pleasing, action hero with a soft spot for Jerry Maguire – what’s not to love? It’s also the best big-screen venture for Robin (sorry Chris O’Donnell), Michael Cera is fantastically funny as the over-eager, camp, sidekick. And we can’t not mention Zach Galifianakis‘ take on the Joker. This time he’s a villain who wears his heart on his sleeve, all he wants is to be hated more than everyone else.
The LEGO Batman Movie review
The animation is breath-taking and epic in scale. Some of these effects are so good they rival the live-action superhero flicks. Coupled with an intense score from Lorne Balfe, director Chris McKay has crafted a kids film that feels like a true blockbuster. In fact, the action sequences within are ten times better than those featured in most of last year’s action films.
Along the journey we get everything we’ve come to expect from a Batman movie, brooding, action, zingy one-liners, and gadgets, lots of gadgets, all in black (obviously). Add these to the elements of The LEGO Movie – LEGO, tongue-in-cheek humour and catchy songs – and you have a furiously fun film for all the family. Simply Bat-tastic!
The LEGO Batman Movie review, Kat Hughes, February 2017.
The LEGO Batman Movie is released in UK cinemas on Friday 10th February, 2017, with previews on February 4th and 5th.
