'The Lego Batman Movie' Review

Because He’s Batman

BY IAN TAN

Black & Yellow

The Lego Batman Movie comes to us after the hugely successful The Lego Movie in 2014, and follows Batman as he deals with his biggest fundamental flaw: loneliness.  This film explores that aspect of his character to great, and very comedic, effect.

The voice cast, which includes Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Cera, Ralph Fiennes, Rosario Dawson and many more, are fantastic in their respective roles. Galifianakis is especially entertaining as the Joker, and shares a great comedic relationship with Arnett’s Batman. Without spoiling much, their relationship in this movie is definitely the funniest aspect of the film, with Arnett and Galifianakis nailing the comedic and dramatic beats. Michael Cera was also a great casting choice as Robin, as his child-like voice lends this version of Robin a nice sense of innocence and empathy. And Ralph Fiennes was gold as Alfred.

Why does he wear his cowl at home?

With The Lego Movie being a near-perfect movie for what it was, I didn’t think Lego Batman would ever reach its predecessor’s heights, and it doesn’t, but it does come pretty close. What I thought was great about The Lego Movie was its surprisingly effective blend of humour and emotion, and The Lego Batman Movie continues to master that balancing act. However, while The Lego Movie had a surprising emotional twist at the end, this movie ended in a rather predictable fashion, which is fine for the message this film is trying to tell. It's still heartfelt, but it didn’t make me feel the same way I did when The Lego Movie ended. I also felt that the characters in this one weren’t as likable or as interesting as the ones in The Lego Movie, but maybe that’s just because I think Chris Pratt and Elizabeth Banks make a better pairing than Will Arnett and Michael Cera do.

The cameos featured in this film (from DC and beyond) were pretty hilarious, and the film’s references to previous Batman films and recent debacles like Batman V Superman and Suicide Squad are delightfully chuckle-worthy without being too degrading towards those films.

Gotta love Robin's sparkle

Overall, The Lego Batman Movie will very likely please audiences regardless of age group. The humour never ceases, it’s emotional enough when it needs to be, it provides an interesting exploration of the Batman character, and it never takes itself too seriously, and neither does the audience. So if you’re stressed out or simply have time to kill this February, The Lego Batman Movie is a great 1 hour 44 minute piece of escapist entertainment.

Score: 8/10