The Lego Batman Movie is a computer animated superhero action-comedy film directed by Chris McKay and is a spin-off from the very successful 2014 film The Lego Movie.
As the title suggests the film focuses on Batman (Will Arnett) who spends his time defending Gotham City from all of their supervillains whilst lapping up the adulation from his fans who happily remind him frequently that only the Caped Crusader can defend their city.
But not everyone is a fan of Batman’s loner mentality and solitary lifestyle with his loyal butler and surrogate father figure Alfred Pennyworth (Ralph Fiennes) urging him to let others into his life and new Police Commissioner Barbara Gordon (Rosario Dawson) requesting him to work with the police so they can battle crime together.
Batman though is determined to avoid being part of a family again and to continue to only work alone but when he unwittingly adopts a young orphan called Dick Grayson (Michael Cera) he is forced into changing his ways.
When The Joker appears on the scene and Batman refuses to acknowledge him as his greatest enemy, the Clown Prince of Crime cooks up a plan which involves releasing the world’s most dangerous supervillains who are all currently locked away in the Phantom Zone. Batman soon realises that he can’t defeat them all on his own and that he must embrace his new friends and accept their offer of help.
Chris McKay, who was the animation co-director of the original Lego movie, brings us a visually-striking, fast paced film with a continuous stream of visual gags and many references to the Batman franchise which will please long term fans.
Will Arnett is in fine form as Batman and you can tell he is having fun playing up the character’s loner personality and arrogant manner to comical effect.
The film is more than just action/comedy set pieces though as Batman is given real character development and the audience are given an insight into his psyche.
Will Arnett and Michael Cera have great comedic chemistry as Cera plays up the naivety in Dick Grayson/Robin along with his adoration of Batman which is both funny and touching.
There are also great vocal performances from Rosario Dawson, Ralph Fiennes and Zach Galifianakis which helps to give memorable personalities to Barbara Gordon/Batgirl, Alfred Pennyworth and The Joker.
Whilst this is definitely the Batman and Robin show we are treated to quick appearances from other DC characters, both villains and superheroes, which all adds to the fun.
The film also features characters from other notable franchises and movie series, including the Daleks from Doctor Who, Lord Voldemort from Harry Potter and the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz.
The Lego Batman Movie succeeds in being a fun action packed film with a meaningful storyline and it should appeal to fans of all ages.
Geronimo Entertainment 