In February of 2014, the first full-length feature LEGO movie took the world by storm. The film made an incredible $469 million worldwide on a budget of only $60 million. The film solidified two absolutes. One, the directors of the film (Chris Miller and Phil Lord) were not one hit wonders with their brilliant adaptation of Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. And two, more smart and witty LEGO movies are what the people want. And there is no better character to feature for the next outing than Batman – the hero we all deserve.
Right from the start, without spoiling things, Batman (Arnett) has the audience in stitches before the first shot even appears on screen. The writing is so clever, and Arnett’s delivery is perfect. I’ve never laughed so hard at logos in my life. This first encounter with the caped crusader sets the tone for the rest of the film.
As any fan of the hero knows, Batman prefers to work alone. Taking place during a time before the “Bat Family” exists, the caped crusader battles his arch nemeses single handedly – before returning home to a lonely bat cave. His only companions are Alfred Pennysworth (Ralph Fiennes), his trusted butler and surrogate father figure, and the bat computer (voiced by Siri) – which he has programmed to constantly remind him of how awesome he is. Bruce Wayne and Batman’s personalities remain exactly how they were left in The LEGO Movie, and continues to be a fun take on the classic superhero. While never ill-intentioned, Bruce often thinks only of himself – and is never afraid to say how ripped, or smart, or talented he is. His interactions with Alfred, often leaving him looking like a petulant child, are a cause of many a great laughs throughout the film.
During a retirement gala for Commissioner Gordon (Hector Elizondo), Gotham is introduced to his replacement – Barbara (Rosario Dawson), his daughter. Bruce becomes instantly smitten upon seeing her, and unknowingly agrees to adopt an orphan named Richard Grayson (Michael Cera) in his daze. Through a series of events instigated by Alfred, Dick (because “children can be cruel” – just one of many understated and great jokes in the film) stumbles upon the Bat Cave and eventually becomes Robin. Batman hesitantly decides to team up with the young crimefighter when he discovers that he needs him to break into Superman’s (Channing Tatum) Fortress of Solitude. You know, because batman is “too swole” to break in through the vents.
The best kids movies are the ones that transcend the genre, and find a following with audiences of all ages. The LEGO Batman Movie does exactly that, just as its predecessor, and is the rare four quadrant hit that filmmakers dream of. There is something in the movie for everyone: young or old, boys or girls, comic book collectors with Batman bedsheets or kids being introduced to the character for the first time. The LEGO Batman Movie has instantly become a classic, and is welcomed with open arms into the franchise.
A+
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