While we wait for Affleck and friends to figure out what the hell they’re doing, The LEGO Batman Movie has come to save the franchise. Sure it’s an unrelated animated movie about toys, but one of those toys just happens to be a version of Batman written by people that truly seem to understand the character.
This is the Batman movie fans have been waiting for.
The LEGO Batman Movie takes place a few years after the events of The LEGO Movie, however, this definitely isn’t a sequel. This one is all about Batman. It’s still just as beautifully animated as its predecessor and maintains the same silly tone, but don’t expect Emmet and Wyldstyle to show up at any point.
During a typical Gotham City rescue mission, Batman hurts Joker’s feelings when he tells him that he isn’t as important to his life as he thinks he is. Batman doesn’t consider Joker to be his arch-nemesis, Joker means nothing to him. A disheartened Joker then sets out to exact revenge on Batman by gathering all of his villain friends and convincing them to turn themselves in to the GCPD.
If that seems like a counterproductive plan, don’t worry, there is a whole Phantom Zone that really bad people in the LEGO Universe can get banned to and Superman has the portal gun to open up the entrance. And like Batman gets the gun and banishes Joker there. But then a bunch of villains from past Warner Bros. movies like the Gremlins come out of it and it’s really cool. Then everyone learns a good lesson about friendship and it all makes sense by the end.
Oh and Robin is in the movie too! Perfectly voiced by Michael Cera and definitely one of the stand-out characters of the film. He just idolizes Batman so much and is so humorously innocent, it’s hard not to love him. All of the voice talent in this movie is a prime example of perfect casting. Zach Galifianakis as the Joker is a perfect fit, and the title character is brilliantly voiced by Will Arnett.
Arnett is a great comedic mind but hasn’t had the best of luck since Arrested Development. He’s been destined for greatness for a while now. It’s very refreshing to see him in a successful role ti which he can have so much fun with. For instance, check out this completely in-character radio appearance he did on BBC Radio while on his press tour.
Hopefully, he gets to do this character for years to come.
Overall The LEGO Batman Movie doesn’t feel as fresh and new as The LEGO Movie, because it isn’t, but that’s ok. It’s still a very funny film with a great cast and amazing visuals that the whole family can enjoy. It’s also a perfect addition to the LEGO Cinematic Universe that at its core also happens to be a true-to-form DC/Batman movie. One that Zack Snyder could learn a thing or two or twelve from. Just saying.
One more thing…
Considering that Siri provided the voice of Batman’s computer assistant in the movie if you’ve got an iPhone on you go ahead and hold down your home button and say “Hey ‘puter” for some fun LEGO Batman-related responses.
