The LEGO Batman Movie

We've all seen a plethora of animated features films, but when "The LEGO Movie" '14 was released, it gave an all new definition of the word-- animation. Having fun with the plot of that film was only one aspect of the creativity-- how did those guys do that amazing animation? We now have a follow up to that movie with "The LEGO Batman Movie".

 

In the irreverent spirit of fun that made "The LEGO Movie" a worldwide phenomenon, the self-described leading man of that ensemble-- LEGO Batman (Will Arnett)--stars in his own big-screen adventure: "The LEGO Batman Movie". But there are big changes brewing in Gotham, and if he wants to save the city from the Joker's (Zach Galifianakis) hostile takeover, Batman may have to drop the lone vigilante thing, try to work with others such as Batgirl/Barbara Gordon (Rosario Dawson) and Alfred Pennyworth (Ralph Fiennes), and maybe, just maybe, learn to lighten up.

While Batman defends Gotham City from criminals and super villains, he eventually bonds with a young orphan (Michael Cera) he accidentally adopts--who, of course eventually becomes his sidekick Robin.

 

Others to round out the cast are Jenny Slate as Harley Quinn, Siri as 'Puter, Hector Elizondo as Jim Gordon, Channing Tatum as Superman and Doug Benson as Bane.

 

This was creatively directed by Chris McKay ("2wks, 1yr." '02, "Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode III (TV movie) '10) plus TV. Even though Phil Lord and Chris Miller directed "The LEGO Movie" incredibly well, McKay was able to replicate that same feel as the original to keep it as seamless as possible. It was written well by Seth Grahame-Smith, Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Jared Stern and John Whittington based on a story by Grahame-Smith which is based on Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger and based on Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The writing in this was as fresh as the original and with the parody style of writing, this was a joy to watch. Other than a couple of very small places of slowness, this script rocked. What amazed me was that usually when there is as many writers attached to a film, the script can and does have the propensity of getting bogged and lacks cohesiveness, but this is truly the exception. As with the original film, Arnett's character of Batman simply stole the show. The rest of the cast was solid, but his performance will stay with you well past the credits end. The animation was brilliantly created by Animal Logic as were the main titles. How did those guys do this form of animation?

 

Obviously if you liked "The LEGO Movie", you'll love this, but even if animated flicks aren't your thing, the creative writing in this will be enough to pull you in. If you really like these films, don't worry, "The LEGO NINJAGO Movie" will be released in September, 2017. Grab the popcorn and enjoy!

 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                             Rated: PG                               104mins.