The Lego Batman Movie (2017)

Genres

Action | Adventure | Animation

Director

Chris McKay

Country

USA

Voice Cast

Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson, Ralph Fiennes, Mariah Carey, Jenny Slate, Susan Bennett, Billy Dee Williams, Hector Elizondo, Conan O'Brien, Jason Mantzoukas, Doug Benson, Zoe Kravitz, Kate Micucci, Riki Lindhome, Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Seth Green, Eddie Izzard

Storyline

To save Gotham City from the Joker's (Zach Galifianakis) hostile takeover, Batman (Will Arnett) has to drop the lone vigilante thing and work with others.

Opinion

Let's be honest, again, "The Lego Movie" wasn't supposed to work. The idea was terrible and I was sure it was going to be a silly kids movie. Needless to say, it turned into a fantastic idea as well as a fantastic film. Batman was pretty much the film's highlight, so it was more that obvious he was going to get his own film soon. It finally happened. And it was awesome.

Although it isn't as good as its predecessor, "The Lego Batman Movie" still is an entertaining, fun, lighthearted superhero flick. And the best Batman movie in years!

Better than the average superhero film, the story is simple - if you've seen the trailer, that's basically it - but it's also engaging and it has more depth that I would have ever imagined. It actually touches some important themes, among which the importance of teamwork stands out, and they are delivered in a way that kids can easily understand them.

The characters are the best part film. As they did in 2014, the filmmakers brought to the screen a different Batman, a version we are definitely not used to see. He is not the dark knight we all know, but a cocky, selfish, childish guy. In other words, some sort of Deadpool. In spite of that, he still remains a likeable character. And it's so refreshing to see this new Batman.

The writers though did not only focus on him, but they took the time to properly write the other characters as well, from the awkward Robin to the awesome Batgirl, to the Joker, the best version of this villain since Heath Ledger's. He isn't as scary as he should be - I doubt the filmmakers wanted to scare kids - still it's very interesting just like his relationship with Batman. I also loved the way the writers were able to integrate villainous characters from other universes, from Lord Voldemort to King Kong.

Other than a solid script, "The Lego Batman Movie" can also claim a lot of funny jokes, delivered as needed, than never failed to put at least a grin on my face - I guess that's the least I could do for the Joker -, dazzling, brilliant visuals, and a soundtrack that will probably have you either wanting to sing or dance. Or both.

Equally awesome is the voice cast. Will Arnett continues his parody of Bale's Batman, Michael Cera's awkwardness fits Robin to perfection, Rosario Dawson is great as Batgirl, and Ralph Fiennes is delightful as Alfred. And kudos to Zach Galifianakis, he makes the Joker so much compelling.