Director Chris McKay
Genre Animation | Action | Comedy
Cast Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Zach Galifianakis, Ralph Fiennes
Rating PG
Release Date February 10th, 2017
“Bruce Wayne must not only deal with the criminals of Gotham City, but also the responsibility of raising a boy he adopted.”
From director Chris McKay, The Lego Batman Movie is an indirect follow-up to 2014's The Lego Movie, which found great success. McKay was not involved with the 2014 film and he brings with him a brand new crew of writers. Even with all that taken into consideration, one view of this film’s trailer makes it clear it would follow rather closely in the footsteps of The Lego Movie. The stellar cast of voice actors includes Will Arnett (who also voiced Batman in The Lego Movie), Michael Cera, Zach Galifianakis, and Ralph Fiennes.
The Lego Batman Movie is a very well written, fun-filled experience offering more than enough for viewers of all ages. I really enjoyed The Lego Movie which I considered to be a very pleasant surprise, as I wasn't sure what to expect. Back then the idea of a movie based entirely on Lego's seemed ridiculous to me. Well I was wrong, and similar to The Lego Movie, The Lego Batman Movie offers us something that really comes to life, immersing viewers into an imaginatively creative world. I found myself laughing throughout the film and I really enjoyed the clever references to the DC Comics universe, although I’m sure there are many that I missed. It's amazing that a film made with Lego's (and plenty of CGI magic of course) can somehow manage to add a very real element of emotion surrounding its characters, to the point where you genuinely care about them. I don't care what anybody says, that is impressive. I took my little buddy to see this who is 12 and he loved it. I think he enjoyed The Lego Movie a bit more just because he wouldn't stop quoting the "Everything is Awesome" song during the ride home, but who can blame him, that was catchy! The Lego Batman Movie proved that the Lego films aren't going away anytime soon, and I'm sure that makes the peeps over at Lego pretty happy.
The cast of voice actors is easily one of the biggest strengths for The Lego Batman Movie, putting together a stellar cast of A-list talent. Will Arnett is amazing as Batman, taking full advantage of his skills as an effective comedic actor. Playing the other pivotal role alongside Arnett is hilarious comedian-turned-actor, Zach Galiafanakis in the role of The Joker. I'm a huge fan of his from his work in The Hangover films, undoubtedly his most memorable role, to his current role in the oddly entertaining FX series Baskets. Ralph Fiennes fit in nicely voicing Batman's trusty butler Alfred, who more often than not is the voice of reason. Michael Cera was a fantastic addition in the role of Robin, playing off Arnett with impressive ease.
The Lego Batman Movie put a smile on my face from start to finish and that was really all I could ask for. What I liked most about this movie is the fact that it can appeal to such a varied audience. You can appreciate this film as an adult, child, comic book fan, or even someone that isn't into comic books at all. It's simply very creative, witty, and fun. The Lego Batman Movie is absolutely worth seeing in theaters and once it releases on Blu-ray and DVD the replay-ability makes it worth a purchase as well. Highly recommended.
