The LEGO Batman Movie, 2017.
Directed by Chris McKay.
Featuring the voice talents of Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson, Ralph Fiennes, Mariah Carey, Jenny Slate, Billy Dee Williams, Hector Elizondo, Conan O’Brien, Jason Mantzoukas, Doug Benson, Zoe Kravitz, Kate Micucci, Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Riki Lindhome, Eddie Izzard, Seth Green, Jermaine Clement, Ellie Kemper, Siri, and Adam DeVine.
SYNOPSIS:
Bruce Wayne must not only deal with the criminals of Gotham City, but also the responsibility of raising a boy he adopted.
The sense of relief I felt watching The LEGO Batman Movie cannot be underestimated. After 2016’s heavy, serious Batman v Superman this movie is the breath of fun fresh air that the Dark Knight has been calling out for. That’s not to say Batfleck doesn’t have his merits (he was –in my opinion – one of the only decent parts of Batman v Superman) but The LEGO Batman Movie doesn’t need to do any world building or tackle serious issues; it is pure enjoyment from start to finish.
Bruce Wayne is his brooding childlike self, saving crime and eating tons of lobster thermidor whilst rocking out and enjoying the solitary life. He inadvertently adopts Dick Grayson (a scene stealing performance from Michael Cera) and then has to go on a mission to take down a myriad of famous bad guys after falling for one of the Joker’s plans.
This movie has enough visual flairs and silly moments for the kids to enjoy but it is definitely one for adults as well. There are numerous self-referential moments throughout and in-jokes fly out of the characters’ mouths left right and centre. At times it’s laugh out loud funny, other times you’ll smirk because of the references – one of my favourite moments is when Killer Croc helps out during a fight and ceremoniously declares “I finally did something!” In the current DC age where everything is serious and there are more furrowed brows then you can shake a stick at, it’s nice to be in a world where Everything is Awesome.
Will Arnett is perfect as always as Batman with his gruff voice and blunt delivery; he is a worthy successor of the cape. The supporting cast are tremendous, Ralph Fiennes as dutiful butler Alfred (who also happens to miss the 60s) is hilarious and as mentioned Michael Cera is hilarious as the wide-eyed, eager to please Robin. Rosario Dawson offers solid support as Barbara Gordon, as does Zach Galifianakis as The Joker. The vocal cast is a list of who’s who and everyone gives it there all, no matter what size part they have. There are no dud vocal performances here, the pace is just right, the plot is bombastic, and the jokes flow constantly: it is simply 100% fun.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★
Helen Murdoch
Originally published February 13, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
