Who would have ever thought that a plastic toy company from the 1930s could produce such a heartwarming and funny family film? After the success of 2014's The Lego Movie and the fan-favorite character of Batman voiced by Will Arnett, DC has once again teamed up with Warner Bros. Animation to create The Lego Batman Movie. It is truly a shame that DC does not spend all of their time and effort into making their live-action movies as good as this animated spectacle. This movie is one of the funniest and most original pieces of comic book cinema in recent years and has a little bit of something to please everyone.
While many superhero films of this day and age follow a set formula, this movie does not. The writing, plot, and story in this movie are so clever and original and I personally find something new that I like each time I watch this. The plot revolves around Batman being a more vulnerable and caring father figure as he learns to adapt to life with a family. His constant brooding and vigilantism are tested when he comes to realize that he may not always work best alone. These relationships between the characters are not only well-developed but hilarious to watch as well. Most of this humor comes as Batman inducts Robin (Michael Cera) and Batgirl (Rosario Dawson) into his gang of crime-fighters and the struggles he has with letting them into his own life. The comedy in this film is utilized brilliantly and blends with the more heartfelt parts as well. However, the relationship between Batman and Joker is the funniest part of this movie. The fact that the writers flipped the "relationship-problems" trope on its head as a hero and his villain was incredible. I also loved the number of voice cameos and other pop culture references, such as Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Jenny Slate, the eye of Sauron, the Wicked Witch, and Voldemort among many hilarious others.
I do not have much to say about The Lego Batman Movie, other than I absolutely love it. The animation in this film is a bit choppy but I feel like that was the intent, given that all of the characters are plastic toy figures. Even though all of the characters move and interact in ways that the actual toys can't, so much life is in every single character and their respective voice actors aid in that as well. I also adored the soundtrack and its unabashedly glam-pop style. While this film opens as Batman is monologuing over a black screen, setting the supposedly dark tone for the movie, it takes a turn throughout the film as he learns to accept his new family member. I love how the tone evolves with the development of Batman throughout this movie, paving the way for the closing song, "Friends Are Family."
The Lego Batman Movie is such a surprising achievement in animated family films and provides something that many other studios can't: an original story with a fantastic voice cast and a plethora of comic book goodness. Even if you are solemnly against this age of superhero movies, this film brings a full plate of fresh content to the genre and I would strongly recommend taking the time to just relax and have a good laugh.
My Rating: ★★★★
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