The Lego Batman Movie

The Lego Movie was the big surprise hit film of 2014 for me. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it so much but loved the story, the incredible animation and, of course, that song, so I had very high hopes for The Lego Batman Movie…

And it did not disappoint at all. From the first sarcastic observation about opening scenes in a film to the satisfying ending, this is a film that delivers on all fronts. With an excellent Will Arnott channeling his inner Christian Bale to great effect and Zach Galifianakis clearly loving voicing The Joker, this film was actioned-packed, full of great gags and one-liners.

This particular Batman doesn’t do relationships so finds it challenging when he inadvertently takes on a young orphan Dick Grayson/Robin (Michael Cera) and is encouraged by his butler Alfred (Ralph Fiennes) to spend time with the boy. Alongside this, he has to work with the new Police Commissioner of Gotham, Barbara Gordon (Rosario Dawson) to try to defeat The Joker and his veritable rogues gallery of villains and save Gotham from being blown up.

The film is full of references to previous onscreen Batmans, especially the campy 60s version which was a delight to see. The music was a pastiche of every Batman soundtrack you can think of (particularly The Dark Knight Rises) and the film takes great pleasure at poking fun at other DC characters and particularly at previous Batmans.

Verdict: Although it doesn’t have the catchy song of The Lego Movie, this is a fun, hilarious and brilliantly done film that will please adults and kids alike.