THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE is one of the most fast-paced movies I’ve ever seen. There is a constant stream of jokes and references that fills every single moment of the film. It’s witty, it’s silly and more than anything it’s surprisingly heartfelt. The movie surprises on every level, leaving audiences at the last second wondering how someone could laugh, cry and squeal with giddiness so many times in only an hour and 41 minutes.
THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE follows very close suit to THE LEGO MOVIE, its predecessor and introduction into what seems to be the beginning of a sort of 'Lego Cinematic Universe,' similar to the Marvel Cinematic Universe or DC Extended Universe. When THE LEGO MOVIE came out, fans gravitated to the hilariously over-the-top version of Batman, which is what ended up causing this well deserved spin-off.
What is most surprising about THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE is how, unlike most spin-offs in today’s world, Will Arnett’s Batman keeps the same amount of energy and humor as he does in THE LEGO MOVIE. Though he now has an entire movie dedicated to him, and not just a spotlight to constantly be stealing, he somehow stays satisfying throughout the film.
Apart from Arnett’s Batman is the slew of new characters who are introduced. The Joker, Robin, Alfred Pennyworth and Barbara Gordon become the movie's equivalent to how Batman was in THE LEGO MOVIE, accenting Batman’s jokes and personality, but also stealing scenes throughout the movie themselves. Each character reflects the slightly skewed, yet somehow beyond accurate version of themselves from the comic books. You will never know just how much you needed Michael Cera voicing Robin, the Boy Wonder.
The cast list is unbelievable. Genuinely, even the smallest of characters have the most surprising guest star voicing them. I will refrain from listing my favorites, because one of the most amazing parts about THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE was figuring out who all is behind the voices of some of these most beloved characters. The only disappointing feeling about this is sitting there wishing that each character could get more lines of dialogue. Each character has a moment to shine, but they are all crafted so well to fit into the tone of the film that it’s sad they don’t get more screen time.
I will say that it is important to keep an open ear throughout the entire movie. New characters pop out every second, and behind them may be some of your most beloved stars. Stick around for the credits after and read the astonishing list of people involved in this film, it’s almost as mind-blowing as the film itself.
When jokes and references are flying at you left and right, however, some may be under appreciated or even missed. This doesn’t diminish any of the humor or importance, but rather leaves you feeling like there’s hundreds of moments that you’ve missed. THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE feels like a movie sped up to 110-percent, which is just a little too fast for what the film is trying to accomplish.
Within the first 20 minutes, I felt like it was already a movie worth watching again, just to catch every tiny detail I had missed. There are so many references and gags that are small quotes, details, or even just images that some fly by too quickly to catch. Each one feels important or worth noticing though, but at some points it feels slightly exhausting keeping up. It is at all times, however, worth keeping up, because each small detail contributes to the entire film in its own way.
Rest assured, though this film will entertain every audience alike, it feels almost made for the Batman fans. There are mentions to every Batman movie that’s been made to this day, even acknowledging the rocky cinematic debut Batman had in 1943. The brilliant writing team behind this film obliterates all the Batman film moments that have left audiences confused for years (*cough cough* BATMAN AND ROBIN *cough cough*). Batman, who has gone through some drastic changes throughout his film portrayals, gets the perfect parody in this film, one that acknowledges every amazing moment of these films, all while pointing out their absurdities.
THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE is far from cheesy. For a film based on two completely separate franchises, one literally being a toy line, it feels hard to imagine that such a film will be worth watching. However, much like THE LEGO MOVIE, this film has meaning that feels important, and not just in the life of this beloved character. THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE is the kind of film that adults and children can both enjoy.
It’s silly, but the silly is more fun than it ever is foolish. It embraces the side within all of us that wants to laugh at something like we did when we were children. But instead of creating jokes that are mindlessly pointless, like many children’s movies do today, THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE makes silly jokes that have a point. When all of the silly and witty jokes alike culminate in the end to reveal the movie's full purpose, you’re left with a film with just as much heart as there is humor and action.
Written by William Staton, Movie & TV Reviewer -- Click to read William's posts
[Editor Note: This review was not under any press embargo due to this viewing being from an early fan screening of the movie.]
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