The Lego Batman Movie is a 3d computer-animated superhero comedy directed by Chris McKay. Batman (Arnett) can handle anything even while listening to his own soundtrack when he is crime fighting. His only weakness, learning how to work with other people. Unfortunately as Bruce Wayne, he accidentally adopts a teenage orphan named Dick Grayson (Cera). Batman will be forced to learn how to play nice as Grayson, the Boy Wonder, dreams of becoming his sidekick. Meanwhile, Joker (Galifianakis) contemplating his failures, comes up with his greatest plan to foil the Bat. Batman must deal with Gotham City changing and if he wants to be Gotham’s savior, he must learn the power of teamwork.
The film has the same energy as The Lego Movie, but it doesn’t quite hold. The story of Batman being a lone wolf has been done. Compared to The Lego Movie, it just isn’t as charming. This time around it’s just too much of Batman and the jokes about Batman get stale. I found Robin more interesting as a character than grumpy Batman. The comedy is self-aware and makes fun of the superhero genre. Yet at the same time being riddled with those same clichés. Along with the simple plot, erratic pacing and heavy-handed message of teamwork, makes the movie feel like it runs too long. The voice cast was good and played their characters well. The standout of the film was Michael Cera as he had me laughing more than anyone else in the film. The best part of Lego Batman, is how incredible the animation looks. It’s not better than the previous film, but impressive nonetheless.
The Lego Movie just worked better and set a high bar. They had an original character that was charismatic and endearing. Batman is just grumpy and jerky. There were some funny scenes, but a lot of funny moments are comic references. Most kids will love The Lego Batman Movie, adults maybe not so much.
MPAA Rating: PG
Running time: 1 hr 44 min
Director: Chris McKay
Screenplay: Seth Grahame-Smith, Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Jared Stern and John Whittington
Cast: Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson and Ralph Fiennes
Producers: Dan Lin, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and Roy Lee
Music: Lorne Balfe
Production Company: Warner Bros. Animation (co-produced)