SPOILER FREELet me start by saying that prior to seeing this movie, I enjoyed the 2014 Lego movie, finding it both refreshing and surprisingly hilarious and fun to watch. Hearing about the release of Lego Batman, I went into it with great anticipation due to my enjoyment of the Lego movie and being a fan of Batman in general throughout my life. Growing up, I adored the Batman Animated series that aired on FOX, worshipped the Tim Burton and Michael Keaton Batman films, enjoyed Batman Forever at the time and still find it to be a fun movie, and think Batman and Robin is just about the greatest bad movie ever made. The Dark Knight trilogy still stands the test of time as being the definitive comic book trilogy and despite Batman Vs Superman's issues, Afflecks Batman was better than expected. Going into Lego Batman Movie, I knew not to take it seriously as it's nothing more than a fun family film that if it's good, will entertain both young children and adults much like Lego Batman did for audiences. Having seen Lego Batman now, I can honestly say that the film not only entertains young children, but is surprisingly mature with its humor that even adults as well as comic book fans can get a genuine kick out of it.
The Lego: Batman Movie is a charming family film, that never takes itself too seriously and has fun with the title character, with the most shocking plot twist being that it satisfies more as a Batman flick than Batman Vs Superman does. The Lego Batman Movie takes this character and brings him down to a more goofy nature, poking fun at the previous Batman films made with him and The Joker, while creating it's own storyline that manages to become it's own mission for the main character. It's also a real treat to have characters like Superman, Robin, Commissionar Gordon, and Barbara Gordon all appear in this film as well as Alfred whose very funny as Bruce's sarcastic Butler. While dazzling children with its main character and fun storyline involving him and The Joker, adults are entertained through the endless references made in regards to the Batman franchise, as well as the nostalgia it has fun with. The filmmakers behind The Lego Batman Movie understand that audiences have grown tired of the characters ultra serious tone as The Nolan movies made Batman more realistic than previous interpretations showed him as continued by Snyders dark and gloomy direction. What The Lego Batman movie does with the character that makes it a hit with adults, is showing that even though Batman is a dark type of character, he can still be a lot of fun if presented in the right tone for cartoon entertainment. Lego Batman is essentially a love letter to Batman fans, making them remember about what makes the character so awesome inbthe first place. While the film isn't as well written, fresh, nor as clever as the Lego movie, it still remains strong with its humor and abilities to dazzle audiences by loosening up the mood of the caped crusader. The Lego Batman movie is the parody of the Dark Knight that audiences did not ask for, but one that is refreshing, as well as being a genuine surprise at how it shows that Batman can be a very fun character in the Lego world. The film can essentislly be viewed as being a hilarious homage to the enduring pop culture legacy of the caped crusader with references being made to precious Batman outings from Batman The Movie 1966 up until present day. Batman's interactions with the character of Superman in this interpretation are clever, funny, and poke fun at their recent attempts to be brought together on the big screen. The greatest asset that The Lego Batman movie possesses, is the amount of heart the film carries as well as it's ability to dazzle young audiences with its beautiful animation style that's stunning, as well as inserting jokes and references that older audiences will understand and pick up on.
Overall The Lego Batman Movie is the surprise theatrical experience that one is looking for if they want to see a superhero film that doesn't take itself too seriously, and isn't ashamed to poke fun of itself without losing any form of credibility. It may not be as good as Lego: The Movie but Lego Batman is still brilliant, daring, and mature in its attempts to humor it's audience. The movies ability to make fun of what is while crafting it's own exciting storyline for children, is a true testament to the films strengths. Until something else comes along this year that beats it in the animated film category, Lego Batman is the animated film to beat this year offering audiences a nice change of scenery from the dark and more serious interpretations of the Batman character. Lego Batman never loses sight of the fact that Batman is the main star of the film and is glorified for past achievements on film but finally given a chance to loosen up without going the George Clooney route of camp. His relationship with Robin remains one of the films funniest subplots as well as his on and off relationship with Barbara Gordon. Lego Batman manages to explore Batman's humanity and portray him in a more sympathetic light as he hilariously tries to balance out his normal life and family drama with that of being a caped crusader. The Lego Batman movie is a must see for all fans of the character, as well as serving as a fitting follow up to 2014s surprise smash hit Lego Movie.
8 out of 10
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