Review: The Lego Batman Movie | University Observer

By Alexander Glover | Feb 16 2017

Director: Chris McKayStarring: Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson and Ralph FiennesRelease Date: February 10^thRuntime: 104 minutes[br]AFTER 2014's The Lego Movie, a surprise critical and commercial success, a sequel was bound to be 'put together' sooner rather than later. One of the standout characters from the first movie was Lego Batman, voiced by Will Arnett. His wise-cracking, self-aware and self-righteous self was a refreshing take on the brooding superhero, after a slew of releases drenched in darkness.Over the years, Batman has taken on many guises, from the “Bam! Pow!” Batman of the '60s to the legendary Batman: The Animated Series. The Lego Batman Movie pays homage to every era of the bat and the protagonist himself admits he has “aged phenomenally.” The many bat-variants mean that everybody has their own Batman— anybody questioning this light-hearted take should remember that this is Batman through the eyes of a child.

“Shockingly, Lego Batman is one of the best films there is that delves into the psyche of the man in the mask.”

Central to the plot is that Batman works alone and is afraid to have a family or any relationship. When the superhero returns home after saving the day his life is filled with loneliness (and microwave meals). Shockingly, Lego Batman is one of the best films there is that delves into the psyche of the man in the mask. But don’t worry, it’s packed with genuinely funny jokes and gags from the start, including a repeated one at the expense of Marvel’s Iron Man.At times the fourth wall is broken and there’s a sense that the writers were influenced by 2016’s Deadpool which can also be seen in the marketing. Of course, this movie is rated PG so don’t expect the same content, but there are some jokes that may go over the heads of younger audience members.

“It avoids the trap of universe-building, instead focusing on telling a good story.”

Any fans of DC lore should be pleased with this movie, which director Chris McKay described as a “90 minute Easter Egg.” It definitely delivers on this promise with cameos from just about every DC hero and villain as well as other famous characters from further afield. It may take a second or third viewing just to spot everything and everyone.The DC Extended Universe has gotten off to a rocky start, which Warner Bros. hope to correct this year with Wonder Woman and Justice League. The Lego Batman Movie is not a part of that ‘universe’ but it looks set to be met with a warmer reception. It avoids the trap of universe-building, instead focusing on telling a good story, something more serious films have failed to manage.[br]In a nutshell: A fun movie for all ages. Everything is still awesome!