The Lego Batman Movie

“The Lego Batman Movie” is just what we fans of the Dark Knight needed. It’s a loving tribute to everything that’s good about the character and also pokes fun at itself.
 Spoiler alert - click to reveal textWhen Batman (voiced by Will Arnett) refuses to acknowledge that the Joker (voiced by Zach Galifianakis) is worthy of being his arch-nemesis, the Clown Prince of Crime concocts his biggest scheme yet. With our hero unexpectedly stuck with a teenaged sidekick (Michael Cera as Robin/Richard Grayson), Alfred (Ralph Fiennes) completely at a loss as to what to do and Police Commissioner Barbara Gordon (Rosario Dawson) reluctant to kiss Batman’s feet, is Gotham City doomed?

I’m a Batman fan. I read the comics, remember seeing the very first episode of the Animated series in 1992, had the toys, have seen all of the movies… but things have gotten out of hand. Let’s face it. He’s a guy in a costume that goes around punching thugs. No matter what overeager fans may say, there's no way he could've orchestrated the defeat of Superman after just a few days’ worth of preparation (see “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”) “The Lego Batman Movie” reminds us of what Batman is truly about by having some laughs. The more you think about it, the more layers you will discover. It embraces everything Batman; both the serious and the campy without disintegrating into "Batman Forever" territory.
This is a meticulously researched film that contains references to dozens of characters, from the well known to the extremely obscure. There are so many jokes in the background that you’re guaranteed to find something to laugh at. That's when you're not admiring the visuals. With a normal movie, stuff in the background can be cool. You look at it, admire the textures and colors, you might wonder about the objects or characters found there. Here, you also try and figure out how it was made. Look at the creative way those pieces are tied to each other to make a fence, or how real-life objects are recreated with pieces that have nothing to do with metal or stone… because they were originally intended to build palm trees and cameras!
All that, and it’s hilarious. While it doesn't quite have the same amount of heart as “The Lego Movie”, it works on multiple levels and in 3D looks fantastic."Lego Batman" is a rapid-fire, silly comedy that is delightfully zany, throwing in pop culture, self-referential, freeze-frame and absurd humor to ensure both young and old have a great time. I don’t even mind that the film ends in an elaborate dance montage/music video. "The Lego Batman Movie" spoofs superhero cinematic universes, comic books through the ages, geek culture, Lego and more in so many ways that you'll have a hard time keeping up. (3D theatrical version on the big screen, February 20, 2017)