The Lego Batman Movie: The film we deserved? it's safe to say yes. This follow up to The Lego Film contains supporting character Lego Batman (voiced by Will Arnett) a standalone vehicle, which is far more straightforward in its approach. It is periodically hilarious, with several intertextual references to many iconic characters such as Voldermort, Daleks, Godzilla and a nod to Christopher Nolan's, The Dark Knight Trilogy and knowing nods to other TV and film characters.
The Lego Batman Movie may have saved DC fragmented reputation and persuade audiences to feel good about Suicide Squad, Harley Quinn and the idea of Batman fighting Superman. The Joker (Zach Galifianakis) does a great job to try and bring a harmless yet psychotic Joker who is building his bromance with The Dark Knight (Will Arnett). This however fails pretty miserably as Batman prefers to "fight around" with Bane and Superman showing his lack of connection between himself and the Joker (Zach Galifianakis). So Joker devises a wicked plan that forces Batman to swallow his inner pride and blocked relationships and ask for crime-fighting help from his stepson Dick Grayson (Michael Cera), butler Alfred (Ralph Fiennes) and new Commissioner Barbara Gordon (Rosario Dawson). On the plus side, it has some heart and tells a strong story about Batman embracing a family again. This great cast brings gags and smart allusions. Why can't non-Lego movies be as funny, exciting and weirdly moving as this?
This is not to say that this film does not have flaws. Some audiences may wish there were fewer jokes as It seemed like they were assaulting us with a hundred jokes a minute, when ideally some may have preferred a leaner script where the good jokes (of which there are plenty) were allowed to breathe a little. Nevertheless the film contains explosive fun which action sequence fizzes with childlike energy, making viewers feel as if they're in the hands of a kid playing with his toys to give that nostalgic childhood memories attracting younger and older audiences alike.
The Lego Batman Movie may have been given a U certificate by the BBFC (The British Board of Film Classification) but don't be fooled as this will have many adults laughing at the references of many films and iconic villains along with the devastating use of Harry Nilsson's One (Is the Loneliest Number) since Paul Thomas Anderson's Magnolia.
Ultimately, though, this is a movie meant for kids and it should work wonderfully for them. For older viewers, it's a Batman adventure which most definitely isn't a highlight of the Caped Crusader's many big screen appearances, but is at least an enjoyable look into a very different world featuring him and his supporting cast.
Overall this a great film to watch with the family and does not fail in executing jokes and gags for younger audiences and gives nostalgic identification for the older generation viewers. The studio, Warner Bros., finds a way to put in the respected rights of several movie titles from Harry Potter to The Lord of the Rings, into the film. But The Lego Batman Movie does well to give a enjoyment experience for young and older audiences alike.
8/10