THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE (2017)

Genre: CG Animation
Director: Chris McKay
Cast: Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson, Ralph Fiennes, Jenny Slate, Mariah Carey, Billy Dee Williams
Runtime: 1 hr 45 mins
Rating: PG
Released By: Warner Bros Pictures
Official Website: http://www.legobatman.net

Opening Day: 9 February 2017

Synopsis: In the irreverent spirit of fun that made “The LEGO Movie” a worldwide phenomenon, the self-described leading man of that ensemble – LEGO Batman – stars in his own big-screen adventure. But there are big changes brewing in Gotham, and if he wants to save the city from The Joker’s hostile takeover, Batman may have to drop the lone vigilante thing, try to work with others and maybe, just maybe, learn to lighten up.

Movie Review:

Is there actually a need for a proper review for The Lego Batman Movie, this reviewer found himself asking this question. Were there any doubts that this movie wouldn’t be worth your time in the cinema? Well - since editorial space has been put aside for this writer to pen his thoughts on the studio's second film in the Lego franchise, he will try his best to conceal his fanboy glee and talk about what was done right for the film, and what wasn’t.

Let’s start with the not so nice things about the movie. One mistake this columnist made was to watch all the teaser clips, trailers and promotional videos before catching the movie. He could more or less predict when those already released scenes were going to appear in the 105 minute movie. Sure, the jokes would still funny when you hear them a second time (or 14^th time, in this writer’s case), but the impact would definitely be bigger if you were experiencing the witty (and occasionally outrageously juvenile but hilarious) gags for the first time. So, if you are still searching for new clips to watch online before watching the movie, stop immediately.

Now, on to the good stuff. There are many groups of fans who will lap up this movie. Fans (read: nerds) of Lego, DC Comics and animated movies – rejoice! This is an all in one package which will please fans who get a kick out of spotting Easter eggs and movie references. Plus, the Australia based animation studio Animal Logic has done a beautiful job with the animation: Lego bricks never looked better on the big screen (while there are 3D and IMAX 3D choices, the 2D format of the movie is enough to leave you impressed).

The rest of the review will not tell you tell you anything new. Pardon this columnist’s tardiness, because the joy of watching this superhero animated movie is really about finding out what the brilliant writers (Seth Grahame Smith, Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Jared Stern and John Whittington) have put together. The story hits the spot with its take on the conventional hero villain relationship, and leaves you wondering why Batman has a never ending pool of villains to fight.

Director Chris McKay (he was an animation co-director on The Lego Movie (2014) with Phil Lord and Christopher Miller) has done an awesome job pleasing fans and non fans alike. The result is a family friendly flick that is big on laughs and full of heart. The takeaway message is as wholesome as it gets – family is everything one can ask for.

Will Arnett returns to voice Batman, and is accompanied by Zach Galifianakis as Joker. Michael Cera is Robin, Rosario Dawson is Batgirl, and Ralph Fiennes is Alfred Pennyworth. Things get more fun with cameos by celebrities like Mariah Carey as Mayor McCaskill, Billy Dee Williams as Two Face, Conan O Brien as Riddler, Channing Tatum as Superman and Jonah Hill as Green Lantern.

While there isn’t a irritatingly catchy song like “Everything is Awesome”, listen out for the lyrics of the uproarious and sidesplitting tunes from the soundtrack. And here’s a sample of the lyrics to give you an idea why we are giving this movie the perfect five star rating: Who’s the manliest man? (Batman!)/ With buns of steel? (Batman!)/ Who could choke hold a bear? (Batman!)

Movie Rating:

(Be Lego Batman's fan and chant with us now: Who has the coolest gadgets? Batman! Who has the tricked out ride? Batman! Who does the sickest backflips? Batman!!!)

Review by John Li