The Lego Batman Movie (2017)

The Lego movie phenomenon is a hard one to wrap ones head around. Watching representations of Lego characters act out irreverent adventures seems counter intuitive.  One already has to suspend certain disbelief but watching the almost jagged, disruptive esthetic of a Lego world, should make it even harder to digest. Which is part of the mini miracle that the success (creatively) of the Lego movies has been. And since being irreverant is all in vogue right now (sincerity and seriousness in action movies is still an acquired taste) The Lego Batman Movie balances this perfectly.

The Lego Batman Movie is as smart and subversive as the film that spawned it (The Lego Movie). Both are films which truly shouldn't be as good as they are, as entertaining as they are. This one isn't quite as existential as its predecessor but still manages to get pretty deep into exploring identity, relationships, and emotions. But the real success is the humour. The Lego Batman Movie is relentlessly hilarious. That's the magic that truly sells this adventure.

Will Arnett stole the show in The Lego Movie and here he blossoms into engrossing hilarity. Teamed with his Arrested Development co-star Michael Cera, equally funny as Robin, the movie rarely leaves you a moment between laughs. It's clever humour, referencing everything from pop-culture to history to philosophy. With enough silliness to keep all ages laughing. Certainly one of the secrets of the Lego franchise so far is how it speaks to all demographics at once.

Proving that there are many interpretations of this character to be explored, The Lego Batman Movie hits the target and delivers an undeniably entertaining and fun ride which is almost impossible not to enjoy.

The Lego Batman Movie
Starring: Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson, Ralph Fiennes, Zach Galifinakis, Mariah Carey,  Jenny Slate
Director: Chris McKay
Writers: Seth-Graham Smith, Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Jared Stem, John Whittington