The Lego Batman Movie (2017)

 

Genre: Action/Adventure

Time: 1h 44mins

Director: Chris McKay

Quick Summary: A cooler-than-ever Bruce Wayne must deal with the usual suspects as they plan to rule Gotham City while discovering that he has accidentally adopted a teenage orphan who wishes to become his sidekick.

Who would have thought Batman worked perfectly within the Lego format. Sounds crazy, but honestly it works. 

This was so funny, especially watching this as an adult. Absolutely full of big jokes that always land. They cram so much into this, even if it is just psychical comedy in reaction to some things. Each joke they make in this is 100% funny. The fact that this is lego too brings a new platform for this comedy, mostly anything can be done without issue. Batman flopping around saying "no" multiple times because he doesn't want to do something? Done. Batman doing a flashy costume-changing montage? Done. Batman and Joker are perceived as having a love-hate/One sided relationship? Done. 

What I loved a lot is the visuals. Bright and bold colours are remarkably vivid to the extent that it makes everything pop, the backgrounds are immaculately designed, the characters look remarkably good in Lego form and a lot of the visuals significantly in the action are very clever. Personally, this is as close to a comic book aesthetic film as you can get. There was even a scene where descriptive sound words appeared during a fight.

The interesting thing about this film is it's written smartly enough to simultaneously act as a life lesson for small kids as well as a powerful sentiment to older viewers. I liked there was a perfect balance of humour for kids, the wacky slapstick goofy humour that is over the top, and humour for adults which isn't actually subtle, but it's not obvious to kids. The plot overall is very feelgood, and warm. There are some sad moments which shine a lot with the joker but it doesn't bring down the tone of the film at all. 

 As expected with a Lego movie, this gets silly and goes full out with it. It's loud visually and throws so much at you. But it's all very very entertaining. Truth be told I wasn't sure if it was because of all the flashy bright colours and silly moments but watched this completely without being distracted, which as an adult I find impressive since there are a lot of distractions around us. 

Honestly, I can't find anything wrong with this film. It manages to poke fun at a lot of older batman films, underlays a deep and emotional storyline between the goofy moments, comedically well-written, witty, and visually impressive. What I found the funniest in this, is that Batman acts like a cross between a spoiled teenager and a stroppy toddler.  

 I really recommend you watch this as soon as you can, even if you don't like Batman. 

10/10

I wanted to add this little insert of my friend's opinion since he watched this with me:

"I think it's charming and entertaining. Obviously, it is pandering to a much younger age group than most batman films by making batman a parody of his usual gritty and serious nature by making him more of a pouty man-child which is fun to watch strop about.

I loved Michael Cera as a starry-eyed Robin who just makes every scene funnier. Then there's Zach Galifianakis stealing the show as the joker who feels more like a jealous petty ex than an arch nemesis, But somehow, that feels so on par with the character still. 

Overall, I really liked the film"

"Batgirl: Why did you build this thing with only one seat?

Batman: Because last I checked I only had one butt."

"Batman: What am I gonna do? Get a bunch of criminals together to fight the criminals? That's a stupid idea."

"The Joker: [Continuing to list villains] Mr. Freeze, Penguin, Crazy Quilt, Eraser, Polka-Dot Man, Mime, Tarantula, King Tut, Orca, Killer Moth, March Harriet, Zodiac Master, Gentlemen Ghost, Clock King, Calendar Man, Kite Man, Catman, Zebra-Man, and the Condiment King!

Pilot Bill: Okay, are you making some of those up?

The Joker: Nope, they're all real. Probably worth a Google."

"Batman: Okay, Robin. Together, we're gonna punch these guys so hard, words describing the impact are gonna spontaneously materialize out of thin air."