The Lego Batman Movie

Having seen The Lego Batman Movie, the only question I feel I need to ask is, can every upcoming movie based on the D.C. Comics Universe be done in Lego, because it seems to be the only way filmmakers will get it right.  But what about the big question - Is it as good or as inventive as the original Lego Movie?  Obviously, nothing can top that force of nature, but Batman is still easily the best time I've had at the movies in months, as well as the funniest film I've seen in a long time.

Director Chris McKay is a veteran of the TV cartoon show, Robot Chicken, which frequently warps 80s and 90s pop culture into a twisted concoction, and he brings those same skills here, albeit obviously toned down and censored for a more family audience than he's probably used to.  However, instead of skewering past childhood fads, McKay and his team of writers pretty much take aim at every incarnation of Batman and his Universe ever since the character was created back in 1939.  Jokes, visual gags, and references pretty much fill every corner of the screen, and while it does come dangerously close to overkill at times, you simply find yourself amazed at how much the animators were able to cram in.  Anyone who has followed the Caped Crusader over the years, or even the Justice League in general, is sure to find something to love here.  And what about those not in the know?  The movie has them covered as well, as there are plenty of just over the top funny moments that had me laughing harder than just about any movie has in months. 

I think the key to the film's success is that McKay and his crew have tremendous respect for Batman and the other characters who inhabit Gotham City.  Yes, this is a comedy, but it is not trying to mock or ridicule Bob Kane and Bill Finger's creation.  It's simply a comedic spin that pays tribute to the entire history of the character, and having fun pointing out some of the stranger aspects of Batman and his history.  The thing is, the story is vintage, and tells of how Batman must learn to rely on others and not face every battle alone.  Were it not for the film's manic tone, atmosphere, and ability to fill the frame with as many jokes as possible, it probably could work as a standalone story for the brooding superhero.  Yes, the movie does comically exaggerate some of the character's personality, such as his narcissism and ego, but it does so because it fits a more lighthearted take on the character.  This is the only way I can picture a more comedic and over the top modern day Batman to act.  It works.

Just as in The Lego Movie, Will Arnett is back as the voice of Batman, and he is note perfect in just about every way.  He still has a passion for dark, Gothic rock about how awesome he is, and like to give long-winded speeches about lurking in the shadows, while again emphasizing his own virtues.  As the film opens, he fights a massive battle with just about every major villain from his Rogues Gallery, as well as a few obscure ones. (Condiment King, anyone?) This elaborate crime spree is headed by The Joker (voice by Zach Galifianakis), who we sense is really doing all of this so that Batman will notice him, and officially name him his greatest villain.  But, Batman won't let anyone in, not even his arch enemy.  Having bested the goons, Batman flies back to his mansion home where he spends nights alone warming up food in the microwave and watching Jerry Maguire in his home theater entertainment room. 

Batman thinks he doesn't need anyone in his life, but loyal butler Alfred (Ralph Fiennes) knows better, and is trying to get him to let more people in.  There is the wide-eyed orphan that Batman's alter ego Bruce Wayne recently adopted, Dick Grayson (Michael Cera), whom the Caped Crusader chooses to completely ignore, until he finds a use for the lad as his sidekick Robin.  And then there is the new Police Commissioner Barbara Gordon (Rosario Dawson), who would like to have Batman working alongside the police instead of being a vigilante dealing out justice on his own.  Despite this, our hero still thinks he can face the world alone.  That is, until a new threat comes crashing down on Gotham City from the skies.  I'd best be vague here, as the villains that Batman faces is one of the best surprises in the film.  All I will say is that it allows the filmmakers to show off their expertise rifting on pop culture.

The Lego Batman Movie is filled with so much energy and wit that you keep on expecting it to crash any minute, or perhaps run out of inspiration.  And yet, it never does, and actually only builds upon itself.  The only reason it isn't quite as strong as the last Lego Movie is that it has to confine itself to one main world, although again, the filmmakers do find somewhat of a way around that.  Still, I did keep on hoping that maybe Batman would leave Gotham City behind, and maybe enter other Lego worlds, just as before.  No matter.  When a movie is this much fun and has this many laugh out loud moments, you have no time to complain.  It also manages to be a better film tribute to D.C. Comics than any of their big budget live action spectacles have been so far.  Could the fact that animated films take years to make, and the filmmakers spend that entire time fine tuning the script and the scenes until it's right have anything to do with it?  Nah, couldn't be. 

I now kind of wish they would scrap that live action Justice League movie they're working on, and give us a Lego film of the characters instead.  Let's face it, it'd probably be a lot more fun and also be more inventive.  I'm sure a CG Batman voiced by Will Arnett would be cheaper than Ben Affleck any day.  I can't be the only one who thinks this way.

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