The Lego Batman Movie is a fun family adventure

There comes a point when every successful film gets a sequel, and Warner Bros. and Lego’s 2014 animated hit in “The Lego Movie” proved that in spades by bringing together an ensemble voice cast voicing famous characters and bringing to life the brick world that many have built with their imaginative minds. 

Proving that one of stand out characters was a certain Dark Knight superhero who played a supporting role in that film, the studios decided to follow things up with a spin-off, and the end result is this year’s “The Lego Batman Movie” – which focuses entirely on the Caped Crusader and his world populated by Gotham City, fellow heroes, and villains who just make his duties as a crimefighter all the more awesome.

Directed by longtime animator and director of the Robot Chicken series Chris McKay, The Lego Batman Movie brings back comedian Will Arnett in the main role as Lego Batman – the self-centered yet very cool Brick Crusader who makes it his mission to protect Gotham City and kick ass by taking out bad guys. 

The film begins with a sinister scheme concocted by the Dark Knight’s old nemesis The Joker, but it is quickly foiled and put to rest by Batman – who doesn’t consider the Clown Prince of Crime his greatest enemy at all (that honor belongs to Superman). 

Soon after a series of events puts Batman’s life at the crossroads by meeting a new commissioner in Barbara Gordon - who wants to make the Caped Crusader work with the police, and adopting a young orphan named Dick Grayson under the encouragement of Alfred. 

Greatly resisting and sticking to his stubborn ways, Batman soon realizes he has to make a change in himself and work together with others when The Joker launches his greatest attack yet, putting everyone at Gotham City and his new family in great danger.

Much like its predecessor, The Lego Batman Movie is a fun family adventure that aims to entertain, poke fun at established icons, and bring together some of the most awesome characters you’ll ever see featured in an animated film about the Dark Knight. 

What makes this movie more endearing is the fact that it pays homage to not just the Lego incarnation of the Caped Crusader – but literally EVERY SINGLE BATMAN seen through the character’s near 80 year existence in comics and popculture. 

Will Arnett in particular breaks the fourth wall and learns how to have fun playing his version of Batman, while focusing on nothing but self-praise and looking cool while secretly living a lonely life in the Batcave and Wayne Manor while not fighting crime. 

Michael Cera, Roasario Dawson, and Ralph Fiennes all add the extra support voicing Batman’s extended hero family in Robin, Batgirl, and Alfred respectively, and Zach Galifianakis just makes you love to hate and love his portrayal of The Joker – someone craving for Bats’ attention that jives well with Arnett’s performance.

As a family superhero adventure that dares to impress with craziness and awesomeness, The Lego Batman Movie is everything that a Batman fan and even a Lego builder will enjoy and delight over. 

In addition to its excellent animation style and routine, there are great songs to listen to which includes the ending theme “Friends are Family” – and much like its predecessor kids will want to join in the heroics and have fun. Catch it in theaters now courtesy of Warner Bros. Philippines! – TJD, GMA News