After saving Gotham time and time again from villains like Bain, Penguin, Riddler and the infamous enemy Joker (Zach Galifinakis), LEGO Batman (Will Arnett) finds himself holed up alone in Wayne Manor, eating microwave lobster on his private watercraft. But with the help of a newly adopted orphan-turned-superhero sidekick Robin (Michael Cera), his loyal butler Alfred and a new city commissioner who turns out to be long-awaited Batgirl, Batman will learn a thing or two about facing his hardest fought battle yet: loneliness.
The franchise connection in LEGO Batman invokes an exciting, nostalgic experience for viewers as they see their favorite childhood superheroes and toys come to life on the big screen. The film begins with an explosion of LEGO block-busting action. Batman is at it again, saving Gotham against a tag team of Batman’s villains, past and present. The tale continues with the ludicrous action of the opening scene as bomb explosions, Justice League anniversary dance parties and high-speed car chases carry viewers through Batman’s journey.
“LEGO Batman” has a crazy high concentration of sarcasm which keeps viewers laughing as hard as the Joker himself. Batman, obsessed with his lone vigilante act, has a hard time adjusting to sharing his life with an adopted son. After accidentally agreeing to adopt an estranged orphan named Dick Grayson, Batman finds his number one fan frolicking through the halls of Wayne Manor and casting loud echoes through the Bat Cave. The boy finds a suit, humorously tears off the pants and, much to Batman’s irritation, accepts his role as trusty sidekick Robin. This tension makes for one of the most entertaining elements of the story as Batman must learn to work in a group, talk about his abs a bit less and start taking the role of “padre,” as Robin so affectionately calls him.
What “LEGO Batman” lacks in plot is made up by beautiful animation. Every character, building and burst of fire exploding out of a rocket engine is intricately designed. The movement borders on stop-go animation and expertly conveys the image of LEGO toys coming to life on the big screen.
This film is not for those foreign to pop-culture jargon. Garnished with a slew of references to villains of every Hollywood hit from “Lord of the Rings” to “Godzilla,” the movie keeps your childhood senses stimulated and floods your memory with positive blasts of films past, all the while teaching a valuable lesson on self-sacrifice and teamwork. “LEGO Batman” creates an epic adventure that will keep you charmed and giggling until the credits end.
