Director: Chris McKay
By Alex Watson
Few animated features will be quite as fun as The Lego Batman Movie. Sporting the same kind of charm that delighted both Lego and movie fans alike, Chris McKay has given us an ideal geek out movie. The story might not necessarily be strong, but the sheer amount of jokes make up for it. At the centre is perhaps 2017's ultimate bromance as two enemies share a deeper bond. Lego Batman was one of the highlights of 2014's 'The Lego Movie', and when given his own movie he doesn't disappoint.
Batman (Will Arnett) is the hero of Gotham City who has once again succeeded over his rival The Joker (Zach Galifianakis). However, during the heat of battle, he completely dismisses this villain as completely nothing. Barbara Gordon (Rosario Dawson) is the newly elected Police Commissioner who wants a closer working relationship with Batman. His ego still hurting from the rejection by his nemesis, the Joker deliberately surrenders to Gordon. Shocked by this, Batman sets out to banish the Joker to the Phantom Zone.
From a rocking opening sequence which will have smiles from the opening black screen "Black. All important movies start with a black screen." Batman emerges to foil The Joker, of course with his own catchy theme song. Chris McKay taps into the Dark Knight's individual streak early on. Even though he loves his reckless life- secretly he heads home alone to an empty mansion. Brilliantly The Joker's presence is almost vulnerable in this movie. Normally feared, here his entrance is met by a blank expression due to his constant defeats. It could be said this movie is about the effects of wounded pride. The Joker is stabbed to the core by Batman's refusal to acknowledge him (the facial expressions are excellent!). While our hero plays it cool, secretly he needs this band of villains. Gordon has big plans for Gotham, which due to Batman's inability to capture his rivals has meant scaling back his involvement.
The sheer amount of jokes related to Batman's backstory always hit the spot. In one scene with butler Alfred (wonderfully voiced by Ralph Fiennes), we see each previous instalment recreated. Chris McKay has basically done a love letter to the entire screen history- including each time Joker failed. When his enemy and his legion of cronies surrender to Gordon- this is the ultimate slap in the face to Batman. This along with accidentally adopting Robin (Michael Cera) quickly sends Batman into a mad spiral. Obsessed with banishing Joker to the Phantom Zone- there is the big question of is he just playing into his rivals hands? There is a heartfelt note as McKay reveals Batman's big fear of starting a family. To his horror, he begins growing closer to his adopted son and finds his family ever growing. Without them, he cannot defeat the Joker.
When the final battle hits, this is where The Lego Batman Movie has the most fun. An array of movie villains come forward such as Sauron, Agent Smith from the Matrix, King Kong and Voldemort. Reigning hell on Gotham, Batman must accept that teamwork will help him save the day. I cannot emphasise just how much fun this picture is. Yes, it might be a kid-friendly adventure that is more a satire of the campy 60's humour. However, this is easily a far stronger offering than the belated Batman v Superman offering. There might have been fears that Lego Batman's appearance would be lessened in his own feature film. Well forget your worries and just sit back and enjoy. The film does drag slightly with Batman refusing to grow up and embrace others, but with the sheer entertainment on show, this will be quickly forgotten. At the centre of the picture is the unlikely bromance of The Joker and Batman. Their mutual hatred makes them an essential match- all the caped crusader needs to do is acknowledge it.
It is hard to imagine anyone more perfectly suited to voice Batman than Will Arnett. His silky voice just fits this character like a glove. Even better though is Arnett's perfect channelling on Batman being like a spoiled child. Living alone in his mansion eating Lobster Thermidor, his temper tantrums are a continued source of amusement. Ralph Fiennes almost makes a perfect Alfred, embodying both the surrogate father figure and reluctant disciplinarian- Fiennes could have been a perfect live action choice. Zach Galifianakis has great fun as The Joker playing the insane king like a jilted prom date which works perfectly.
The Lego Batman Movie is a perfect source of fun for anyone who wants nothing more than pure enjoyment. Give this guy his own franchise and keep the laughs coming I say! Ben Affleck's upcoming feature 'The Batman' has a lot to live up to!
No comments:
Post a Comment