The Batman: Review of The Lego Batman Movie

The Lego Batman Movie

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!

Flying Without Wings: Review of Birdman

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu

By Alex Watson  

If someone had told you that acclaimed Mexican director, Alejandro González Iñárritu's return to the big screen would be a black comedy starring Michael Keaton (aka Batman) then most people would probably ask you how many pints you had consumed! But it appears that this has come to fruition and the Babel and Amores Perros director returns with his dark satirical film, Birdman. Keaton hasn't had a role this meaty in years, can Iñárritu bring out the best in him? 

Riggan Thompson (Michael Keaton) is a washed up movie star who was once the beloved star of the Birdman movie franchise. In an attempt to be taken seriously, Thompson is adapting a Broadway stage production of Raymond Carver's story 'What We Talk About When We Talk About Love' which has been beset by problems, including egomaniac method actor Mike Shiner (Edward Norton) and his drug addict assistant daughter Sam (Emma Stone). But in the midst of the mayhem, can Riggan keep his head and give an 'honest' performance? 

Birdman is a bizarre but ultimately brilliant piece of original work from Iñárritu. Armed with a fascinating pitch black tone and beautifully shot by Emmanuel Lubezki, the Mexican maverick has created something truly special and the talented cast succeeds in carrying the weight of expectation. Riggan is a man who after passing on Birdman 4 over 20 years ago, has become permanently trapped inside his winged character (the character speaks to him in his mind off stage) and he is straining regain any sense of credibility which on stage is difficult to come by, as Lindsay Duncan's acid tongued reviewer tells him "You're a celebrity, not an actor!" and then informs him she will destroy his play for invading her turf before she has even seen it.

The camera work by Lubezki also contributes a great seamless feel to this movie and as we glide in and out of various rooms, it feels as if we are glimpsing the actors in their most personal moments which gives an almost intrusive feel to proceedings. The script however by Iñárritu , Nicolas Giacobone, playwright Alexander Dinelaris and Armando Bo, is one to savor. Together they bring us a story complete with shocking yet natural humour along with a building psychological feel of a man who has bitten off more than he can chew.

All around Riggan's production there are problems to be seen, firstly star Lesley (Naomi Watts) has encouraged him to bring on board her arrogant boyfriend Mike, who although a big box office draw is immediately dismissive of Riggan's talent and seems to cause mayhem over the littlest details, including drinking real gin rather than water on stage which results in disastrous preview performances! Along with being continually belittled by Sam for being more of a 'has-been' because he rejects bloggers and twitter, the man's mind is beginning to crack and his feathered friends words are speaking louder than ever.

Iñárritu also makes the audience think about a number of important factors such as the importance of careful stage planning, the ego of actors and finally what it means to be creative in this world. Riggan is literally investing his whole life in this make or break piece of art and we secretly we fear the effect of an ill received performance. But unlike this earlier work, there is a brilliant sense of rawness and reality to Birdman, which accurately demonstrates the misgivings life in theatre can bring. One sequence we see our hero lock himself out the theatre mid performance and having to make an impromptu sprint through a crowded Time Square in just his underwear! 

Michael Keaton is given the role of a life time to play and he pulls things off magnificently! Playing an man with everything to prove to the acting world, Keaton exceeds all expectations and firmly captures Riggan's ambition along with his continually beaten down persona. Under the influence of his old Birdman friend, Riggan is a man who seems able to put all things aside and make the show go on as planned. A career best for Keaton and it has to be said, a very smart piece of casting by Iñárritu because few men on the planet would understand this role better than Keaton himself!

Edward Norton also makes for a memorable on screen jerk as Mike, his ego soars higher than Birdman himself could probably fly. Throughout the production he berates and insults the man who gave him the role and continually rants on about stage is the only honest acting art. Norton does well to poke fun at his apparently troublesome antics when making movies and firmly marks the supporting honours as his own. Also look for a surprising straight performance from comedian Zach Galifianakis as Riggan's weary lawyer who forever has his work cut out for him.

Alejandro González Iñárritu has delivered one of 2014's most memorable and engaging piece of cinema and Birdman is a stunning change of direction for this man. If you needed proof of Michael Keaton's talent, then look no further than this film. This has one of my highest recommendations and this kind of cinema deserves to be seen by all!