Director / Chris McKay (2 WKS, 1 YR)
Stars/ The voices of Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson, Zach Galifianakis and Ralph Fiennes

Ever since his creation in the American comic book series Detective Comics (DC) #27 from 1939, the character Batman has undergone several interpretations in many television and cinematic appearances. The Batman in THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE is an over-confident, excessively egotistical superhero who speaks in a gravely tone and lacks anything remotely super or heroic. Yet somehow, he’s more fun to be in the company of than any previous rendition of Batman there has been! That’s right, even the great Morgan Freeman who appeared in THE DARK KNIGHT trilogy has stated that this is his favourite Batman incarnation, and I totally concur!

This 3D computer-animated family action/comedy is a spin-off to 2014s THE LEGO MOVIE, with events in this film taking place three years later. Batman (perfectly voiced by Arnett) protects the city of Gotham from all villains and danger. All on his own. Or so he likes to think. When nemesis, The Joker (Galifiniakis) devises a destructive new plan, Batman is forced to confront his fears and work together with police commissioner Barbara Gordon (Dawson) and his mentor Alfred Pennyworth (Fiennes) in order to save Gotham City and its inhabitants.

Whatever you do, please don’t judge this comic book concoction by a trailer that misses the mark or by its generic synopsis, for this hugely funny and entertaining family film continually surpasses expectations, and well and truly keeps punching above its weight.

First off, the more Batman series and movies you have seen, the more fun and appreciation is in store, thanks to the crafty and creative writing collaboration. Filled with hilarious lines of dialogue, rich with pop-culture references that even go to the effort of sourcing much older Batman works and a cleverly worked sub-plot, there is plenty of hearty laughter to be gleaned from even repeated viewings of THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE. That sub-plot, which introduces a new character into Batman’s life and is the source of his fears, along with our lead character himself combine to be a winning formula that families will thoroughly enjoy. In fact, this is (arguably) where and how THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE betters the original!

Continuing to impress with its design, colour and detail of The Lego Universe, this spin-off feels slightly less hectic and overcrowded than its predecessor. Never at the expense of fresh inventiveness either. In charge of his first-ever theatrical release, director Chris McKay can give himself a firm pat on the back for the on-song execution and pacing of this awesome movie.

4 stars