After 2014's successful "The Lego Movie", Warner Bros. immediately began writing a spin-off film set around the most popular character from the film, Batman.
First things first. This movie is a spoof that repeatedly makes fun of itself, the Batman franchise, and superhero films in general. That is the point. I walked into the theater expecting it to be funny. To make me laugh. It did not fail to do so.
Never wasting time to crack a joke, the references to past Batman films and the 1960's series were seemingly endless but perfectly thrown in. Whenever the film began to feel serious, it would lighten right back up again with a quip or gag.
Leading the charge is the one and only Will Arnett, who is back at it again as the cocky hero in black and yellow. Playing the not-so-serious Dark Knight, the majority of jokes and references are made by Arnett's Batman, putting the pressure on him to deliver every line to perfection. He did not disappoint.
Will Arnett reprises his role as the famed DC hero, winning audiences over while doing so
What surprised me about the film was its breathtaking blend of color and tones which comprised the brick world in which the characters inhabited. Perfectly giving an accurate atmosphere of Gotham City, the film's CGI is some of the best I've ever seen. Including detailed and precise set pieces, while adding in a third act that is pure chaos, the film is a spectacle of color not seen in most animated films and is most definitely meant to be witnessed on the big screen.
While it's full of laughs, the end of the movie does its best to drive home the message of the story; humility, teamwork, and family are incredibly important and vital in life. Batman's pride, lone-gunslinger act, and the fear of cultivating relationships with others (mainly towards his adopted son) almost ruins him and his reputation as a hero.
Batman must choose between being humble and having a family (which includes Robin, Alfred, Batgirl, and even The Joker) or live alone in solitude for the rest of his life.
Giving a perfect blend of color, comedy, and a positive message, this film is a great family flick that is worth paying the admission at the door. It's still funny on your own, but bringing some friends will add to the experience.
Final grade: 8/10 Stars