Movie Reviews

LEGO Batman Movie, The (6/13/2017)


Rated PG for rude humor and some action.

Starring the voices of Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Jenny Slate, Ralph Fiennes, Rosario Dawson, Zach Galifianakis, Mariah Carey and Billy Dee Williams

Directed by Chris McKay

Dynamic ImageLEGO Batman is wildly entertaining.

In the irreverent spirit of fun that made The LEGO Movie a worldwide phenomenon, the self-described leading man of that ensemble—LEGO Batman—stars in his own big-screen adventure. But there are big changes brewing in Gotham, and if he wants to save the city from The Joker’s hostile takeover, Batman may have to drop the lone vigilante thing, try to work with others and maybe, just maybe, learn to lighten up.

Whether you grew up playing with LEGOs or not, I think most of us agree that these LEGO movies are so much fun. And The Lego Batman Movie is simply terrific.

I love how it doesn’t take itself too seriously and even pokes fun of the long history of Batman films. Any references to shark-repellent get high marks for me.

The voice cast is superb. Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis and Ralph Fiennes can do it all. But throw in some Billy Dee Williams and now we’re talking.

The film’s story, such as it is, is rooted in Batman’s obsessive desire to be left alone. When the Joker proclaims himself “Batman’s arch-nemesis”, we see Batman recoil. He doesn’t even want that kind of commitment. And when police commissioner, Barbara Gordon, suggests that he partner with the cops…he just laughs. But the funniest one is when it takes Batman a week to even notice Dick Grayson is living in the mansion.

LEGO Batman is just over an hour and 45 minutes. And in that time Batman and the audience learn a valuable lesson… letting people in, yes even the villains, can bring great joy. I loved the jokes, gags and the clever one liners, but I loved the heart of the film even more. And because this tender and powerful message is packaged in LEGO blocks, it sneaks in and never feels preachy.

The director Chris McKay, the animation supervisor on The LEGO Movie, retains that film’s look and feel. I especially loved the sound effects. Every action sequence reminds me of my childhood and the sounds the LEGOS would make in my hands.

The LEGO Batman Movie is a blast…definitely “Worth Buying”!

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Yes and their parents!

CONVERSATION STARTER:


  1. Why does Batman say he would rather work alone?

  2. What does he learn in the movie?

  3. Read Ecclesiastes 4:11-12

      Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

  4. Who are the “other strands” in your life? Take time this week to thank them.

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Jonathan McKee

Jonathan McKee is the author of over twenty books including the brand new The Guy's Guide to FOUR BATTLES Every Young Man Must Face; The Teen’s Guide to Social Media & Mobile Devices; If I Had a Parenting Do Over; and the Amazon Best Seller - The Guy's Guide to God, Girls and the Phone in Your Pocket. He speaks to parents and leaders worldwide, all while providing free resources for youth workers on TheSource4YM.com. Jonathan, his wife Lori, and their three kids live in California.

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