The Lego Batman Movie

"Batman's life lesson number two. Vigilantes don't have bedtimes."

"Yes!  So what's the vigilante policy on cookies?"

"Unlimited!"

Batman (Arnett) is the hero of Gotham City.  By night he protects the city from any threat and is beloved by the people.  By day he is Bruce Wayne, the wealthiest man in the city, who lives on an island with only his trusted butler Alfred Pennyworth (Fiennes) to keep him company.  Alfred forces him to go into the world as Wayne for Commissioner James Gordon's (Hector Elizondo) retirement party.  At the party, the new commissioner is introduced: Gordon's daughter Barbara (Dawson).  Barbara is a rising star with big plans for Gotham, which include making Batman unnecessary.

Her speech is interrupted by the arrival of all of the villains in Gotham.  They are led by Joker (Galifianakis), who has plans to take over the city.  The city backs Barbara's plan, the villains are sent to Arkham, and Batman is no longer needed.  He is forced to turn his attention to his adopted son, Dick Grayson (Cera).  When the villains escape, can he find the way to balance between Batman and Wayne?


After the success of 2014's The Lego Movie, and the popularity of the character of Batman, it was a smart choice to give the character his own film.  Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the directors of The Lego Movie, served as producers on the film and gave directing duties to Chris McKay, who was the animation supervisor on The Lego Movie.

The story, written by Seth Grahame-Smith, pays homage to the history of Batman.  It references the previous film versions of the character (in Lego form) and the 1960's live-action TV show.  All of his villains, including the ridiculous ones, appear, along with all of his Bat-themed vehicles... and the shark repellent from Batman: The Movie.

Will Arnett returns as Batman and again gives it his all.  Michael Cera and Ralph Fiennes are funny in their roles.  Rosario Dawson is strong and in control.  They made the smart decision to have actor Billy Dee Williams (who played Harvey Dent in the 1989 Batman film, but did not get to complete the transformation in to villain) play Two Face.

The film is funny, while still having a lot of heart.  It is emotional and the character grows until the end.    It holds up to the reputation and high standards of The Lego Movie, and makes me excited for the next film in the series: The Lego Ninjago Movie (to be released in September 2017).

The Lego Batman Movie (2017) 104 minutes
Director: Chris McKay
Starring: Will Arnett as Bruce Wayne / Batman
Zach Galifianakis as Joker
Michael Cera as Dick Grayson / Robin
Rosario Dawson as Barbara Gordon / Batgirl
Ralph Fiennes as Alfred Pennyworth
Jenny Slate as Dr. Harleen Quinzel / Harley Quinn