If you love Batman then you will adore The Lego Batman Movie, especially if you grew up with the adventures of the caped crusader on film and television and in comic books. Directed by Chris McKay (Robot Chicken), this 3D animated action-comedy starts innocuously enough, as a spoof of the dark knight’s mythos, poking fun at his grim taste in music, clothes, adventures, relationships and well, just about anything Batman related, really. Nothing is spared and long-time fans will also recognise the quip at the silly shark-repellent gun, which even for the Adam West show from 1966 was extremely silly.

After having us drop our guard with one amusing gag after another, The Lego Batman Movie expertly tugs at the heartstrings by focusing on Batman (Will Arnett)’s need for solitude, brought on by his fear of abandonment. Thankfully, these themes are explored in a restrained manner without being too heavy for younger audiences, though they had me reaching for the tissue on more than one occasion. For example, as we all know, Batman’s alter ego, Bruce Wayne’s parents were murdered before his eyes in a tragic mugging, yet viewers are predictably spared the graphic details of the crime. What’s more, our hero simply refers to their death as a ‘loss’ rather than something more explicitly. This common emptiness is what helps him bond with the young boy wonder Dick Grayson (Michael Cera), who is hilarious enough, and adopted inadvertently by Bruce Wayne as his son.

In heartwarming scenes, by mentoring Grayson as Robin, Batman begins to take a chance on family again. This family grows with Alfred Pennyworth (Ralph Fiennes) putting his ex-military skills to use in their adventures, and the new Commissioner Barbara Gordon (Rosario Dawson) joining up as Batgirl. For younger viewers who have lost family or are orphans themselves, this is a beautifully nuanced take on finding new members for your family, while it makes for equally important viewing for anyone who needs a reminder on the importance of what they have.

This theme, funnily enough, carries on to the Joker as well, played amusingly by Zach Galifianakis. In the beginning of the film, the Gotham City super villain sets off an elaborate plot to destroy the city utilising every one of the city’s gallery of rogues. Eventually, when Batman and Joker duel, the clown prince is crushed to learn that his nemesis doesn’t feel he is his greatest foe.

The excellent performances aren’t limited to Galifianakis. Arnett is fantastic as a brooding and introspective hero who inadvertently parodies himself, as is the supporting cast. The production values are also excellent. I really enjoyed the score, as well as the superb animation, which showcased some thoroughly enjoyable action sequences late in the film. Meanwhile, the writing is not only moving, but sharp and witty, hitting you with a laugh-out-loud moment when you least expect it. I really can’t think of a single bad thing to say about The Lego Batman Movie. Being a commercial and critical hit, the sequel has already been announced, but I can’t imagine how they can top the character development of the titular hero here. The rest of DC’s extended universe should take note. You don’t need to be so heavy-handed to shoot darkness or evoke emotional resonance. Perhaps Chris McKay can take over from Zack Snyder so we are spared more ‘Martha’ scenes.

MPAA: Rated PG for rude humour and some action

Published in Dawn, ICON, February 26th, 2017