Review: The Lego Batman Movie

MANILA, Philippines — The iconic Caped Crusader has always been portrayed as the all-business-no-nonsense superhero we deserve, but not the one we need. And if you think this is the same Batman you will see in "The Lego Batman Movie," then you are wrong - sort of.

 

As a spin-off of the successful 2014 film, "The Lego Movie," "The Lego Batman Movie" focuses on the plastic version of the masked vigilante and his pursuit of his nemesis, The Joker.

 

From the very beginning of the film, yes, including the showing of the studio logos, you know it is a different Batman film and one that should not be taken seriously.

 

Batman, voiced by Will Arnett, breaks the fourth wall constantly to remind viewers that this is a fun movie. But unlike Ryan Reynold's "Deadpool," Batman's funny antics are too much and eventually become tiring.

 

Speaking of Arnett, he deserves a thumbs up for an incredible voice acting. The iconic husky, and sometimes inaudible, Batman voice we are all familiar with is there.

 

Michael Cera's Dick Grayson slash Robin is the standout character from the film. He is aware of the common sentiment that sometimes, Robin is just plain annoying.

 

Warner Bros./Released

 

 

While the film is generally marketed toward kids, the film alludes to a lot of past Batman and DC films that a younger audience might not get. I was seated in front of a mother and son and she had to explain some parts of the film every time the cinema bursts into laughter and he does not get it.

 

For 104 minutes, the film surely packs a lot of jokes, to the point that some of them get lost because they come one after the other. But beneath those sometimes cheap jokes are realities and lessons that we should take note.

 

For one, there is feminism. When Rosario Dawson's Barbara Gordon was given the Batgirl costume, she asked Batman, "So, I guess I can call you Batboy?"

 

Batman's reclusion and tendency to reject other people's affection could have been explored a little bit, but I guess, it was not the goal to begin with.

 

Overall, the "Lego Batman Movie" is a worthy treat. It might not be as great as "The Lego Movie," but it is on a different class on its own. Plus, the visuals are stunning and realistic, considering that it is an animated movie.

 

Chris McKay's feature film directorial debut is okay, but it could have been better if we have another infectious song like "Everything is Awesome."

 

But hey, there is Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror," so it is all good.

Warner Bros./Released

 

Catch "The Lego Batman Movie" opening across the Philippines on Thursday, Feb. 9. The "Lego Batman Movie" is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.