The Batman franchise has had its share of ups and downs throughout the years. From the camp of Batman ’66 to the importance of Batman ’89, the franchise has become a staple of not just cinema but the standard representative of the DC Comics brand. Even in a year, where a film like Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is ridiculed and panned by the masses, the one standard that shined through those reviews was Ben Affleck’s portrayal as the caped crusader.
Fast forward to now and the release of the latest installment in the long lineage of Batman films, The LEGO Batman Movie and we are reminded of the greatness and potential of a good Batman film. Simply put, not since 2008’s The Dark Knight, has a Batman film entertained the masses the way The LEGO Batman Movie has.
From the film’s opening, The Lego Batman Movie lets its audience know that it won’t be taking itself too seriously and neither should they. From poking fun at Christopher Nolan’s dark and gritty Dark Knight trilogy openings, the film does something not many do: bring to light the countless reboots the franchise has had. From there, we are taken to the Joker (Zach Galifianakis) who unleashes a plan involving almost every single Batman villain from Two-Face played Billy Dee Williams and grossly misused throughout the film to King Tut and Condiment King. Batman as always defeats the Joker, but this time around, Batman admits to the Joker that he doesn’t consider him a true mortal enemy, breaking his heart.
While the theme of the film will be familiar to fans of the Bat, the theme of Batman embracing the concept of family that aside from the ’66 Bill Dozier Batman has never worked in a live-action format. The Batman films, especially in the Joel Schumacher era are too dark to embrace this theme. What works this time around is the film brings up the aforementioned Bat-lore. Early in the film while in Wayne Manor, Alfred’s hilariously brings up his concern that Bruce Wayne’s real fear is becoming part of a family again. He does so by bringing up moments from the past 51 years of Batman films in 2016, 2012, 2008, 2005, 1997, 1995, 1992, 1989, and that really bad one in 1966. While Bat fans did not need visuals behind those years to aid the joke, we are given them and they are GLORIOUS.
What works so well with The LEGO Batman Movie is that despite being an animated film, it targets all ages. From the eight-year-olds to the 88-year-olds, everyone could walk into this film and not only be entertained but bond with their fellow moviegoers or families. Any child may ask their parents or grandparents after the film about all the Bat baddies from the 60’s they may not be aware of and why the Penguin is in that damn giant duck? What would follow after that? A rabbit hole of storytelling to children and lessons on not only the early 90’s animated series but all the way to that guilty pleasure that is Batman and Robin.
Will Arnett is simply sensational throughout the film. He picks up right where he left off from his hysterical cameo in the original The Lego Movie. His performance as the Bat puts him in the conversation as one of the most entertaining portrayals of The Caped Crusader. Ralph Fiennes continues the trend of great Alfred’s in Batman films. From Michael Gough to Michael Caine, Alfred has become the most underrated character in the Batman universe and has consistently provided charming and endearing performances. Add Michael Cera’s Robin and you have a trio that make this film one to remember. 
Despite the film’s flaw of its rapid pacing of jokes, The LEGO Batman Movie may not be the Batman film we wanted but surely the Batman film we needed. Zack Snyder should take a glimpse of this film and take some notes and add it to his How To Make A Good Batman Film For Dummies because he surely needs it.
Reel Talk gives The LEGO Batman Movie 3.5 Reels
