New Releases #4: The Lego Batman Movie

My name is Logan Tyler Smith, and in this series of LoganLand Prime I will analyze movies that are newer or more contemporary in the public consciousness. Welcome to the New Releases series.

In “The Lego Batman Movie”, loner superhero Batman/Bruce Wayne has saved the world hundreds of times over the years. But just before he can really celebrate his most recent victory, his archenemy the Joker, unleashes an army of bad guys he has never fought before. To combat this new threat, Batman must learn age-old lessons of teamwork and brotherhood with the help of butler Alfred and newly adopted son, Dick Grayson (aka Robin).


The Lego Batman Movie surprises you on a few levels; not just as a animated movie, but as an animated movie’s sequel. As a follow-up to 2014’s Lego Movie, The Lego Batman Movie manages to closely match the former’s unique mix of humor, pop culture references and general adventure. The pop cultural remarks are especially cheeky; name-dropping almost every Batman work before it (including some offhand references to the old 1940’s TV films). The movie is definitely adventurous despite all this; as the cultural references take a backseat to this particular version of Batman’s heroic journey.
For those of you who haven’t seen the first Lego Movie, Batman (voiced by veteran actor Will Arnett) practically stole the show in that movie as well as this one. His journey is admirable and his character arc makes the very impressive CGI animation of Legos just pop. The other voice actors (consisting of Michael Cera and Zach Galifianakis, among others) shine in their small parts, and even the villains are made sympathetic (including some minor villains “worth a quick google”).


Though the film may occasionally fall into a rather kiddish, cartoony category for a Batman movie of late, there are plenty of surprisingly adult jokes to keep older fans interested.

Though the movie may not be for all due to some moments of childish schtick, the film is worth the watch especially if you want a simple popcorn pleasure to entertain you, your kid brothers or children. In other words, if you want to be entertained while watching a subtle and culturally relevant kid’s movie, go for it. It’s a good sequel and a good movie.

That's my take. I'm Logan Tyler Smith and this has been the New Releases series.

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