And everything is still awesome, sort of.
Three years after “The Lego Movie” surprised critics with its sneakily subversive take on authority figures and creative freedom – and captivated audiences with its earworming, awe-inspiring theme song – the bricks are back in “The Lego Batman Movie.”
And while things don’t quite build to the heights of the first film, it’s still a good, nicely mocking movie for fankids of all ages.
Amusingly self-referential right from the opening credit sequence – think of a family-friendly “Deadpool” – “The Lego Batman Movie” takes us into a world where our tiny, plastic little Dark Knight spends his days imprisoning, and re-imprisoning, the Joker.
But what he keeps really locked away are his feelings.
They’re going to be forced out of him, however, as Batman brings a young ward under his wing, discovers a strong attraction to Commissioner Gordon’s daughter Barbara, and faces a Gotham City crisis so immense that his go-it-alone vigilantism isn’t going to be enough.
If you’re a DC fan who’s gotten a little weary of the doom and gloom that’s blanketed their characters lately – who longs for the days of campy villains and happy endings – all this can be a surprising relief. It’s definitely the lightest film in the DC Universe since “Green Lantern.”
OK, bad example.
But the film is fun and has a lot going on — although, frankly, sometimes it’s too much. In a half-satirical jab at “Suicide Squad,” the story brings on literally dozens of villains for Batman to fight. Director Chris McKay – who’s never really overseen a feature – crams so much action into the screen it’s sometimes hard to tell who’s blowing up whom.
It gets particularly dizzy once we head into the final conflict, and nearly a century of bad guys start butting in, with everyone from Count Dracula and the Creature From the Black Lagoon to Sauron and the Daleks fighting for precious seconds of screentime. (Wait, is that pale-faced Lego guy supposed to be Voldemort? Apparently.)
It’s everything but the kitchen sink — and Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who wrote and directed “The Lego Movie” but return here only as producers. Their sharp wit – and willingness to sometimes surreally burst through the fourth wall – are clearly, sorely missed.
But if there’s less knowing satire here, there are plenty of in-jokes, particularly for loyal DC fans. Every Batman incarnation is referenced – the TV theme gets quoted, and there’s even a nod to the wartime serials. The Super Friends get a roasting, too. And Will Arnett’s grim, gravelly line readings rib Batman’s modern, brooding persona as well.
And while Zach Galifianakis is oddly subdued as the Joker – someone more naturally manic, like Jack Black, might have been a better choice — Michael Cera makes a nicely annoying Robin, while Rosario Dawson gives Barbara Gordon/Batgirl some welcome feminist spunk. (“How ’bout I call you BatBOY?”)
All in all, it’s a good time, kept under two hours, spiced up with some offbeat musical choices, and plotted tightly enough that it leaves room for a sequel without leaving you hanging. Hmm. Maybe Warner Bros. should make all their DC movies with Legos? Or at least replace Ben Affleck with a few?
Ratings note: The film contains cartoon violence and mildly naughty humor.
‘The Lego Batman Movie’ (PG) Warner Bros. (104 min.) Directed by Chris McKay. With the voices of Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis. THREE STARS
Stephen Whitty may be reached at stephenjwhitty@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @stephenwhitty. Find him on Facebook.
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