The Lego Batman Movie

The Lego Batman Movie should be applauded for daring to re-add a comedic touch to a now supposedly 'dark' and 'serious' character. It's all too easy to forget that, whilst the Burton and Nolan movies, coupled with the Frank Miller (amongst others) graphic novels and the incredible Animated Series, are justly the 'definitive' versions of the Dark Knight, there's a host of portrayals of the character rooted in silliness and comedy.

Lego, of course, are exactly the studio you want in charge of an alternate take and they build (no pun intended) on the version of the character first introduced to us in the first Lego Movie with Will Arnett's glorious voice (please go and watch Bojack Horseman if you haven't already, it's our favourite Netflix Original series.)

Seemingly set in the same-ish universe, but without mention of the earlier characters (Emmet etc.) and also no 'it's-all-set-in-the-real-world' twist, this is Lego's first tentative step into a run of films they hope will rival Pixar's oeuvre (arrive early to catch a pre-film short which further cements the comparison.)

Choosing Batman to lead the way is a suitably ballsy and brave choice. For this writer Batman, his villains and his world, are the single greatest fictional creation in history and I know I'm not alone in this thinking which means this could have been a colossal face-palm.

I'm happy to say it's not, but isn't quite as good a portrayal as it could have been. We're very much in 'kids-movie' territory in terms of plot; Batman is a revered superhero celebrity but, of course, a loner and, via an elaborate Joker plan, learns to work with others and understand the value of friendship.

So far, so standard, and, in the modern world, you'd like to think we can produce films for a younger audience with a bit more substance, but it serves this film well and leaves enough room for the jokes.

Rest assured, it's very funny. Batman's quips and references are laugh-out-loud for little 'uns and their parents that get dragged along for the ride. There's even a few, if not enough, slights towards other films in the franchises (dig the Suicide Squad take down and the hilarious Lego-ised movie posters.)

Lego flexes its licensing muscles as well and lets loose with a cascade of characters with some serious A-list voice casting. Unfortunately, having so many leaves most with little-to-no screen time (particularly galling when you realise who some of those voices belong to in the credits!)

Whilst the Joker and Harley Quinn get their due (and, to an extent, Bane) we're teased with The Riddler, Catwoman, Two-Face, Scarecrow, Clayface, Killer Croc and Poison Ivy but they don't get enough attention for fans.

Instead, and slight SPOILER ALERT, Lego decide on recruiting some villains from some of their other franchises to mixed results (a certain joke relating to Ralph Fiennes that is begging to be mentioned goes amiss.)

Lego do oblige with some more hardcore fan touches (Michael Cera's Dick Grayson/Robin slips into a Nightwing outfit, Barbara Gordon becomes Batgirl, Harley Quinn and Bane resemble their comic, rather than movie, counterparts etc.) but, as a hardcore fan myself, I'd have liked a few more.

An anomaly then but, ultimately, and, let's face it, most importantly; this is a wonderful Lego film. It sets up a new universe which is bound to have its share of special movies and is a lovely send up of a beloved character stuck most recently in somewhat of a rut (thus far Ben Affleck's version of Batman is just too damn gruff and hate-able.)

Ultimately, it's not as good as the definitive screen/animated Batman: The Animated Series but stands alone as a funny, incredibly well made and enjoyable kid's film and worthy parody.

4 stars ****