The Lego Batman Movie

After saving Gotham City yet again, Batman (Will Arnett) returns home alone with only his butler Alfred (Ralph Fiennes) for company. With the help of new Commissioner Barbara Gordon (Rosario Dawson) and Robin (Michael Cera), will he open his heart to others and fend off The Joker (Zach Galifianakis) once more?

Spoiler alert: yes. But the film's not really about plot. The tone is set immediately by Arnett's moody commentary over the opening production logos, a loving but comprehensive piss take of the Batman mythology. It is first and foremost, exceedingly silly with laughs aplenty. My two favourite moments in the film involve Batman repeating the word "No" whilst rolling up a staircase and the words "Statistics" and "Compassion" said in a stupid voice.

The entire voice cast do great work but Cera (in particularly earnest form) is a nice foil for Arnett's childish, narcissistic caped crusader. Robin's long overdue reappearance is one facet of the film's extensive fan service exemplified by The Joker rattling off a long list of villains at the start, including the Condiment King who I'm absolutely astonished to discover is a genuine character from the franchise's past. I would have liked more Bane, but that's a minor gripe.

 Much like its predecessor, the action takes a turn for the ludicrous with the Harry Potter and Lord Of The Rings franchises getting in on the act, as well as the appearance of some instantly recognisable "British robots". Director Chris McKay has worked on Robot Chicken in the past and this shares the same surreal sense of humour infused with pop culture.

The Lego Batman Movie is 90 minutes of sheer fun and certainly if you got on board with The Lego Movie, you'll enjoy this too. Everything is still awesome.

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