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The Lego Batman Movie is the best Batman movie. It is an offshoot of The Lego Movie. The main cast is Will Arnett as Batman, Michael Cera as Robin, Rosario Dawson as Batgirl, Ralph Fiennes as Alfred, and Zach Galifianakis as Joker. The cast is further filled out by many recognizable voices. This version of Batman is a spoof of many other Batman movies but written by an avid fan. It references all eras of Batman as well as many of the strange villains Batman has faced. All of the jokes come from a place of love.
The main story is also about the respect between Batman and Joker. Batman is his typical brooding and isolated self. Joker is always aware of the push and pull between him and Batman and enjoys coming up with heists to challenge Batman. Without super villains, we do not need superheroes.
Batman also learns about family when he adopts Robin, an orphan, accidentally. Batgirl/the new police commissioner keeps a professional relationship with Batman despite his goo-goo eyes for her; cue (I Just) Died In Your Arms. The biggest love story is between Batman and Joker. The platonic relationship between Batgirl and batman is refreshing and avoids a troupe. Batgirl has plenty of autonomy and kicks butt.
I saw this movie twice in theaters and both times the auditorium was filled with laughter. This is over the top hilarious. The mostly silent scene of Batman munching on lobster thermidor in his swimming pool will get you giggling at the second bite and laughing at loud well before Batman transitions to watching Jerry McGuire. The jokes do not let up, so be prepared!
The first Lego Movie and Lego Batman were wonderful takes on a beloved childhood toy. The Lego Movie sequel never lived up to the first film because the fourth wall between the Lego world and the real world was broken in the first movie. Lego batman stays firmly in the Lego world with just a wink and nod to the fragile foundation that the city is built on in real life. This movie holds up to re-watching and brings humor to an otherwise dark and brooding superhero.