Three years ago, The Lego Movie captivated children (and adults alike) with its wit, fun, graphics, action, characters, and uplifting message. Now, we get The Lego Batman Movie, featuring the Dark Knight himself (who had a side role in the first movie). How does it hold up? Quite well, actually.
Batman works alone. He doesn't need (or want) anyone, and shuns any attempts at relationship (with friend or foe). After a typical Joker take-down, Batman basks in self-love and retreats to his isolated life. Things take an odd turn, though, when Mr. J- and his whole baddie crew- turn themselves in. Suddenly, Batman has no purpose; Gotham has no need of him. The new police commissioner, Barbara Gordon, thinks something's amiss, though, and asks Bats to help. Will Batman lay down his pride and be part of something bigger?
This move is about the necessity and reality of relationships. Surprisingly poignant in places, it shows Batman (and all of us) that we can't do it alone, but that doesn't mean it's easy. There is pain and loss in this world, and getting close can mean getting hurt . . . but we cannot retreat from the need for each other.
Overall, the movie is excellent. It has all the elements of the original, and though it doesn't quite reach the same heights (the first is a shade better), it's still well worth a look.
Rating: A
No comments:
Post a Comment