IT did not take long for the novelty of Lego movies to wear off.
Only the second of its kind after 2014’s witty and eye-poppingly designed The Lego Movie in which Lego characters existed exclusively within a Lego built world, The Lego Batman Movie has the signature sass but little of the imagination.
Batman’s (Will Arnett) broody, lonely existence is shaken up when Gotham’s new tough as nails police commissioner Barbara Gordon (Rosario Dawson) announces the force will fight crime without the superhero’s help.
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READ NOWBut when the Joker (Zach Galifianakis) and his team of supervillains surrender to the police, Batman believes he has an ulterior motive, and is joined by new sidekick Dick Grayson/Robin (Michael Cera) to stop them.
This is basically another Batman movie, as if we have not had enough, but with a cheeky self-referential streak (always commenting on how dark and serious these films are).
At first, it is funny and there are some great moments, pop culture references and sight gags, but the longer this film goes on, the less frequently laugh out loud it becomes.
Resembling something Michael Bay would concoct if he were ever given the reins to a Batman film, there is wall to wall Lego action, but it is just big, loud and obnoxious.
And despite the fast paced action sequences, the story lumbers along to a punishing hour and 45 minute mark.
It speaks volumes that this film, being only five minutes longer than its predecessor, feels Titanic-like in its length.
If you enjoy this one, you will be pleased to learn there is another Lego movie on its way, already being advertised.
If not, you may not be so excited by such news.
THE ESSENTIALS
The Lego Batman Movie (PG)
Directed by: Chris McKay
Starring: Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson
Two and a half stars
Review by: Julian Wright
In cinemas now