(2017) One of my favorite films of the year, The Lego Batman Movie opens with a bang (also some seriously funny narration), as the self-absorbed, vain-as-hell Batman (perfectly, smugly voiced by Will Arnett) foils yet another attempt by the Joker to take over Gotham City. Unfortunately, the caped crusader also seriously wounds the Joker's feelings, setting the arch criminal on a plot for some mega-revenge in order to prove to Batman that he is the Dark Knight's ultimate foe. Meanwhile, Commissioner Gordon has retired, and in his place his daughter Barbara (secretly Batgirl) takes over, determined to put an end to crime in Gotham for good ... by, first off, making Batman virtually obsolete. But Bruce Wayne's problems are far from over there, as he also learns he's accidentally adopted a needy, hyperactive teenage orphan, Dick Grayson (a terrific Michael Cera), who worships Batman like a god but unfortunately is as inept as he is anxious to help. Can Batman stop the Joker from unleashing some of the world's most heinous criminals upon the world? Prove himself still useful as a crimefighter, even if it means asking for help? Train a complete doofus as his sidekick? The Lego Batman Movie is one big head-rush, moving consistently in a frenzied rush that may give some a headache - but for me it was fast, furious, and funny as hell, with a style and sense of humor as cynical and sarcastic as its titular hero. (rated PG)9/10 stars
