In a world where we’re 75% sure we’re living in The Twilight Zone, there’s not a lot to look forward to. In times like these we turn to simple pleasures. The sun on your skin, the taste of your favorite foods, and The Lego Batman Movie. In what could have been a simple piggyback off the success of 2014’s The Lego Movie, its prominent off-shoot has created a new branch in the Lego universe. To put it frankly, it’s goddamn delightful.From the second the movie opens, the supersedes any complaints that could be made from hardcore Batman fans. Arnett’s characterization keeps Batman accessible to all; he’s an arrogant, lonely hero, quipping out fantastic one liners and dwelling on the isolation of being a masked vigilante in a very kid friendly “we all feel feelings” way. We even get a fitting homage to the past Batman films and series, showcasing iconic moments and themes without feeling grossly shoehorned.The magic that made up the original Lego Movie comes out tenfold, existing primarily in Lego Gotham City where the Joker runs amuck on a regular basis, and the GCPD has given over any and all crime fighting over to Batman.
As seen in most of the previews, the main turmoil between Joker and Batman is the latter’s inability to acknowledge their mutual hate for one another, insisting that the Joker is not the only thorn in his side. Joker’s rage hits new levels, and as Batman deals with his persistent loneliness, the Joker hatches a scheme to destroy the city once and for allThe subtlety the film delivers accounts for most of its funniest moments. The fact that the stellar cast is comprised of some of the entertainment industry’s favorite funny folks brings a new level to the suspension of disbelief we’re normally required to sustain for movies like this. Rather than being distracted by say, Arnett’s iconic time spent on Arrested Development brought to mind by his cadence, we’re instead treated to a personification of the Lego characters by their voice over counterpart.While there isn’t much to criticize (save for the occasional dad joke, that let’s face it, the whole theater is going to laugh about) there was a varied disappointment at the lack of character development in some of the most recognizable Batman characters.
It’s eventually made up for later with a new batch of soon to be favorites and limited edition Lego playsets, but suffice to say it’s still noticed. To be honest the main problem that stood out came solely from an annoyingly stringent watching of the movie looking for flaws, distracting from the overall glory of some of the best moments.Rather than give away fantastic jokes or plot developments, it seems pertinent to urge even the stubbornest of curmudgeon to take a moment to appreciate the shear humanity that comes out of a movie starring little plastic figures. As ridiculous as it sounds, we could learn from the lessons of Lego Batman and friends; he truly is the hero we need.The Lego Batman Movie is now playing in theaters everywhere. Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today revealed details around three highly collectable expansion packs for LEGO® Dimensions™, the LEGO toy and videogame hybrid, that will be available on February 10, 2017. The LEGO® Batman Movie Story Pack, Excalibur Batman Fun Pack and Knight Rider Fun Pack will broaden the selection of the world’s most popular entertainment brands allowing players to customize their experience by mixing and matching favorite characters and universes with full compatibility.
Coinciding with the release of the upcoming film on which it’s based, The LEGO Batman Movie Story Pack, will provide a deep, story-driven gameplay experience with iconic DC characters in six puzzle-packed levels and new LEGO Gateway bricks that allow players to build the Bat-Computer atop the LEGO Toy Pad. The pack comes with buildable Batgirl and Robin minifigures and the 3-in-1 buildable Batwing which can be rebuilt into The Black Thunder and Bat-Tank. Gamers can play the complete movie and band together with Batgirl and Robin to fight off the Joker and his team of villains. Batgirl’s batarang, glide and stealth abilities can reach areas with high security access and Robin’s agility and dive skills provide sneak access. Players can also transform Robin into the Nightwing, utilize his vine cut, and deflect moves for more crime-fighting adventures. Batgirl and Robin provide access to the new The LEGO Batman Movie Adventure World with its own unique Battle Arena with competitive split-screen local gameplay for up to four players.
Batman fans can broaden their LEGO Dimensions gameplay with Excalibur Batman from The LEGO Batman Movie. The Fun Pack comes with a buildable Batman minifigure and a 3-in-1 buildable Bionic Steed which can be rebuilt into the Bat-Raptor and Ultrabat for additional in-game abilities. Players can use Batman’s Master Builder and Sword Switching abilities to solve puzzles and take down enemies. Batman also provides access to The LEGO Batman Movie Adventure World and Battle Arena. The Excalibur Batman Fun Pack will release in North America first at Target. Michael Knight and K.I.T.T. from the classic 80s TV series, Knight Rider, are also coming to LEGO Dimensions. Players can add the iconic duo with the Knight Rider Fun Pack featuring a buildable Michael Knight minifigure, and a rebuildable 3-in-1 K.I.T.T., that can be rebuilt into the K.I.T.T. Jet and Goliath Armored Semi for upgraded in-game powers. In the game, players can activate Michael Knight’s dodging and dash abilities to solve puzzles and overpower enemies or use his Wrist Watch to uncover secrets behind x-ray walls and outsmart enemies by hacking into terminals and following trails.
Players can also fight crime on four wheels with K.I.T.T., the highly advanced, artificially intelligent robotic vehicle, to boost their gameplay. Michael Knight provides access to a new Knight Rider Adventure World with its own unique Battle Arena. The Knight Rider Fun Pack will release in North America first at GameStop. Players can continue to broaden and customize their experience with new expansion packs releasing this year. The Ghostbusters Story Pack, Adventure Time and Mission: Impossible Level Packs, Harry Potter and Adventure Time Team Packs, and The A-Team Fun Pack will be available on September 27 and the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Story Pack, Sonic The Hedgehog Level Pack, Gremlins Team Pack, and E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and Adventure Time Fun Packs will be available on November 18.Batgirl is an ally to Batman and Robin. She appears as a playable character in LEGO Batman: The Videogame and LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes.