Strangely (or not) over the years of Batman movies, we haven’t really had one that speaks directly to us by breaking the fourth wall and Will Arnett’s perfectly gruff-voiced Batman definitely brings this with gusto. Packed full of very humorous quotes, which you’ll be desperately trying to remember afterwards, The Dark Knight of LEGO is all about costumes, gadgets and being alone to think about his issues.

When you think about it, Bruce Wayne’s alter-ego has continued to connect and separate from the world around him for a long, long time now and so it’s actually a wonder that he’s still reasonably sane. Our LEGO friends, and director Chris McKay along with 8 writers, definitely don’t want us to forget this and alongside a plot of accidentally adopting Dick Grayson/Robin (voiced by Michael Cera) as his own child, we witness the fall and rise of a more self-aware Batman. It may go back through memories but this definitely isn’t about the loss of his parents, or the fact him and Robin are orphans, or that Alfred (Ralph Fiennes) is his adopted father – but all those elements have their moments – it’s a ridiculous lot of fun and this is a stand-alone story deserves as much attention as any of the big ‘real’ films gone before.

Because the The LEGO Batman Movie is also created so vibrantly, it’s strangely easy to forget how huge the fictional world is and how impressive it looks. Every shot fills each nook and cranny with bricks, invention, criminals, comedy and utter brilliance. The aforementioned world is beyond imagination as we speed through Batman outfits, as well as his collection of cars, rockets and more. Alongside this, it also includes the legendary Batmobile and there’s a large part in the movie for ‘The Scuttler’ (see our LEGO set review here) and worst of all, it makes you want to either buy it or try to make it all somehow.

The LEGO Batman Movie oozes endless characters right through the DC/Batworld as well. There are vital roles for Rosario Dawson’s Barbara Gordon/Batgirl and Bat’s arch-enemy Joker (Zach Galifianakis) plus, to name but a selection, we delve right through the ranks of Superman, Harley Quinn, Killer Croc, Scarecrow, The Riddler, Catwoman, Two-Face and Bane – the latter who sounds very much Tom Hardy’s Nolan version. Plus, you even get the likes of Voldemort, Sauron, some Daleks and so much more with a plethora of famous voices giving their moment to the endless, wonderfully positive adventure.

In summary, and before I wax lyrical until the LEGO cows come home, The LEGO Batman Movie is beyond a success, it’s an absolute joy and I haven’t even got to how important the serious moments are because they’re effortlessly achieved with heart and honesty. Just go pick up a copy, drag the family in, and enjoy the fun.

The LEGO Batman Movie is out now on Blu-ray and DVD! Order here: http://amzn.to/2rRjJ6P

Blu-ray Extras:

There are times when only Blu-ray will do and although the DVD does have one, it’s the extensive extras that really make the big ole Blu-ray the best. Quite the list of great stuff to enjoy plus FOUR new animated shorts. Here’s a list of what to expect:

• Original Animation Shorts: Dark Hoser, Batman is Just Not That Into You, Cooking with Alfred,Movie Sound Effects: How Do They Do That?
• The Master: A LEGO Ninjago Short
• Deleted Scenes
• Featurettes: One Brick at a Time: Making the Lego Batman Movi, Inside Wayne Manor, Brick by Brick: Making of the LEGO Batman, Behind the Brick, Me and My Mini Fig, Comic Con Panel
• Rebrick Contest Winners
• Film Trailers
• Lego Life Trailer
• Social Promos: Follow Me Online, Don’t Skip, Happy Holidays Jingle, Batsby New Year’s, Team Cutdown
• Director and Crew Commentary’s

Also, listen out for these quotes and share your favourites:

Alfred: Were you looking at the old family photos again?

Batman: No, I wasn’t!

Alfred: Sir… I’ve seen you go through similar phases in 2016 and 2012 and 2008 and 2005 and 1997 and 1995 and 1992 and 1989 and that weird one in 1966.

Batman: I have aged phenomenally.

And…among many others…

Batman: Who always pays their taxes? Not Batman!