This is based on the video game Lego Batman 2 and the cynic in me was expecting the film to be *just* the FMV sequences from that game all edited together, maybe with the odd inter-title to explain actions that took place during the playable levels. I'm glad to say that I was wrong and that the original animators from the game created a series of visually entertaining sequences to tie the original FMV footage together, vastly increasing the runtime and creating a finished product that's exciting and surprising even if you've already played the game through and know the story.The DVD also comes with a good selection of extras. There's a collection of very high-end fan-made Lego stop-motion animation shorts. There's a featurette about the process of stop-motion animating Lego that's very sweet in a 'Being Elmo' way at times but also the part of the package that's most evidently just pushing Lego products on the viewer. There's also a well-chosen set of episodes from Batman: The Brave and the Bold and Teen Titans that focus on the Justice League members featured in this film: "Triumvirate of Terror!" with Superman and Wonder Woman, "Scorn of the Star Sapphire!" with Green Lantern and Wonder Woman and "Overdrive" featuring Cyborg (no Flash or Martian Manhunter, though). I hadn't seen any of these episodes before and they're quite enjoyable, especially the Batman/Superman/Wonder Woman episode, the epilogue of which shows the trio of heroes still working together as a team well into their old age. Awww.

Having never seen nor played any of the Lego movies or video games this was my first venture into their blocky incarnation of various franchises. I was fully expecting nothing but a feature-length cut-scene but was surprised at how cinematic it actually is.Opening with Danny Elfman's brilliant Batman theme (no offense to Zimmer but Warner knows that fans prefer this version), we learn that Lex Luthor and Joker have teamed up and have gained the upper hand over Bats and Supes. If only Bats had the humility to ask the rest of the Justice League for help. Skipping back a couple of days, the story of their dire situation unfolds. It's not an original framing device, but it was better than I was expecting.Director Jon Burton (no relation to Tim) uses many atmospheric locations that look wonderfully photo-realistic, while building as much of the world as possible with actual Lego bricks. Builders will get lots of ideas when watching this movie. Rob Westwood's score, while very entertaining, does get a little overbearing at time though. He should have let a couple of scenes speak for themselves, but it's still good enough to warrant a release on CD.There is a fun sense of humor permeating each scene, meaning that if the vivid sets and cute action don't entertain you will still be smiling. It does suffer a little bit from the "smashing skyscrapers" cliché that is common in many comic book movies but it's not too much of a distraction.Far better than I expected. I will certainly invest time in a sequel.

Actually, I've had enough of Batman these days. Every time I watch one of the animated movies, he's okay… until he or the storyline starts to downgrade the greatest hero of our fictional time: Superman. This "movie" is no different.That said and disregarding the display of Batman being a dick again to Superman, LEGO Batman: The Movie - DC Super Heroes Unite is an absolute pleasure.My roommate/landlord has played the game where the majority of these shots were side segments and he states some scenes were added to make it a full-fledged film…if you can call a 71 cartoon a "film." Since I have not played the game – whatever it's called, this entire video was brand new to me.I loved almost every minute of this. Laughed hard, marveled a lot and actually enjoyed the journey of these characters lego'ized.It was clever, fun and adventurous, despite the limitations of being just about Legos. And above all that, it was clever; just when I thought it had flaws, the movie sideswiped me and explained what I would normally criticize.Basically, Lex Luthor and Joker team up so Lex can be President of the United States, but both Batman and hilarious Robin set out to expose his evil plots. Sometimes calling upon the likes of our lovable Justice League players.Even if you're only mildly interested in either Batman, Legos or Animation, this is an absolute must see. Especially if you fall in that "mildly interested" category; it's only 71 minutes! That's not a lot of time invested.You'll thank me. This was fun.

At first I thought this movie would be kind of like "The Avengers." The movie turns out to be very different! All the Marvel superheroes and everything else are made out of Legos. It is more focused on Batman as a man and other heroes like Robin, Super Women, Super Man, the Green Lantern and many others. This move has a mix of comedy which I've noticed is in every Lego movie. It has action, adventure, great actors and even a lifelong lesson - sometimes you can't do things all by yourself, you need help. There are some pretty cool structures and machines. All these structures are built out of Lego bricks so you can really build them yourself if you knew how!The adventure begins when Bruce Wayne wins the "Man of the Year" award. If you don't know who Bruce Wayne is, he is Batman undercover. Then, the Joker commits a crime and Batman and Robin have to capture him once again. As they are trying to achieve their goal, Superman helps him. Batman gets annoyed with Superman but, at the end they work together and call in all the superheroes to defeat the Joker! If you want to know what happens at the end you must watch the movie.What I love about this funny, action-packed film is how it shows the relationship between Robin and Batman as somewhat difficult. This isn't very good for a side-kick and a hero. At the end though, they become good friends. Also, it shows all the heroes' powers like Superman's strength and Batman's throwing skills. The best part for me is how everything is made out of Legos. And, as in most Lego movies, there are cool animations, good actions and great voice-over actors.My favorite scene is when the bat cave gets destroyed. It's action packed and shows Joker's "funny" side with his strange humor and his pie bombs. Superman helps them. But, the Joker and his partner Lex, who is running for president and using Joker to win election, gets away. Would you like to know how he was able to defeat Superman's power? Get a copy of this wonderful film and find out! I recommend this film for ages 3 and up. There's really no violence or harsh language in this movie. "Lego Batman the Movie" is extremely kid- friendly. I give this movie 5 out 5 stars. You can find it on DVD everywhere now.