Who doesn’t love superhero movies? Currently the television and film industries are saturated with superheros, and this just goes to show how big of an interest people have in the genre. In particular, there always seems to be a handful of heroes which pop-up frequently and one of them is Batman.

In the late 2000s, the critically acclaimed The Dark Knight trilogy was released and then last year, we saw the extremely polarizing Batman vs. Superman, which divided casual viewers and fans alike. We will be seeing Ben Affleck’s Batman once again in November when in Justice League. But with all the Batman’s we’ve seen so far, how does Lego Batman stand out on its own?

If there’s one thing which never changes about Batman it’s his brooding. By day, he is a lonely, brooding billionaire and by night, he becomes a vigilante. In his many portrayals, he always seems to be a little obsessed as well. Lego Batman continues to take up the same issues by going through Bruce’s defences and family issues while using Alfred to be his guide and provide some much-needed common sense at times. But they’ve also incorporated a different aspect into the film and that is through a child coming into his life.

Yes, you did read that right. Batman adopted a child, and it took him a week to remember him. He must find it within himself to accept the boy as his family and attempt to raise him in his typical narcissistic and egotistical way, of course. The thing is, with the movie part of the Lego franchise, their approach is usually quite different. The film isn’t afraid to joke about Batman’s stereotypical characteristics, such as how he works along and his relationship with the Joker. So instead of being serious as Batman films usually are (and typically not suitable for children) Lego Batman incorporates a tonne of jokes and references. Usually these can always be a bit of a hit or miss, depending on the situation or understanding, but either way, it does make the film quite enjoyable.

Lego Batman is perfect for multi-fandom viewers as it contains numerous pop-culture references. It is filled with super-villians like Joker, Bane and Harley Quinn, plus unrelated ones such as Lord Voldemort (Harry Potter) and Sauron (Lord of the Rings). Other than the appearance of these big bad’s, it also satirizes other movies in its genres—because really, the superhero genre deserves it every now and then.

With its fast pace and zippy energy, you’ll find yourself enjoying the film that will never bore you while watching the movie. The animation follows its usual Lego film characteristics with its vibrancy and attention to details. For new viewers, the Lego format can be unsettling, but as the movie continues, the playful nature tends to distract you. In addition, it has some very catchy original music filled with self-worship on Batman’s part.

Lego Batman appears to be the perfect blend with Batman’s usual origin story and character in conjunction with the lightness and vibrant atmosphere of the Lego films and games. Lego Batman has certainly given us a good start to the year with it being the first superhero movie out and many more to come over the following months.

What did you think of Lego Batman? Let us know in the comments below!

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If you’re a sucker like I am for musicals, you’ll love La La Land!

Like many others, the classics are always on repeat. From Singin’ in the Rain to The Sound of Music and Grease, the sheer joy of watching them never ceases, no matter how many times you watch. The same can be said for stage productions and I remember my first time seeing Wicked, the overall excitement could barely be contained with the songs already memorised before even seeing it. So you could imagine how musical lovers, such as myself, felt when La La Land was announced.

Written and directed by Damien Chazelle (Whiplash), La La Land tells the story of two struggling artists in pursuit of their dreams in Los Angeles. The film centers around two individuals—Ryan Gosling’s character Sebastian is a jazz musician struggling to make rent with hopes to open up a club that celebrates jazz’s golden years. Meanwhile, Mia (played by Emma Stone) is an aspiring-actress working as a barista in a studio while juggling auditions.

The two cross paths several times and each time they do, their interactions have been far from pleasant. But after running into each other at a party, their relationship takes a turn, with Mia teasing him for playing in a 1980s pop cover band. While Sebastian helps Mia search for her car post-gig, the two come across a beautiful view of the city and despite the obvious chemistry between them, lament in song (“A Lovely Night”) that the view is wasted on poor company.

However, their common desire to pursue what they love draws them together and soon, Sebastian and Mia start dating. At first, it looks like everything is falling into place—Sebastian lands a regular gig at a jazz club and he convinces Mia to write and direct her personal one-woman show. But when Sebastian decides to join an old friend’s band so he can make a steady income, it puts a strain on their relationship. Sebastian and the band quickly rise to fame while Mia’s stage play garners little success. The lovers start to learn that you just can’t have it all.

It’s hard not to fall in love with Stone and Gosling’s performance, whether they’re fighting over dinner or dancing in the Griffith Observatory. Beyond the romance, stunning visuals, and catchy musical numbers that is reminiscent of Singin’ in the Rain, their portrayal of the vulnerability of aspiring artists feels raw and honest. La La Land doesn’t paint a dreamy picture of life and success, but rather confronts us with the struggle of standing out in a sea of hopefuls when pursuing one’s dreams. It also explores the sacrifices people are willing to make and how sometimes love and dreams aren’t compatible. It is an ode to “the ones who dream, foolish as they may seem.”

If you have not seen it yet, what are you waiting for? It’s a movie worth watching again and again and again!

Did you enjoy La La Land? Let us know in the comments below!

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