These LEGO movies, guys.

I absolutely adore the original LEGO movie. It's a very nearly perfect piece of art. Great story, well-written, brilliant self-aware humor, and a very touching and healthy message.

So, naturally, I was thrilled about the prospect of more LEGO movies!

I think the best thing about the LEGO Batman movie is that it pokes fun not only at itself, but all the previous reiterations of Batman and several other DC Universe movies. There have been plenty of serious incarnations of Batman, so to have one that acknowledges all the previous ones and doesn't mind making fun of its own franchise is a welcome fresh take.

However, for that reason, I do think this movie will be less timeless than the original LEGO movie. The original LEGO movie, while it had cultural references, didn't depend on them; it was an original story with a very classic message. LEGO Batman depends on knowledge of the franchise, and is a bit more of a cliched, on-the-nose story (although still a sweet one). It's more of a throwaway, fun flick. Definitely something I'd watch again, definitely something I enjoyed, but not a new classic.

One of the hardest things to get over in Lego Batman is that most people really have a hard time liking or identifying Batman himself. He is very, very, VERY narcissistic and throughout the movie even in his more vulnerable moments he still kind of a big jerk.
That I think is where The Lego Movie succeeded more was that Emmett was just so likable and we really wanted to see him win. Batman on the other hand, we know is going to win, (because he's Batman!)

I really need to see both movies. Hubby took daughter and our nieces to see Batman last weekend and they loved it. And I like the ninjago tv series so I'm sure I'll appreciate the movies, too.