The Lego Batman Movie dazzles, thrills and even manges to surprise, in what could arguably be called the most complete and entertaining big-screen adaptation of ‘The Dark Knight’ to date.

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I’ve been told once before I have a childlike disposition when it comes to my entertainment, or rather what entertains me. I am one who stands firmly behind the notion that Lego’s are fun for the whole family, my 26 year old self included. I’ve been pretty obsessed with the miniature build-ems since I was toddler-sized and that hasn’t wained with age. Now, when I found out the Lego film franchise was bringing to life a plus-sized homage to my all-time favourite comic book hero – the caped crusader, the dark knight, the one and only Batman – I was as breathlessly excited as I was intrigued. Boy oh boy, was I not disappointed when the final colourful cascade of credits rolled.

The seeds for the film were planted way back when the original Oscar winning The Lego Movie mowed through the theatre circuit in 2014. Batman, voiced to campy perfection by Will Arnett, was a scene-stealer in the much beloved animated block-buster, so the fan outcry and obvious marketing potential for a super-hero spin-off spoke for itself.

The film captures much of the same magic and nostalgia that made the original Lego Movie such a masterful success. Factor in endless allusions and nods to the Batman mythos, with enough Easter Eggs and hidden gems to fill a fan-boys warehouse, and you have the perfect marriage for any pop culture nut big or small.

Outside of the obvious hilarity that comes from an all-star voice cast including Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Cera, Ralph Fiennes and Rosario Dawson, Lego Batman also manages to pack a fairly sizable emotional punch. It’s far from your obvious cut-and-dry animated fare, and when boiling down the plot you’ll surprising find that this is an animated blockbuster with something to say, as opposed to all sizzle and with no substance.

But at the wend of it all The Lego Batman Movie gives the viewer exactly what prompted them to shell out tihe ticket price. It is gut-bustlingly funny at times, consistently marvelous to look at and endless entertaining from start to finish. It could be, and I say this with hesitation, the most complete Batman film experience to date.

This is not just a film for kids, for animated fans or for superhero or comic enthusiasts. It crosses so many boundaries and checks off so many boxes, that I’d wager to say it will meet almost unanimous approval. And how often can we say that?

The Lego Batman Movie is now playing in theatres nation-wide.