The Lego Batman Movie

Name: The Lego Batman Movie - Christian Parent's Review
Item: The Lego Batman Movie
Rating: 2
Author: StoryScanner

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General Review

Parent's Guide to The Lego Batman Movie

The Lego Batman Movie (2017) is an animated superhero comedy film, serving as a spin-off of The Lego Movie. It follows Batman as he navigates his solitary life, confronts his fear of intimate relationships, and reluctantly adopts Dick Grayson, who becomes Robin. The central plot involves the Joker orchestrating a scheme to prove his significance as Batman's archnemesis, compelling Batman to learn the importance of teamwork and chosen family to protect Gotham City. The film is largely characterized by its rapid-fire humor, self-referential jokes, and energetic action sequences. It targets a broad audience, appealing to fans of Lego and the broader superhero genre, offering a blend of lighthearted entertainment and deeper themes of belonging and personal growth. The movie is generally considered appropriate for older children and pre-teens, though some elements like intense action and subtle adult humor may be better suited for viewers aged 8 and up.

Things to Consider

Medium6

LGBTQ & Gender IdentityViolenceRomance and Sexual ContentWitchcraft & OccultScary & Intense ContentDisrespect & Rebellion

Low3

ProfanitySubstance UseAnti-Christian Themes

Medium6

LGBTQ & Gender Identity

The film includes subtle cues and recurring jokes that have been interpreted by various sources as 'queer-coding' and as normalizing non-traditional family structures. While no explicit LGBTQ characters or relationships are depicted, the dynamic between Batman and the Joker has been widely discussed as containing 'homosexual innuendo' and 'gay subtext', particularly regarding the Joker's desire for Batman's recognition. Additionally, Robin's repeated reference to Batman and Bruce Wayne as his 'two dads' has been noted as subtly promoting LGBTQ family structures.

Violence

The movie features frequent animated violence, including intense battle scenes, explosions, and widespread destruction. While the use of Lego figures means injuries are non-graphic and characters can be 'rebuilt', the sheer scale and speed of the action can be overwhelming and potentially frightening for younger viewers. Threats of violence and perilous situations are central to the plot.

A cargo plane full of explosives is hijacked by villains who cut it open with blow torches, tying up and throwing the pilot out. Supervillains cause mayhem and mass destruction in Gotham City, with laser guns and missiles destroying buildings in explosions of flame, smoke, and dust, causing people to scream and run. Batman punches and kicks villains, sending them flying through the air, and accidentally kicks his elderly butler Alfred in the chest.

Romance and Sexual Content

The film contains mild sexual references and innuendo, largely for comedic effect, alongside instances of partial nudity. These elements are generally not explicit but contribute to a level of suggestive humor that may be more suitable for older children.

Witchcraft & Occult

The film features several fantastical villains from other media franchises who utilize magic or supernatural powers as part of their characterization and abilities. These characters, such as Lord Voldemort and the Wicked Witch of the West, are central to the antagonist group and actively engage in magical actions.

Scary & Intense Content

Despite its comedic tone, the movie contains several intense action sequences and features a wide array of frightening villains that could be disturbing to very young children. The sheer volume of antagonists and the scale of destruction create moments of suspense and peril, which some parents have reported caused distress in children under 13.

The Joker is depicted with a 'shock of green hair on his head, exaggerated red lips, large shark-like teeth and a manic personality'. The film includes a multitude of scary characters like Sauron (with lava spewing from his eye), Lord Voldemort, King Kong, the Kraken, and Gremlins, who are actively involved in the conflict. Some parental reviews indicated children as old as 12 were disturbed by the violence and intense scenes.

Disrespect & Rebellion

A significant plot point revolves around Batman's initial arrogance, self-absorption, and his reluctance to embrace teamwork or family, showcasing a rebellious attitude towards connection and responsibility. This narrative arc involves him learning to overcome this isolation. There are also instances of general comedic snark and minor defiance.

Low3

Profanity

The movie includes very mild instances of coarse language and toilet humor, used infrequently and primarily for comedic effect. No strong expletives or terms of deity are used, maintaining a PG rating standard.

Substance Use

Minimal and incidental depictions of substance use are present, primarily showing characters socially drinking alcohol. There is no focus on intoxication, addiction, or illegal drug use, and these instances are brief and not central to the narrative.

Anti-Christian Themes

No explicit anti-Christian themes or direct mockery of Christian beliefs were found within 'The Lego Batman Movie'. The film focuses on secular superhero narratives, personal growth, and comedic interpretations of popular culture. Its core messages about family, teamwork, and self-acceptance are broadly positive and are not tied to any anti-religious ideology.

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The Lego Batman Movie (2017) offers several themes that resonate positively with a Christian worldview, particularly its strong emphasis on community and the importance of relationships. The core message that a lonely, self-absorbed life is ultimately a sad and miserable one, and that we are better together, directly aligns with biblical principles of fellowship and interdependence (Ecclesiastes 4:12, Romans 12:4-5, Hebrews 10:24-25). Batman's journey from a solitary hero who struggles with vulnerability and the fear of loss to embracing a chosen family—Alfred, Robin, and Batgirl—showcases a profound personal growth. This shift highlights how true strength is found not in isolation, but in allowing others into one's life and working collaboratively, a concept explicitly encouraged in scripture. The film also touches on the idea of leadership requiring empathy, courage, and accountability, which are virtues valued in Christian teaching. Regarding character morality, the narrative clearly rewards Batman for moving away from his narcissistic and prideful tendencies towards humility and selflessness. His initial vices of arrogance and emotional detachment are shown to be hindrances to his effectiveness and personal happiness. Conversely, his eventual embrace of teamwork and family leads to success in saving Gotham and personal fulfillment. While the Joker and other villains are clearly depicted as antagonists whose destructive actions are not rewarded, the film also subtly explores the Joker's desire for significance within his relationship with Batman, offering a unique take on their dynamic without condoning his evil. There isn't an explicit depiction of faith or Christianity in the movie, which is typical for mainstream animated superhero films, so there is no representation to analyze in that regard. Redemption themes are prominent, primarily through Batman's personal arc. He moves from being a character defined by past trauma and fear of loss to one who accepts love and responsibility for others. His apology to his teammates and his willingness to sacrifice his lone-wolf persona for the good of his newly formed family are acts of personal redemption and grace. The movie champions robust family values, particularly through the positive portrayal of adoption and foster parenting. Alfred acts as a clear father figure to Bruce, and Batman's reluctant adoption of Dick Grayson into Robin highlights the transformative power of a loving, albeit unconventional, family unit. This emphasis on chosen family and the positive impact of parental figures, even surrogate ones, strongly aligns with Christian values concerning the care of children and the importance of family bonds.

Additional Context

Best For Ages

Parental Guidance Recommended for ages 8 and up. While rated PG for mild comic violence and rude humor, some scenes featuring intense action and numerous intimidating villains may be frightening for children under 8. The film's themes of loneliness, fear of commitment, and forming relationships, along with subtle adult humor, are better understood by slightly older children.

Good to Know

The film's humor is rapid-fire and includes many references to previous Batman films and other pop culture, which older viewers will appreciate more. The overarching themes of overcoming loneliness, accepting help, and the importance of chosen family are strong positive messages for viewers. Younger children (under 8) may find the fast-paced action and numerous intimidating villains overwhelming.

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