Tag Archives: the lego batman movie

LEGO Batman Beats Fifty Shades Darker and John Wick to Win the Weekend Box Office

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the-lego-batman-movieThe LEGO Batman Movie topped the box office earning an estimated $55.6 million for its first weekend. The film opened similarly to The LEGO Movie which earned $69 million its opening weekend. Overseas The LEGO Batman Movie earned an estimated $37 million to bring its worldwide total to $92.6 million. With little competition for a while and good word of mouth, the film should do quite well based on its “A-” CinemaScore and 91% approval on RottenTomatoes.

In second place was another new film, Fifty Shades Darker, the sequel to Fifty Shades of Grey. The film earned an estimated $46.8 million. That’s an astounding $40 million less than the first film which earned $85.2 million and went on to earn $571 million worldwide. The film did earn $100.1 million from 57 markets for a total of $146.9 million. The original film dropped 74% in its second weekend, so it should be interesting to see how this does. With Valentine’s Day this week, who knows how that’ll factor into things, but it should help.

John Wick: Chapter Two was in third place and also another debut. The film earned an estimated $30 million domestically and $10.6 million from 41 foreign markets. The film received an “A-” CinemaScore and 90% on RottenTomatoes. The original film opened with $14 million domestically and went on to earn $43 million domestically and $43 million in foreign markets.

Split finally drops from first place moving to fourth. The film earned an additional $9.3 million domestically and earned $112.3 million from the domestic box office and $57.1 million from foreign markets for a total of $169.4 million. With a budget of just $9 million, that’s a fantastic return of 18.8 so far (and counting).

Rounding out the top five, Hidden Figures added an estimated $8 million to its total. It currently stands at $131.5 million domestically. It has passed La La Land for domestic earnings, but that film leads for worldwide total.

In more comic film related news, Doctor Strange added $187,000 to its total to bring its domestic total to $232.2 million. Worldwide, the film has earned $673.6 million. We’ll have more of a breakdown as far as 2016’s comic movies in an hour.

Movie Review: The LEGO Batman Movie

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the-lego-batman-movieSpinning out of The LEGO Movie is The LEGO Batman Movie putting the full focus on the Brick Crusader in his quest to keep Gotham safe. In The LEGO Batman Movie, Bruce Wayne must not only deal with the criminals of Gotham City, but also the responsibility of raising a boy he adopted. Directed by Chris McKay, the film is a visual assault filling the screen with hyperkinetic scenes that challenge you to not be overwhelmed by the sheer craziness on the screen. There’s a lot to take in and you won’t catch it all inviting fans to enjoy multiple viewings to catch every joke.

And there’s a lot of them.

With The LEGO Batman Movie, nothing is sacred in the history of Batman and everything is on the table to mock going back to his debut in 1939 in Detective Comics. And that’s the big thing about the film, if you’re a Batman fan, you’ll love it as it’s an homage and spoof of everything that has come before. If you have enough knowledge about Batman’s history and previous experiences on the big and small screen, the movie lands with a barrage of jokes that keep on coming. If you don’t appreciate a “Kapow” your enjoyment may vary.

The film itself is interesting in that it throws it in your face, Batman is really a dick, at least this version is voiced by Will Arnett. A disconnected self-centered manchild who’s all work, Batman/Bruce is focused on making Gotham free from all crime and everything else comes second. Batman is the center of the joke, the film spends an ample amount of time making fun of him and the “character” be exagerating the staples we’ve seen in so many itterations of the 75+ years since his creation. But, it’s not just Batman that’s mocked, there’s ongoing jokes involing Bane and his voice from The Dark Knight Rises, D-list villains, Michael Jackson, and the very concept of it all. I found myself laughing more during the film’s 1 hour and 44 minutes than I have in many comedies and where I wasn’t laughing, I had a smile on my face.

The lessons you’d expect in a film aimed at kids are all there, learning to work as a team, not being mean, trusting others, believing in one’s self, it’s pretty much the same basic formula as The LEGO Movie and that’s not a bad thing. It generally works being there for the kids while the adults can focus on nostalgia.

Where that underlying theme of the film fails is the pacing. As I said, the film can only be described as kinetic and a visual assault at times (not negative things) which makes the quieter moments drag on a bit too much. When the film attempts to “get serious” it drags and that adds up to a movie that’s about 20 minutes too long (the kids were getting a little restless by the end in my screening). The end solution presented to save the day is a bit cheesy as well, as if the writers weren’t sure what to do to resolve the problem.

The thing I love about the film is clearly the injokes about Batman and his history, but there’s so many more nods and winks throughout the movie, it was hard to keep track of everything. Ferris Air, Lex Corp, the background is as packed with jokes and nods to comics fans as what’s right in front of you. At times it’s hard to know where exactly I should be paying attention and focusing, there’s so much thrown out there at once. And it’s that willing to have fun and throw things in that really makes the film work. While it has “Batman” in the title, everything Warner Bros. is on the table, and the less said the better about that. The twist leading to the final showdown is part of the fun so avoid spoilers!

The voice work is pretty solid with a who’s who of talent including Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson, Ralph Fiennes, Siri, Zach Galifanakis, Jenny Slate, Jason Mantzoukas, Conan O’Brien, Doug Benson, Billy Dee Williams, Zoë Kravitz, Kate Micucci, Eddie Izzard, Seth Green, Jermaine Clement, Ellie Kemper, Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Adam Devine, Hector Elizonda, Maruah Carey, Ralp Garman, Chris Hardwick, and so many more. The film is packed with talent and you don’t even realize it until the credits role at the end. The voices don’t stand out in a negative way, they all blend and work for their characters seemlesly.

The LEGO Batman Movie had a high hurdle to get over after the success of The LEGO Movie and the film clearly knows this. It doesn’t attempt to recreate the magic of that first film instead focusing on its own thing and formula. And with that, The LEGO Batman Movie beats its greatest villain, high expectations. I saw it once already and can’t wait to go again to see what I missed and laugh all over again.

Overall Rating: 8.65

Warner Bros. provided Graphic Policy with a FREE screening of the film

DC All Access Presents the LEGO Batman Movie w/ Guest Host Will Arnett!

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It’s not every day that Batman himself drops by the set of DC All Access, even though sometimes it feels like it. But this time it’s for real as Will Arnett – the star of LEGO Batman joins Jason as the new co-host. No sidekick. All hero. Then join Will for a special interview with Will. Lastly, find out the amazing giveaway that Will is offering. Plus find out what’s hot in DC and Vertigo comics news this week.

Check Out the LEGO Batman Movie Soundtrack on Spotify

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We’re embargoed in our review of The LEGO Batman Movie until Thursday but will say there are some solid jokes involving the soundtrack including an ongoing one about Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror.”

Before the film opens up this Thursday, you can catch the soundtrack courtesy of Spotify. Nothing’s ruined by listening and it’s filled with energy to get you through your day.

Warner Bros. Consumer Products Toy Fair Big Picture

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Warner Bros. Consumer Products unleashes a DC Super Hero takeover with its roster of global licensees and partners during Toy Fair 2017 season, including International Toy Fair Nuremberg (February 1–6) and International Toy Fair New York (February 18–21). Highlighted by DC franchises, including tentpole event films Wonder Woman, Justice League and the soon-to-be-released The LEGO Batman Movie, as well as the groundbreaking DC Super Hero Girls franchise, and hit animated series Teen Titans Go! and Justice League Action, WBCP’s pop culture-inspired and fan-favorite offerings will include toys, collectibles, costumes and more.

WONDER WOMAN

Wonder Woman hits theaters around the world in her first-ever standalone, self-titled action adventure feature film, beginning on June 2. The much-anticipated epic delves into the Amazonian Super Hero’s origins and her fight in a war to end all wars.

In continuation of Wonder Woman’s 75th anniversary and in support of the upcoming film, Warner Bros. Consumer Products and its partners created a line of products fit for Wonder Woman fans of all ages.  Global master toy licensee Mattel will unveil product from the powerful line of toys to accompany Wonder Woman’s first-ever solo feature film, including a full toy line created in the likeness of the movie’s characters, collectible figures, dolls, playsets and role play for fans to recreate their favorite scenes from the movie. The Wonder Woman feature will also be supported by global partners The LEGO Group with an exciting construction set inspired by adventurous moments from the film, and Rubie’s Costume Co. with a new line of Wonder Woman movie-inspired costumes and accessories for fans of all ages.

Additional licensees with toy offerings include Funko, with fan-favorite stylized collectible figures; Neca, with 18-inch replica figures; Tonner Dolls, with detailed-design 18-inch fashion dolls; Madame Alexander, with 11-inch fashion dolls; Hot Toys, with highly detailed collectible figures; Kotobukiya, with high-end collectible statues; Mezco and QMX with stylized figures; Jada Toys, with mini-metal figures; Schleich with collectible figures; Sakar International, with electronics and accessories; and many more worldwide.

A global cultural phenomenon and a treasured icon of power, strength, justice, love and peace, Wonder Woman also comes to life in Warner Bros. Pictures’ forthcoming action adventure Justice League, and stars in DC Super Hero Girls, the fun, multi-level brand which showcases some of DC’s most famous female Super Heroes and Super-Villains as teenagers.

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JUSTICE LEAGUE

From the core comic books and the brand-new Justice League Action animated series, to the upcoming explosive feature film, the Justice League universe has no limits and invites fans of all ages to be part of the world’s most recognizable Super Hero team: Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash and Cyborg.

Already touted as one of the most eagerly awaited films of 2017, Justice League will inspire a global program fit for the biggest Super Heroes in the world as they arrive together for the very first time on the big screen November 17. WBCP will roll out a massive global merchandise program that will feature the fan-favorite DC Super Heroes in a myriad of toy lines and programs, bringing the film to life for collectors and kids alike.

Global master toy licensee Mattel will be developing an empowering line, including action figures inspired by the most iconic Super Heroes and Super-Villains, playsets, vehicles, collectible figures, and will introduce a full line of action role-play toys highlighted by the much-anticipated Multiverse line, which captures the superior accuracy and details of the film’s characters. Also supporting Justice League is global partner The LEGO Group, with exciting construction sets inspired by memorable scenes from the film, and Rubie’s Costume Co., with a full range inspired by the Justice League feature film, including costumes and accessories for kids and adults.

Additional toy partners supporting the film include Funko, with a Justice League collection of stylized figures; Jakks Pacific, with their popular large-sized collectible figures for this epic action-adventure; Jada Toys, with metal figurines; and many others around the world.

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THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE

The new family-friendly animated adventure from director Chris McKay and the team behind the blockbuster hit The LEGO Movie, The LEGO Batman Movie will stand a brick above the rest in the LEGO showroom at International Toy Fair New York as WBCP and The LEGO Group display more than 10 original construction sets recently launched at retail.

Designed for kids, kids at heart, and collectors, The LEGO Batman Movie collection includes 18 LEGO construction sets as well as a full line of 20 exclusive minifigures, featuring exclusive versions of characters from the film. Fans can also build on iconic environments and moments from the film with The LEGO Batman Movie: The Batmobile set, which lets fans rev up hours of fun racing through Gotham City or smashing through any obstacle in The Dark Knight’s way; and The LEGO Batman Movie: Batcave Break-in set, which invites fans to defend the Batcave from The Penguin, utilizing a range of Batsuits that allow them to take on Super-Villains via air, land or sea. Additionally, all-new LEGO BrickHeadz based on Batman, Robin, Batgirl and The Joker from the film will launch in March. The LEGO Batman Movie crashes into theaters beginning February 10, 2017.

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DC SUPER HERO GIRLS

With many accolades and multiple award nominations for 2017, including “License of the Year,” the DC Super Hero Girls licensing and merchandising program from WBCP and DC Entertainment continues to expand and empower girls to reach their own heroic potential. Harnessing the power of the world’s most iconic female Super Heroes and Super-Villains from the DC Universe, DC Super Hero Girls follows Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Batgirl, Harley Quinn, Bumble Bee, Poison Ivy, Katana and many more, during their formative years, as they learn about teamwork, friendship and to hone their super powers as teenagers and in a high school setting.

Soaring into the New Year with all-new action-packed collections, DC Super Hero Girls continues to engage young fans with original content and product across multiple categories, offering kids even more chances to play, watch, read and be inspired to discover their full potential.

Featuring products that remain consistently in-demand amongst consumers and retailers alike, WBCP and master toy partner Mattel offer fans all-new Action Dolls, Action Figures and Action Role-Play toys from the beloved DC Super Hero Girls collection, with a new rollout of characters, along with new vehicles and gadgets, slated for Spring and Fall 2017, as girls can play out the narrative of their favorite teenage DC female Super Heroes and save the day. The DC Super Hero Girls’ Mattel collection features the industry’s first-ever 6-inch action figures designed for girls, the first 12-inch collection of action dolls featuring strong, athletic bodies that stand on their own in heroic poses.  In 2016, the Mattel toy line has also received much recognition, including a TOTY nomination in the Action Figure category for the DC Super Hero Girls Action Figures.

The LEGO Group assembles a strong offering, capturing the empowering characters and storylines in six original construction sets for kids around the world to imagine their super building powers as they play and recreate action-packed moments together with their favorite DC Super Hero characters.  LEGO® DC Super Hero Girls sets include Batgirl Batjet, Harley Quinn to the Rescue, Super Hero High School, along with the recently released sets of Lashina Tank, Bumblebee Helicopter, and Wonder Woman Dorm Room, allowing fans to build on non-stop fun and adventure. Additional global partners include Rubie’s Costumes, with its girl-power collection of costumes and accessories; Funko, with must-have stylized, vinyl figures; and many others.

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TEEN TITANS GO! and JUSTICE LEAGUE ACTION

WBCP and Mattel join forces to provide fans with two new lines in support of the hilariously-fun hit animated series Teen Titans Go! and the power-packed Justice League Action. These toy lines capture the action, fun, humor and personalities of the DC Super Heroes with action figures, core characters and vehicles inspired by scenes from the all-new animated series infusing both heroic storylines from Justice League Action and humor throughout the toy line from Teen Titans Go!

Teen Titans Go! follows the hilarious adventures of Super Heroes Robin, Cyborg, Starfire, Raven and Beast Boy and showcases the comedic chaos that ensues whether they’re fighting crime or fighting each other for that last piece of pie. The Teen Titans Go! program also includes a collection of fan-favorite Funko figures, featuring a lineup of these wildly funny Super Heroes.

WBCP will also bring Justice League Action for all the Justice League fans out there, with Mattel launching its upcoming all-new toy line of action figures and vehicles, as the freshman animated series Justice League Action brings together all the elements of “where fun meets action!”

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WBCP’s POWERFUL PORTFOLIO

WBCP also continues to support a strong DC TV slate with The Flash, Arrow and Gotham; its fan-favorite franchises including Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them; classic animation brands such as Scooby-Doo and Looney Tunes; hit TV series like The Big Bang Theory; and many more properties and groundbreaking content rounding out the Studio’s unrivaled portfolio.

Trump’s Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin Helped produce X-Men, Batman v Superman, Suicide Squad, and more.

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trumpOur first reality television President sure seems to be tapping into his Hollywood connections when it comes to asking opinions on what he should do as well as his nominees for different roles. It is being reported that President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Steven Mnuchin to be his Treasury secretary. You might be asking why we’re reporting on this, but Mnuchin is more than a former partner at Goldman Sachs, his career is actually relevant to this site!

Founded in 2006 Dune Entertainment was a movie financing company started by Mnuchin. The company helped co-finance 20th Century Fox, Fox Searchlight Pictures, and Fox 2000 Films such as X-Men: The Last Stand (which was a co-production with Marvel Entertainment and The Donners’ Company), Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (a co-production with Marvel Studios, Constantin Film and 1492 Pictures), Alien vs. Predator: Requiem, The X-Files: I Want to Believe, X-Men Origins: Wolverine (a co-production with Marvel Entertainment, The Donners’ Company, and Seed), Avatar, Predators, X-Men: First Class (a co-production with Marvel Entertainment, The Donners’ Company, and Bad Hat Harry), Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Prometheus, and dozens of more films.

Marvel is mentioned because Marvel’s CEO Ike Perlmutter is buddy buddy with Trump.

RatPac Entertainment (aka RatPac-Dune Entertainment) was a movie production and financing company formed in a merger by producer-director Brett Ratner, James Packer, and Dune Entertainment’s Mnuchin after a collapse in a negotiation between Dune and 20th Century Fox. That company then closed a deal with Warner Bros. to become their key co-financing partner replacing Legendary Pictures.

That new venture helped produce such films as Gravity, The Lego Movie, Godzilla, Edge of Tomorrow, Mad Max: Fury Road, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (co-production with DC Entertainment, Cruel and Unusual Films and Atlas Entertainment), The Legend of Tarzan (co-production with Village Roadshow Pictures, Jerry Weintraub Productions, and Dark Horse Entertainment), Suicide Squad (co-production with DC Entertainment and Atlas Entertainment), The Lego Batman Movie (co-production with Warner Animation Group and DC Entertainment), Wonder Woman (co-production with DC Entertainment, Atlas Entertainment and Cruel and Unusual Films), Justice League (co-production with DC Films, Atlas Entertainment and Cruel and Unusual Films), The Flash (co-production with DC Films), Aquaman (o-production with DC Films and Cruel and Unusual Films), The Lego Movie Sequel, Shazam (co-production with DC Films and New Line Cinema), Cyborg (co-production with DC Films), Green Lantern Corps (co-production with DC Films), and the Justice League sequel (co-production with DC Films and Cruel and Unusual Films).

There’s also the upcoming Assassin’s Creed movie… so, yeah. He even acted in Rules Don’t Apply where he was a “Merrill Lynch Executive.”

Mnuchin has worked with Marvel, DC, and Dark Horse, on some of the major comic films of the last decade and next five years. The guy even has an IMDB page.

So, when you nerd rage over how much upcoming geek films suck, you can turn your venom towards our possible next Treasury secretary.

The LEGO Batman Movie Gets a New Trailer

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In the irreverent spirit of fun that made The LEGO Movie a worldwide phenomenon, the self-described leading man of that ensemble – LEGO Batman – stars in his own big-screen adventure. But there are big changes brewing in Gotham, and if he wants to save the city from The Joker’s hostile takeover, Batman may have to drop the lone vigilante thing, try to work with others and maybe, just maybe, learn to lighten up.

The movie stars Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson, and Ralph Fiennes, and is directed by Chris McKay.

The LEGO Batman Movie is out February 2017.

The Lego Batman Movie Shows Off Lego Batmobiles, Planes, Pirate Ships, and More

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The Lego Batman Movie is out sometime in 2017 and Warner Bros. has slowly been teasing out images from the movie. Will Arnett returns to voice Batman and is joined by Zach Galifianakis as The Joker; Michael Cera as the orphan Dick Grayson; Rosario Dawson as Barbara Gordon; and Ralph Fiennes as Alfred.

Some new images have been released with one showing off Batman’s impressive Lego vehicle selection… is that a Bat-Pirate Ship!?

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