The most enjoyable cinema-going experience I've had in almost a decade has got to be...
The LEGO Batman Movie (2017)
Upon first introduction to Will Arnett's portrayal of Batman in The LEGO Movie, I wasn't a big fan. Most of his jokes just seemed to fall flat (sad, since I love a lot of Arnett's other film work... including his part in one of my favorite comedies of all time). However, here, in this film, everything seemed to work beautifully.
The comedy, while one or two jokes short of flawless, was a bit more to my tastes than what was in The LEGO Movie. Also, the action is well choreographed - and the rest of the animation is just as spectacular. The original score (a bit Hans Zimmer inspired, but, original enough to be differently original like in the Arkham games) and the marriage of lighting and cinematography were my favorite elements by far - evoking the certain feel that comics have much better than anything the MCU has ever offered... or the new DCU, for that matter.
The story, while a bit all over the place, really benefits from being for an animated film. Many, many elements (including most of the climax) would be unbelievably un-achievable in a live action film... So it's not surprising that as of now, The LEGO Batman Movie has a better rating than any previous Batman film on Rotten Tomatoes (aside from The Dark Knight).
As for dislikes, I had very, very few. Probably the only major negative of the evening had nothing to do with the film at all... it was the line-up of previews before the feature. 2017 looks like it'll be a bit dry when it comes to original Hollywood content... and there's bound to be even less passable films. (Definitely no greats... unless you add The LEGO Batman Movie to this list, that is)
Spoiler (click to read)
This film, similar to The Killing Joke film, has a Batman/Barbara Gordon relationship. However, unlike the other film I just mentioned, THIS relationship seems pretty mutual, (and, if anything, is just done for laughs). It doesn't leave an impression of bat-!@#$ on the mind either...
Also, I swear someone brushed up on their ForrestFire101 before making The LEGO Batman Movie... Something seems a bit familiar in this situation, don't you think? #ForrestDidItFirst
Overall, I'd give The LEGO Batman Movie an 8 1/2 out of 10, if not a full 9. Definitely the most worthwhile superhero film within about the last 5 or 6 years... and probably the most fun I've had at the theater since G.I. Joe: Retaliation! (which, even at that, was just above passable at best)
If you're on the fence about seeing The LEGO Batman Movie, go ahead and hop off, get yourself some tickets, and go watch the movie. You won't regret it.
I, personally, liked it more than The LEGO Movie!