"The Lego Batman Movie" Review by Tim Hellman

'THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE': Five Stars (Out of Five)

A spin-off to 2014's blockbuster computer-animated hit 'THE LEGO MOVIE', focusing solely on the DC comics character Batman (and his world). It was directed and co-written (with 4 other screenwriters) by Chris McKay (a regular director of the animated TV series'ROBOT CHICKEN'), and Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (the directors and co-writers of 'THE LEGO MOVIE') served as producers on this film. The movie stars the voice talents of Will Arnett (reprising his role as Batman, from 'THE LEGO MOVIE'), Michael Cera (Arnett's costar from the popular TV series 'ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT'), Zach Galifianakis, Rosario Dawson, Ralph Fiennes, Jenny Slate, Hector Elizondo, Doug Benson, Zoe Kravitz, Conan O'Brien, Jason Mantzoukas, Billy Dee Williams (reprising his role as Harvey Dent, from the 1989 live action 'BATMAN' movie) and many others. It's produced by Warner Animation Group and DC Entertainment, and it's of course based on the 'Batman' DC comic books and the Lego Construction Toys. The film has received nearly unanimous rave reviews from critics, and it's expected to be a huge hit at the Box Office. I loved it as well.

Batman (Arnett) is becoming more and more of a loner; and he fears getting close to anyone, because he doesn't want to lose them (like he did his parents). He accidentally adopts an orphan, named Robin (Cera), and Alfred (Fiennes) encourages him to bond with the boy. At the same time The Joker (Galifianakis) is plotting something, and the new Commissioner, Barbara Gordon (Dawson), wants to work with Batman to stop him. Batman of course rejects her help.

The film is once again hilarious, like the original Lego movie, and it also, once again, has some great psychology; possibly the best of any 'BATMAN' movie. The characters are all really well developed, as well, and they're perfectly cast too (especially Arnett, once again). At first the drama feels forced, but it's also always comedic, and by the end of the film, it's also quite touching. The movie pretty much has it all, just like the first one, and it works on every level. It's also a really well made kids' film, that also appeals to adults (equally as well). The movie is definitely a 5 star film (just like the first one is).

New Images for the Upcoming Crime Comedy "Masterminds"

Relativity Studios recently released the official trailer and stills for Jared Hess' (Napoleon Dynamite; Nacho Libre) long delayed film "Masterminds". The film stars Zach Galifianakis, Owen Wilson, Kristen Wiig and Jason Sudeikis.

"Masterminds" hits theaters on September 30th.

FOr more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/MastermindsMovie

Plot Synopsis:

In this action comedy inspired by true events, directed by Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite; Nacho Libre), David Ghantt (Zach Galifianakis) discovers the true meaning of adventure far beyond his wildest dreams. He is an uncomplicated man stuck in a monotonous life. Day in and day out he drives an armored vehicle, transporting millions of other people's money with no escape in sight. The only glimmer of excitement is his flirtatious work crush Kelly Campbell (Kristen Wiig) who soon lures him into the scheme of a lifetime.

Along with a group of half-brained criminals led by Steve Chambers (Owen Wilson) and an absurdly faulted heist plan, David manages the impossible and makes off with $17 million in cash...only problem is he foolishly hands the money over to this wild group of double crossers and has been set up to take the fall. With the bandits blowing the millions on lavish and ridiculous luxuries, they leave behind a glaring trail of evidence. Now on the lam and in over his head, David must dodge the authorities, evade a hilarious hit man, Mike McKinney (Jason Sudeikis), and try to turn the tables on the ones he trusted most.

"Masterminds": Official Trailer

Official Trailer for the Crime Heist Comedy "Masterminds"

Relativity Studios recently released the official trailer for the upcoming comedy "Masterminds". The film is directed by Jared Hess' (Napoleon Dynamite; Nacho Libre) and stars Zach Galifianakis, Owen Wilson, Kristen Wiig and Jason Sudeikis.

"Masterminds" hits theaters on August 7th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/MastermindsMovie

Plot Synopsis:

In this action comedy based on true events, directed by Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite; Nacho Libre), David Ghantt (Zach Galifianakis) discovers the true meaning of adventure far beyond his wildest dreams. He is an uncomplicated man stuck in a monotonous life. Day in and day out he drives an armored vehicle, transporting millions of other people’s money with no escape in sight. The only glimmer of excitement is his flirtatious work crush Kelly Campbell (Kristen Wiig) who soon lures him into the scheme of a lifetime.

Along with a group of half-brained criminals led by Steve Chambers (Owen Wilson) and an absurdly faulted heist plan, David manages the impossible and makes off with $17 million in cash…only problem is he foolishly hands the money over to this wild group of double crossers and has been set up to take the fall. With the bandits blowing the millions on lavish and ridiculous luxuries, they leave behind a glaring trail of evidence. Now on the lam and in over his head, David must dodge the authorities, evade a hilarious hit man, Mike McKinney (Jason Sudeikis), and try to turn the tables on the ones he trusted most.

Masterminds will be released domestically on August 7th, 2015 by Relativity Studios.

"Masterminds": Official Trailer

Official Teaser Trailer and Poster for Heist Comedy "Masterminds"

Relativity Studios recently released the official teaser trailer and poster for  Jared Hess' (Napoleon Dynamite; Nacho Libre) new film "Masterminds". The film stars Zach Galifianakis, Owen Wilson, Kristen Wiig and Jason Sudeikis.

"Masterminds" hits theaters on August 7th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/MastermindsMovie

Plot Synopsis:

In this action comedy based on true events, directed by Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite; Nacho Libre), David Ghantt (Zach Galifianakis) discovers the true meaning of adventure far beyond his wildest dreams. He is an uncomplicated man stuck in a monotonous life. Day in and day out he drives an armored vehicle, transporting millions of other people’s money with no escape in sight. The only glimmer of excitement is his flirtatious work crush Kelly Campbell (Kristen Wiig) who soon lures him into the scheme of a lifetime.

Along with a group of half-brained criminals led by Steve Chambers (Owen Wilson) and an absurdly faulted heist plan, David manages the impossible and makes off with $17 million in cash…only problem is he foolishly hands the money over to this wild group of double crossers and has been set up to take the fall. With the bandits blowing the millions on lavish and ridiculous luxuries, they leave behind a glaring trail of evidence. Now on the lam and in over his head, David must dodge the authorities, evade a hilarious hit man, Mike McKinney (Jason Sudeikis), and try to turn the tables on the ones he trusted most.

Masterminds will be released domestically on August 7th, 2015 by Relativity Studios.

"Masterminds": Teaser Trailer