The LEGO Batman Movie

That Batman's a sourpuss, huh? Over the past few decades, whether he's been portrayed by Michael Keaton, Christian Bale or Ben Affleck, Gotham City's favourite black-clad superhero has been gritty in attitude and grim in demeanour.

And attempts to lighten him up a little, as George Clooney did in 1997's Batman & Robin, were met with disapproval and disdain. One could argue that Batman's dour outlook is justified - after all, he did witness his parents' murder as a boy and has since spent his life working out his issues by walloping crooks.

But the Dark Knight being so, well, dark in his recent big-screen adventures has almost become a bit of a cliche. It's a cliche that 2014's The LEGO Movie delightfully poked fun at, with Arrested Development star Will Arnett lending his distinctively growly voice to its depiction of the Caped Crusader as a bro who just loved being Batman.

This LEGO Batman was a high point of The LEGO Movie, so it's little wonder he's now starring in his own spinoff film, appropriately titled The LEGO Batman Movie.

Like its predecessor, The LEGO Batman Movie uses cutting-edge computer animation to bring characters and locations made of LEGO building blocks to life, and does so with splendid (if hectic) style and imagination.

It also has the same sense of humour, tossing out witty quips and pop-culture references at a frantic pace. And that's where The LEGO Batman Movie isn't quite up to scratch.

Don't get me wrong, the young target audience for this film is going to eat up both the visual gags and the one-liners. And the hardcore Batman fans are going to appreciate the huge effort the movie makes in playing tribute to their hero's history and gently ribbing Batman's gruffness.

There's certainly plenty to like in The LEGO Batman Movie. But after The LEGO Movie, which was a lot smarter, sweeter and funnier than a movie about LEGO had any right to be, The LEGO Batman Movie feels just a little manufactured, like everyone involved is dutifully following a recipe rather than excitedly telling a story.

Still, there is a giddy, sugar-rush kick (and some nice warm-and-fuzzy feelings) to be had from this one, which has Arnett's Batman coming to learn that his lone-wolf ways are keeping him from being the best Batman - and the best man - he can be.

After upsetting needy arch-enemy The Joker (The Hangover's Zach Galifianakis) by declaring that he sometimes wants to fight other people, Batman finds himself facing off against an army of adversaries assembled by the clown-faced bad guy.

The Joker has recruited everyone from Voldemort to Godzilla to mess up Gotham City, and as much as Batman insists he can handle it himself, it's clear he's going to have to let some new people into his life, namely enthusiastic sidekick Robin (Michael Cera), super-capable police chief Barbara Gordon (Rosario Dawson) and faithful butler Alfred (Ralph Fiennes).

Together, they take on the baddies, teach a valuable lesson about the importance of family and, most importantly, take the mickey out of the self-impressed superhero at every opportunity.