Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that LEGO Batman: The Movie -- DC Superheroes Unite is a full-length animated movie, released direct to DVD, featuring the slightly humorous LEGO versions of the popular superheroes Batman, Superman, etc. The movie concentrates on thrills and fighting, with a huge Kryptonite-powered gun, and a giant (potentially scary) Joker robot, along with fighting, chasing, and explosions. The tone of the conflicts is always light and funny. The only other issue is consumerism: while there's no specific mention of toys for sale, it will be clear to kids that the entire movie is an ad for LEGO superhero toys. (The DVD even comes with a Clark Kent/Superman figure.) Still, this is a much more age-appropriate fare for superhero fans 8 and up than stuff like Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.
Sexual
Content
Not applicable
Violence
The story features lots of lightweight, comic-book fighting, with a kind of humorous -- not scary -- tone. The Joker has a Kryptonite-powered gun that breaks apart LEGO structures and frees an army of bad guys. He and Lex Luthor also rampage through the city in a giant Joker-like clown robot (which is potentially scary for little ones). The crazy, laughing Joker might also be a bit scary. There are lots of explosions and chases.
Language
Not applicable
Social
Behavior
At first, Batman is fairly inconsiderate toward others in this story. He is uncomfortable asking for help, and doesn't like to give praise to others. He also mistrusts his friends (keeping a store of Kryptonite on hand just in case Superman goes bad). Fortunately, he does eventually realize that asking for help is not necessarily a bad thing, and finally praises Robin for a job well done.
Consumerism
The movie is, of course, one big advertisement for LEGO superhero toys (the DVD even comes with a little Clark Kent/Superman figure). Though the movie doesn't overtly mention toys for sale, kids will know that these toys are available and will likely want them after viewing.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Not applicable