It seems that movies these days are no longer merely for entertainment purposes. The majority have an underlying social message that they are trying to get across to viewers. Is The LEGO Batman Movie one of these films?
Well, probably not, but you will find several Catholic teaching moments in The LEGO Batman Movie. It is definitely worthwhile to take your own children, your youth group, or your nieces and nephews to see the film and then make time for some good discussion. You will be able to connect many of the themes with Catholic values and teachings.
Warning: There are a few spoilers below, so if you really don’t want to know what happens, you should stop reading here and come back to the post after you see the movie.
The LEGO Batman Movie
4 Things to Talk About from The LEGO Batman Movie
1. Being rich, famous, and successful does not lead to true happiness.
This message is clear in the trailer above. Although Batman seems to “have it all” in the eyes of his fans, each evening he goes home to an empty house. None of the things in Batman’s life led him to true happiness.
Discuss: What do you think Batman was missing in his life during the first part of the movie? Why can’t material things, money, fame, or success bring us the happiness we seek? What will give us true happiness?
2. We can’t do life alone.
There is great purpose to family and community. We need the help of others to truly experience the fullness and joy of life. When we try to do things on our own, we are left feeling empty.
There are also many points in the film which can be used to illustrate the importance of being a part of the body of Christ. The unique gifts and skills that each person can bring to the team are all vital to the success of the mission. In the same way, we as the Church can use our gifts to bring others to know the love of God.
Discuss: Why do you think we sometimes try to do things on our own? Why is it more enjoyable to have the help of others? Why is it important to have a family? How do you serve in the Body of Christ?
3. It is necessary to admit our fears.
It took Batman a while to realize that he was afraid of loving other people because he had lost his own parents, but, once he acknowledged that, he was able to begin the process of healing. Because he was able to face his fear, he was ultimately able to experience love again in his life.
Discuss: What are the fears in your life that keep you from really being joyful? How can you face your fears?
4. We need to do an Examination of Conscience daily.
The turning point in this movie is when Batman is given a chance to look back at his past. A few key moments show him that he has been selfish and prideful and that, through these faults, he has hurt many people in his life. Batman had been so busy living his Superhero life that he had never taken the time to reflect on how his actions affected those around him.
Discuss: We should reflect on our actions and how they either brought us closer to God or further from him. We can do this daily with the Examination of Conscience. Are you ever so busy that you don’t realize how you’ve hurt others? How often do you do the Examination of Conscience? How can reflecting back over your day help you conquer sin in your life?
What are your thoughts?
I’m going to stop at just four things to discuss from this movie, but there are so many more! Will you leave your suggestions in the comments? What lessons did you take away from The Lego Batman Movie?
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