By Jason Haskins
1992 was a different time. Tim Burton had revitalized the faltering image of Batman to the general public by making a colossal motion picture starring Jack Nicholson as the Joker with Michael Keaton as the big cheese: Bruce/Bats. But in 1992 things changed drastically. While the original Batman was much darker in tone than the television show starring Burt Ward and Adam West as well as the hokier stories in the comics from the seventies and mid-eighties,Batman Returns upped things a notch...well...several notches.
This was the Batman motion picture I probably loved the most and it probably introduced me to my attraction of women thanks to the positively delicious attributes by Michelle Pfeiffer (also check The Age of Innocence). Batman Returns was a huge step in progression of the series from superhero movie to downright dark superhero material--the kind that trumps, to a certain degree, even Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight...okay, probably not, but still. I remember having little friends whose parents forbade them from watching this movie just for the violence and sexuality. The question you have to ask yourself is: do those things make the movie, serve as distractions, or are little sublets to the great plot? Let me tell you, children.
Batman Returns is Tim Burton's follow-up to his 1989 Batman picture, which did great at the box office and spun a new light to our caped crusader. A sequel was inevitable and Burton ups the ante with the sequel. This isn't a direct sequel despite some references to events in the first picture so you can easily jump into this one's story. Batman faces off against the Penguin who has become Gotham's golden boy after he "rescues" the mayor's baby.
Helping him is Gotham City's crooked businessman Max Schreck who is after his own assets with his own intentions--he's also a killer having recently pushed his secretary out the window of his building. But wait--she didn't die, but was resurrected if you will. Selina Kyle turns into Catwoman with motivations that aren't too clear, but a vengeful side that's dangerous and a little appealing to our dark knight.
To add litter to the kitty box is Batman who's stuck in the middle of all the players as the Penguin tries to tarnish his good name as well as fight off the romance of Catwoman (and her seductive alter-ego Selina Kyle). Things get murky, lines will be drawn, and action will be inevitable as Batman faces an adversary that's quite dangerous, but a little bit pitiful and a love triangle that may be the end of our caped crusader...
What I love about Batman Returns first and foremost are the characters and the terrific cast. Michael Keaton will always be my favorite Batman and he plays the role superbly in this one despite how there wasn't as much Batman as there was Bruce Wayne. His character doesn't really develop a whole lot, but I loved the concept of duality mixed with Selina Kyle's story. Selina is played by, of course, Pfeiffer, in a role that she owns. She's sexy, vibrant, and a little bit intimidating as the costumed Catwoman, but unlike what most people think...I found her to be quite sympathetic and not necessarily a true villain (which plays into the comic books' perception of her).
I feel the same way for the Penguin in this movie. He's a dastardly fellow to be certain, but you can't help but feel sorry for him because his parents ditched him in the sewer because of his deformed nature of penguin-like qualities. Danny DeVito is hands down one of the best parts of this movie. This guy is a fantastic character actor and this role is no different. He's gruesome and scary--his voice is ice cold and rotten and his character is multi-dimensional and somewhat humorous at times. The makeup effects are definitely one of the highlights as he looks convincingly real and disgusting at times.
I'd say the true villain of Batman Returns is Christopher Walken--ooooh he irks my chain in this movie every time I see it. He's so greedy and manipulative and spineless that you want to just throttle him...but at the same time he's a scary guy and is not a guy to disobey. Walken plays this role with such a bravado that makes it unforgettable in the scheme of things. He's the true evil mastermind in this movie and his performance is on-key at every moment.
Personally, I love this darkened tone and the atmosphere of this snowy, Christmas-themed Batman movie, but some people might not--especially parents with younger children. There's some sexual content, which is more of innuendo instead of blatant sex material, but it could be enough to make parents steer clear from the movie in regards to Catwoman and how she acts (gorgeously flirty and all). The violence could also be a bit too much as well as how the Penguin could be scary to younger viewers. There's deaths and blood and stuff of that nature so be warned, but take it with a grain of salt and see it for yourself to see if it's acceptable or not.
Action is one of the main drawing features to these movies and while there's some definite cool moments from Batman racing through the sewers to the final showdown as well as a few iconic moments with Catwoman...but at the same time there's not enough Batman moments as in the original or, sadly, Batman Forever. This felt more like a drama with a comic flair to it infused with Batman and while I wouldn't say it hurts the film a WHOLE lot, it's undeniably felt.
It's sad to think about the eventual downfall of this series--most likely because of Batman Returns. Endorsers tried to stray away from the movie due to the content and parents wanted to take their kids to something more out of their youth i.e. the 1960s serialized live-action Batman camp show. Sooner or later they'd get their wish slowly with the third sequel, Forever, and later the horrendous Batman & Robin, but I take pride in the fact that Burton stuck to his guns to make a film more of his caliber instead of something more mainstream. And you know what? Batman Returns is a great, fast-paced comic book movie for the Batgeeks.
4.5 out of 5 stars
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