Movie Review: Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman

After the successful animated TV series, Batman would spin off three stand-alone films. One I have already reviewed on here (Batman: Mask of the Phantasm if you wish to view it), and the other will be another time. Today I want to focus on the one after the series ended. Mystery of the Batwoman, released on DVD in 2003, left fans with mixed feelings, but my brother and I thought this was a pretty good mystery superhero film. As always spoilers will be ahead. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

With Batgirl/Barbara Gordon (Tara Strong) away at school Batman/Bruce Wayne (Kevin Conroy) and Robin/Tim Drake (Eli Marienthal) have Gotham to themselves, or so they thought. A new hero, named Batwoman (Kyra Sedgwick) by the press, emerges. She begins targeting illegal weapon shipments by three of Gotham’s crime bosses: The Penguin (David Ogden Stiers), Rupert Thorne (John Vernon) and gangster Carlton Duquesne (Kevin Michael Richardson). However if you think Batwoman is on Batman’s side you are mistaken. She has no problem taking out any and every one in her way of stopping the three villains; which makes finding out who she is Batman’s priority. As both Batman and Bruce Wayne he meets three potential Batwomen all with motives against Penguin, Thorne and Duquesne: Detective Sonya Alcana (Elisa Gabrielli), the newest member on Commissioner Gordon’s (Bob Hastings) force, Bullock’s (Robert Costanzo) partner and whose family lost their business thanks to Thorne but was never charged due to lack of evidence, Roxanne “Rocky” Ballantine (Kelly Ripa), a brilliant new employee of Wayne Tech whose fiancé is in jail thanks to a set-up from Penguin and Kathy Duquesne (Kimberly Brooks) and finally Carlton’s daughter whose mother was killed because of Duquesne’s criminal connections (Bruce also becomes attracted to her.) However any connection Batman seems to find proving one of them is Batwoman gets proven otherwise. To make matters worse Penguin and Thorne, against Carlton’s wishes, bring in Bane (Héctor Elizondo) to handle their Batwoman problem. About as far as I should go without giving away the film.

I will admit that this film is not as good as the previous Batman direct to DVD films, but I still enjoyed it. I like a good mystery and this one was actually hard to figure out for a while. It was good to see old villains in Penguin, Thorne and Bane while creating interesting new characters in Carlton, Kathy, Rocky and Sonya. I thought the voice casting was pretty spot on; writing wasn’t great but not bad. Overall it was not a bad Batman movie. I think if you liked the animated series this might be good for you to watch, but if you are not really into superheroes or are just getting started save this film for much later.

Movie Review: Batman: Mask of the Phantasm

This is the Batman movie that the other ones are all measured up against, yes the live action and animated as well. I know that seems odd, but it is true; whenever I look up best Batman movies this 1993 movie based and using animation and voices from the very successful animated series is always in the top 5, usually in third or even first place. Despite it being a box office bomb, the decision to put in in theaters was kinda last minute, the critics loved it and thankfully it was still a success. If for some reason you haven’t seen the movie spoiler alert as always. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

Batman (Kevin Conroy) has been accused of killing crime boss Chuckie Sol, but in actuality it was a mysterious person dressed in a very creepy outfit, the Phantasm. Corrupt City Councilman Arthur Reeves (Hart Reeves) demands the capture of Batman, much to Commissioner Gordon’s annoyance (Bob Hastings) but Detective Bullock’s (Robert Costanzo) delight. Bruce decides to clear his name by investigating Sol’s death, but when Buzz Bronski another gangster is murdered by the Phantasm, he finds there is a connection between them involving another gangster, Reeves and Andrea Beaumont (Dana Delany) a woman from Bruce’s past that in a way forced him to become Batman. I probably shouldn’t say too much more other than The Joker (Mark Hamill) is involved.

It was definitely interesting seeing this movie for the first time when I was younger, if you may recall my brother loves Batman. Seeing Bruce at a point when he thought he had life figured out and then here comes this woman who changed everything for him. We almost would not have gotten Batman if this woman did not break his heart, possibly. The writing and voice acting in here is incredible, which did not surprise me as Batman the Animated Series is considered to be one of, if not the, best superhero series (animated or live action) of all time. If you like Batman, or the animated series at least, this movie has to be on your watch list. It is not must see, unless you absolutely love Batman, but I would say watch this movie if given the chance.

Movie Review: Batman: Under The Red Hood

One of the best not just Batman animated movies, but I have seen this one some of the best Batman movies of all time. This is also one of my favorite Batman movies as well, I would say my brother’s as well, but he loves all Batman everything so that would be moot. Under The Red Hood, based on the popular comic, was in my opinion not only well adapted, but was a huge critics hit. In case you haven’t seen it spoiler alert, only because I actually can’t avoid it. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

Ra’s Al Ghul (Jason Isaacs) soon regrets hiring the Joker (John DiMaggio) in his scheme after he kidnaps and tortures the second Robin, Jason Todd. Before Batman (Bruce Greenwood) can arrive the Joker sets off a bomb in the shed and kills Jason (if you know the comic that famous shot appears). Five years later Batman along with the first Robin, known as Nightwing (Neil Patrick Harris) fight crime in Gotham, and as always there is a crises. This time a criminal under the guise of Red Hood (Jensen Ackles yeah the guy from Supernatural) takes over the drug trade of Gotham; and for those wondering how let’s just say heads rolled. Batman stops one shipment of the Amazo droid which was supposed to go to the gangster Black Mask (Wade Williams) who seems to be the top target for the Red Hood. Through a series of flashbacks and evidence Batman soon discovers the Red Hood is someone from his past and it may not be easy to beat him.

Even if you haven’t seen the movie I’m sure it’s not hard to figure out who the Red Hood is. Aside from the obvious the film is excellent. The action is perfect, voice casting is spot on and the writing is fantastic. I will admit hearing the voice of Neil Patrick Harris come out of Nightwing is somewhat weird for me, but I will say Jensen Ackles is so good as the Red Hood; honestly he is the best part of the movie and how he came to be. If you haven’t seen Under The Red Hood it is worth a watch.

Movie Review: Batman: Gotham By Gaslight

If you have not read my review of the 1989 Batman film allow me to give a quick recap of why Batman is so huge in my house. Ever since he was little my brother has thought Batman is the coolest person in the world and his obsession with Batman has not died down. My family basically own almost, if not all, of Batman movies and TV series. Batman: Gotham by Gaslight is the latest Batman movie to come out, and this was one I was actually interested in. Let me explain, while I love Batman I also enjoy reading about true crime and Jack the Ripper is one of the most legendary killers to never get caught. I was curious to see how they would interpret the legendary comic. Word to the wise if you think about cheating and reading the comic to understand the movie, here is a spoiler alert, it is not even close to the movie. As always spoilers will be ahead. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

In Victorian times citizens of Gotham are afraid of Jack the Ripper who is going after women on Skinner’s End, a less than honorable part of the city. After trying to convince orphans Dick, Jason and Tim from getting off the street Batman is sadly too late to save Jack’s latest victim, Ivy. At the presentation of the Gotham World’s Fair, stage actress and the self-proclaimed protector of Skinner’s End Selina Kyle as well as Sister Leslie calls out the police Commissioner Gordon, Chief Bullock and District Attorney Harvey Dent (whom despite having a wife lusts after Selina). Bruce Wayne arrives to calm the crowd down, and later on that night as Batman aids Selina when she tries to trap Jack, doesn’t go exactly as planned. Batman must team up with Selina and the police department to figure out who Jack is and why he is targeting the women considered to be less than honorable. I won’t go into too much without spoiling.

My brother had seen something revealing who Jack is and warned me and my mother it would be “heartbreaking.” As I watched the movie it stayed with me, and as we got closer to the end, I said to my brother “if it’s who I think it is you’re right.” When we got to the scene where Batman slowly realizes who Jack is my mom went “No”, like an “I don’t believe it, no.” The writing and voice acting by such actors Bruce Greenwood and Jennifer Carpenter as Batman and Selina are pretty good. While I would not go so far as to say it is the best direct to DVD Batman movies it is definitely among the best. I think if you are a true comic book fan than you may have a problem with it. Other than that I would give Batman: Gotham by Gaslight the go ahead (as long as kids are not watching, but that’s just my discretion.)

Movie Review: Batman (1989)

While this was not the first Batman movie this was without question one of the better superhero movies of all time. Batman has been in my life since I was a kid, and it grew even more when my brother became a huge fan. If I were to guess what was his favorite movie of all time this would be my top pick. Spoilers ahead as always. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

Gotham City is getting ready to celebrate its 200th birthday. Mayor Borg (Lee Wallace) has ordered the police Commissioner James Gordon (Pat Hingle) and district attorney Harvey Dent (Billy Dee Williams) to make the city safer, starting with taking down crime lord Carl Grissom (Jack Palance). Meanwhile journalists Alexander Knox (Robert Wuhl) and his new partner Vickie Vale (Kim Basinger) investigate the sightings of a man dressed as a bat taking down the criminals of Gotham, but they are the only ones who believe it. At a fundraiser at Wayne Manor Vicki meets and quickly falls for Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton) and vice versa, however Bruce’s butler Alfred (Michael Gough) informs him of Gordon’s sudden departure. Grissom has his second in command Jack Napier (Jack Nicholson) in charge of a raid at Axis Chemicals, but calls corrupt police lieutenant Max Eckhardt (William Hootkins) to arrange a hit on Napier (he was sleeping with Grissom’s mistress Alicia (Jerry Hall)). Batman soon arrives, much to the shock of Gordon and Napier, but the night ends with Napier falling into a vat of chemicals, despite Batman’s best to save him. Napier survives, however he is driven insane. He soon takes over the crime world as The Joker. Bruce has to figure out Joker’s insanity, his own relationship with Vicki and reliving his past (if you know Batman you know exactly what I’m talking about.)

I watched this film a lot when I was a kid because of my brother, and it still stands for me as not only one of the best Batman films, but one of the best superhero films of all time. The writing is spectacular, cast was spot on and the action was everything you want it to be and more; I love the final battle between Batman and Joker at the church. Michael Keaton is one of the better actors to portray Batman in film; I also enjoyed his performance as Bruce Wayne. Without question for me though Jack Nicholson has been the best actor to portray The Joker, yes a couple of people have given him a very close run for his money but I think Nicholson has yet to be topped as the maniacal clown. While I did love Kim Basinger as Vickie Vale she screamed WAY too much. I do admire Vickie’s commitment not only as a journalist but to her relationship with Bruce, but she was way too damsel in distress. Granted I am not too sure what she was like in the comics, but I’m pretty sure she was a lot tougher than that. Gough and Hingle were the only ones to stay with the Batman franchise on the 80’s and 90’s and for me at least this was their better performances of the four films. The rest of the cast is very good as well. Tim Burton is a fantastic director and while I would not go so far and say this is one of his better films, it was definitely a good one. If you like superhero movies and have yet to watch the 1989 Batman, put it on your list right now.