The Batman

If anyone has seen this blog, they may remember my family is very big into superheroes; none bigger than the Caped Crusader himself. There was no way we could miss a chance to see the latest Dark Knight adventure. We knew going into the film it was probably going to be dark, but what actually happened completely blew my families mind. Possible spoilers ahead. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

Despite fighting crime for two years Batman/Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson), has the criminals and citizens of Gotham terrified. The only people Bruce trusts are Alfred (Andy Serkis), although they have a strained relationship and Lieutenant James Gordan (Jeffrey Wright), the only police officer Batman sees as incorruptible. On Halloween night the mayor of Gotham is gruesomely murdered by a man calling himself The Riddler (Paul Dano), and he leaves a message for Batman indicating more to come. Batman’s search soon takes him to the Iceberg Lounge run by Oswald Cobblepot/Penguin (Colin Farrell), the right hand of mob boss Carmine Falcone (John Turturro). He also becomes enamored with Selina Kyle/Catwoman (Zoë Kravitz) a waitress at the club, and cat burglar. Batman brings Selina on the case after her roommate disappears, but she seems to know more than she is letting on. As Riddler continues killing more political figures and sending messages to Batman, Bruce must figure out Riddler’s endgame; but it may destroy him in the process.

I know many have been calling this the best Batman movie since The Dark Knight; I cannot say for certain if I would put it that high, but it was pretty darn close. I was very pleasantly surprised by Pattinson’s performance as both Bruce and Batman. Many may still think of him as Edward from Twilight, but for me he has easily grown out of that role. Pattinson not only nailed Bruce’s reclusiveness but the darkness fans know and love about Batman. There was also a refreshing touch of inexperience from Batman; we have to remember this Batman hasn’t been doing it for as long as some of the other on-screen Batmen. Kravitz was stunning as the cat who captures money and hearts. She captures the sexiness and sassiness fans enjoy about Catwoman, but also shows Selina’s vulnerability. I know a report came out on how Kravitz wanted to audition for the same role for The Dark Knight Rises and believes she was turned down because of her skin. I do not agree anyone should loose a role for something such as race, but I believe fate stepped in to say “not yet.” Kravitz and Pattinson’s chemistry was great, but I felt there was a dynamic missing compared to other showings of Batman and Catwoman; however should both return for sequels it may change my opinion.

Wright has been an actor I’ve admired for some time, and my admiration continued as he played Gordon to perfection. Serkis’s portrayal as Alfred was different than previous film adaptations; more grittier with life wearing down on him, but still trying to protect Bruce. Anyone who said they recognized Colin Farrell immediately as Penguin was probably lying, but that only added more to his performance. However for me the standout for The Batman was Paul Dano as the Riddler. I have seen Dano act in other films as a creepy person, but this was perhaps his most scariest role yet. Riddler has been one of those comic book villains people don’t take seriously, but can be one of the most dangerous. I wouldn’t have called film adaptations of Riddler psychotic, with Corey Michael Smith’s television portrayal on Gotham being an exception, but Dano made Riddler one of the most scariest villains I’ve seen in a live action Batman film; can I also say any bad guy who has an affinity for opera makes them even more creepier.

Besides the cast the atmosphere of The Batman felt very dark; its Gotham I didn’t expect anything less. The cinematography was brilliant and the score added perfect elements to the scenes. Of course I cannot forget about the Batmobile. I really enjoyed how much it looked like a DeLorean, and the car chase scenes had me on the edge of my seat. It has been reported sequels are on the way as well as a couple television series. Time will tell if the sequels will live up to how great this film is. The Batman is perhaps one of the best Batman films (animated included) I’ve seen in the past decade, and I would strongly recommend it for anyone. Enjoy your trip on a very dark journey.

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: 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.