A corrupt businessman teams up with the grotesque Penguin to take
over Gotham City, while Catwoman cooks up her own agenda. ACTION/CRIME
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Batman Returns (1992)Directed by Tim Burton
Written by Daniel Waters and Sam Hamm Starring Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Michael Gough, Pat Hingle, Michael Murphy, Vincent Schiavelli Sequel to 1989's Batman Based on characters from DC Comics Oscar Nominations - Best Visual Effects, Best Makeup |
Batman Returns is one of the best Batman flicks because it dared to go dark years before Christopher Nolan made it the norm. At the time, seeing Batman strap a bomb to a man's chest or Penguin push a woman off of a building was the closest the movies ever came to the Batman comic book.
Of all people to bring the Penguin to life on the big screen, Tim Burton was the man to do it. The makeup team who worked on this film was incredible and they deserved the Oscar nomination. Danny DeVito did a terrific job with the Penguin, but I wish he hadn't made so many sexual references. Painting the Penguin as a homicidal horndog took away from his fearsome nature. Michelle Pfeiffer was the best Catwoman ever filmed as she embodied every psychotic characteristic that the comic book character possessed. Her performance was great and it will be difficult to top. Of course, it's always fun to see Christopher Walken play a bad guy and his performance as Max Schreck is one of his best. I really think Batman Returns is an underrated film and it deserves more attention. |
Batman Returns was the first one in the movie series to go as dark as it did. Penguin was a vile, disturbing villain and Catwoman was a truly psychotic foe. Unfortunately, it wasn't well received by the studio at the time and the next two sequels were made to be more lighthearted, family affair. However, as the years went on, this installment has quickly become a classic and considered superior to the original film in every way.
Tim Burton returns to the director's chair and brings his gothic sensibilities with him once again. A style that continues to work exceptionally well in Batman's, and Gotham City's, world. Michael Keaton continues to show why he was the perfect choice for the role of Batman/Bruce Wayne. As for the villains, Danny DeVito was a great choice for the character of Penguin. An iconic villain from the comic, DeVito brings the right amount of fear and disgust to the role. Except for the sexual references, that could have been taken out. Michell Pfeiffer performance as Selina Kyle/Catwoman still stands as one of the best. She perfectly portrayed both the sexiness and psychosis of the beloved character.As for Christopher Walken, he 's always a welcome addition and he doesn't disappoint here. While the original was able to introduce the world to the character of Batman, the sequel was able to really roll with it. Batman Returns takes advantage of this by bringing in a darker atmosphere and creepier villains. Even though it wasn't as well received as its predecessor upon its release, it has since gone on to being considered the superior film. A recognition it has rightfully earned. |