Batman Returns Review

Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!

Plot Summary: Batman is back to save Gotham City from the likes of a corrupt businessman, the Penguin, and Catwoman.

Review: I continue with the Batman franchise as I inch closer to finishing the series! This is another mixed bag for this franchise; I'm still trying to figure out why it is called "Batman Returns" when he never left nor does it focus on any kind of "return." I really liked this movie growing up, but it is not as good as I remembered. Now don't get me wrong, there are some solid performances from Danny Devito, as the Penguin, and the luscious Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman. The plot is okay what with a new crime gang teaming up with corporate scum to frame and kill Batman; and let's face it, any movie is made better by Christopher Walken's quirky behavior. My main problem is that Batman hardly does or says anything considering this is HIS film series; we don't learn anymore about the character and he does some unforgivable things like blowing some guy up! There could have at least been some subplot thrown in to round out the Bruce Wayne character more but nope. This lack of further character development is what hurts this film the most, because it lacked any sort of depth and even felt inferior to episodes from the animated series. A lot of things just don't work like Penguin running for mayor. There are also many cheesy moments that did not seem as bad in "Batman" because it felt more comicbook-esque such as Catwoman magically coming back from the dead over and over again. While the Nolan films are mostly wasted potential, this film's problem is too much Burton-vision and not enough comicbook-feel. I mean, come on, they didn't even make any use out setting the film around Christmas (a lot of movies seem to fail with this aspect). There are a lot of great moments, but there are just as many eyeroll moments so I see the movie as merely above average. It's decent and worth a view, but don't expect it to be anywhere near the level of the first film or "The Dark Knight."

Notable Moment: The first attack on Gotham by the Penguin. We see a giant "gift" explode full of circus goons for Batman to beat up.

Final Rating: 6.5/10