We’re one day closer to Batman Day and we’re also closer to the Number One Batman film of all-time as per me, The Dork Knight. This list as with any is subjective. Join in on the debate and let me know your thoughts and which one is your favorite. Here we go with No.’s 5 and 4.
No. 5 – BATMAN RETURNS (1992)
The Bat, The Cat and The Penguin. Batman Returns is the second and last film for both director Tim Burton and Batman Michael Keaton. After the success of Batman in 1989, Warner Bros doubled their pleasure by casting Danny DeVito as The Penguin and Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman. I enjoyed the movie quite a bit but the downside to the film is that these villains weren’t really THE villains for Batman to fight against. One could argue that Christopher Walken’s Max Schreck character is the films main antagonist. Both Penguin and Catwoman have a personal backstory that makes you feel a sense of sympathy for them both.
As far a Keaton’s Batman is concerned, his character still battles personal damage from the lost of his parents. The action and the gadgets are all present and accounted for which makes this film an overall treat. After seeing where this franchise ends up going, you can’t help but appreciate these Burton films more and wonder what if.
***1/2 (out of 5 stars)
No. 4 – BATMAN: THE MASK OF THE PHANTASM (1993)
Based on the popular television series Batman: The Animated Series, The Mask of the Phantasm is one of the best versions of a Batman ever made. This truly felt like a detective story. Voice actor Kevin Conroy Who is my personal choice as the second best overall Batman ever provides the voice work for both Bruce Wayne and Batman that differ ever so slightly but brings so much life that some if not all of the live action Batman’s couldn’t achieve.
Batman has long been considered the world’s greatest detective. Unfortunately most films don’t showcase those skills. The producers sacrifice the investigative mind that is Batman for well-choreographed action scenes. While there is nothing wrong with action scenes, Batman is so much more than that and Phantasm stays true to that.
**** (out of 5 stars)
My next blog will look at numbers 3 through 1. Hint, it’s the Nolan trilogy. But in what order? Until then…
My next blog will look at numbers 3 through 1. Hint, it’s the Nolan trilogy. But in what order? Until then…
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
