Batman Returns - 1992

I read an IMDB article that ranked all of the Batman movies ever made and was surprised to see that Tim Burton's "Batman Returns" came just (barely) below "The Dark Knight" for first place. I have always loved the idea of Batman - a hero with an edge. As a little kid I used to run around with a Batman cape and fight crime. But my first introduction to Batman on the big screen was through Christopher Nolan's incredible trilogy. It never occurred to me that any previous cinematic incarnation might be on the same level.

So I decided I needed to check out "Batman Returns". And while I don't think it's on the same level with Nolan's trilogy in terms of character and story I have to say, a week on from watching the film, it has really stuck with me. This is thanks largely to the incredibly imaginative and immersive world Burton brings to life in his version of Gotham - the abandoned zoo being a particular highlight for me. What amazing set design!

Danny DeVito and Michelle Pfeiffer have a ball with their villainous roles of Penguin and Cat Woman. They throw themselves into these characters with enthusiasm and confidence. What you get are wildly entertaining performances that are just on the right side of silly.

Having been introduced to Michael Keaton for the first time last year in "Birdman", it was fun to finally see him playing the role that made him famous. He does a decent job and looks good in the suit. But, truth be told, there actually isn't a lot for him to do in this film.

The plot is simple and forgettable. The dialog is fine - again, just on the right side of cheesy.

All up, while this is not holistically masterful film-making, there is much to enjoy in "Batman Returns". I'd watch it again for the performances and for another chance to get lost in Tim Burton's lush, gothic, cartoony world.