Batman Returns - Review

The final film in the series where Michael Keaton was able to play the Caped Crusader that is Batman and I have to say that he left on a pretty good note. However, to many people I talk to, this entry in the series is known as the "meh" one. Is that why the studio decided to go in a different direction for Batman Forever? Well, this movie certainly feels much more like The Nightmare Before Christmas 2 rather than Batman. Tim Burton really stamped his style all over this picture. The dark, wacky tone and production, the Danny Elfman score (which is amazing by the way) and of course this film has to take place on Christmas. So right off the bat, this feels like a very different Batman movie. The first film, although dark, still felt like Batman. This feels like a Tim Burton film first that just happens to have Batman in it, which to me isn't necessarily a bad thing, however, I can understand why it would turn some fans off. What this film gets right, however, is the casting. Batman to me is only as good as it's supporting cast. Danny DeVito and Michelle Pfeiffer are both wonderful in their roles as evil, psychotic Tim Burton villains. I can imagine that the news back in the day of Michelle Phieffer being Catwoman mirrored the reaction to Margot Robbie being cast as Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad. Casting one of the most beautiful women in the world at the time as a Batman villain and people loving it, immortalizing the role. Another great bit of casting is Christopher Walken. He is one weird dude with a unique acting style and speech pattern which works perfectly for a movie like this. It's like Christopher Walken knew how strange the style of this movie was and just said, "Hey, I'm going to have fun with this." His performance is straight out of a comic book and is a great choice for this movie. The last thing, is it just me, or is Batman a bit of a wimp in this movie? I don't know. He gets his butt kicked too many times too easily. Maybe that's just me and I'm used to the Christian Bale, League of Shadows Batman or I'm still too in love with the Ben Affleck Warehouse scene in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice. I thought Michael Keaton's Batman was smarter than how he acts in this movie. Overall, a worthy entry into the Batman franchise. I'd say the best viewing experience for this film would be a 90's marathon night. Pop in the first Batman film, get some 90's snacks (Gushers or Fruit by the Foot... and maybe some booze) watch another 90's nostalgia film (Space Jam anyone?) and then pop in Batman Returns. That's my ideal scenario. Unfortunately, I didn't view it in that setting, but I'm glad I saw it nevertheless.