BATMAN RETURNS (1992)

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"Burton's sequel greatly surpasses the first"

So, here's part two of my four part series in Bat-reviews. Some disagreed on my verdict for the first Tim Burton Bat-film, and you might disagree with this one, but in my opinion, this second installment surpasses its predecessor with ease.

Story:

Batman's fatal flaw was a lack of development and story, in which Burton focused too heavily on the world of the Joker than on the world of the film's title character. The same can be said of this sequel, in which a solid origin is established for the film's two antagonists, the Penguin(Danny Devito) and Catwoman(Michele Pfiefer), while Batman is approached more as a character to sell tickets by placing his name on the title. However, Burton does acknowledge the problems, or at least, what I thought were problems, with the first one, and ups the ante with his sequel that actually does a little more justice to Batman as a character.

In Batman Returns, the plot like the first, is fairly simple: Oswald Cobblepot, a.k.a. the Penguin, is accepted onto the surface world with the help of Gotham's new poster boy, Max Shrek(Christopher Walken), and begins a campaigne for not only mayor, but to kill the Batman and ultimately Gotham's first born sons. Meanwhile, Selina Kyle, Shrek's secretary, carves a path of stealing and lying as Catwoman, after almost being killed by Shrek. The Penguin and Catwoman quickly join together to destroy Batman(Michael Keaton), but Catwoman has other things on her mind.

What Burton seems to have fixed is making both Batman and Bruce Wayne a more memorable character. The subplot of a romance between Bruce and Selina, neither knowing who the other is, is a simple and effective approach to bringing a bond between Catwoman and Batman that turns into a heartfelt final moment of sincerity. While I don't agree with Bruce Wayne being so keen as to have a woman in his life, the story called for it. That brings me to the last woman in Bruce's life, Viki Vale, played by Kim Basinger last time around, who is completely absent this time around. The film does acknowledge this though, in dialogue between Bruce and Selina.

As I mentioned, Burton's flaw with is Bat-films is that he spent too much time on the villains and not Batman. However, with this being a sequel, it was okay to give the villains a little more spotlight, and it actually made the movie better. The subplot of having Penguin and Catwoman team up is enjoyable and the interaction between the two, epecially Penguin, is entertaining, but it seems unbelievable that the two foes could turn on Batman so quick, without any real reason to want to kill him other than the fact he got in thier way. However, Burton's films aren't made out to be very believable, and with it being a fun comic book movie, I didn't pay as much attention to it. As for the ending, it's tragic and definitely does the film justice, where as the first did not.

Acting:

The cast in this film is great and eact person fits their roles with ease, even Keaton.

Keaton, who returns to play Wayne/Batman, seems to have more of a feel for Batman this time around. He seems more confortable in the bat-suit, and even his performance as Wayne delevers more heart-not much, but enough to make him more believable. But, again, the script didn't call for much heart from Wayne.

Danny Devito as Penguin is a no brainer. His performance is nearly perfect, and makes the Penguin more than just a politician with flippers. Who knew a short, fat guy could be so energetic? I didn't, but Devito manages to give the Penguin an energetic style of squabbling. I don't know whether to call him sinister or entertaining, but it was definitely a great portrayal. It could get a little silly, but it was a fine performance nonetheless.

Michelle Pfiefer as Catwoman is also excellent. She looks hot in the black leather, and gives Catwoman a sense of pride. She makes her a woman to be feared, and her performance is nothing short of villanous. Her transformation into Catwoman is a little over the top, but it's a great performance when it comes down to it.

As for the rest of the cast, Christopher Walken joins the cast as Max Shrek, and also delivers a fine performance, becoming a sinister threat clouded by an egotistical pursuit for money. Michael Gough returns as Alfred, and while I still think he's a little too old, his portrayal is accurate and he actually helps Batman in his war on crime. Also returning is Pat Hingle as Commisioner Gordon, who gets little attention. After the portrayal in the first installment, I think that's a good thing.

Directing:

Burton's direction is improved this time around as well. He shows Batman's fighting prowess, and while it's little, it's still more than we got the last time. Like Keaton, he seems more confortable this time, giving the film more of his signature style, and letting his imagination run wild a little more. Sure, an army of penguins with rockets attached to their backs is a little rediculous, but it's entertaining to say the least.

Visuals:

The visuals are impressive. Gotham seems more vibrant this time, and Burton's style is shown a little more in the archituecture. The action is great also, and delivers more than Batman. As for the look of the villains, Penguin is expertly done and Catwoman looks fiiiiiiiine.

The Verdict:

+ A more entertaining story and attachment to the characters

- Can be a little over the top at times

? Penguin soldiers?

8/10-Impressive