Batman Returns

This movie was definitely more of an enigma to me than the first film. I think the biggest reason is that this film feels like a mishmash of so many styles, with the Batman story as an afterthought that things can get muddled. How does it stack up? Well, let's find out.

This second Batman story sees Batman, played once again by Michael Keaton, as he goes up against the deformed Penguin, played disturbingly by Danny Devito, and has a very unique love/hate relationship with Catwoman, played by Michelle Pfeiffer. The movie definitely has a lot of good moments, but this one feels more like a Tim Burton movie than the first, with all the dark weirdness that you'd expect from one of his movies.

The acting is probably one of the best parts, with you getting to see just how despicable and disgusting of a character they make the Penguin. This version of the penguin is so detestable that it makes the previous film's Joker look like a kind, loving, and sensitive man. Everything the Penguin does is just horrifying, and there are no redeemable qualities to him whatsoever. Michelle Pfieffer likewise plays as a more morally grey version of Batman, with a good sense of duality between her meek civilian identity and her more confident, yet slightly unhinged Catwoman persona.

So, where does that leave this film? Well, I'd say it is one of the most dark and depressing films out there. It is amazingly well made, and the characters are great, but this film is more interested in showing the dark side of all the characters, and the ending is one of the most bittersweet endings in Batman film history. If you like dark, violent, hopeless films, give it a watch, and you'll probably like it. This is definitely not a film for everyone, though, but I still enjoy it myself regardless.

Next time, Batman takes on a lighter tone after this film was not received well due to the dark, hopeless tone. Will some campier and more comedic elements help Batman get back on his feet? Find out next time when I review Batman Forever.

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