Batman

I have to say, as a longtime Batman fan, getting to watch this film again for the purposes of reviewing it was such a joy. It has so many good elements to it that would become essential parts of the Batman mythos, and my personal favorite of the original four Batman films.

The story focuses on Batman, played as a dark and mysterious vigilante by Michael Keaton as he tries to protect Gotham City from the insane Joker, played by Jack Nicholson, who is clearly having the time of his life in the role. It's a pretty fun story, and was a good introductory film to the world of Batman, which is a lot darker than the Superman films at the time were.

I feel the acting was absolutely phenomenal, mostly from Keaton and Nicholson. I know everyone says it, but Nicholson does indeed steal the show, hamming it up at any chance he can get and being a perfectly offbeat and eccentric villain, which is a perfect balance to Keaton's more serious and straight laced Batman. The thing I enjoyed about Keaton's performance is that Bruce Wayne and Batman feel like distinct characters, and only sometimes do you see Batman show through in Bruce's mannerisms, which speaks to Keaton's talent as an actor.

Overall, this is the superhero film that I think really showed what the genre could be capable of. Superman may have introduced the concept of a superhero, but Batman perfected it. If you haven't seen it, I personally think it is a must watch for any superhero fan. You will have a great time.

Next time, Batman goes up against a new and grotesque foe and finds a love interest who is more deadly than she appears. Stay tuned for Batman Returns.

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