Batman: Gotham Knight

This was quite a unique picture to watch, especially because it was made by six different Japanese animation studios. It is an anthology film split into about six ten minute stories, so I've decided I will review each segment individually.

The first segment was called 'Have I Got a Story For You', which deals with a group of skater kids who each had an encounter with Batman, voiced by Kevin Conroy. I think the coolest part was how they depicted Batman in different ways depending on who was telling the story, and it was very creative, and was the biggest thing that stood out to me. The story wasn't too great, but the visuals made up for it, in my opinion.

The second segment was called 'Crossfire.' The story behind this one was basically detective Crispus Allen, voiced by Gary Dourdan, who is learning to trust Batman due to feeling the police are relying too much on his vigilantism. The best part of this one was the fact there was an all out shootout, hence the name, between crime boss Sal Maroni, voiced by Rob Paulsen, and The Russian, voiced by Corey Burton. Pretty solid story, and well animated, too.

The third segment was called 'Field Test', and focused on Batman getting some new technology from Lucius Fox, voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson, that can deflect bullets. It was interesting as a segment because it showed that Batman was willing to put himself on the line but that deflecting bullets could cause collateral damage, which is against his code.

The fourth segment was called 'In Darkness Dwells', and I liked the dark and creepy imagery in this one. It deals with Batman confronting the Scarecrow and Killer Croc in the sewers and having to deal with being poisoned with fear gas as well. Fun story and definitely more of an intense ride.

The fifth segment was my least favorite, which was called 'Working Through Pain.' It is basically Batman trying to recover from a gunshot wound while flashing back to him learning that his pain is what drives him. It sounds interesting, but the execution was not the greatest in my opinion.

The best was saved for last, and 'Deadshot' certainly delivered. The story deals with Batman going up against the titular assassin in one of the best fight scenes I have seen in an animated film so far. The acting is great, the visuals flow really well, and the intensity really keeps your heart pounding.

Overall, this movie was really entertaining and, even if there were a few missteps here and there, I still had fun all the same. If you like Batman, give this one a watch.

Next time, we journey back into the world of Batman once again to continue the story that was started in Batman Begins, as Batman takes on his greatest foe yet in what is considered to be the gold standard for superhero films. Next time, The Dark Knight.

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