Batman Returns ( * * * * )
While probably the best of the Batman movies so far (though the animated Mask of the Phantasm was quite solid and the Adam West version had the most villains so far, not to mention the advantage of Shark Repellant) there is reason to believe that Christopher Nolan's upcoming Batman film may trump it. But for now, this is arguably the quintessence of bat-excellence.
The Acting: This is where the movie shines. Michelle Pfeiffer is hot as an improved Catwoman (who is no longer a prostitute, but a revived-from-the-dead secretary); Danny Devito makes the Penguin almost scary as an animalistic, misanthropic mayor; Michael Keaton (now top billed!) gives a fairly complex view of Bruce Wayne/Batman; and best of all, Christopher Walken as CEO Max Shreck who is the most evil of all of Batman's movie supervillains, by virtue of being Christopher Walken--no costume required.
The Story: As usual, Batman is tinkering with the idea of giving up the trade, because this is a Hollywood Batman. He does get a good dig in at Alfred ("Who let Vicki Vale into the cave?") and the whole tone of the movie is generally darker and Burtonesque (even Paul Reubens makes a cameo). Christmas in Gotham is threatened by clowns and supervillains, and Batman saves the day. You know that scream "The Wilhelm"? It's the scream you hear over and over in movies when second-rate characters bite the dust, sorta like "aaAAAAAIIiaaa!"...When Batman tosses the clown over a rail, that is my favorite use of the Wilhelm.
The Direction: Burton's vision in this film is beyond campy. When Penguin gives a rallying speech to a bunch of penguins armed with rocket launchers, its more sad and creepy than campy. Daniel Waters from Heathers provided script assistance, and the final product was Burton's best movie.
Overall: Some elements of this movie opened the door for the pure cheese to follow, but if this movie is cheese, it's a fine Brie, served ice-cold.
Tredekka Rules:
The Acting: This is where the movie shines. Michelle Pfeiffer is hot as an improved Catwoman (who is no longer a prostitute, but a revived-from-the-dead secretary); Danny Devito makes the Penguin almost scary as an animalistic, misanthropic mayor; Michael Keaton (now top billed!) gives a fairly complex view of Bruce Wayne/Batman; and best of all, Christopher Walken as CEO Max Shreck who is the most evil of all of Batman's movie supervillains, by virtue of being Christopher Walken--no costume required.
The Story: As usual, Batman is tinkering with the idea of giving up the trade, because this is a Hollywood Batman. He does get a good dig in at Alfred ("Who let Vicki Vale into the cave?") and the whole tone of the movie is generally darker and Burtonesque (even Paul Reubens makes a cameo). Christmas in Gotham is threatened by clowns and supervillains, and Batman saves the day. You know that scream "The Wilhelm"? It's the scream you hear over and over in movies when second-rate characters bite the dust, sorta like "aaAAAAAIIiaaa!"...When Batman tosses the clown over a rail, that is my favorite use of the Wilhelm.
The Direction: Burton's vision in this film is beyond campy. When Penguin gives a rallying speech to a bunch of penguins armed with rocket launchers, its more sad and creepy than campy. Daniel Waters from Heathers provided script assistance, and the final product was Burton's best movie.
Overall: Some elements of this movie opened the door for the pure cheese to follow, but if this movie is cheese, it's a fine Brie, served ice-cold.
Tredekka Rules:
- Rule 4: Sweet Actor Bonus--Christopher Walken, +4 stars. The man is an institution!
- Rule 5: Spitting = Good Acting--when doesn't DeVito spit in this movie? +1 star.
- Rule 34: The Superhero Movie Handicap, -1 star.
Tredekka Score: ( * * * * )
posted by Tredekka at 10:12 AM
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