The best comic book film of all time! ***** out of 5

Rating: Null/10 (8 May 2005)

I have never seen a comic book film that portrays a world of pure Gothic darkness like this one does. This is one of Tim Burton's very best films. It's one of the earliest films I can remember absolutely dying to see as a kid. There was no choice, I HAD to see this as soon as it came out.
Now, what's interesting is that when I was young I was never a huge fan of the original film. In fact, even though I had seen it years before on video, I didn't really remember a lot about it. It's not that way now, mind you, I have seen the original a bajillion times since then. It's also interesting to think back and be able to say I wasn't really a fan of Batman at all. I believe it's because I was never properly introduced to the character and knew little about the comics (I had never read any). But I can remember first seeing a trailer to 'Batman Returns' infront of a little film my mom had rented years ago called 'Curly Sue'. And as soon as I saw the brief scenes of the pengiun flying away with his crafty umbrella I became obsessed and hellbent on seeing the film.
I remember sitting in the theater and the chills that went all over me as the main title unfolded and the Danny Elfman theme song blasted through the speakers. A memory that will forever remain.
What can I say? The film is the absolute very best of it's kind. It's unashamedly dark the way it should be. It's not afraid of showing how villainous a villain can be. That's not to say that The Penguin doesn't have a human side to him. The whole reason he turned out to be the way he is is because of what his parents did to him. Poor fella. He happens to be my favorite villain of all time because of this film. And the Catwoman is without a doubt the sexiest villain to appear on the screen. Also, given a human side so that we may sympathize with her.
Christopher Walken as Max Shrek. Wow, just when you didn't think a film couldn't get any better.
And of course, The Batman! Michael Keaton, hands down is the best Batman of them all. It's really fascinating to see him deliver his bat-lines. And speaking of lines, the script is filled with some of the most memorable and often darkly humorous dialog I've ever heard.
I'm also a big fan of the ending where all of the penguins are about to blow Gotham City to smithereens. The candy cane colored rocket backpacks are awesome! I could go on and on about the film, but I must bring this review to a close. Is there a true word to describe this film? Well, I dunno... I believe the word I'm looking for is... "AHHHHHHH!"