The Best Batman

Rating: 8/10 (9 March 2002)

This film has really been unfairly lambasted over the past decade or so since its release. I feel that its reputation comes from the darkness of the film and also from the fact that McDonald's marketed it to youngsters by throwing Batman Returns toys into their Happy Meals. This is not a child's movie, nor is it the first film.
Batman was a triumph in its own right, but I find this second film to be superior. The characters are interesting, the scenery is spectacular (Michelle Pfeiffer included), and the script is actually very well done. Every time I watch this film I pick up more subtleties. One of my favorites is when Penguin visits his parents grave and says, "I was their number one son, but they treated me like number two." This line has a great double-meaning. Penguin being treated like a number two son, not quite as well loved or cherished, but also Penguin being treated like number two, as in bodily function, in the less vulgar vernacular, crap. There are many lines just like this one laced throughout the film. It is true, the screenplay does have a few holes in it, especially towards the end of the film, but it turns out to be very enjoyable. There is great character development to be found with Bruce Wayne maturing and Selina Kyle having to deal with her newfound duality. The relationship between Selina and Bruce is the most interesting of any of the films. While the Penguin and bad guy Max Shreck are static characters, they really do contribute to the feel and plot of the film. Heck, Penguin drives the main plot, or is it Shreck that drives it? You decide.
The Batman series would go downhill from this point. Batman Forever is actually pretty good, although Schumacher's vision is a little to "bright" for my tastes. Batman & Robin is one of the worst films I've EVER seen. It's no wonder that we haven't seen a Batman film since its release. Batman Returns and the first film really make Batman and Gotham City seem real. Tim Burton should be commended for his vision on these films, especially Batman Returns, the crown jewel of the series.