Way Darker

Rating: 8/10 (2 December 2005)

Batman Returns is a way darker version of Batman than the original. It is dark and nihilistic, but this necessarily isn't a bad thing. I actually like this version, since Batman is supposed to be the DARK Knight. There are two more memorable villains, Danny Devito as the Penguin, and especially Michelle Pfeiffer as the slinky and sexy Catwoman. Not only that, the special effects, production design (who wouldn't want the Batmobile!), and music score by Danny Elfman are top notch. But AGAIN, there is absolutely no character development for the hero of this film Batman, with the villains again both getting back stories as to why they become who they are. We will have to wait until the 5th installment of Batman (2005's Batman Begins) to finally learn why Bruce Wayne became Batman. Regardless, coming from auteur Tim Burton, Batman Returns is overall a spectacular film. Solid 8 out of 10.