It is a flawed film but it outclasses the original

Rating: 6/10 (18 December 2019)

Does it throw previously established Batman lore out the window? Yes is does. Is it a bit overripe and somewhat silly? Sure, I guess so. And is it a picture that prioritizes style over plot and character development? Most definitely. But Tim Burton's film has such a unique look and feel, that the lack of a strong plot and character development does not hinder the overall quality significantly. Batman Returns, possess a brooding atmosphere, terrific costume, makeup and set design. It also has a couple of excellent and memorable performances by Danny DeVito, as the Penguin and Michelle Pfeiffer, as Catwoman. Unlike the original film, Tim Burton's sequel is not a mano a mano face-off between Batman and an antagonist. It is a melancholy story about three deeply troubled characters. But the main character, Michael Keaton's Batman, takes a back seat to the Penguin and Catwoman, who are the real stars of the film. I only wish that Burton had dug deeper into these two characters motives. This would have helped the plot and character aspects of the movie that were sorely lacking. Christopher Walken's corrupt businessman, Max Shreck, rounds out the main cast and is the weakest of the bunch. A rare sequel that is much better than the original. A flawed but dark, weird and visually impressive film.