Burtonesque At its Finest

Rating: 9/10 (17 January 2018)

Not only is "Batman Returns" the best Batman film in the original anthology, it is also one of Tim Burton's best films. The sets are superb and dark-a vast improvement from the seemingly oil canvas backgrounds of Batman (1989)-Bo Welch and the set designers done a magnificent job capturing the vibe of Gotham City. The most impressive set is the Penguin's Lair, which contained several live Penguins and over half a million gallons of water; despite it's horror vibe it is the most familiar and aesthetically pleasing set. The exterior of Gotham is very reminiscent of Fritz Lang's Metropolis (1927).
In typical Burton fashion, parents are presented in a negative light; this is seen at the start of the film-in the most memorable opening to a Batman movie, as well as Danny Elfman's superb track "Birth of a Penguin." Oswald Cobblepot is abandoned at birth for his grotesque, Penguin-like features, he is placed in a basket and thrown into a river which eventually leads him to the "Arctic World" beneath "Gotham Zoo." I suppose that's what happens when Pee-Wee Herman (Paul Reubens) is your father. The Penguin's abandonment has several similarities to the story of Moses featured in the book of Exodus in the Bible; this theme is further explored as Penguin's main plan is to capture and kill all first born sons of Gotham, by drowning them in the sewer.
Danny DeVito's portrayal of the penguin is magnificent, he is funny, strangely charming, evil, psychotic and the viewer can not help but feel sympathetic for his character; i often struggle holding back the tears when his death scene arrives-yet again made better by Elfman's superb score.
Michael Keaton reprises his role as Batman, he is even more brooding and impressive in this much darker sequel.
Michelle Pfeiffer is amazing at playing Catwoman. She is seen at first playing the pathetic Selena Kyle until she is killed and "re-born" as Catwoman; the perfectly dark, sinister and sexy character for the Burtonesque Universe.
Christopher Walken plays the shrewd businessman Max Shreck, his name is the same of the German actor who plays "Count Orlok" in "Nosferatu," this s also referenced in the film; before Shreck pushes Selena out of a window he looks as though he goes to bite her neck. His performance is so dastardly brilliant you can't help liking him, despite his evil persona.
Batman Returns has an amazing cast, director, soundtrack, script, plot and set designs; every second is entertaining and the dark setting adds to the Gothic vibe. The colours used are very similar to those used in early silent German horror films-most notably "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari." Burton captures the true essence of Batman in this movie, it's even enjoyable if you're not a fan of the caped crusader.