A Thrill Ride From Start To Finish! Almost As Good As The Original Batman, But Not Quite, But Still One Of 1992's Top Movies.

Rating: 9/10 (25 June 2000)

Batman Returns is a explosively entertaining sequel that follows much the same pattern as the original Batman (1989). Tim Burton once again directs a dark moody film once again crafting expressionism and depicting Batman (Michael Keaton) as a dark but likable mysterious hero. The casting in Batman Returns is tremendous Danny DeVito fit the role of the Penguin perfect DeVito's physique was tailor made for the Penguin. Michelle Pfeiffer was aggressively stunning as the Catwoman and she unlike Kim Basinger provided great on screen chemistry with Keaton, Pfeiffer (Catwoman) simply has more in common with Bruce Wayne (Batman) both are mysterious and have two sides of life (split personalities) Basinger (Vicki Vale) was to fragile for a romantic interest of Batman. The Batman-Catwoman love interest doesn't last because we know a hero and villain can't be lifetime lovers. The Penguin (Devito) is a grotesque human-creature who wants to destroy Gotham City due to his abandoned childhood and failed mayor attempt. The Penguin unlike The Joker (Nicholson) is more of a violent destructive villain searching for the past as Nicholson's Joker was a homicidal killing likable clown who plagued Gotham with his joking killer art methods. The Joker also known as Jack Napier had a past connection to Batman remember the murder of Bruce Wayne's parents. Christopher Walken gives a good performance as the corrupt hated Max Shreck, but I felt that was immaterial because two villains were enough drama and excitement for Batman The Shreck character in my opinion takes away from the film. Batman Returns is second best in the Batman series trailing only the original all good performances from Keaton, DeVito, and Pfeiffer and good directing from Burton a great movie to watch many times.