Wierd but Good

Rating: Null/10 (11 October 2001)

There's no doubt about it--the first Batman is more mainstream, more normal, and more loved. I, however, enjoy this one much more. [I won't even discuss the 3rd & 4th, since I refuse to acknowledge them as Batman films]
This movie has more (and better) action sequences, a cooler (darker) Gotham City, and more of Burton's awesome film noire feel. What I love most about this film is Michelle Pfieffer! First off, her performance is AMAZING! She is essentially playing 3 roles here -- pre-transformation Selena, post-transformation Selena, and Catwoman. She's not the stereotypical bad girl (ie Lara Croft), not exactly the girl next door, but somewhere in between--the nice girl acting bad, letting go of inhibitions. She pulls it off flawlessly! The Batman/Catwoman/Bruce/Selena love quadrangle is SO well written, so interesting, & so well played out!
[Oh yeah, Michael Keaton is perfect too.]
Then you have the Penguin. I have to admit he gets on my nerves. In the span of 2 hours, he lives in the sewers, eats dead fish, runs for mayor, kidnaps babies, and tries to destroy the city with...penguins. His plans are lame and unbelievable; plus he is downright ugly & annoying to listen to. He's too Tim Burton-ish (if that makes any sense).
Here's what I suggest. Buy the DVD & skip all the Penguin scenes -- you've got the perfect movie :)