A great sequel

Rating: Null/10 (30 August 2002)

As a huge "Batman" fan, I can't say I was at all disappointed with "Batman Returns". It was enormously entertaining and, again, brilliantly directed by Tim Burton. The production design is even more deliciously dark, bizzare, original and creative than the first. The movie as a whole isn't however.
There isn't any homage at all or tribute to the old comic books/tv show here. It is highly Burton-stylized and definately fun, but some of the original's charm was its somewhat classic colorful comic book feel. In place of this is an unrelentingly dark and cold setting.
Danny DeVito is great (despite his rassy nomination and reviews) as The Penguin. He is sure no Jack Nicholson as The Joker, but he skillfully gives an unpredictable performace as a villain so tortured by his past that he feels redemption in inflicting suffering onto Gotham.

Poor Batman. He soon finds himself trying to deal with seedy buisnessman Max Shreock (a creepy Christopher Walken), the attractive but dangerous Catwoman and this strange man named Oswald Copplepot (AKA the Penguin) who's affection from Gotham's citizens is about to be used against them. All three are linked together and share the same interest of destruction. They also share the hatred over Batman.
Michelle Phiffer is great playing Catwoman. Not only has she never looked better, but she also crafts her role nicely.
Keaton gives another great performance as Batman, saying few lines in costume except for things like "Eat floor, high fiber" while fighting.

The Batmobile will never look cooler than it does in "Returns". Its many functions range from a rotation pole to the ability to shrink into a skinnier vehicle which is important for zipping through alleys.
There is definately no doubt that "Batman Returns" is a lot of fun, but its violence, dark tone and setting and tortured characters give it a very, very cold feel. Is this a flaw? No, but it makes it less enjoyable.