Disappointing but not dismal Burton sequel

Rating: 8/10 (1 October 2003)

The campy, carnival-like atmosphere above ground, while utter insanity in the guise of the Penguin stalks the city, beneath. Sounds intriguing to watch, doesn't it?
But Gotham City just isn't what it used to be. Gone, are the beautifully designed Gothic structures, replaced by gadgetry and standard, disappointing Hollywood fluff. There is plenty of eye candy, but that does not distract you from the fact that so much else is lacking.
Has Burton lost his edge? I wouldn't think so. But in this attempt, he resorts to obvious fifth-grader tactics to amuse us; ie: the Penguin drooling black filth from his mouth throughout most of his scenes (what WAS that crap, anyway?), and killer clowns (which were oh so reminiscent of the detrital film, "Killer Klowns from Outer Space" and the 60's camp of Adam West).
While this production was still quite entertaining, it held none of the wondrous edge from the original masterpiece. I did, however, love the performances of the principal actors; Michael Keaton as Batman (Bruce Wayne), Danny DeVito as The Penguin/Oswald Cobblepot, Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman/Selina Kyle, Christopher Walken as Max Shreck, and that wonderful Michael Gough as Alfred Pennyworth.
Their portrayals were quite professional; the character depth was well developed and everyone contributed what I feel was their very best. What lacked here, in my opinion, was that lovely darkling nightmarish feel from the first. The Dark Knight having been turned into the Light Grey Knight, Gotham (Gothic) City was dismayingly morphed into a Carnival Midway, and the allowance of the horrid 60's camp at which we all groaned and rolled our eyes to creep into this otherwise darkly amusing production was just purely wrong.
Sorry, but I fail to find having my gag reflex triggered to be entertaining. Honestly, I was still amused by this flick. DiVito's talent for acting is above reproach, though I found his constant black drool to be completely repulsive and it turned me off of his character totally. Again, that falls into the area of directing, and in no way cheapens his performance.
Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman was mildly reminiscent of Eartha Kitt's portrayal and thus endeared the character. While she delivered her own style and talents to the characters of Seline and Catwoman, she portrayed Catwoman beautifully as a witty, intelligent seductress. Hers was a wonderful performance and I loved the perpetuation of the romance between Batman and Catwoman.
"It's the so-called normal guys who always let you down. Sickos never scare me. At least they're committed." Seline to Bruce Wayne.
The attempt to humanize Bruce Wayne was a serious mistake. Gone is the edgy, almost sinister feel to the Gothic hero, the "Dark Knight." Enter, instead, the comedic equivalent; this reincarnation of a masterpiece. It didn't work for me on any level. Bruce Wayne, cracking jokes, forgetting his coat over some piece of fluff girl, and snapping off one-liners to the bad guys as he pretends to kick their butts. What a disappointment after the last Burton attempt.
I found the change to be sad, rather than fresh or edgy. There were several points of this production that I found to be quite unoriginal. Penguin's plan to kidnap/kill the first born sons of Gotham was rather Biblesque and lame.
The James Bondesque music during Shreck's party was rather tasteless. As I mentioned before, the whole movie had a "Killer Klowns from Outer Space" feel to it beneath the failed attempt to be Gothic and dark as the original from which this spawned. The voice designated to Penguin's computer alert system at the climax of the movie was very V'ger-like (Star Trek: the Motion Picture), bordering on identical.
And I've got one question. If the Penguin's army is penguins, and he himself identifies with penguins...WHY is he driving around in something as infantile as a rubber duck? Just another contrived and trashy element I found disturbing and unattractive.
"How outstanding! You're Beauty AND the Beast, in one luscious Christmas gift-pack." Penguin.
While this production fell short of the first, it was still a fun and enjoyable movie, if only for the performances of the main players. I am frankly glad that Burton will not be directing the next installment of this, the "modern" Batman series.
I am looking forward to Jim Carey and Tommy Lee Jones's performances. But Val Kilmer in the leading role? We'll just have to wait and see.
This one rates a 8.1/10 from...
the Fiend :.