Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2

Plot synopsis:
=== Part 1 ===
 After the death of his protégé Jason Todd, billionaire industrialist Bruce Wayne was forced to retire from his Batman persona. Ten years later, Gotham City is overrun with crime and terrorized by a gang known as the Mutants. The 55-year-old Wayne maintains a friendship with 70-year-old retiring Police Commissioner James Gordon, while the Joker (Batman's archenemy) has been catatonic in Arkham Asylum since Wayne's retirement. Arkham inmate and former district attorney Harvey Dent undergoes plastic surgery to repair his disfigured face. Although he is declared sane, he quickly goes into hiding following his release. Dent's disappearance, news stories of the crime epidemic throughout the city and the memory of his parents' deaths drive Wayne to become Batman once more. He combats serious crimes, rescuing 13-year-old Carrie Kelley, but now struggles with the physical limitations of age.
Public reaction to his return is divided. Dent's psychologist Bartholomew Wolper blames Batman for creating his own rogues gallery. Dent resurfaces, threatening to blow up a building unless he is paid a ransom. Batman defeats Dent's henchmen, learning that the bombs will explode even if the ransom is paid; he realizes that Dent intends to kill himself. Batman disables one bomb, and the other detonates harmlessly. He defeats Dent, who reveals that although his face was repaired he still thinks of himself as Two-Face. Kelley dresses as Robin and looks for Batman, who attacks a gathering of the Mutants with a tank-like Batmobile (incapacitating most of them). The Mutant leader challenges Batman to a duel. He accepts to prove to himself that he can win. The Mutant leader (who is in his prime) nearly kills Batman, but Kelley distracts him long enough for Batman to subdue him. The leader and many gang members are arrested. Injured, Batman returns to the Batcave with Kelley; he allows her to become his protégée in spite of protests from his butler, Alfred Pennyworth.
Batman has Kelley disguise herself as a Mutant, and she lures the gang to a sewer outlet at the West River. At the Gotham City Police Department, the Mutant leader murders the mayor during negotiations. Commissioner Gordon deliberately releases the leader, providing an escape from the building, which leads to the sewer outlet. Before the amassed Mutants, Batman fights the leader in a mud pit; the mud slows the leader, removing his physical advantage, and Batman overpowers him. Seeing their leader's defeat, the Mutants divide into smaller gangs; one becomes the "Sons of Batman", a violent vigilante group. Batman's victory becomes public and the city's inhabitants are inspired to stand up against crime. Gordon retires after meeting his anti-Batman successor, Ellen Yindel. In Arkham, televised reports about Batman bring the Joker out of his catatonic state.
=== Part 2 ===
 Feigning remorse for his past, Joker convinces Wolper to take him on a talk show to tell his story; he makes plans for his escape with an old henchman, who supplies him with mind-controlling lipstick. Meanwhile, Superman, who works as a government operative in exchange for being allowed to covertly help people, is asked by the President to end Batman's vigilante activities. Framing these events is a growing hostility between the USA and the Soviet Union over possession of the island of Corto Maltese. As Batman's continued presence humiliates the national authorities, Yindel becomes commissioner and orders Batman's arrest, and Superman warns Batman that the government will not tolerate him much longer.
Joker makes his talk show appearance on David Endochrine's show as Batman fights with the GCPD on the studio roof; while they fight, Joker kills Wolper, gasses everyone in the studio to death and escapes. He finds Selina Kyle and uses one of her escorts and his lipstick to take control of a congressional representative, who calls for a nuclear strike on the Soviets before falling to his death. Batman's investigation leads him to Selina, whom he finds bound and dressed like Wonder Woman. Kelley notices cotton candy on the floor, and Batman deduces that Joker is at the fairgrounds. There Kelley accidentally kills Joker's henchman while Batman pursues the Joker, who indiscriminately guns down dozens of people. As Batman corners a wounded and partially blinded Joker, he admits to feeling responsible for every murder Joker has committed and intends to stop him permanently. In the ensuing fight, Joker stabs Batman repeatedly, and Batman breaks Joker's neck in front of witnesses.
Content that he made Batman lose control and that he will be branded a murderer, the Joker finishes twisting his neck, killing himself. The GCPD arrive and Batman, bleeding profusely, fights his way to Kelley and escapes. After Superman deflects a Soviet nuclear missile, he is hit with the blast and badly injured; the detonation creates an electromagnetic pulse that wipes out all electrical equipment in the United States and causes a nuclear winter. As the city descends into chaos, Batman, Kelley and Gordon rally the Sons of Batman and the citizens of Gotham to restore order, and Yindel accepts that Batman has become too powerful to take down. While the rest of the powerless U.S. is overrun with crime, Gotham becomes the safest city in America, embarrassing the President's administration and prompting them to send Superman to finally stop Batman. Batman and Superman agree to meet in Crime Alley.
Wearing a powerful exoframe and supported by Kelley and former superhero Oliver Queen (Green Arrow), Batman fights Superman, using various tactics to make the fight even. When Superman gains the advantage, Queen hits him with an arrow made with synthetic Kryptonite, severely weakening him. Batman defeats Superman, and claims that he intentionally made the Kryptonite weak, to defeat Superman without killing him. Batman then apparently dies of a heart attack, while Wayne Manor self-destructs, and Alfred dies of a stroke. In the aftermath, the world learns that Bruce was Batman; all of his secrets are destroyed with the manor and his finances disappear. As Superman leaves Wayne's funeral, he gives Kelley a knowing wink after hearing a faint heartbeat coming from Bruce's coffin. In underground caves, Bruce is revealed to have faked his death and makes preparations to continue his mission more discreetly, allied with Kelley, Queen, and his followers.

Tags: realism, suspenseful, dark, murder, violence

Review:
Casual movies goers will want to head to their local comic shop for the first time ever.The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller is among the most acclaimed graphic novels ever.
Superman has been hired as an assassin by the president....All of these events come together beautifully (and with many surprises) in a well-paced, brilliantly written, thought provoking, elegantly animated, and savagely action-packed epic played out by fascinating characters.
NOT EVEN FOR A MINUTE ,the battle between BATMAN AND JOKER was mind blowing and to be honest my body was shaking but to my surprise the end battle between BATMAN AND SUPERMAN was even more brutal and thrilling .What else could you ask for I have watched almost all the batman anime ..
WB/DC's Direct-to-DVD Animated Film "BATMAN : THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS" is an Adaptation of Frank Miller's comic published in 1986.
I haven't seen many Batman animations and this just makes you want to watch more.The plot is great and dark, the way it should be.
The animated adaptation of Frank Miller's epic classic Batman tale concludes in "The Dark Knight Returns: Part 2".
The producers continue their policy of adapting 100% the critically acclaimed graphic novel while expanding on story elements that could not have been expanded upon due to a lack of space in the original 4 issues worth of comics.Spurred on by Batman's actions in the first part, The Joker uses a clever ruse to return to crime and senseless murder.
One such scene involves superman taking on a naval fleet; the way the ships are drawn look pathetically cheap compared to the rest of the movie.And the final fight between Superman and Batman has some laughable dips in quality too.Telling a story in a new medium would warrant some tweaks.
Events flow naturally into each other and scenes that were slightly confusing to the casual reader makes perfect sense: scenes like Joker's final moments, the war with the Russians, why Gotham is suddenly snowing when it was a heat wave in the first movie etc.
Oh well.....It can be said that Dark Knight Returns, when both parts are viewed as one whole movie, is a true animated epic worthy of some awards.
The joker gives this film a very dark side which you might not expect from a cartoon but all the stories involving Batman in the comics are dark so it is true to the those.
DC animation presents the whole of Frank Miller's "Dark Knight Returns" series in two parts, as the second half somehow excels amazingly above the first.The second half takes place only a short time after the end of the first.
There are some moments of shocking violence in this movie, but that is the point of the Joker's character, and how far he is willing to delve into chaos, to taunt and insult the Batman until the evil, bitter end.This film should not be watched without the predecessor however, nor without reading the Frank Miller comic from which it is based, but is a beautiful story to watch.
Clearly tired and with a new young Robin protege he is forced to contend with the return of the Joker, civil unrest, an increasingly hostile police force and Superman himself.I went into this expecting more of the same, little did I realise it would be a contender for the best Batman movie out there.Well written, thoughtful, very dark & with some genuinely game changing moments this second (And likely last) part really delivers.
If Batman vs Superman had been like this the DC Universe would be looking a whole hell of a lot more promising right now.The Good:Dark, gritty and violentThe Bad:Robin, really?!Odd version of the JokerTimeline is weirdThings I Learnt From This Movie:More movies need topless villainess'sCatwoman becoming a Madam, not really surprisingThe bat glider scene made me just plain uncomfortable, good soldier, good soldierOne day DC will need to explain how Supermans outfit is impervious to damage as well.
Second part of the animated adaptation of Frank Miller's classic comic book miniseries, The Dark Knight Returns.
This part deals with the return of the Joker, Batman continuing his war on crime with a new Robin by his side, and Superman being sent by the President to stop Bats.
A must watch, anyone who doesn't like it, fair enough, its just i haven't read a single review where the reason for it being terrible is because of a character who appears in the last 15 minutes.Amazingthe best animated superhero film of all timeThe story is on point Animation on point Voice Acting on point Action on pointA film for anyoneAn animated classicThe fights done to perfectionBetter than most live action films.
In preparation for the upcoming Batman V Superman film, I've decided to revisit a few of each of the heroes' feature films, especially those where they come in direct conflict with one another.With the first part of The Dark Knight Returns being as good as it is, it almost seems unfathomable to think it could be topped by part 2, but for the most part, it is.
It's a fast paced and brutally graphic take on the Dark Knight's last stand in a Gotham City that is just about at the brink of decimation.Batman and Robin's plan to turn the mutant followers into "sons of Batman" was working quite well and Batman seemed to have the upper- hand on the city, that is until Joker came out of a little retirement of his own.
Michael Emerson's voice performance as the incredibly creepy Joker works very well alongside Peter Weller's Batman, especially in the tunnel of love sequence.
Everything else in this Frank Miller story, is absolutely brilliant.Seeing Batman result to beating the crap out of cops and Superman virtually killing for the government in war was an interesting and ground breaking way to tell the story.
The Dark Knight Returns Part 2 is quite simply one of the greatest superhero films of all time.+Epic scope+Batman/Superman fight & dynamic+Score+Last 30 minutes+Oliver Queen's inclusion+Brutally graphic-Corto Maltese side arc with nuclear crisis wasn't entirely necessary10/10.
If the Snyder's Batman vs Superman can even be half as good as The Dark Knight Returns, it will kick all the Marvel blockbusters right in their faces..
Since I read the comic book when I was younger, watching this was like watching a masterpiece coming to life, and with only a budget of 3.5M this cartoon blows most of the big picture wallops like "Dark Knight rises, Total Recall etc and the Hobbit movies with ease" I can recommend these two movies to anyone, because it holds the true viewpoint of how dark the movies should be.The fact that all the blood and gore and the mortality of man is in these pictures, just prooves the more realistic the touch the better the movie, kissing and nudity just put it all in, it makes the movie more to the heart, because that is the world we live in at the moment.Love it, recommend it, gosh darn it just watch it already !.
Something else about how bad the movie is, is scenes like the one where 20 or more police officers try too shoot Batman up-close with machine guns, in various situations, and they all miss, every time, even when he doesn't move, they don't get one shot!
The story is strongest when Batman's arch nemesis, The Joker (Played here for the first time by Michael Emerson, who makes the character his own in a solid turn) is involved.
'Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part II (2013)' acts more as a sequel to the first film, rather than a straight continuation, but still recreates Frank Miller's acclaimed graphic novel with a striking accuracy, in terms of tone, story and style.
There is no doubt about it, Batman is the best there is, these Dark Knight Returns series is a classic and a DVD collection that should be on your shelf.No one tries to take on "The Bat" thinking he can just walk all over him; even Superman almost got killed by The Bat for trying to tell him what to do.
Now the bat wants him and the authorities want them both so the showdown between the three is a most watch.After the showdown has lapsed the DC universe boy scout Superman got a call to go take down The Bat, a call I bet if he knew what was coming his way he would have not even bothered trying.There aren't enough words to describe the intense violence and the wonderful work done by Bob Goodman (screenplay writer) and director Jay Oliva in this movie (animation) adaptation.
The other cool thing about this comic to video work is the way the makers took their time to make sure that the movie is close to the original source.The characters Oliver Queen and the new 13 year old Robin, Carrie Kelley were well captured in this movie making you feel like you are truly reading the comic.
To sum up, I like The Dark Knight Returns and I recommend it to Batman fans and fans of the source material, but I think it could have been stronger if some scenes were shortened in Part 2.
Meanwhile fervently hostile political relations between the USA and Soviet Russia, force the President of Western nation to exploit the formidable powers of Superman; who who's actions inextricably will lead to a stand-off between he and the Dark Knight; while Gotham City descends in to anarchy.Commencing with the second half, and with his presence being teasingly hinted at within the first; there is the inexorable inclusion of the once camply referred to; Clown prince of crime; The Joker who's vocals are brought to life by Michael Emerson of TV's; Lost and Person of Interest fame.
The animation is good, the voice performance is excellent, every combat or outcome in the movie is epic, and there's that amazing hunting score.FINAL CONSENSUS: Reaching the height of big ones like Mask of the Phantasm and Under the Red Hood, this dark and epic conclusion is a more than welcomed addition to Batman's animated pantheon..
10/10) and EPIC fight scenes - I had to watch batman vs joker and batman vs superman because it was AWESOME, it took animation to another level.
just saw the DC Comics Animated DVD movie, "The Dark Knight Returns Part 2" (2013) based on the Frank Miller comic of the same name.
The other threat well is written in the title(!) the Man of Steel, this one fight that in Batman versus Superman everyone wanted to be like the one from the comics and this movie.
Crazy, this one of the few times of my life that I am unable to add something more to what I am saying or in this case writing, for I already gave praise to this part of Batman Mythology in the first part of the Returns ans feel free to check my review out.To summaries the best way to watch this two part movie is to watch one after the other or find the DVD version which has them combine.
While face-offs with Harvey Dent & the Mutant Leader in Part 1 was great, battles with the Joker & Superman in Part 2 takes animation movies to a whole new level.
While face-offs with Harvey Dent & the Mutant Leader in Part 1 was great, battles with the Joker & Superman in Part 2 takes animation movies to a whole new level.
For me, it's fine, but not much more, grit and apocalyptic stakes and all.The animation work is still among the strongest and coolest in the DC animated cannon, but the logical gaps in Miller's storytelling - which I think Christopher Nolan carried over a bit too much into his Dark Knight trilogy (or to put it another way, he learned about as much as he could from Miller, all the good AND the bad) - are too much to ignore, even when he does some clever things like the satire with Superman (he has a friggin' Bald Eagle perch on his arm and fights the Ruskies almost single-handed!
Not only does Batman have the Joker to contend with, but put Superman together in the mix, and you get another level of awesomeness.I feel like the animation in the second part is more fluid, the fighting choreography was smoother and the direction, especially the "camera" work was definitely better than the first.
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, not to be confused with the live action film The Dark Knight, is a two part animated straight to DVD release by DC Comics and Warner Home Video based on the classic graphic novels by Frank Miller.
Joker's role in this film was important to its success, in my opinion; the whole "I made you loose control" bit was a vital part to the story, because without it this movie is just a massive battle between Superman and the Russians, and then with Batman.
This part 2 to the faithfully replicated 2 part "The Dark Knight Returns" animated movie from the comic books.
Once again, all Miller's iconic images are incorporated into the animation, and the film nicely translates the final fight and rather poetic conclusion into moving images.Voice work is quite good (and yes, I wouldn't have minded Kevin Conroy as Batman, but Peter Weller does a good job).
Now I understand that talking about realism within comic book animations is not exactly a popular point of discussion, BUT, things like this simply make the scenes laughable as they have no sense of immersion.Now for the most infuriating Superman you will ever have to watch:In all honesty I felt that superman in this was probably the most hateable super hero character I have ever seen.
I know that there has been a lot reviews about this title,some where positive some negative (mostly positive),but i couldn't help myself not to write one.First of all i encourage who ever is in charge of making DC animation movies for the last year and half do keep doing it,because this is everything i want for kind of movies that are suppose to be in DC dark universe,not some handy cake for children,we have enough of it already.As i said this is not at all animated movie for younger auditions.It is brutal,full of bloodshed,packed with action...Its so dark and twisted to the point where (warning don't read any further if you don't like spoilers)in this part (you should also check part one) Joker murder his doctor with broken cup,by slicing his throat and you could see every detail about it.To narrow,both parts of this animated movie is nothing like you ever see,unless you read Dark Knight comics.Again its very brutal and full of dead,there isn't super heroes vs bad guys here.There isn't any kind of moral story in movie,like good guys beat bad guys and everyone is happy.No it isn't that kind of story,its kind of story where you are fighting for your place in world,but world hates you.I can keep going on but i just cant find words to continue.So for such dark twisted and brutal world i will give it 10/10Character design is very decent,its not top notch but its good.Animation,voice acting and character expressions are excellent,you will enjoy it.There isn't much left say about it its 10/10.OK now story is very good.But there are some flaws,which i have to wrote down.First one is ,when you watch first part you have little clue about what really happened,you find yourself in world where almost whole world hates superheroes (nothing new you might say but ...
keep reading),but the hate is so strong,that government is willing to kill them unless they settle down or leave planet.So first part is all about some kind of warming up,you have no idea what is going on or why is going on,you will find that near the end of second part.That's what i didn't like but it small thing compare to everything else,but some people can find that a little bit concerning.I won't go any further,i want to keep without spoilers as much as possible but if you like brutal action,great visual effects,strong voice acting,solid story and if you are fun of Batman or even you start getting into universe of Batman than you should check this,because this the best damn animated movie i have seen since Hood.I will give 8/10 for story because there are few things i didn't like it..
DC Comics has again dodged what could've been a fatal bullet with "Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2." What fans get is a faithful animated feature that captures the spirit of Frank Miller and Klaus Janson's critically acclaimed graphic novel.There's no break for the Dark Knight (Peter Weller) after his defeat of the Mutant leader.
Taken almost word for word and shot for shot from Frank Millers timeless graphic novel, The Dark Knight Returns is one of the best comic book movies ever made.
Part 1 made some intro in some characters and showed us that Batman is as good as new but Part 2 introduced us characters like Superman and Joker and it was glorious.
That mostly has to do with Batman dealing with the Joker and Superman in this one.Dark Knight Returns Part 2 takes place a few months after the events of part 1.
This fight is my favorite fight of both movies.Overall if you are a fan of Frank Miller's comic and of Dark Knight Returns part 1, you need to watch this..
I as I said in Part 1 I would recommend this movie to any who likes the comics and is a long time Batman fan.This is probably one of Micheal Emersons best voice over I have ever seen ever since the Ben 10/Generator Rex Crossover.
This could easily be a replacement for almost any AAA superhero action movie today, in fact, I think I'd prefer this to movies like "The Dark Knight Rises" and "Batman vs Superman"..