Batman Returns (B or 3/4 stars)
I loved Tim Burton's Batman from 1989. Now comes a sequel, 'Batman Returns'; & while I don't love it as much as the original, it definitely provides some dark, atmospheric fun. In this story, the Caped Crusader (Michael Keaton) is back; watched over by his loyal butler, Alfred (Michael Gough). Batman's nemesis this time around is Oswald "The Penguin" Cobblepot (Danny DeVito), the hideous, deformed individual abandoned at birth by his wealthy Gotham City family. The Penguin plots with malevolent, businessman Max Schreck (a cadaverous Christopher Walken) to become mayor & then turn Gotham into a city of crime.
Upon overhearing these mischievous plans, Schreck's timid secretary, Selina Kyle (Michelle Pfeiffer) is thrown from a skyscraper window by her murderous boss. Resuscitated by a plethora of kitty cats, Selina goes home, desgins a cat costume, & 'transforms' into a leather-clad "Catwoman". In this form, she joins forces with The Penguin & Max Schreck to gain power & help expose Batman in a negative light. But Catwoman is a villain with mixed motives; and may have her own secret agenda. Batman prevents The Penguin from becoming mayor; and so, in retribution, The Penguin vows to kill all of Gotham's first-born infants! Can Batman juggle Selina (romancing her, without knowing that she's Catwoman), Catwoman - herself, The Penguin, Max Schreck, & other evil forces at play?
If nothing else, 'Batman Returns' is wonderfully inventive; possibly even more so than the original (which is hard to do). Tim Burton resurrects the dark, brooding feel of the film that won over fans with Batman. Stefan Czapsky's stark black/white/dark blue color palette is incredible. Bo Welch's twisty-turny-crooked set pieces are wondrous to look at. The costumes (namely, Catwoman's) are finely-detailed. The make-up work (i.e., The Penguin) is really something to look at. The sound design is crisp. And Danny Elfman's musical score is great; rivaling his memorable score from the original.
Michael Keaton is stellar as the tormented hero, Batman. That said, it's the villains who keep us watching (they're just more colorful - in every way). The casting of Danny DeVito as The Penguin in fabulous. Though I feel that DeVito goes a little over-the-top, at points, he still lends a disturbing, unforgettable portrayal. Christopher Walken is tailor-made for a Tim Burton movie. That said, his Max Schreck is pretty forgettable, & lacking a discernible personality. But the best component of this entire film is the character of Catwoman, performed with great wit & slinky sexuality by Michelle Pfeiffer. Watching her strut around in stilettos, holding a whip, & spouting, "meow", is something else. She's scary as hell, but fun, as well.
All in all, though the screenplay is not nearly as tight as it could be, nearly every other aspect which makes up the whole of 'Batman Returns' is entertaining. I didn't feel for Batman or Catwoman or The Penguin. But I enjoyed the characterizations. I liked some early scenes where the characters' transformations are explained. The aforementioned look of the film is astonishing (and perfect for a comic book world). The action is solid. The ending is tragic, but won't make you depressed. And I LOVE the final shot of the film. I just had a real good time watching 'Batman Returns'.
Upon overhearing these mischievous plans, Schreck's timid secretary, Selina Kyle (Michelle Pfeiffer) is thrown from a skyscraper window by her murderous boss. Resuscitated by a plethora of kitty cats, Selina goes home, desgins a cat costume, & 'transforms' into a leather-clad "Catwoman". In this form, she joins forces with The Penguin & Max Schreck to gain power & help expose Batman in a negative light. But Catwoman is a villain with mixed motives; and may have her own secret agenda. Batman prevents The Penguin from becoming mayor; and so, in retribution, The Penguin vows to kill all of Gotham's first-born infants! Can Batman juggle Selina (romancing her, without knowing that she's Catwoman), Catwoman - herself, The Penguin, Max Schreck, & other evil forces at play?
If nothing else, 'Batman Returns' is wonderfully inventive; possibly even more so than the original (which is hard to do). Tim Burton resurrects the dark, brooding feel of the film that won over fans with Batman. Stefan Czapsky's stark black/white/dark blue color palette is incredible. Bo Welch's twisty-turny-crooked set pieces are wondrous to look at. The costumes (namely, Catwoman's) are finely-detailed. The make-up work (i.e., The Penguin) is really something to look at. The sound design is crisp. And Danny Elfman's musical score is great; rivaling his memorable score from the original.
Michael Keaton is stellar as the tormented hero, Batman. That said, it's the villains who keep us watching (they're just more colorful - in every way). The casting of Danny DeVito as The Penguin in fabulous. Though I feel that DeVito goes a little over-the-top, at points, he still lends a disturbing, unforgettable portrayal. Christopher Walken is tailor-made for a Tim Burton movie. That said, his Max Schreck is pretty forgettable, & lacking a discernible personality. But the best component of this entire film is the character of Catwoman, performed with great wit & slinky sexuality by Michelle Pfeiffer. Watching her strut around in stilettos, holding a whip, & spouting, "meow", is something else. She's scary as hell, but fun, as well.
All in all, though the screenplay is not nearly as tight as it could be, nearly every other aspect which makes up the whole of 'Batman Returns' is entertaining. I didn't feel for Batman or Catwoman or The Penguin. But I enjoyed the characterizations. I liked some early scenes where the characters' transformations are explained. The aforementioned look of the film is astonishing (and perfect for a comic book world). The action is solid. The ending is tragic, but won't make you depressed. And I LOVE the final shot of the film. I just had a real good time watching 'Batman Returns'.