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Batman
After a young boy witnesses his parents' murder on the streets of Gotham City, he grows up to become Batman, a mysterious figure in the eyes of Gotham's citizens, who takes crime-fighting into his own hands. He first emerges out of the shadows when the Joker appears - a horribly disfigured individual who is out for revenge on his former employer and generally likes to have a good time, but the identity of the "bat" is unknown. Perhaps millionaire Bruce Wayne and photographer Vicki Vale have a good chance of finding out?
The Film
Suitably dark, the first Batman film delivers on all levels. Arguably the best, but certainly better than the last. Michael Keaton is excellent in his difficult role - how do you make it more convincing after the camp 1960's version? Explosive action scenes and a scene-stealing Jack Nicholson make this "spectacular entertainment".
The DVD
Nothing. Oh, wait a minute, this is what's listed:
Interactive Menus, Production Notes, Scene Access
Language in Dolby Digital 5.1: English,
Subtitles: English / Arabic / English for the hearing impaired
So nothing then. As with the other three, so I'll not even bother mentioning...
Overall
7/10
Batman ReturnsGotham City faces two monstrous criminal menaces: the bizarre, sinister Penguin (Danny DeVito) and the slinky, mysterious Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer). Can Batman (Michael Keaton) battle two formidable foes at once? Especially when one wants to be mayor and the other is romantically attracted to Gotham's hero? Like the Academy AwardTM winning 1989 original, Batman Returns is directed by movie-making wizard Tim Burton. And like the first blockbuster, it's a dazzling adventure that leaves you breathless.
The Film
I prefer this to the original. It tries to have more fun, having set up the tone in its predecessor. Keaton continues at his best, while supporting actors build up their role well, particularly Christopher Walken. The story develops more, and the film in general is more character driven. Batman has more of a sense of danger in this one too, which adds to the tension - Catwoman seems to be more of a match than the maniac of the Joker.
Again, not extras to comment on, which the score takes account of:
Overall: 8/10 _ _
Batman ForeverRiddle me this, riddle me that, you'll find adventure on the wings of a bat! Brace for excitement as Val Kilmer (Batman), Tommy Lee Jones (Two-Face), Jim Carrey (the Riddler), Nichole Kidman (Dr. Chase Meridian) and Chris O'Donnell (Robin) star in the third spectacular film in the Warner Bros. Batman series. Joel Schumacher (The Client) directs and Tim Burton co-produces this thrill-ride of a movie that thunders along on Batmobile, Batwing, Batboat, Batsub and bold heroics. Hang on! The Film
After such a cheesy build up (above), you'd be forgiven for thinking it's not going to be that good. Because you'd be right. How can such an all-star cast make so much of a mess? OK, maybe I should save this for the next one.
Batman Forever probably isn't that bad.
Chris O'Donnell's presence doesn't help, but the others do really well, considering how camp they have to act. Jim Carrey is outstandingly good in his role, and Val Kilmer does an excellent job of playing the troubled Bruce Wayne. As with Batman Returns, this is character driven, and does go some way to continuing the story of Batman/Bruce Wayne.
Overall
6/10
_ _
Batman & RobinChills and thrills: will Gotham City be put on ice? George Clooney is Batman as the Dark Knight battles his greatest threat yet: cold-hearted Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and venomous Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman). Batman has more than Gotham City to protect: the youthful eagerness of crimefighting comrades Robin (Chris O'Donnell) and Batgirl (Alicia Silverstone) puts them frequently in harm's way. New very special effects include a wild sky-surfing sequence and freeze's outrageous ice-blastinc arsenal. It's state-of-the-art excitement from out batfamily to yours! The Film
No no no. This is awful. Dark Knight? Where? This is so camp beyond words. In fact, I'm going to stop writing now. Because it's so awful. I can't even begin to describe how bad it is. So I'm not going to try. Even though it does have some (but very few) redeeming features, I'm just going to give it a score now:
Overall
4/10 _ _ _ _
And that's being overly generous (because I like comic-book films)