Note: Due to time restraints I have decided not to do any further video reviews but instead stick to written reviews. I will still be reviewing 100 films though and there will be video ratings. So onwards!
Trailer:
“Hand down the shark-repellent Batspray!”
So you’re a fan of the Nolan Dark Knight films, huh? Well you haven’t seen anything until you take a glance at the 1966 interpretation of the character. Powerfully gripping, emotionally stirring, tension filled, mystery induced, brilliantly acted…….. none of these would begin to describe this picture, because none of them are accurate.
The 1966 Batman film is still see by many as being among the crowned kings of camp. The movie is a direct sequel to the hit television show of the time, remembered today by its catchy theme song. In reality it plays out almost like a long dull episode from the show.
Batman (Adam West) and is the caped crusader in his first (and only) outing on the big screen. He is followed constantly by his ever-present boy wonder, Robin (Burt Ward). The film kicks off with the two being tricked into following a yacht out to sea; resulting in them almost being eaten by Spielberg's shark model. Luckily with the help of some shark-repellent bat-spray they come out of it okay. Through that incident they reach the clear conclusion (in the most roundabout way possible) that they are being targeted by not two, not three, but four villains. The Penguin, Joker, Catwoman, and the Riddler.
Commissioner Gordon: It could be any one of them... But which one? Which ones?
Batman: Pretty *fishy* what happened to me on that ladder...
Commissioner Gordon: You mean where there's a fish there could be a Penguin?
Robin: But wait! It happened at sea... Sea. C for Catwoman!
Batman: Yet, an exploding shark *was* pulling my leg...
Commissioner Gordon: The Joker!
Chief O'Hara: All adds up to a sinister riddle... Riddle-R. Riddler!
Commissioner Gordon: A thought strikes me... So dreadful I scarcely dare give it utterance...
Batman: The four of them... Their forces combined...
Robin: Holy nightmare!
If that bit of dialogue above doesn’t give you some idea as to how serious this film is, I don’t know what will. Anyways, the duo speeds off to stop the villains’ schemes to dehydrate the Security Council and hold them ransom for…..the entire world! I know exciting right. That might mean something if the rest of the world knew or cared who the members of the security council are. This just makes the scene even more believable, where the world watches with teary eyes at the fate of their beloved council.
I feel like I might be stating the obvious it I say that the entire film is a little on the goofy side. That’s not the problem though. I have no issue with good old-fashioned camp, and it certainly worked well for the TV series. Unfortunately this is not a 35-minute episode. This is a feature film spanning over an hour and forty minutes. After that length of time the charms that come with the campiness have long since worn thin. It begins to become just tedious.
That’s not to say the film does not have its positive qualities. It’s got some very quotable lines and some genuinely hilarious moments. They get fewer and fewer as the film wares itself out on you, but what is there is to be grateful for. Also you cannot look past the films contribution of that theme, “Nanananananana Batman!”
As for the actors, they play the parts just as they do in the show. Over the top. For Batman and Robin this works well and they are pretty funny. The result with the villains however makes them all feel so similar to one another that it becomes pointless having four of them. They all just kind of become overwhelmingly over the top that it becomes irritating. It makes me wish Nolan’s Batman would show up and break their legs.
Though there is four villains the main central one is the Penguin. Really it is his plan, his submarine, his equipment, and his henchmen. The rest of the villains seem only like his helping hands, resigned to sit back and follow his lead. This kind of rang untrue to their characters, but even as I write that I realize none of this is true to the concept under which Batman was created.
Overall you might enjoy the 1966 Batman for the cheap effects, campy nature, and amateurish quality to it, but when it comes down to it this is not so much a Batman film as it is a parody to the Batman character. Some may buy into that world, others will not. For me I enjoy the TV show but Batman the Movie is just too much of a good (but mediocre) thing.
FINAL RATING: 3/10- 30%
P.S. - I don't care what anyone says, that car is still sexy.
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