First Batman: Year One Review

First Batman: Year One Review

Courtesy of Collider, we have our first review of the animated film, Batman:Year One. Find out whether this one is a hit or miss!

By MarkJulian - Jul 23, 2011 09:07 PM EST
Filed Under: Batman
Source: Collider


Comic-Con Photos




I have to say, based on the review from Collider, this one might be a miss. The review states that the film's chief detriment is the fact that it's too faithful to the source material. Specifically:

Batman Dark Knight Gotham Bruce Wayne
Warner Bros’ new direct-to-video animated Batman: Year One is about as faithful an adaptation of the Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli source material as could be done – potentially to its own detriment. The problem being that the episodic nature of the comic doesn’t necessarily lend itself to the dramatic momentum needed for film. An issue about Batman getting into a fight with a bunch of pimps which in turn leads to a brawl with a pre-Catwoman Selena Kyle works on the page; on film, it halts the main thrust and drive of the film – namely that of the relationship between Jim Gordon and Bruce Wayne/Batman. Year One is at it’s best when it focuses on the fraught almost Heat-like (picture Jim Gordon as Pacino and Batman as De Niro) relationship between the two.



The review goes on to say that Batman is ultimately inept during his rookie Batman campaign and that Gordon is rather "rash and disloyal" during his first years in Gotham. For those unfamiliar the graphic novel, you will either love this fresh take on the characters or you will be dismayed that you're being given a presentation so different from the normal depictions that you don't recognize the characters.


Still Collider describes the voice acting as a strong point of the movie.
The voice acting across the board is relatively strong. Ben McKenzie ably conveys the youthfulness and inexperience of a young Batman. Katee Sackhoff and Eliza Dushku both do the most they can with relatively brief screen-time. But (not surprisingly) the standout of the film is Bryan Cranston as Jim Gordon. The gruff cold detached vocal inflections Cranston brings to the character suggest years of seen-it-all hard knock experience. This is a colder, meaner Gordon and Cranston’s presence lends a gravitas to the character previously unseen.


Personally, I think I will enjoy this movie. I'm a huge Batman fan and grew-up on the Bruce Timm animated series so I enjoy Batman in any shape, fashion or form. Still, it seems that this movie has suffered from "The Watchmen" effect, it's faithfulness resulted in alienating those of the non-fandom faction. I'll be seeing this the first day it's released and will be posting my own review shortly thereafter. Will be interesting to see where we agree and disagree.



Also, noted by the reviewer:

Quick to add: following the screening, Bruce Timm announced the next three DC Animated Universe films – 1) Justice League: Doom 2) an adaptation of Superman vs. The Elite 3) a two part retelling of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.


Current speculation is that Superman vs. The Elite will be based on the one-shot Superman: What's So Funny About Truth, Justice and the American Way. Justice League:Doom is set to be a loose adaptation of the fan-favorite JLA: Tower of Babel storyline.


Superman Batman


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Deadshot
Deadshot - 7/23/2011, 10:20 PM
DC absolutely KILLS marvel in animated films, yet marvel kills them horribly in live action films, it's kind of funny to me.
imnotahero
imnotahero - 7/23/2011, 10:37 PM
"a two part retelling of Batman: The Dark Knight Rises" lol What the hell? why would anyone watch that?
vermillion
vermillion - 7/23/2011, 10:38 PM
Well hopefully Marvel will step up in animation and DC in live action department. After the GL flop, maybe they'll realize they need to be a little more careful how they do super hero films aside from Supes & Bats.

Seeing the list of films, I'm a little upset. More Superman & Batman. Where's my Flash movie? Jeez. I absolutely love DC animated movies, but c'mon, gimme a Flash movie.

I wish they didn't stop doing the animated shorts. That was such a great idea. I was excited to finally see a new Lobo animated short, but nope. :(
imnotahero
imnotahero - 7/23/2011, 10:45 PM
@ DanZiggs - lmao. That makes so much more sense. I was worried for a second there.
FriendlyNeighborhoodSpidey
FriendlyNeighborhoodSpidey - 7/23/2011, 10:45 PM
@Vermillion I agree I want a flash film too.
@imnotahero I didn't like that series either.
@Deadshot Agreed.
FriendlyNeighborhoodSpidey
FriendlyNeighborhoodSpidey - 7/23/2011, 10:46 PM
I know. I don't like the dark knight returns.
FriendlyNeighborhoodSpidey
FriendlyNeighborhoodSpidey - 7/23/2011, 10:47 PM
Batman is different.
FriendlyNeighborhoodSpidey
FriendlyNeighborhoodSpidey - 7/23/2011, 10:47 PM
Batman is different.
FireKnightRises
FireKnightRises - 7/23/2011, 10:48 PM
yeah more supes and bat!!
Bryanferryfan
Bryanferryfan - 7/23/2011, 10:50 PM
Now that Marvel has been acquired by Disney and Pixar is now a part of Disney as well..we should be seeing some amazing animated features from them. If Marvel execs were smart they would take advantage of this asset. How would you guys like to see a PIXAR animated version of let's say... THE INHUMANS!
Bryanferryfan
Bryanferryfan - 7/23/2011, 10:52 PM
How about an animated Pixar version of SILVER SURFER or maybe DEATHLOK OR MOON KNIGHT OR NOVA >>>>>>!
Bryanferryfan
Bryanferryfan - 7/23/2011, 11:01 PM
I'm getting tired of Superman or Batman or Justice League animated features...When will theu do FLASH or Preacher or SANDMAN or THE NEW GODS or the JSA or THE SPECTRE or DR. FATE OR ZATANNA DAMN DO OTHER CHARACTERS FOR A CHANGE OF PACE!
TayDee
TayDee - 7/23/2011, 11:06 PM
TOO.......much.....Batman...dont know if i can take more!
Jer3miah
Jer3miah - 7/23/2011, 11:22 PM
^^ YES! They need him back in the saddle.
alucard365
alucard365 - 7/23/2011, 11:36 PM
DC number one seller is Batman, so it makes perfect since that they would give him the spot light. just face it DC other characters do not sell as well as Bats and Supes, hell Batman sell more than any comic book character ever.

Future DC Release's
The Dark Knight Returns
Batman No Man's Land
Batman The Long Halloween
Batman Knightfall

DC have enough Batman to last a lifetime.
Daniellantern
Daniellantern - 7/23/2011, 11:47 PM
DC Animated rules! They used great voice actor such as Jason Isaac as Ra's, Arnold Vosloo as Black Adam and many more. Bring Flash, Aquaman, and JLA movie!
FireKnightRises
FireKnightRises - 7/24/2011, 12:03 AM
@alucard365
the truth is batman already replaces superman as DC flagship icon
FireKnightRises
FireKnightRises - 7/24/2011, 12:07 AM
@NorseGod
they already did GL and WW and it's not success like they expect so I doubt we will see another heroes besides bat and supes
GiftedYoungster
GiftedYoungster - 7/24/2011, 12:27 AM
Let's go! DC animation is awesome. Can't wait.
Oxion
Oxion - 7/24/2011, 1:31 AM
Marvel animation will always be kiddy animation and their anime adaptations are no jewels either (seen the wolverine anime as of late?) They have great comics but they suck at pushing the boundaries. DC animation is always on point an have a record for lasting a while (Batman TAS, Superman TAS, Justice League, Batman Brave and the Bold, etc.) Marvel has fallen since the 90's, and they maybe pushing their characters out the door faster than DC but in my opinion aren't that great, especially if they gotta reboot half of them (F4, Daredevil, Elektra, Spider-man and who knows where X:Men is going). DC only needed Batman and bam, top of the mountain. Green Lantern wasn't that great story wise, FX were on point but not enough to save it, but it was a first shot as well like many of the Marvel movies. My opinion, more does not really mean better, Marvel can push their people out but DC can create substance.
batmanrises
batmanrises - 7/24/2011, 2:59 AM
Wow The Dark Knight Returns??? This BEGS to be done by an anime studio a la Gotham Knight...Done right, this could be as edgy as Akira...
Ichaos
Ichaos - 7/24/2011, 4:17 AM
Well given DC (Detective Commics) isnt AC (Action Comics) Seems Batman has been the flagship character for ages. Though a LOT more nostalgia is on Supermans shoulders. Well up til recently of course when the yanked off his shorts, turned supmerman into superboy flying about in Tshirt and Jeans and a cape to be more "realistic"
ComicsCommando
ComicsCommando - 7/24/2011, 6:35 AM
DC stopped doing animated shorts in front of their movies?! That seriously blows. Hard.
Greggmcg
Greggmcg - 7/24/2011, 6:37 AM
I don't care what the reviewer says because I'm getting this one.

@Bryanferryfan: I like the idea of a series of Preacher animated films the more I think of it. Adapt each of the trades as a separate film and keep them faithful to the books and I would buy these.
ComicsCommando
ComicsCommando - 7/24/2011, 7:51 AM
I can read perfectly, I just didn't read your comment. There's a difference.
sbdc1939
sbdc1939 - 7/24/2011, 11:38 AM
i dont really care. i want this movie. None of these have sucked so bad i didnt want to buy and watch them. Even the shorts have been good.
THEDARKKNIGHT1939
THEDARKKNIGHT1939 - 7/24/2011, 1:59 PM
Just take out some of the tv news report BS from the dark knight returns and it will be an awesome movie
THEDARKKNIGHT1939
THEDARKKNIGHT1939 - 7/24/2011, 2:00 PM
@ComicsCommando
When batman year one comes out on DVD and blu ray, there is going to be a Catwoman short.
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