In 1989, Tim Burton's Batman hit the big screen. A completely different version than the previous Adam West film, this one had a darker storyline, darker characters; and helped reopen the CBM genre. Even though the 1970's CBM, Superman, did this first; there was still a retribution needed to be made to the Batman franchise.
After Tim Burton's Batman opened up to critical success and attraction from adults and kids everywhere, obviously; the studio wanted sequels.
After another movie was made, a new director was called in to continue the franchise. However this director wanted to tell a different perspective of Batman. That director, is Joel Schumacher.
With that said, I will begin with the cons. Wait a second Hal, are you saying there are pros to this movie? Yes, but we will get to that later. For now let us take a look at the cons, and boy do we have a long list.
First off, the director. Now, I want to put this out there right away. I am not upset with his work because he is homosexual. I do not want anyone to think that I am in any way judgmental. However, I am upset with his work because of the direction the took. Especially since he took a giant U-turn for the Batman franchise. I mean, come on, how do you go from this?
To this?
You see what I mean? Plus, the whole one liner character interaction wasn't very favorable. The entire movie practically consisted of impossible scenarios, even for a comic book movie, and was just all around silly. I understand trying to appeal to kids, but he went too far. Especially with this.
No. Just No.
Writing: My god, could you get any cheesier? As I said before, the entire movie is pretty much just one liners and single phrase sentences. I feel they could have done much better. How would you react if someone came up to you and said, "Can you be cold?" "The ice man commeth!" "What killed the dinosaurs? The ice age!"
Characters: First off, too many villains. Mr. Freeze, Posion Ivy, and Bane? That was not a good mix of characters. They were all completely different, yet they still work together to kill Batman and take over the world? Maybe it's just me who fails to understand how Mr.Freeze is a brilliant scientist, but can't run a security camera in the chamber where his wife is so that he can, I don't know, make sure she is secure? It just didn't add up. Now to the Bat trio. Batman and Robin, with nipples. Why? I mean, it would maybe be acceptable if they didn't stand out so much. But the first few minutes of the movie consists of closeups on the cod pieces and nipples. So, why doesn't Batgirl have any? Also, George Clooney just doesn't do the character justice. The girl who played Barbra Gordon, who is suppossed to be british in the movie, has no accent at all. Inconsistencies like that really just push me away from the movie.
Story: Where to begin. The fact that an exploded rocket that blasts Batman and Robin into the air hundreds of feet above, while they are able to somehow "air surf" on the doors of that rocket just to land on the rooftops and continue to surf down is just ridiculous. It just didn't add any suspense for me. It was very bland. Many scenes were. The hockey scene for the diamond was also sad. Any punching was just like the Adam West TV show. Finally, the fact that in the end, when everything was almost over, Mr.Freeze turns out to have the cure for his wife that whole time, and gives it to Batman for Alfred. I don't even know what to say to that.
Finally the pros.
Well, the only thing I can say is that I like the Robin costume. Minus the nipples, it was a cool idea to incorporate the Nightwing symbol. I though that was great.
However, the nipples still ruined it. Also, it did open up the need for a darker look on Batman. It eventually led us to the Nolan series which pleased many fans to see a newer, revived version of the superhero. The last pro I would have ot add, is that it set an example of what not to do, which I guess every genre needs. With that I give it 1 out of 5.
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HERE to check out my revisit for Green Lantern
Until next time, this is Hal Jordan signing off!