Batman Returns

It has been an intriguing endeavor catching up on early Batman films - both of which while on vacations - as they're the couple that a) I haven't seen yet and b) interested me the most regarding the legacy they created. 

There are now superior versions of this character out in the world (don't @ me), but much like the James Bond films, the hero has to start somewhere and the 1989 Batman can largely be chosen as the "start" of his cinematic endeavors, while Batman Returns is the From Russia With Love sequel (just to keep the Bond comparison going, not because they're alike).

I remember when I was little, probably ~ 3-4 years old around the time that this was hitting the local Blockbuster, the cover on the plastic VHS holder terrified me, largely because of Danny DeVito's Penguin. It's a weirdly deep memory that downloading this poster unlocked as I distinctly recall staring at his disgusting, frightening character for several minutes and going out of my way to avoid it when strolling around Blockbusters thereafter. 

For better or worse, I found Batman Returns to be a sequel that didn't greatly outdo its predecessor, but was of a similar high quality. I can't quite say I liked it more, but wouldn't be surprised if it ages that way over time given its so close. Where it sometimes misses Jack Nicholson's iconic Joker, we're now provided Danny DeVito's grunting, shuffling, Dear-God-is-he-horny, Penguin. Compared side by side, he's equally as wild as the Joker, but feels decidedly darker and 100% more disgusting. The film doesn't hide the fact that the Penguin just wants some...ehm..."loving", with quotes like "There's the pussy I'm looking for" that barely hide the innuendo as Penguin addresses Catwoman. 

Speaking of Catwoman, she's definitely an element of added value as Michelle Pfeiffer has some insane fun with the dark role. I felt the romance with Bruce was a bit sloppy - the entire plot feels a bit sloppy to be honest - but she chews up the screen every time she's there in a suit that I'm sure set teenage boys eyes on fire in 1992. 

Unfortunately, Keaton feels like he gets the short stick in Returns as there's much less of him for the majority of the runtime. In hindsight, it's not as massive a gap as I initially thought, but this does feel more like a Penguin/Catwoman movie than a Batman one. Still, he remains stoic in the role and gets some good action beats (for 1992 action, mind you) in some dark, grungy, and Burton-esque setpieces. 

I was happy to have visited both of these iconic comic book films as it's very apparent to witness the legacy they began - blockbuster production values, focus on villains, dark tones - while also being able to appreciate some of the enhancements we've gotten along the way - better action and special effects, better writing, and generally being more "realistic". As for Batman Returns, I certainly hope the Penguin was able to satisfy his urges at some point because...yikes!

Retro Rath's Review Score | 8/10