Review of Batman (1989) by Stephen Z — 26 May 2016

DC Comics' famous Caped Crusader comes soaring to the big screen in "Batman". That's right! Batman is back for his first movie since the Adam West film. But unlike the Adam West "Batman", this "Batman" is dark, rather than campy, and it suits the character well.

Batman is better than ever, with all of the gadgets and sweet rides you could ask for, though for an action movie, the action in "Batman" has some fairly unexciting choreography. But who needs action when Jack Nicholson brings so much energy and charisma to this movie.

There is a reason Nicholson is billed first for "Batman", and it's because The Joker steals the show from Batman. Jack Nicholson delivers a great performance as Batman's archenemy, though Nicholson's Joker is a little too goofy to match the serious tone of the movie. Meanwhile, Michael Keaton is an unconventional choice to play Bruce Wayne/Batman. And while he's not the kind of Batman I grew up with, Keaton brings something new to the character, and I like it.

There is a lot to like about "Batman". I like the dynamic between Nicholson and Keaton. I like the parallels it draws between Batman and The Joker. And I love that excellent Danny Elfman score! This is a character and a franchise to get excited about. It's a bit cheesy at times, but for the most part, "Batman" is a good, fun film.