Review of Batman (1989) by Spangle — 16 Sep 2016

Dripping with gooey 80s action movie goodness, Batman features Jack Nicholson unleashing his crazy on the world as the Joker. While the modern day films have decided that doom, gloom, and Henry Cavill brooding, are the ways to make a successful Batman movie, Tim Burton's version embraces the crazy. As with all Burton films, it can be wildly over-the-top at times, but never ceases to entertain as Batman (Michael Keaton) squares off with the Joker and has sex with Vicki Vale (Kim Basinger). Go get 'em, champ.

Far more entertaining than Zack Snyder's slop, Tim Burton ensures that in portraying the Joker's madness, he never loses sight of the key to all action: FUN. And boy oh boy is this one fun. Gloriously 1980s in its approach to action and fight sequences, the film's special effects and choreography may be a bit stilted and unseemly by today's standards, but were more than good for the time. Plus, they feel very in line with the comic books. From the set pieces to the costumes to the dialogue, Tim Burton's Batman feels like a comic book and this is why the film is ultimately so fun. It knows none of it is too serious, so it has fun with an outrageous premise, plot, and scenarios, as it knows what it is: a summer blockbuster adapted from a comic book that is made to please. This, of course, is not to imply it is not dark. It is far darker than, say, Marvel movies nowadays. However, it stops well short of the grim nature of the new DC adaptations.

Michael Keaton does a very good job in the lead role as Bruce Wayne/Batman, but the real star is Jack Nicholson. Crazy Jack rears his head yet again and has a blast with the absolutely nutso Joker/Jack Napier. From hardcore gangster to gleeful murderer, Nicholson does a killer job capturing the Joker and bringing him to life. He has been upstaged in more recent times by Heath Ledger, but this does nothing to diminish Nicholson's turn as the famed comic book villain. The costume design of the Joker is also stellar. The same goes for Batman with both of their "outfits" being well crafted and, honestly, how I often view the characters. Along a similar line, the production design is also killer. The scene in which the Batplane rains hellfire on the Joker and the scene on the cathedral both highlight this look. Not cartoonish, but decidedly comic book, which is perfect for this type of film.

With solid dialogue, fun action, a compelling plot that does not pertain to blowing up planet Earth (oh boy a throwback to the good old days), and good acting, Tim Burton's Batman features all of the wackiness one might expect from a Burton film (especially in the portrayal of the Joker), but is simply an incredibly well done comic book film that captures the fun, atmosphere, and look of a comic book.