Review of Batman: Gotham by Gaslight (2018) by Jack W — 24 Feb 2018

Given how disappointing some recent DC animated films have been, this is a nice return to quality.

This is an Elseworlds film featuring Batman chasing Jack-the-Ripper in 17th-century Gotham. What enfolds is a fairly entertaining thriller. Plotting is mostly solid, though the film ends rather abruptly with one major loose end. Characterization is strong. In fact, this is probably one of the stronger chemistries between Batman and Catwoman that I've seen. Besides, it's just kind of fun seeing the Batman characters depicted from a 17th-century angle.

The fight scenes are quite good. The final battle doesn't disappoint.

On the downside, much of the animation doesn't fit the moody, serious nature of the film and lacks atmosphere. Too many of the scenes are brightly lit. Remember how a lot of Batman films use gothic or other types of striking architecture? None of that here. It's just a lot of regular-looking buildings. The character designs have more of a children's cartoon feel to them. Also, a lot of the direction and camera angles are rather average and don't add anything. (Though in fairness this is a made-for-video film, so they had to work with the budget they had.).

Also, they could've turned the villain's monologue down a notch. I know this movie is rated R and is about a deranged killer, but it felt they were trying too hard. There's a difference between dark and obviously trying to be dark. (Ever see the second Aliens vs. Predator? It's like that.).