Review of Batman: Gotham Knight (2008) by Eric C — 21 May 2010

Great film, great animation, great tie-in stories and ok voice acting, comes in this package. This all coming from someone who hates Anime.

The geniuses who bought us the DCAU(DC Animated Universe 1991-2003 series of cartoons)have come together again and made their 2nd(first being Superman: Doomsday)PG-13 Animated film. This time around this film has been made as a bridge between the events in Batman Begins and The Dark Knight and in that sense is another chapter in the live action film series.

Let's get started, the producers and writers decided they wanted to get the unique Anime feel for this film, given it a look that will separate it from other animated DC Films. There are 6 different stories, each being given a new look, with the same voices and all connected.

First the producers decided to cast a well known Batman legend in his own right. Kevin Conroy, he's best known for voicing Bruce Wayne/Batman for 15 years(Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series, Batman Beyond, New Batman Adventures, Static Shock, Justice League, Justice League: Unlimited)in the DCAU. His incredible voice acting helped the voice casting director choose him in a heart beat. He does an incredible job like always, however, because he is so etched in my mind as the DCAU Batman, its hard to hear his voice coming out of the various different animations. It does kind of take me out of the moments when he speaks.

The stories vary in terms of animation, since its drawn by 6 different studios, we get 6 different interpretations of how the animators see the story from the script. I'm not usually into reviewing the animation as I never really notice, unless the animation is complete shit anyway. But in this case I notice right away.

STORY 1: HAVE I GOT A STORY FOR YOU.

This is the worse of the set of stories, in my opinion. Basically its a rehash of the New Batman Adventures episode "Legends of the Dark Knight" but in highly lesser quality. The animation in my opinion is no good, I didn't like how Batman looked and felt extremely bored. To me this was just a quick and lazy way to get the film started. The voice acting is very brief, as the little children are the main focus of the tale, telling their own stories(which allows for various looks for Batman).

I would say this tale gets 2 out of 5 stars.

STORY II: CROSSFIRE.

Great save for what has already started out in a disappointing way. Characters shown here from the films are Ramirezm Gordon and Maroni. But here Ramirez and her partner(from Metropolis)are sent into a warzone of sorts and run into trouble. While driving they discuss their feelings on having Batman in Gotham. But when he saves the both of them,one changes their tune a bit. The animation here is much better, I enjoyed looking at how they used the shadows on every inch of their drawings. Very interesting way of bringing out a character. The animation helps to really grab my attention and make me continue watching(believe me, with my non love of Anime, the other story almost made me shut it off). So kudos to the animators for this one.

4 out of 5 stars.

STORY III: FIELD TEST.

Great way to explain certain things about Batman armor and why he may not have something to protect him from bullets and other deadly weapons. We also see a vulnerable side to Batman, normally that side is reserved for Bruce, but when a thug is accidentally shot by a ricochet bullet Batman discovers a lesson he wishes he hadn't. Luscious Fox is presented here as Batman gadget maker, played by Morgan Freeman in the live action series. Like I said the animation is great, the animator really see Batman in a strong light, making him as a more built look.

4 out of 5 start.

STORY IV: IN DARKNESS DWELLS.

David Goyer, co-writer of the live action films wrote this chapter in this multi-story film. Here Batman goes after Killer Croc in the sewers and runs into Scarecrow, who is still on the run since the end of Batman Begins. Batman is able to save the day of sorts, but it horribly wounded, setting up the next story. The animation here is good, not as good as could have been done, but I think its a great continuation. The voice acting that is there is good and interesting. Just another great tale, which sheds some light on the events after Batman Begins.

4 out of 5 stars.

STORY V: WORKING THROUGH PAIN.

I love this tale, this is probably one of my favorites, as it once again shows us how human Batman really is. Batman continues to stumble in the sewers as he is losing a lot of blood and needs help. He begins to remember a way to deal with the pain he is feeling, through flashbacks, we learn how it is he never seems to fall easily. He learn to absorb the pain. Kevin Conroy's voice is heard the most in the tale, as it very much contains little violence. The animation is excellent, reminds me of Sailor Moon.

4 out of 5 stars.

STORY VI: DEADSHOT.

Fun tale, this is all action, Batman faces Deadshot an assassin, who wants to get rid of Batman. The ultimate fight is seen in this tale. Once again we get top notch animation. Batman surely goes well with Anime animation. They saved the best for last this time...for real.

5 out of 5 stars.

I would definitely recommend picking this up. Although it features nobody from the live action film series, it is in continuity. The DVD release baffles me a bit. There is no lengthy documentary, like with others and the episodes from the DCAU that are shown make no sense being on there(except Legends of the Dark Knight). It would have been a great way to promote the other Batman cartoons on DVD if they featured one episode per different series. Oh well, can't have it all.

OVERALL SCORE:

4 out of 5 stars.