Review of Batman: Gotham Knight (2008) by Jeremy R — 02 Feb 2009

Holy Batmanime!

The six short stories that comprise this anthology are uneven, and none really great. I guess hardcore Batman fans will like it, but frankly, I'd rather see any of the live action films, including the 1966 version that spun off from the 1960s high camp TV show.

Traditionally, Batman's greatness derives from two chief sources: the complex psychological underpinnings of the story and Bruce Wayne's total lack of superpowers. He's just a very screwed up guy applying his tremendous brawn, genius brain, and oodles of money to fight criminals who are similarly smart, strong, screwed up and endlessly resourceful.

Since Bruce has much power but no real superpowers, his story lends itself particularly to live action. (And who better to play this intensely gritty, dark hero than uber-Method actor Christian Bale?) But as a cartoon, he becomes too easily unhinged from the laws of physics. All too often, that happens in this film. Sure, we see Batman bleed and grimace. But ultimately, the drama is too thin and the action is undermined by its impossibly cartoonish nature.