Review of Batman Returns (1992) by Peter N — 29 Jul 2012
Both Tim Burton and Michael Keaton make a welcome return to the franchise they got rolling three years earlier. This time around, however, the tone is MUCH darker and has more of a "Tim Burton" feel than its predecessor.
Michael Keaton is much more comfortable in his role as the caped crusader, yet he is shoved out of the spotlight, becoming a tertiary character to Danny DeVito's bizarre Penguin and Michelle Pfeiffer's outrageous Catwoman.
Burton also continues his disregard of the comic book origins by making The Penguin a mutant sewer freak, as well as multiple other liberties taken with the source material. I've always been disappointed in its climax, as I just couldn't see the appeal in Catwoman whining about being crazy while The Penguin sits there leaking black goo.
Despite its flaws, however, Batman Returns remains an exciting action flick and a solid entry in the franchise, despite being inferior to the original. Tim Burton may have had a little bit too much creative control on this one as well, as the dark and often horrific atmosphere led to parental backlash and, unfortunately, a complete revamp of the series.
This review of Batman Returns (1992) was written by Peter N on 29 Jul 2012.
Batman Returns has generally received positive reviews.
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