Review of Batman Returns (1992) by Kai82 — 18 Aug 2021

This is a strange case for me. It is actually a good movie but it could not win me truly over or get that immersive. Even more Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer and Christopher Walken are fantastic in their roles.

I rewatched it a few times over the years and always expected that it would work better. Sadly it did not happen and even more I cant name a serious mistake here. Some say it is too dark and violent. I disagree except they mean dark in a sense that some scene should be lighted better.

Maybe a bit too violent for its time period and it is definitely more than the prequel. If I had to make an explanation why it did not work I would say it creates not the emotions and immersion it should.

It is excellently made but is like something that does everything it should but with some strangeness and quirks that don't help atop of a bit of generic story. Lets start with the actual review. After the huge success of the prequel it was only a matter of time before a sequel was made.

Michael Keaton returns as Batman and Tim Burton as director because of this. Story: After a flashback which explains the backstory of the Penguin we go to millionaire Max Shreck (Yes that is really his name) who is abducted and confronted with his past actions by the villain.

This is the start of an interesting relationship. Meanwhile Max secretary Selina Kyle discover a really dirty secret of her boss which changes her live too. This is the set up of the story and I tried to avoid spoilers.

After many rewatches I say the story is actually a bit generic but hides it in a smart way that I only discovered after some rewatches. I liked the characters, their interactions and development far more than the story.

Lets say it works but is nothing to write home about. The characters however are excellent. Michael Keaton works well as Batman aka Bruce Wayne but the others steal the show. Danny DeVito as Penguin aka Oswald Cobblepot is amazing.

A brilliant performance and he is great in every scene. Of cause Christoper Walken is an experience too and he works really well as Max Shrek. Michelle Pfeiffer is a great actress and fully delivers her role as Selina Kyle.

She also is great in each scene. The rest of the cast is good too and for the genre standards we got a really good overall performance. Visually the movie has a unique style. It is dark, matured and delivers a good atmosphere.

A really well done representation of Gotham in (not too extreme) Tim Burton style. The costumes are good but I dislike the style of some. Like for example Catwoman’s costume which I find good and awful at the same time.

The soundtrack is really good and Danny Elfman repeats his good performance from the prequel. There are some negatives: Like I said the story is not that great, some scenes do not work and the finale faith of the Penguin is a waste.

The rest is history as the movie was financially successful but not enough to be a smash hit or convince the bosses of the studio. Also the reception was mixed. So changes will be made for the next movie which will be quite hated by many but this is another story.

Overall this enters the list of movies I like but also find not that much appealing at the same time. I think a 6/10 is fair here.