Review of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 (2012) by Vuk O — 24 Sep 2012

This animated adaptation truly captures the spirit of Frank Miller's comic book mini series, even though there are some slight alterations. Dark, aggressive, vengeful and at times cynical, Part 1 of The Dark Knight Returns feels like a serious, action-packed animated movie set in a dystopian future of failed 80s idealism.

The film brilliantly showcases Bruce Wayne's beastly urge to get up and fight for justice, his inner struggles and traumas caused by his parents' deaths, but it also focuses on a new generation of heroes, those who idealize Batman - and that's where Carrie Kelly, the new Robin comes into the picture.

Peter Weller, best known as RoboCop, does indeed sound like a veteran Batman, and there's also a nice connection between the actor and Frank Miller, who wrote the second and third RoboCop movie, as well as a comic book adaptation.

The animation is fast and crisp, the voice acting is up to the task, the music score gives it a subtle Terminator feel, but most importantly - there's plenty of violence, and Batman kicks some serious ass in this film, beating villains into a pulp.

Part 1 deals with Harvey Dent and the Mutant gang, while the Joker and even bigger threats will be dealt with in Part 2, but after watching the first half of this animated saga, you don't even have to know Miller's original mini series to feel hungry for more.