Review of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 (2013) by Anatoly S — 14 Jan 2013

Batman has come out of retirement. Now fighting crime full time. This film follows the Caped Crusader since his last outing, when we saw The Joker escape his catatonic state and in turn escaping prison to finish what he started with Batman.

The film works on an adaptation basis, as it follows Frank Miller's comic book perfectly. But, as a film, I couldn't help but think they could've left out some elements completely. Such as the inclusion of Green Arrow near the climax. Besides the little gripes, this is yet another fantastic animated outing for Batman.

Featuring some great themes associated with every character. Such as Superman being a puppet of the government.

It's Batman's last hurrah and this film exploits that. Showing him in his weak times, wounded at one time but the next time you see him, he's standing over the Man of Steel. The final battle in Crime Alley is something I still want to see in Live Action.

The film shows off an excellent voice cast. Even though Mark Hammil will always be The Joker's voice, Michael Emerson does a serviceable job and separates himself from Hamill, by toning down the laughing and really being an aged Joker. Along with voice acting, the thing which pulled me into the film was it's score. The music is beyond great. It's sombre when Batman is at his loneliest and we have some percussive drumming in the action scenes.

All in all, a fantastic film with great dialogue, could've cut out some things and the purpose of Superman was explained better in the comic, there's really a weak explanation as to why Batman has to be stopped in this. It's not life - ending, it could just be better. It's like Batman mixed with Dirty Harry.

8.5/10.