Review of Batman: The Killing Joke (2016) by Dkminus — 25 Jul 2016

The Killing Joke is actually two shorter films combined into one. The first centers on Batgirl and details some of her work under the tutelage of Batman. The second is the actual adaptation of The Killing Joke. As adaptations go, this one is about as faithful to the source material as it's possible to be. It goes straight through the graphic novel's story without embellishment. It's fantastic. My only complaint is that these two pieces don't fit as nicely together as you might want. The characters are the same, of course, and the animation is consistent. But the Batgirl intro story really has no other point than to make the film "feature length". If the goal was simply to introduce Batgirl and establish her dynamic with Batman, that could have been accomplished in much less time. Instead, we see an extended mini arc that I felt rather impatient to get through.

Aside from this minor complaint, the film was excellent. The animation is quite good, and the voice acting is phenomenal. Mark Hamill as the Joker carries the film. Not that the other aren't good. The voice talent here is exceptional. But Mark Hamill is at his peak here. Hearing his performance as you watch the Joker execute his plans is as horrifying as you'd want it to be.

Overall, this movie is well worth seeing. I recommend it.