Review of Batman: Year One (2011) by Matthew P — 12 Jul 2012
Visually stunning, Batman: Year One successfully captures the feel of Miller's story. Several shots are replicated perfectly, and 98% of the comic's story is maintained. Unlike All Star Superman, little is dropped.
The shining jewel of this movie is Brian Cranston as Jim Gordon. The movie is Gordon's story and Cranston owns the role. He may now be the definitive Gordon. Eliza Dushku similarly embodies the flirty and sensuous Catwoman better than most versions.
The movie is not without it's faults, however. The most glaring is Ben McKenzie as Batman himself. His Bruce Wayne is wooden and awkward. His Batman is a poor caricature of Christian Bale. There is no emotion in any of his lines and one wonders if he's at all familiar with the character.
Jon Polito doesn't do a bad job as Commissioner Loeb, but it was never how I pictured the character sounding. Beyond that, some parts do seem to have all the technical aspects correct, but none of the spirit.
Too much of the narration from Batman and Gordon is removed. The music is forgettable. It all works but you can't help but feel it could be better. A stronger voiced Batman would have made this a 4 star movie.
That and a strong score and a bit more heart would have made it competition for Batman Begins.
This review of Batman: Year One (2011) was written by Matthew P on 12 Jul 2012.
Batman: Year One has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
