Batman Movie Review

Tim Burton's dark comic-book epic marked the return of the caped crusader to the big screen and became one of the highest-grossing films ever. Mr. Mom himself, Michael Keaton, dons the cape in this incarnation, and is surprisingly good as the crime fighter and his millionaire alter ego Bruce Wayne. Jack Nicholson as the deranged Joker steals the movie. The story revolves around the Joker's fiendish attempt to take over Gotham City via poisonous make-up as revenge for his own disfigurement. Though the romance between Bruce Wayne and Vicki Vale (Kim Bassinger) is lame, the symbiosis between the two dual personalities of hero and villain is fascinating. Along with the main story, the film traces Batman's origin, and the creation of the Joker. Academy Award winning sets are spectacular, creating a noir Gotham City. Batman's array of gadgets and, of course, the Batmobile, are too cool. The stunning costumes and make-up, along with spectacular action sequences make this a must-see. Jack Palance is menacing as the crime boss Carl Grissom. An appropriately brooding score by Danny Elfman and songs by the artist-formerly-known-as Prince add to the appeal. Look for Billy Dee Williams as District Attorney Harvey Dent, a role later taken by Tommy Lee Jones in Batman Forever. Followed in 1992 by Batman Returns and in 1995 by Batman Forever.

1989 (PG-13) 126m/C Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl, Tracey Walter, Billy Dee Williams, Pat Hingle, Michael Gough, Jack Palance, Jerry Hall, Lee Wallace; D: Tim Burton; W: Sam Hamm, Warren Skaaren; C: Roger Pratt; M: Danny Elfman, Prince. Academy Awards ‘89: Best Art Direction/Set Decoration; People's Choice Awards ‘90: Best Film – Drama. VHS, Beta, LV, 8mm FOX, WAR