Batman Returns

Starring: Michael Keaton

Directed by: Tim Burton

RS: Not Rated Average User Rating: 3of 4 Stars

1992 Sci-Fi

"Batman Returns" matches up the Caped Crusader with Catwoman. Wait'll you get a load of Michelle Pfeiffer's ravishing kitten with a whip. "How could you -- I'm a woman," she says to Batman when he slugs her, meeting his apology with a kick in the groin. Meow, indeed. Though her lusty licking of Batman's face may arouse kinky thoughts, Catwoman is no bimbo in black leather. Pfeiffer gives this feminist avenger a tough core of intelligence and wit; she's a classic dazzler.

The follow-up to the blockbuster of summer '89 is faster and funnier, but that's not always a plus. To keep this astounding fun house humming with frenzied action, director Tim Burton spends less time investigating the Dark Knight's dark side. And the sinister visual grandeur of the late Anton Furst has given way to the more whimsical approach of production designer Bo Welch. Still, the gifted Burton hasn't lost his subversive spirit, and the script, by Daniel Waters ("Heathers"), puts a sharp edge on the fun. Michael Keaton's manic-depressive hero remains a remarkably rich creation. And Danny De Vito's mutant Penguin -- a balloon-bellied Richard III with a kingdom of sewer freaks -- is as hilariously warped as Jack Nicholson's Joker and even quicker with the quips.

Still, the movie's heart resides in two creatures who feel uneasy in their normal skins. Keaton plays Bruce Wayne, Batman's alter ego, as a moody playboy. And Pfeiffer brings the same discontent to Selina Kyle, the mousy assistant to corrupt Gotham City tycoon Max Shreck (a fiendishly funny Christopher Walken). When Selina learns of Shreck's unholy alliance with the Penguin, her boss tries to kill her. Revived by cats, Selina vows to use her nine lives as Catwoman to get back at Shreck and society. She entices Penguin into a plot to frame Batman. But she falls for him, just as Selina fell for Bruce. When they rip off their masks and face each other (it's a knockout scene), they look lost and touchingly human.

To the crashing chords of Danny Elfman's score, Burton trots out every gimmick, from a Batskiboat to a Penguin umbrella-copter. But the best gimmick is neurosis: Everyone has one. Batman and Catwoman, unable to function without dressing up their psychic wounds in fantasy, are a dysfunctional Romeo and Juliet. Burton uses the summer's most explosively entertaining movie to lead us back into the liberating darkness of dreams.

PETER TRAVERS
RS 634/35

(Posted: Feb 7, 2001)

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Batman Returns

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4of 4 Stars

It doesn't insult the intelligence of the audience by shouting its message. The themes of "Batman Returns" are presented subtly. Batman (Michael Keaton) doesn't deliver any rant speeches. The most powerful scenes contain only a few lines of dialogue. "Batman Returns" is a groundbreaking triumph in filmmaking. In terms of plot, "Returns" is richer than "Batman". The Penguin (Danny Devito) runs for mayor! Batman is framed for murder by Catwoman (Michelle Pfeifer). Little does he know, she is actually Selina Kyle, the woman he is dating! All of this revolves around industrial tycoon Max Shrek's (Christopher Walken) plan to drain Gotham City of its power. Fortunately, this complex plot is never overbearing. The themes of the comic book are still as compelling as ever. Also, the villains are more humanized this time around. They are unique in that they are very easy to relate to Batman. For example, Batman is scarred by what happened to his parents and The Penguin is scarred by his parents. Catwoman has a thirst for revenge. The stellar cast brings these characters to life. The film is an acting tour-de-force. Keaton is outstanding. His portrayal is tragic. He demonstrates the curse of Batman. Pfeifer's multilayered performance is impressive as well. Devito brings depth and complexity to the role of The Penguin. While his performance is incredibly entertaining and over the top, it has dark and disturbing undertones. Aside from being emotionally engaging, the film is visually arresting. With it's German expressionistic set design, it creates a distinct look. This is the major accomplishment of the first two Batman films. They take place in spectacular fantasy worlds, yet maintain real and raw emotion.

Dec 2, 2006 19:42:42

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