Batman

Starring: Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger, Jack Palance, Billy Dee Williams
Directed by: Tim Burton
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action
Box Office: $251,188,924
1989

Times Seen:
Tim: 4

Summary:As a result of his parents being killed while he was a child, Bruce Wayne becomes Batman, a crime-fighting superhero. After nearly killed by a fall into dangerous chemical waste, a man is transformed into the insane Joker (Jack Nicholson). Now, it is up to Batman to stop this menace before he destroys Gotham City.

Review:

Tim: Although this film spawned many sequels, this is arguably the best film in the series. It is by far the darkest and most grown-up film. Here, Batman isn't a cartoon hero, but a gritty, realistic superhero. Subsequent films made the action more cartoon-like. Not so here, under the brilliant direction of Tim Burton. He directs Batman masterly, giving us a dark, complex, twisted tale... in short, everything a movie about Batman should be. A great deal of the movie's success comes from focusing not only on the character of Batman, but on Gotham City as well. This gives us a larger impression of the impact Batman made, and how Bruce Wayne operated in his city.

Another often debated issue is who has been the best Batman? I place that distinction squarely on Michael Keaton's shoulders. He is perfect for this role. He embodies the needed balance between light and dark. And, out of the many actors to play this hero, Keaton better than any of them showed that more often than not, Batman leaned toward the darker side of being a hero. His casting might have been unlikely, but he is excellent in the role.

The supporting cast truly adds to this film. Kim Basinger as Vicki Vale is superb. She's probably the best love interest Batman has ever had. Although she can get a bit annoying with her screaming, she still makes a large impact on this movie. Moreso than any other actor in this movie, however, we must mention Jack Nicholson as the Joker. He is brilliant and chillingly perfect for the role. He is by far the best and most memorable bad guy ever faced by Batman. His insanity and evil ooze out of his character. Nicholson greatly benefits from the writing, as he has some memorable and very funny lines (he's at home, washing his tights!)

Tim Burton's Batman started a franchise that would make many adjustments to this film, but could never capture all the amazing qualities that Burton did. This is still the best of the series, and is a must-see film.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Batman Returns, Batman & Robin, Batman Forever, Superman, Catwoman