Written by Sam Hamm, Warren Skaaren and directed by Tim Burton, Batman is the first in a series of films about the comic book hero that was released back in August 1989. This is a review of the film only.
****Story line****
Gotham City is a dangerous and dark place to live that is becoming ... Read review
After a young boy witnesses his parents' murder on the streets of Gotham City he grows up ... more
to become Batman a mysterious figure in the eyes of Gotham's citizens who takes crime-fighting into his own hands. He first emerges out of the shadows when the...
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Gotham City, not the safest of places to live, but that is about to change with the ... more
emergence of a new super hero, who intends to inspire fear into the hearts of the evil, and hope into the hearts of the honest citizens of that city! Who is Batman?
Riddle me this; riddle me that you’ll find adventure on the wings of a bat! Brace ... more
for excitement as Val Kilmer (Batman) Tommy Lee Jones (Two-Face) Jim Carrey (The Riddler) Nicole Kidman (Dr. Chase Meridian) and Chris O’Donnell (Robin) star in the third spectacular film in the Warner Bros. Batman series. Joel Schumacher directs and Tim Burton co-produces this thrill-ride of a movie that thunders along on Batmobile Batwing Batboat Batsub and bold heroics. Hang on!
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Gotham City faces two monstrous criminal menaces: the bizarre sinister Penguin (Danny ... more
DeVito) and the slinky mysterious Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer). Can Batman (Michael Keaton) battle two formidable foes at once? Like the Academy Award winning 1989 original Batman Returns is directed by movie-making wizard Tim Burton. And like the first blockbuster it’s a dazzling adventure that leaves you breathless.
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Production Year: 1964 - Action/Adventure - Director: Cyril Endfield - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring:Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Michael Caine, Nigel Green
Production Year: 2002 - Action/Adventure - Director: Vincenzo Natali - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring:Lucy Liu, David Hewlett, Anne Marie Scheffler, Joseph Scoren, Matthew Sharp, Jeremy Northam
Advantages: Great acting, great story, a dark and 'mood' film - a great adaptation Disadvantages: None for me.
...and directed by Tim Burton, Batman is the first in a series of films about the comic book hero that was released back in August 1989. This is a review of the film only.
****Story line****
Gotham City is a dangerous and dark place to live that is becoming more and more fraught with criminals each day. The only protection Gotham’s residents have is the local police force, but most of these are corrupt and are only out ... ...in it. The Joker and Batman have two separate and conflicting objectives and soon clash, and have epic scuffles, as each tries to achieve what they set out to do.
It appears that Batman ahs not only captured the attention of the Joker, but also that of prize winning journalist Vicky Vale (Kim Basinger), who makes it her mission to uncover the true identity of the man behind the mask and the Bat suit.
Written by Sam Hamm, Warren Skaaren and directed by Tim Burton, Batman is the first in a series of films about the comic book hero that was released back in August 1989. This is a review of the film only.
****Story line****
Gotham City is a dangerous and dark place to live that is becoming more and more fraught with criminals each day. The only protection Gotham’s residents have is the local police force, but most of these are corrupt and are only out to line their own pockets. There are, however, a couple of officers who are determined to make Gotham City a safer place. Step forward D.A Harvey Dent (Billy Dee Williams) and Commissioner Gordon(Pat Hingle). Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton), a billionaire who has resided in Gotham all his life decides to assist Dent and Gordon and disguises himself as a bat, to become known as Batman, to strike fear in to all the criminals as he slowly starts picking them off.
During this time Jack Napier (Jack Nicholson) becomes disfigured during a terrible accident at a chemical factory. The accident changes Napier both physically and mentally for the worst. Napier decides to leave his old life behind and turns in to an unpredictable and stark raving mad crime lord of the underworld, changing his name to Joker, a ‘happy’ character with a permanent grin on his face in the process. The Joker makes it his mission to ‘take’ Gotham City and all those that reside in it. The Joker and Batman have two separate and conflicting objectives and soon clash, and have epic scuffles, as each tries to achieve what they set out to do.
It appears that Batman ahs not only captured the attention of the Joker, but also that of prize winning journalist Vicky Vale (Kim Basinger), who makes it her mission to uncover the true identity of the man behind the mask and the Bat suit.
Will the Joker get his wicked way and take control of Gotham City? Or can Dent and Gordon stop him with the assistance of Batman? Why has Wayne decided now is the time to be a crime fighter? Will Vicky uncover the mystery that is Batman?
****Other characters****
As well as the main characters, which I’m sure you agree is quite a star-studded cast, there are loads of other actors/characters in this film, all of which do a great job. Other major characters include;
i) Alfred Pennyworth (Michael Gough), Bruce Wayne’s faithful Butler ii) Alexander Knox (Robert Wuhl) iii) Carl Grissom (Jack Palance) iv) Lt Eckhardt (William Hootkins) v) Bob The Goon (Tracey Walter); and many others
Obviously Batman and the Joker get the most air time and steal the limelight but the supporting cast do get quite large roles to play.
****My opinion****
I know that superheroes are meant to be pure fantasy and that realism shouldn’t come in to it but I prefer superheroes that are closer to real life than those that are purely fictional. Whilst Batman does not possess the greatest super powers, I think that accolade has to be awarded to Superman (the ability to not only fly but also fly faster than a speeding bullet, the x-ray vision, the ability to melt physical matter by starring at it, the ability to freeze things with his breath…. The list goes on and on) but I think his abilities are just too much. Because I like a bit of realism my favourite superhero of all time has to be Batman even though strictly speaking he has no super powers as such. His powers come from the suit he wears, the vehicles and transport modes he is given, the gizmos and gadgets he carries in his utility belt and the darkness in which he lives.
The story line is far fetched, but then this is a comic book adaptation and it would have been stupid to think that the story would be close to life. That said, I found this film enjoyable from beginning to end and quite gripping. Not once did I get bored, or start to clock watch and given my relatively short attention span capturing me for 126 minutes is no easy feat.
The acting is fantastic and both the main characters and large cast of supporting actors do a great job. Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson are perfectly cast for the roles of Batman and the Joker respectively (especially Nicholson as he has the perfect face and features for the Joker and is exactly what I pictured in my mind after looking at the character in a Batman magazine). With their mannerisms, the way they speak and the tone of his voices, the confidence they both portray and their powerful presence it is like the roles were made for them. Both give very convincing performances and the on-screen relationship between them is just great. Whilst Kim Basinger does a good job as I don’t think she plays her role with the same conviction and passion as Keaton and Nicholson, and as such I think there are other actresses that could have played the role equally as good, if not better.
The special effects are primitive by today’s standards but you must remember this film is nearly 20 years old, and at that time they were cutting edge. Whilst the explosions may not be as big as modern day explosions, there are no computer generated images and it relies on old technology the film is not ruined in any way and I find it as enjoyable to watch today as I did when it was first released, which is not something that can be said about many films.
Like the special effects the audio and sound effects are primitive by today’s standards. Despite this I think the sound effects and background music is used very well and compliments the visuals in creating excellent atmosphere and mood.
Most modern films of this genre roll along at a fast pace and require a lot of concentration from the viewer in order to keep abreast of what is going on. This film is not like that although it does roll along at a moderate, and in my opinion better, pace as it is easy to follow and requires little though but rolls along quick enough to ensure that it keeps the attention of the audience and keeps boredom at bay.
Batman is awarded a 15 certificate, which surprises me. There is no foul language, no explicit or graphic sex scenes and no innuendo or sexual references. There is moderate violence but it is nothing worse than you see on terrestrial television before the 9.00 pm watershed. I would say it is a good film for the whole family (although not suitable for exceptionally young children) and I would have no problems in watching this with my seven year old nephew, and what’s more nor would my sister and she is a an over protective mother. More recent films of the Batman saga are PG so I guess the high rating is purely representative of the attitudes to censorship in the late eighties.
****Conclusion****
Although it looks dated, not surprising since it has been released for nearly 20 years, Batman is a fantastic film and I would recommend it to all those that enjoy the comic book super hero genre. It is a film that is still enjoyable to watch, even after all this time that can be watched time and time again. I think it is a worthy addition to anyone’s DVD collection. So, if you are looking for a light hearted super hero film, that requires little thought and concentration to watch, then I would highly recommend this film.
****Other****
Run time – 126 minutes Certificate – 15 1 Oscar, 7 more awards and 16 other nominations
(Originally posted on Dooyoo under the name of Yackers1)
Batman & Robin…..The Deadly Duo…
When you see the words “The Deadly Duo”, you automatically think of Batman and Robin, those two guys that run around in tights..
So I remember well the first time my eyes glimpsed a Batman comic, I was still at Primary school and I spotted it on the rack at our local shop. I was taken aback by the strange outfit they both wore and decided to buy the comic just to see who these two people ... ...of our two heroes, well Batman was called Bruce Wayne and Robin was called Dick Grayson and to be honest in that little number that he ran around in he looked a right Dick!! They lived in Bruce Waynes mansion and it was really impressive. It had the batcave where of course the Batmobile was parked. Now this was some car but I doubt if he could even insure that baby in Belfast today…
So how did our two super heroes know that Gotham City was ...
art1954 03.09.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of BATMAN (DVD)
Advantages: Good story. Best Comic-to-Screen adaptation. Great Soundtrack Disadvantages: Dated Graphics
...is the best of the Batman series, which has already seen three differnet actors play the lead role! This, the original film, was made in 1989 and starred two absolutely amazing actors playing the super hero and super villain. The scene is set that in Gotham City, an underworld boss plans to let his "Number One", Jack Napier (Nicholson), take the rap for some dodgy dealings. Jack visit the chemical factory and soon realises that he is in the middle ... ...cloaked figure, known only as Batman (Keaton), appears on the walkway above a vat of acid and blocks Napier. A struggle begins and Napier falls over the edge, but Batman can't keep hold of him and he falls to what is assumed to be his death. Meanwhile, back at the local newspaper office, a new reporter, Vicki Vale (Basinger), begins work and starts probing into the reports of this so-called Batman. She also catches the eye of multi-millionaire bachelor, ...
1drunkbrit 15.09.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of BATMAN (DVD)
Advantages: Nicholson, Burton, Cinematography Disadvantages: Keaton, Silly romance between Keaton and Basinger
...we could have done without. Batman bat(tles) it out with the evils of the city, employing all of his mst famous gadgets and a few more as well to save they day...or not...you’ll just have to wait and see... Directed by Tim Burton, with an all-star cast and surrounded by massive hype, there was little chance of the Batman movie ever being anything other than a box office smash. However, some of the biggest grossing movies have also been monumental ... ...major flaws to this movie, but overall its pretty enjoyable. It was never going to stand up to scrutiny against all of the hype unless it was a groundbreaking piece of movie making which it certainly isn’t. The main fault of this movie is the casting of the lead character. Michael Keaton is abysmally miscast in the role of Batman. Whilst trying to come across as dark and brooding, Keaton just comes across as a plank, more wooden than a wooden ...
wampyrii 05.05.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of BATMAN (DVD)
Advantages: Brings back the original series. Disadvantages: Still abit off the wall like the latter film's.
...comic readers I loved the Batman collection. I remember the first time I saw the original Batman film I most egmit I fell in love with it even though it was aimed at an older audience rather than it's loyal younger comic and cartoon followers.
Gotham City seems to be a futuristic, dark, apocalypse bound landscape, It's citizen’s lives in fear of crime and what appears to be a new threat. The notorious Batman played brilliantly by Michael Keaton. ... ...in fear of the notorious Batman its crime rate begins to soar due to the Joker played by Jack Nicholson. Jack find's himself battling the Gotham police at the local Chemical factory. Fighting Batman Jack falls into a vat of chemicals, which bleach his skin and turn him into the criminally insane Joker.
After this the joker begins to kill off his enemies and Batman begins to win the publics affection. The Joker then gets one up on Batman by offering ...
Jamie2oo4 28.03.2004 (29.03.2004)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of BATMAN (DVD)
Advantages: Moody, magnificent, atmospheric Disadvantages: Honestly can't think of any.
...Burton's epic realisation of the Batman legend. Tim Burton is famous for black humour, for darkness, for evil and his horrific animated creation, The Nightmare Before Christmas demonstrated clearly Burton's outlook on life. He liked the offbeat, the left of field, the evil and he was extremely good at it. His credentials were in every way perfect when the decision was taken to bring The Dark Avenger to life on the silver (or should that be black?) ... ...Burton vision. The Batman stories had been brought to the cinema before, first in 1943 with an episodic adaptation of the comic strip, and then again five years later, but the most famous depiction was back in 1966. Then, however, it was the camp, lycra vision that had been pasted in gaudy technicolour on the television previously starring Adam West as Bruce Wayne. It was a cult classic, as was the TV series, but was always cheap and shallow and ...
dave27 02.10.2000 (28.11.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of BATMAN (DVD)
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One of the best cοmic bοοk mοvies ever published That present Best Batman by Christian Bale that suit this roll. Watching this movie you can realize the batman's character and his past. Enjoy Fantastic Fight Scenes with realism that will impress you.
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Advantages: good acting from a few, good story, funny bad effects! Disadvantages: Wooden acting from the villians, some may be disappointed by the effects
and fighting in the film is very comical and nothing which would upset children.
As I said at the beginning of the review this is a film only review as I managed to watch it on Film 4 so there are no DVD features to speak of. I would imagine that this could be bought on DVD for just a few pounds now from both Amazon and EBay and I do recommend it as it puts Batman back into the comic book world where he belongs and it magic is not lost by too many amazing effects and there is also a great element of humour to go with the bad and over the top effects and stunts. For the ladies there are also two very hunky actors to ogle over! ...
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DVD Info:
- Available Subtitles: English, Spanish, French
- Available Audio Tracks: English (Dolby Digital 5.1), French (Dolby Digital 5.1)
- MTV's Tankman Begins: a spoof
- Inner Demons comic: Explore the special features through an exclusive interactive comic book (Excellent!)
- The Journey Begins: creative concepts, story development and casting
- Shaping Mind and Body: Christian Bale's transformation into Batman
- The Tumbler: reinvention of the Batmobile
- Gotham City Rises: production design of Gotham City, the Batcave, Wayne Manor, and more
- Saving Gotham City: the development ...
Director Tim Burton would revitalise the comic book adaptation with his 1989 film, BATMAN. Here our eponymous hero (played by Michael Keaton) is pitted against a devastating foe, Jack Napier (Jack Nicholson); a criminal who inadvertently becomes the notorious Joker, after falling head-first into a vat of smouldering acid. The film became a media sensation upon its original release and has stood as a benchmark for all summer event movies ever since.
Country Of Origin
United States of America
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
WARNER HOME VIDEO; CINRAM LOGISTICS, BOULEVARD ENTERTAIMENT; D3 DIRECT
Release date
25/09/1998
Composer
Danny Elfman
No of Discs
1
Catalogue No
D 012000
Barcode
7321900120005
Voice
Danny Elfman
Technical information
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 English, Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo English French
Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
Special Features
Interactive Menus, Production Notes, Scene Access
Aspect Ratio
Full Screen, 1.78 Wide Screen
Languages
Main Language
English
Hearing Impaired Language
English
Subtitle Language
Arabic, English, French, Norwegian, Spanish
Dubbed Language
French
Professional reviews
Review
A triumph you can't take your eyes off it (Rolling Stone, )
DVD Description
Tim Burton's BATMAN, inspired by Frank Miller's graphic novel THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, is a Gothic, Wagnerian treatment of the Batman mythos that explains the origins of Batman (Michael Keaton) and his nemesis, the maniacal Joker (a ripe Jack Nicholson). Gotham City is a sunless, ominous haven for criminals, held in the corrupt grip of crime boss Carl Grissom (the ever-magnetic Jack Palance), and terrorized by a sadistic vandal and murderer known as The Joker. But it isn't long before a dark, mysterious caped crusader, who goes by the name of BATMAN, is on their trail and trying to thwart their evil doings. In this darkly entertaining retelling of the Marvel comic classic, ace photojournalist Vicki Vale (warmly and sympathetically played by Kim Basinger) is also on the trail--she wants to find out who Batman really is. Based on the popular comic book character created by Bob Kane for DC Comics; the story and tone have nothing in common with the popular TV series of the 1960s. Imaginative special effects and imposing, Gothic architectural sets dominate this visually graphic, stylish film. Keaton gives a brooding performance as the Caped Crusader and his interestingly understated alter-ego Bruce Wane. But is it Nicholson's Joker that steals the show, with his unnerving, brilliantly maniacal portrayal, especially in the context of his twisted relationship with Grissom's gal Alicia (a lanky, disquieting Jerry Hall).
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