Batman (1989) **** [Burton Bat UHD Double Feature Pt.1]
Tim Burton's Batman (1989) is my second favorite Batman film and probably my second favorite superhero film. The tone is just right—fun but with darkness at the edges. There is still so much to appreciate about this blockbuster.
Michael Keaton was both a great Batman and Bruce Wayne. Jack Nicholson hams it up to perfection as The Joker. I've always been less keen on Kim Basinger's Vicki Vale. She's certainly beautiful, persistent, and has her charm, but she ends up screaming, in damsel-in-distress mode, far too often. I'll take Batman Returns' (1992) (review) Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman all day long though.
Danny Elfman's immediately recognizable theme stands the test of time. While I do like Prince, I'd be lying if I said I thought the songs that he contributed to the soundtrack are among his best work.
While the seams show in a few of the f/x shots, overall the film is a marvel of the pre-digital age—featuring plenty of stylish dutch angles, wonderful matte paintings, vibrant gothic and Art Deco-inspired production design, brilliant costumes, moody lighting, instantly quotable dialogue, and a true vision. Occasional nods to the 60s TV series pop up, but Batman '89 never goes full camp.
Though I prefer Burton's more personal sequel, and even if I find the last third the least exciting part, 30 years on, Batman remains a classic worth repeat viewings.
Michael Keaton was both a great Batman and Bruce Wayne. Jack Nicholson hams it up to perfection as The Joker. I've always been less keen on Kim Basinger's Vicki Vale. She's certainly beautiful, persistent, and has her charm, but she ends up screaming, in damsel-in-distress mode, far too often. I'll take Batman Returns' (1992) (review) Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman all day long though.
Danny Elfman's immediately recognizable theme stands the test of time. While I do like Prince, I'd be lying if I said I thought the songs that he contributed to the soundtrack are among his best work.
While the seams show in a few of the f/x shots, overall the film is a marvel of the pre-digital age—featuring plenty of stylish dutch angles, wonderful matte paintings, vibrant gothic and Art Deco-inspired production design, brilliant costumes, moody lighting, instantly quotable dialogue, and a true vision. Occasional nods to the 60s TV series pop up, but Batman '89 never goes full camp.
Though I prefer Burton's more personal sequel, and even if I find the last third the least exciting part, 30 years on, Batman remains a classic worth repeat viewings.
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