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Batman, a film of enormous entertainment value on many levels. This 1989 Tim Burton flick increased his acclaim and made the superhero the coolest it had been since Superman 2. Batman was back in the limelight, thanks to Michael Keaton's performance and several sequels would follow, though only one good one. Animated series would follow as well, but for most outside the comic book reading community this was the first full glimpse of Batman.
The score was done by Danny Elfman, the soundtrack by Prince. But perhaps one of the most noteworthy contributions to the film comes from Jack Nicholson. This timeless actor has a long list of great performances, but perhaps his role as the Joker is at the top. A man of charisma and insanity, the Joker is the nemesis to Batman. Along the way he does his fair share of violence and wrongdoing resulting in loads of ensuing hilarity. A hoard of his goons follows, all victims of Batman's vigilante tactics until the Joker's inevitable demise. But amongst these followers one stands out.
It is this Asian goon that stands out in several scenes. He is oozing with some extra personality, some extra charisma unwarranted to a character of his position. The best scene of Batman, hands down, and possibly any movie ever is where the Joker does his own take at redoing some priceless works of art. Arrays of bright green, pink and purple paint go to work on these, his goons alongside. The whole scene features Prince's track Partyman in the background, as he vandalizes the precious art. All the meanwhile it is this one goon who is going nuts dancing as he holds the wine and tray in hand. All the while he parties down, keeping the balance between exuberance and diligence.
But this is not the only moment this overly enthused goon has in this movie. During the parade the Joker has where he throws money into the crowd and taps into the vulnerability of Gotham's greed, once again the Prince soundtrack is not put to waste. Right there on the float doing a spin move with his riddle is this same Asian character, showing us the fun of crime.
The fate of thugs and goons in a picture like this is one that you would assume ends at the hands of Batman. Yet unfortunately, this Asian character has a lesser fate. His end comes as he plummets from the grips of the floating balloon. Thanks to the heroics of Robert Wuhl. What a way to go.