Movie Reviews: Batman Returns
A deformed figure calling himself the Penguin (Danny DeVito) rises from the sewers of Gotham City. Crooked businessman Max Shreck (Christopher Walken) manipulates the Penguin into running for mayor and attempts to frame Batman (Michael Keaton). If that wasn't enough, Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer) is wreaking a campaign of revenge against Shreck.
When this movie was originally released there was a storm of merchandise. McDonald's even had Happy Meal toys. Don't let that make you think this was a kid's movie, far from it. This led to a load of complaints, so Warner Bros. restricted Tim Burton's role in the next movie to producer and brought in Joel Schumacher to direct. If you want something to blame for Batman and Robin, then you can blame this movie.
I didn't really have a problem with the dark tone, you expect that sort of thing from a Tim Burton movie. The problem I had with the movie was that Batman seemed like a supporting role in his own movie. Danny DeVito and Michelle Pfeiffer make such an impression as the villains that poor old Michael Keaton gets totally overshadowed.
Much was made of the movie's dark tone, but several parts of it wouldn't have been out of place in the campy Adam West show from the 60's. Burgess Meredith's Penguin seems more likely to use a circus gang or weaponized umbrellas than Danny DeVito's Penguin. The whole plot about the Penguin running for mayor is a straight lift from a couple of TV episodes!
That isn't to say that the movie is entirely bad. Michael Keaton is pretty good, even if he does seem underused. Christopher Walken is excellent as always. Max Shreck is the real villain of the piece. He manipulates the Penguin for his own gain and is responsible for Selina Kyle becoming Catwoman. The one thing that is most memorable about the movie is Michelle Pfeiffer and that kinky rubber costume. Oh, my!
Three pointy hats.
Next time: Gremlins
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