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Favorite Batman movie?
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Author:  Seinfeld26 [ Fri May 14, 2010 4:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Favorite Batman movie?
Seeing as to how there are some wildly varying opinions on which Batman movie is the best, I thought I'd make a poll about it here.

I haven't seen the 1968 Adam West television spin-off, so I can't comment on it. Although, if it's anything like the TV series, I'm sure it at least has camp value.

I still stand by the 1989 Batman film as my overall favorite. I've always prefered Nicholson's Joker over Ledger's (yeah, I'm probably in the minority). And I find that it ultimately has the most memorable plot and performance.

Batman Returns was almost-but-not-quite as good. It was decidely more dramatic, emotional, and certainly more difficult than the original. The problem (if you want to call it that) is that the film was perhaps a little too dark and gloomy for its own good. Whereas The Joker was downright evil yet humorous enough to be a memorable antagonist, The Penguin was really more depressing/tragic than evil/sinister (especially once you discovered his whole family history). So he IMO didn't work as well as a main villain. The Catwoman subplot was just as depressing. While I still love the movie, I'd have to say that the original is ultimately better.

Joel Schumacher's Batman Forever, perhaps in response to complaints of the previous film being practically a combination Greek Tragedy/Freak Show, was definitely more kid-friendly than the two Burton-directed Batman movies. In fact, at times, it felt more like an episode of Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers than a Batman movie. It was decidedly less violent (the main villain, The Riddler, doesn't even die at the end - he's just tossed into Arkham Assylum), had brighter colors, had kid-friendly stars like Jim Carrey and Nicole Kidman, and was quite a bit more cartoon-like (even showing clips from classic Looney Tunes cartoons, namely The Stupid Cupid and Satan's Waitin', and sometimes using cartoon sound effects to punctuate The Riddler's actions). Even though it gets a generally bad rap from Batman fans, I actually like it. Sure, it's not as good as the first two Burton films, but I find it to be an enjoyable change of pace for the Batman series. And, to be honest, I do prefer The Riddler over The Penguin as a main villain, if I were to say it has one advantage over Batman Returns.

Batman And Robin, however, just plain sucked. It feels almost exactly like the 1960's TV series, which isn't good for a modern-day Batman movie. Arnold Schwarzenegger's performance as Mr. Freeze is downright laughable, with Alicia Silverstone's career-killing performance as Barbara being almost as bad (how could she go from her great performance in Clueless to this?). The action scenes, except may be at the beginning, are boring. And the fact that its cliffhanger ending was never addressed (since the Batman series was temporarily discontinued afterwards until the series reboot in 2005) just makes the movie all the more unbearable. Quite frankly, I think I'd rather watch Bio-Dome than this. Since at least that has one or two funny moments.

Batman Begins I've only seen once (well, same with Batman And Robin, for that matter). I remember finding it kind of boring at the time, although that may just be because I was really tired when I watched it. I may rent it again from Netflix this summer and give it a second chance.

The Dark Knight, however, is amazing. While I do prefer the first Burton film (perhaps for nostalgic reasons?), The Dark Knight takes everything great about the Burton films and gives them a modern facelift, with an even more serious storyline and much better action scenes (which shouldn't be too surprising considering how far we've come in terms of special effects). Easilly among my favorite movies of the last decade.
Author:  Orion [ Fri May 14, 2010 5:34 pm ]
Post subject: 
Dark Knight for me. Heath Ledger was so good as the Joker.
Author:  Goat [ Fri May 14, 2010 5:58 pm ]
Post subject: 
Not seen the Adam West film (liked the tv series as a kid, though). The first 'proper' Batman is probably my pick overall - love Jack as The Joker, and there's not too much Burton Goth bullshit. Batman Returns has a lot going for it, but it has just too much Burton Goth bullshit to win, although Danny Devito is amazing. Batman Forever is a pile of shit (The Riddler is an awesome character and hopefully will get his day in the next film, but was ruined by Carey's sub-Jack nonsense. Still, Nicole Kidman has never looked better) and Batman & Robin is beneath contempt - the worst film ever, quite possibly.

For the new ones, I agree that Batman Begins can drag a little but it's still great shallow fun - the ninja illuminati led by Liam Neeson controlling history is especially great. Definately give it another chance, Jerry, and let it roll over you, it's long but good. The Dark Knight, finally, is a very good blockbuster, but is most definately not Thee Best Film Evar as 14 year olds on the internet seemed to immediately christen it. Any proper film fan was already aware of Heath Ledger's acting madskillz, and apart from him and the fella playing Harvey Dent (whose name I can never spell) the other characters were bland. Oh, and that bollocks with the mobile phones was winceworthy. I should watch it again, though, a very good bit of light entertainment otherwise.
Author:  Metastable To Chaos [ Fri May 14, 2010 6:25 pm ]
Post subject: 
As great as The Dark Knight is I still love Batman Returns. Gotham just looks so cool during the winter with all the snow. :P
Author:  Seinfeld26 [ Fri May 14, 2010 6:54 pm ]
Post subject: 
Personally, I think Schumacher's poor casting choices were a big part of what killed Batman And Robin.

I can just imagine how it went.

::Setting: Big corporate meeting room. Schumacher is with 12 other movie directors/producers::

Schumacher - "So, who should we get to play Mr. Freeze? Should it be somebody like Bruce Willis? Or Patrick Stewart? Oh, I know! Let's get Ah-nold! After all, he's never had a serious role in his entire acting career. And we want to make this movie every bit as funny and goofy as the 60's TV series. So why don't we get HIM to play the villain?"

Directors - "Daaaaah, okay, boss."

Schumacher - "Now, how about Poison Ivy? I know! Let's get Uma Thurman and make her act as much like Michelle Pfeiffer as possible. With enough camp and sexual innuendos to appeal to all the pre-pubescent 12 year olds who loved Batman Forever."

Directors - "Okay, boss!"

Schumacher - "Now, let's bring Chris O'Donnell back as Robin. Only let's make him even more whiney and angsty than he was in Batman Forever. And let's make sure he supplies plenty of comic relief for Batman. Imagine: Robin - 'Let's take the car. Chicks dig the car.' Batman - 'This is why Superman works alone.' Haw haw haw!"

Directors - "But, uhhhh, Boss, wouldn't that diminish the Batman series' generally dark and gritty atmosphere?"

Schumacher - "Of course! But, being that Batman Forever was such a big success, I know we can top it by simply adding even more camp and silliness to this one. Now, as for Batgirl.... Who's the most popular actress right now among kids and teenagers?"

A director - "Daaaaaaaaah, last I checked it was Alicia Silverstone, boss."

Schumacher - "Perfect! Remember that scene in Clueless when she walked into a room and started kicking a bunch of asses? Uhhhh, me neither. But can you imagine how cool it would've been if she did at that Christmas party in the middle? Well, let's make something like that happen!"

All the directors combined (while bowing) - "All hail Joel Schumacher."
Author:  Goat [ Fri May 14, 2010 6:57 pm ]
Post subject: 
Hollywood needs nuking.
Author:  traptunderice [ Sat May 15, 2010 12:56 am ]
Post subject: 
As a kid I loved Batman Forever 'cause it was fun. Then growing up I kinda respected Nicholson more but at the same time I also really like Bale and Liam so yeah I think nowadays I enjoy Batman Begins the most. TDK had too much going on at times. I'm usually not one to complain about that but yeah it did. So did Begins I guess but it was a little smoother.
Author:  Kathaarian [ Sat May 15, 2010 1:45 am ]
Post subject: 
It's definitely the Dark Knight, no contest. Great plot and great acting combined in a movie that topped the box office is very rare. I love the direction Nolan has taken the movies to and I have very high expectations for the next one.

Tim Burton's take on batman was a bit too cartoonish and goth for my taste. It may sound contradicting for a movie adapted from a comic but I'd say a movie of such a "serious" comic should be more serious just like Nolan's.

Batman Begins is also very good by the way. You guys should give it another try.

edit: Didn't even bother to mention Schumacher's movies. They are shit. Just that.
Author:  DevotedWalnut [ Sat May 15, 2010 1:53 am ]
Post subject: 
Nolan and Bale aren't doing the next Batman movie. Therefore, the next Batman movie will suck.
Author:  cry of the banshee [ Sat May 15, 2010 3:36 am ]
Post subject: 
Tie between the first Burton and The Dark Knight.
Author:  cry of the banshee [ Sat May 15, 2010 3:38 am ]
Post subject: 
Metastable To Chaos wrote:
As great as The Dark Knight is I still love Batman Returns. Gotham just looks so cool during the winter with all the snow. :P


haha, I agree. The sets are really quite beautifully done.
Plus, it features Christopher Walken, always a plus.
Author:  Wintermute [ Sat May 15, 2010 12:07 pm ]
Post subject: 
"What weighs six and half ounces, sits in a tree, and is very dangerous?"
"A sparrow with a machine gun!"

60s camp > Grim and Gritty

I'm half joking. Or maybe 2/3rds joking. I'm not sure.
Author:  The Evil Dead [ Sat May 15, 2010 4:04 pm ]
Post subject: 
As far as my personal favorite, I'm going with Batman: Forever. I know most people think it's a joke and an insult to the series, but I see it another way. I really liked the cartoony feel and at the time it came out I was a huge fan of the animated series. Tommy Lee Jones was great as the over the top Two Face, and Jim Carrey totally made the Riddler IMO. There's just so many great moments in that movie to me.

Second to that I'd say The Dark Knight. Too bad we'll never get more Joker.
Author:  Kathaarian [ Sat May 15, 2010 5:55 pm ]
Post subject: 
DevotedWalnut wrote:
Nolan and Bale aren't doing the next Batman movie. Therefore, the next Batman movie will suck.


Yes they are doing it. WtF are you talking about?
Author:  traptunderice [ Sat May 15, 2010 10:00 pm ]
Post subject: 
The Evil Dead wrote:
As far as my personal favorite, I'm going with Batman: Forever. I know most people think it's a joke and an insult to the series, but I see it another way. I really liked the cartoony feel and at the time it came out I was a huge fan of the animated series. Tommy Lee Jones was great as the over the top Two Face, and Jim Carrey totally made the Riddler IMO. There's just so many great moments in that movie to me.
I know what you mean, brah.
Author:  DevotedWalnut [ Sun May 16, 2010 1:12 am ]
Post subject: 
Kathaarian wrote:
DevotedWalnut wrote:
Nolan and Bale aren't doing the next Batman movie. Therefore, the next Batman movie will suck.


Yes they are doing it. WtF are you talking about?


WTF are you talking about?
Author:  Legacy Of The Night [ Sun May 16, 2010 1:41 am ]
Post subject: 
The Adam West Batman movie is the best Batman movie that will ever be.

"Some days you just can't get rid of a bomb!"
Author:  The Evil Dead [ Sun May 16, 2010 6:43 pm ]
Post subject: 
DevotedWalnut wrote:
Kathaarian wrote:
DevotedWalnut wrote:
Nolan and Bale aren't doing the next Batman movie. Therefore, the next Batman movie will suck.


Yes they are doing it. WtF are you talking about?


WTF are you talking about?


http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1345836/

?
Author:  DevotedWalnut [ Sun May 16, 2010 6:51 pm ]
Post subject: 
The Evil Dead wrote:
DevotedWalnut wrote:
Kathaarian wrote:
DevotedWalnut wrote:
Nolan and Bale aren't doing the next Batman movie. Therefore, the next Batman movie will suck.


Yes they are doing it. WtF are you talking about?


WTF are you talking about?


http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1345836/

?


??
Author:  cry of the banshee [ Sun May 16, 2010 7:24 pm ]
Post subject: 
DevotedWalnut wrote:
The Evil Dead wrote:
DevotedWalnut wrote:
Kathaarian wrote:
DevotedWalnut wrote:
Nolan and Bale aren't doing the next Batman movie. Therefore, the next Batman movie will suck.


Yes they are doing it. WtF are you talking about?


WTF are you talking about?


http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1345836/

?


??


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