Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1
Rollatini

Review by Rollatini Patron

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 2012

★★★½ Liked

Watched 11 Feb 2022

70

I’m not as obsessed with Batman as a character like everyone else on the planet is so this couldn’t possibly resonate with me as much as it does for most people. Going into this knowing it’s praised as one of the greatest Batman movies is a lot of hype to live up to. But, for the most part, it does leave a lasting impression with it’s impressive approach at the darker side of the character that was explored by Frank Miller’s four issue comic that it’s based on. Seeing the character with an older state of mind is a refreshingly different take on the character we’ve all seen so many times. And you feel every bit of the well animated action sequences, making it a thrilling and quick watch. 

Batman, who’s been retired for 10 years must bring back his cape after a new threat faces Gotham City. Will he still be able to fight crime at the age of 55? 

Batman’s grittiness is emphasized heavily in this story with how rough he handles the criminals. Peter Weller’s deep voice acting for the character was a great match for the harsher nature of him. His partner is the complete opposite, being an innocent young woman named Carrie Kelly who wants to be the next Robin. She’s vocalized with joyful charisma by Ariel Winter (Modern Family). I like the character a lot but it must be pointed out that her training and knowledge of skills in the field is never explained. It’s hard to believe she can suddenly just start fighting alongside Batman. 

There’s a lot of eighties humor written in this that I wasn’t expecting that ended up being awesome. The news broadcasts are hilarious. The villain, however, could use some better writing. A mutant leader with about as cookie cutter of a motivation as any villain ever. But at least he’s shown to be a formidable threat for Batman. And Batman’s return feels especially earned by the end of it. 

In general, I enjoy the grittier style of writing so this is really up my alley in that sense. And I’ve read that the original comics it’s based on basically started what’s known as the Dark Age of Comic Books. That shift away from the campy style of the old Batman is something I prefer so we can thank this for that. 

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