Batman Returns (1992, PG-13)

Rating: **

Batman Returns reunites star Michael Keaton with director Tim Burton in this acclaimed, overrated sequel that didn’t improve much over it’s disappointing by blockbuster predecessor.  Danny DeVito is added to the cast as the Penguin, who takes control of Gotham, and it’s up to Batman to save the day. 

Years ago, the deformed Oswald Cobblepot was abandoned by his parents, but survived.  He now controls a group of goons who all too resemble the Joker, the previous film’s main villain.  Selena Kyle (Michelle Pfeiffer) is a shy secretary working for Max Shreck (Christopher Walken), a business mogul who has a high influence upon Gotham.  When these three unite to bring Gotham to its knees, there’s only Batman who can come to save the day, taking on the trio of villains with the help of his trusty butler, Alfred.

 When released, Batman Returns was released to higher critical reviews then its predecessor, but parents strongly criticized the movie for its darker tone and violence that heavier than the previous movie. 

Batman Returns evens the structure out by improving the narrative of Wayne, but also makes too heavy use of its cartoonish villains, and I saw higher concentration on the villainal aspect of the movie then there should have been. 

Parts of the movie were just plain weird and didn’t fit in with the film at all.  Selena Kyle is killed early on in the movie, but is resurrected by a group of cats and becomes Catwoman.  The Penguin also controls literally an army of intelligent penguins that carry rockets on their back.  Far fetched or what. 

For what it was worth, Batman Returns was a disappointing blockbuster that was a wilder effort then Batman was.  Batman Returns was dark, gloomy and in many ways almost depressing, and it lost the Batman spirit.

Both of these Batman movies were released to positive reviews; I didn’t care for either of them.

                                   **/5