Batman Returns is darker than Tim Burton’s first movie on Batman. This is evident from the opening scene depicting Oswald Cobblepot’s fate. While I enjoyed this movie, many others do not. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

The Penguin (Danny DeVito) attempts to run for Mayor of Gotham City with help from Christopher Walken and the Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer). Batman (Michael Keaton) stands in their way, but has to deal with not only these three main villains but a gang of evil clowns and some evil penguins, which points out the main flaw in Batman Returns—too many villains. I enjoyed Danny DeVito’s unique interpretation of the Penguin as well as his acting job, Michelle Pfeiffer is fabulous, and Christopher Walken is creepy as always. Michael Keaton puts in a decent performance as Batman, by far the best Batman as portrayed in the movies. Supposedly they are working on a Batman: Year One movie—maybe Dean Cain would be good for the part? He certainly has the millionaire image down.

This movie is definitely more Tim Burton-esque than the original Batman from its many quirky touches, in particular the penguins armed with explosives. This is personally my favorite movie in the Batman series.

I give Batman Returns ***1/2 out of ****.

This movie is not really darker than the first Micheal Keaton one, but I do like the Tim Burton style that it has. Although, I prefer the first Micheal Keaton one, I also enjoy this movie. I don't like the way that the Penguin was done. Danny Devito could have been an excellent Penguin, but the movie focused too much on his being a mutant. I would have also done Catwoman's origin differently. In the comic, she just likes cats, she models herself after one. Her incredible agility (despite having breasts that are constantly drawn, way too large) comes from intense training. The addition of Christopher Walken's character was a nice touch.

Other than those few things, I find the movie to be quite enjoyable. It has action, a nice pace,good storyline, and a fine director. I happen to think that is wrong when he says that there were too many villains. There have been some great Batman stories, when he had to go up against a bunch of people.

Dean Cain would be a terrible choice for Batman : Year One. He's too much of a pretty boy. He makes a good young Superman. Of course, Mat has never read Batman: Year One, so wouldn't know what the heck he's talking about.

*** out of ****