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Batman [1989]

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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

Thanks to the ambitious vision of director Tim Burton, the blockbuster hit of 1989 delivers the goods despite an occasionally spotty script, giving the caped crusader a thorough overhaul in keeping with the crime fighter's evolution in DC Comics. Michael Keaton strikes just the right mood as the brooding "Dark Knight" of Gotham City; Kim Basingerplays Gotham's intrepid reporter Vicki Vale; and Jack Nicholson goes wild as the maniacal and scene-stealing Joker, who plots a take over of the city with his lethal Smilex gas. Triumphant Oscar-winning production design by the late Anton Furst turns Batman into a visual feast, and Burton brilliantly establishes a darkly mythic approach to Batman's legacy. Danny Elfman's now-classic score propels the action with bold, muscular verve. --Jeff Shannon

Great Gothic & superior ham
Review date: 2008-06-20 Rating: 8 out of 10

This is a cracking film. The detail of Tim Burton's Gotham vision is astounding, and this is a very beautiful film as well as a hugely entertaining one. An epic performance from Jack Nicholson dominates the film, but Michael Keaton is fantastic too, in a more understated way, as is Jack Palance.

This movie is great fun and well worth watching.

Reviews

Batman
Review date: 2008-02-23 Rating: 10 out of 10

Batman shows a mature, dark side of the Caped Crusader, and is portrayed by the dark and mysterious Michael Keaton and directed by Tim Burton.

Michael Keaton is absolutely amazing in this movie. With all the doubt going on at the time about the Batman movie, casting Michael Keaton was a mistake etc. But it wasn't. As Tim Burton himself says, Michael Keaton seems like the kind of person that would have to dress up as a bat. Val Kilmer and George Clooney do not seem like that kind of person. Jack Nicholson is amazing as the Joker and he made it darker than the Joker was in THAT TV show. Kim Basinger is a very good leading lady in this movie (and she wasn't originally the actress wanted by Tim Burton!) And yes, Tim Burton faced a hell of a lot of slack for focusing too heavily on the Joker, but both Batman and the Joker are done credit here.

Batman-the best superhero movie, about the best superhero (my personal opinion, as Batman has no super powers and is just an 'ordinary' guy. (OK he's a billionaire playboy but you've got to love him.)

The film never gets dull!

How it should be done
Review date: 2007-04-19 Rating: 8 out of 10

Now this is how a Batman film should be done. It's got darkness, funny moments that don't ridecule the film and a character that you root for because he DOES NOT have superpowers, if you see what I'm saying. There is also a villain who, okay is thoroughly evil of course, but humerous with it because of the amount of lengths he will go to to achieve his goal. There is also a pretty hot Kim Basinger in it.

However the film does have a few faults. There is not much of a plotline and basically boils down to the two male lead characters (Keaton and Nicholson) trying to outdo each other in the fear scales and win the affections of Gotham Globe reporter Vicki Vale (Basinger).
The character of Vale also gets rather annoying, especially towards the end, and at times seems to be there for no apparent reason other than to look pretty. Also there are a few plot loopholes (as always with films).
Also parents of very young children may see this title and think 'Ah a Batman film. I'll take it home for the kids to watch tonight." May I advise you that this, along with it's first sequel Batman Returns, are not suitable for anyone under the age of 15, especially Batman Returns.

Overall a good Batman film, if not the best plot-wise and character-wise and an excellent way to kill two hours worth of a Saturday afternoon.

Has aged surprisingly well!
Review date: 2006-07-18 Rating: 8 out of 10

I watched this recentely and expected very little, but was pleasantly surprised. Tim Burton has really created a great Gotham City in this movie, although it is best to watch this movie where you can see the screen clearly, as it is quite dark and murky in places!
Looking at the actors, Keaton is fine, if not stunning in the main role, unlike that man Nicholson, as the Joker! Although its been said many times, Nicholson does carry the film at times, but does it incredibly well, really bringing the film to life and providing many memorable moments, my favourites being the Art museum scene and the 'can I lend you a hand' gag. Just great. I don't about anyone else, but i was sad when the Joker was killed off, mainly because he was so much more vivid than Batman, but perhaps that was intentional...
The films plot is basically Batman vs The Joker to all extents and purposes, and although this premise is perhaps a little thin, theres always an action scene to liven things up.
However! This DVD offers only minimal extras like production notes and information on the cast. If you like the film (you should) then go for the two disc edition, with all its extra stuff. I already regret buying this version, and am trying to ship it off to someone as a present so i can get the two disc version!
Some may say this film is a 'triumph of style over substance.' Perhaps theres truth in that. But its a style you can get nowhere else.

The 1st, and best
Review date: 2006-06-23 Rating: 10 out of 10

Tim Burton has a reputation for directing dark and gloomy films. Like 'Batman Returns', this is a dark film, but definitely not gloomy. In terms of introducing us to a new series of 'Batman films', Tim Burton does an excellent job of bringing Batman into Gotham City, were no-body knows who or what Batman is. Micheal Keaton does a great job of developing his Batman character from start to finish. His character had to be developed, after-all, no-one in Gotham City knows whether Batman should be trusted or not, and is therefore perceived as being a mysterious character. Keatons overall performance is great, he plays the best Bruce Wayne role out of all the actors that attempted, and his Batman role is solid enough to make sure you would never want to mess with him! He has a brilliant sense of security that makes you feel safe, even when your just watching him in this film. The acting is brilliant as he his able to give both characters a separate personality, each being unique and entertaining.

Jack Nicholson also puts in a fantastic performance. I have always loved to watch Nicholson in comedies, and his 'Joker' role suits him down to the ground. After a steady start to the film, you will soon see how he becomes the Joker and just how funny he can be, with his words and props. What you can love about Nicholson in this film is that although he is Batmans main villain, you realise towards the end he is just a joker, and no match for Batman in a fight. Kim Bassinger plays Batmans 'lover' in this film, and does a good job of showing us just how nosey some photographers can be, but Batman makes sure she doesn't get in his way.. too much. Afterall, has their ever been a woman in Bruce Waynes life who has not had a good job, and become attracted to him? The atmosphere in Gotham City is brilliant and sets the scene very well for Batman, as the dark roof tops and roads of the city do far more justice than bright sunshine in hot weather. Tim Burton also used the idea here of a city with no time-scale. In other words, the buildings and dress styles look very 1930's, but the technology is can look futuristic with Batman at times. The quality is in the directing and the acting. It is not a fast paced film, but moves steadily. Their are no un-realistic special effects, but clever props. Many younger viewers may slag off this film, but they will never realise that the quality comes from the story, directing, and acting. Not from modern un-realistic special effects.

Product Details/Specifications

Actor(s):
Robert Wuhl
Kim Basinger
Michael Keaton
Pat Hingle
Jack Nicholson

Director(s):

Recording label: Warner Home Video
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
EAN: 7321900120005
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Full Screen, PAL,
Release date: 1998-09-25
Number of discs: 1
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 121 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1989-06-23
Language: Arabic (Subtitled)
Language: English (Subtitled)
Language: English (Original Language)

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Batman [1989]

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