BATMAN RETURNS

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STARRING: Michael Keaton, Danny De Vito, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Michael Gough, Michael Murphy, Cristi Conaway, Andrew Bryniarski, Pat Hingle, Vincent Schiavelli, Jan Hooks, Paul Reubens

1992, 126 Minutes, Directed by: Tim Burton

Description: The first Batman sequel takes a wicked turn with the villainous exploits of the freakish and mean-spirited Penguin (Danny DeVito), whose criminal collaboration with evil tycoon Max Shreck (Christopher Walken) threatens to drain Gotham City of its energy supply. As if that weren't enough, Batman (Michael Keaton) has his hands full with the vengeful Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer), who turns out to be a lot more dangerous than a kitten with a whip. — Amazon.com

To my mind even better than the first Batman movie: the Penguin (Danny de Vito) is a dark creation guaranteed to give your children nightmares. Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman is, uh, well, purr-fect.

There is real tension to this sequel as Tim Burton delves deep into biblical imagery to bring us a Penguin that wants to kill all Gotham City's firstborns for having scorned him (he well, uh, looks different - bit like a mutated Ebenezer Scrooge).

Sam Hamm's screenplay is a joy of clever puns and wordplay. Let's be honest: this Batman is more suited for adults. It is simply too violent, too clever and too dark for your Saturday matinee audience.

Comic book fans might also have a problem with this movie because to be honest it is at times more Tim Burton than it is Batman really. But Burton's vision is an unique one. A masterpiece.
 

• Read an extended review of Batman Returns.
• Read the script.