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Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 (2012)

August. 21,2012
|
7.9
|
PG-13
| Animation Action Science Fiction Mystery

Batman has not been seen for ten years. A new breed of criminal ravages Gotham City, forcing 55-year-old Bruce Wayne back into the cape and cowl. But, does he still have what it takes to fight crime in a new era?

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Pjtaylor-96-138044
2012/08/21

'Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part I (2012)' is the long-awaited, essentially panel-for-panel adaptation of Frank Miller's critically acclaimed, and since cinematically (and otherwise) influential, graphic novel. The story centres around an older, retired Bruce Wayne and the events that lead him to reclaiming the Batman mantle, as well as the events which ensue and the consequences they inevitably have. The picture does a fantastic job of realising Miller's gritty, unrefined art-style but grounding it within a believable world, using aesthetically pleasing animation to bring its dark story to life and recreating some key images from its source-material with a striking accuracy. The narrative itself is brooding, brutal and bleak, an uncompromising look at an iconic character and the consequences of his vigilante justice. There's an undeniable sense that this unflattering version of the hero is still seen with awe, viewed through a slightly glamorised lens despite all the deconstructive 'pretences' of the piece, but he is flawed, inside and out, and possibly at the weakest we have seen him in quite some time. The depth of character honestly rivals the live-action movies. Actually, it bests most of them. There is a sense that the protagonist is dark for dark's sake at moments, though, and the occasional feeling that the brooding exists simply because it must, not because it should. Yet, this is a minor complaint. As is the fact that Peter Weller, no matter how hard he tries and how decent his performance is, can never live up to the standard set by Kevin Conroy. It may be unfair to judge him by that standard, which is the gold standard for all Batman animated fare, but the voice-work for the hero has even been done better by other players and something feels slightly off. This is true of most actors here, though all are completely fine and sell their parts well. It's just that the extra mile isn't driven and something feels like it is missing; that intangible quality that makes a performer perfect for a role just isn't here in any of the characters. Still, this isn't a major issue. As I mentioned earlier, this version of 'the world's greatest detective' is brutal. Every battle is bone-crunching and you feel the weight behind each punch. This has been achieved in some of the other animated features, even those based around 'Batman: The Animated Series (1992)', but it is rarely as effective as it is here; I even cringed in a couple of sequences. The violence helps to amplify the key themes of the flick, those that examine the morality of vigilantism and violence on the whole, but it does seem like our hero is better at using his fists than his brains. Not to say he isn't smart, just to say he prefers to beat the bad-guys than out-wit them or do any actual 'detective' work - though this is due to the design of the narrative. The plot itself plays into a slightly repetitive structure that features one or two too many scenes of the Dark Knight battering a gang of baddies in similar fashion, probably because these moments were in the source graphic-novel and the creators didn't want to cut anything. There's some interesting ideas and the way old comic-book characters come into play in unexpected ways is engaging and shows an excellent understanding of the universe's diverse supporting cast. There's satisfaction in the arc at play, with our hero taking enough damage along the way that his possible redemption is both believable and holds all the more weight. The piece is also incredibly atmospheric, too. It's an entertaining experience, even when it slows down or becomes a tad repetitive, and it's unique approach to the universe is refreshing, as is the emotionally drained Batman. It feels like a full-out feature film despite not quite being so, in its structure or pacing or finality, even with the second part (which acts more as a sequel). It's an enjoyable watch throughout. 7/10

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utgard14
2012/08/22

First part of the animated adaptation of Frank Miller's classic comic book miniseries, The Dark Knight Returns. The comic was highly influential on the direction of superhero comics over the last 30 years. It tells the story of how Bruce Wayne returning to being Batman after a ten year absence and how the world has changed without him. This first part deals with Batman return to battle a gang known as the Mutants that is terrorizing Gotham, as well as the release of Harvey Dent (aka Two Face) from Arkham Asylum.For the most part, it's faithful to the comic so no complaints there. The animation is decent but I can't help being disappointed it isn't more stylized. There was an episode of the 1990s Batman cartoon that featured different stories told by kids about Batman. One of them was an homage to The Dark Knight Returns. The animation in that tried, despite its television limitations, to match the style of the Frank Miller/Klaus Janson artwork from the comic. I think this would have been better served had it also tried to match that art. Instead it's fine for what it is but it isn't particularly impressive or stylish. Christopher Drake's music is very nice and at times evokes a John Carpenter vibe that I liked. The voice work is solid but I miss Kevin Conroy's Batman.It's hard to capture what made the comic work, particularly because so much of what worked was due to the time in which it came out. Translating it faithfully word for word or picture for picture doesn't necessarily mean you can make it click the same way it did in another medium made at another time. The sad reality is this story has been copied and ripped off in various mediums since its release. Batman as a character is now firmly established in the public consciousness as the grim & gritty Dark Knight, whereas at the time the source story was first released it was cutting edge stuff. So the impact is lessened is what I'm saying. That's not the fault of the people who worked hard on this; it's just that too much time has passed and this just can't have the same impact it would have had it been made 25 or 30 years ago. It's still a fun watch, particularly for comic fans, but it will likely leave some viewers wondering what the fuss is all about. Best seen as a whole with part 2.

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A_Different_Drummer
2012/08/23

1. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Hollywood picked this story for a major live action release. Message received.2. Lots of talk about the best Batman voice. Weller nailed it. Oscar worthy and yes Virginia they do give Oscars for voice actors.3. Omigawd. Whatta script. Seen this 2-parter three times, each time I find new social commentary in the dialog. After the Joker segment you think to yourself, this can't get any better. And then you get the "schoolboy" segment. And it does.4. I am running out of adjectives. If you have not seen it already, see it now.5. Finally a note for the IMDb archive. Hollywood loves to do films about getting old. Hundreds at least. Comedies, dramas, everything in-between. I believe that over the years to come, this gem will be recognized as the greatest film about getting old ever done. They took the iconic characters that an entire generation grew up with and then imagined what things would be like at the end of life's run. Watch it with that in mind and you will see things you did not see first time around.

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Thomas Drufke
2012/08/24

In preparation for the upcoming Batman V Superman film, I've decided to revisit a few of each of the heroes' feature films, especially those where they come in direct conflict with one another.When it comes to comic book adaptations, there is usually a split opinion among fans. Either the adaptation has strung too far from its source material, or it relied too heavily on it. Either way, it's rare that a comic book film or a TV show can come across an audience which is very clear in saying that it is a perfect adaptation. That's what The Dark Knight Returns films are. Part 1 effortlessly displays a mans' psychological turmoil after years of fighting crime in Gotham City, and then also regain his inner humanity and self-worth. The Dark Knight Returns Part 1 quite simply is one of the greatest comic book films of all time.We begin with watching Bruce Wayne drag race his life away. Taking place 10 years after Batman retired, we get a sense that he doesn't feel as though he has anything left to give. Or rather, he's so psychologically damaged by Jason Todd dying and the chaos that was unleashed on Gotham city, that he is trying to find ways for himself to cope. While I like Part 2 a tad better, this psychological side to the story of Batman is something that gives Part 1 its own edge. This is all complemented incredibly well by Christopher Drake's hauntingly eerie score. Drake has done numerous takes on the Dark Knight, but I've always felt like his score for these two parts perfectly encapsulates this particular graphic novel more so than any of his other scores.Peter Weller voices Batman, among the many talented voice actors here. It mainly focuses on the Mutant Gang who has taken control of Gotham City in this near-future story, but we also get appearances from Harvey Dent and Joker, who give it just the amount of nostalgia Batman needs to put that cape and cowl on again. Dent's tragic tale once again takes a left turn as he was sponsored by Wayne to get his face back to normal with surgery, only to still think of himself as Two-Face and resume his crime filled ways. Joker is only teased, but I love the way this story links Batman and Joker. They can't really go on without one another.Frank Miller also weaves in a Gordon side arc that effortlessly fits in with the rest of the story as he is both retiring and being pushed out for Ellen Yindel, a strong believer of taking down Batman, a much bigger story in the second part. Everything leads to the mud fight. Batman and newly hired Carrie Kelley as Robin, trap all of the mutants into thinking that the Mutant Leader set up a meeting at a sewer outlet. There, we get one of the great comic book fights ever with Batman calling himself the "surgeon at an operating table". With the music, stunned faces of hundreds of mutants, and the official return of the Batman, it may be my favorite scene of either of the two parts. In all, The Dark Knight Returns Part 1 displays all of the graphic novels greatest attributes, while also giving it a memorable score and incredible voice talents. I love everything about this film & story.+Voice talent, particularly Peter Weller+Psychological side+Haunting score+Weaves in Batman's best characters effortlessly+Final fight scene10/10

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