Sadly Over-hyped

There is just so much movie here. For some it may be too much. But in the same secretly sarcastic way most telemarketers say the phrase, the title of this one is particularly apt.

Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

The Dark Knight Returns Part One is a satisfying animated feature that faithfully adapts its source material respectfully. This film was more deserving of a theatrical release than the recent Batman and Superman movie: Dawn of Justice (this review was done in 2016), because this film tells a more faithful Bat-tale than Zack Snyder's recent theatrical outing that left the world disappointed. Thankfully The Dark Knight Returns is a solid story that's been tested time and time again and even influenced Tim Burton's Batman from 1989.The story centers on an aging Bruce Wayne who's retired his crime-fighting alter-ego Batman. Bruce is now living in a much harsher world than the one he knew back in his early thirties; now he's a man approaching sixty and Gotham City desperately needs its hero to return from the shadows and fight against the crime plaguing Gotham once again.The first part of DC's only animated two-parter-to-date is a good start that leads to the meaty conclusion of the story in Part Two, which in turn has influenced media outside The Dark Knight Returns comic, like The Dark Knight Rises and *ahem* Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. A very solid story delivered by capable animation director, and Batman veteran, Jay Oliva.The first part is just one piece of a two-and-a-half-hour film that's been waiting to be seen on screen for generations. If you haven't watched this film yet, well do yourself a favor and watch Parts One and Two of The Dark Knight Returns right away.

I was speechless after watching this. The movie was literally perfect. It really pushed the boundaries of how epic an animated movie can be.This is definitely the best Batman movie I've ever seen, and paired with part 2, one of the best movies I've ever seen. This movie understands that Batman is not for kids, and keeps a Dark tone throughout. Even with it being animated it treats the image like a professional movie's cinematography. It's just amazing.As far as the voice cast, I would have preferred Kevin Conroy for Batman, but Peter Weller (aka RoboCop) actually does a really good job. I cannot express in words however, how amazing David Selby was as Commissioner Gordon.The soundtrack still gives me chill bumps when I listen to it, kudos to Christopher Drake.The plot, was perfect, nothing cliché, nothing too weird. This movie is just perfect. It is a must see for anyone.

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.

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