Wonderful character development!
... View MoreGreat Film overall
... View MoreInstead, you get a movie that's enjoyable enough, but leaves you feeling like it could have been much, much more.
... View MoreThere is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes
... View MoreI thought this movie was just good but nothing special. 7.4/10
... View MoreHaving just defeated the Mutant Leader; and acquiring Carrie Kelley as the latest version of his sidekick Robin; Bruce Wayne/Batman learns that he now must contend with the inexorable return of his most infamous nemesis; the Joker. Meanwhile fervently hostile political relations between the USA and Soviet Russia, force the President of Western nation to exploit the formidable powers of Superman; who who's actions inextricably will lead to a stand-off between he and the Dark Knight; while Gotham City descends in to anarchy.Commencing with the second half, and with his presence being teasingly hinted at within the first; there is the inexorable inclusion of the once camply referred to; Clown prince of crime; The Joker who's vocals are brought to life by Michael Emerson of TV's; Lost and Person of Interest fame. His presence undeniably runs the risk of feeling contrived but this was Frank Miller's story were are talking about here and his figurative resurrection from a comatose state his beautifully realized. That first moment you hear his first few syllables which herald the beginning of the second act; you can't hep but feel goosebumps. His personal story with he being incarcerated in a mental facility for undisclosed period of time in a dormant state and his reemergence are masterfully executed. The incorporation of his therapist; the naively idealistic Dr. Bartholomew Wolper (an ever reliable Michael McKean) also adds something to the overarching narrative. My one reservation with Emerson's portrayal is while he vocally has a chilling resonance; the iconic laugh just lacks the high pitched maniacal oomph that Mark Hamill definitely rendered. Never the less; his return although brief but it's impact is no less worse for it and serves to shine a light on the jaded nature of Bruce Wayne's former idealism.Entering in to the fray; having the torch being passed to her by her successor James Gordon, is new Commissioner Ellen Yindel (Maria Cannais-Barrera) who represents a bold new generation of Gotham law enforcement. Steadfast in her convictions in regards to the law; she has a contradictory code of ethics to her predecessor who she never the less has a underlining respect for as he does for her. It would be easy to portray her as a partial villain of the piece, and while undoubtedly a thorn in Batman's side; her motives are anything if not pure.Finally there is the final stage of the film, which while his arc of the story plays out in parallel with the previous ongoing action; the slightly uneven and shaky relationship between Clarke Kent/Superman comes inevitably to ahead. Once a symbol of hope, he has become something of the antithesis of everything he is supposed to stand for as he has essentially become a weapon of the United Stated government, answering to; President Ronald Reagan (remember that the graphic novel was published back in 1986). Truth, Justice and the American way have become glorified buzzwords to enshroud politically dubious intentions. The ultimate battle of two ideological; who are diametrically opposed another layer to the depth and complexity of the overall narrative.As a closing chapter this as with it's opening is an appropriately dark and gritty conclusion to this animated adaptation which would have deserved a theatrical release. It is however, as I have hitherto affirmed is not in it's overall entirety, as neither was the graphic novel. With the superhero/comic-book genre a healthy amount of suspension of disbelief is required, although this in my personal view asks a tad too much in terms of Bruce Wayne's waning virility; while there could have been an in-depth struggle with his reconciling in enlisting a new youthful sidekick with the brutal death of Jason Todd. All in all this is fundamentally an absorbing and richly composite tale that although not officially canon; would make for supplementary addition to the Batman saga. It's vocal performances are for the most part exemplary and it's animation inspired, as it strikingly captures the dark, brooding aesthetic of Gotham City. In short; it's required viewing for any Batman aficionado
... View MoreSecond part of the animated adaptation of Frank Miller's classic comic book miniseries, The Dark Knight Returns. This part deals with the return of the Joker, Batman continuing his war on crime with a new Robin by his side, and Superman being sent by the President to stop Bats. As with the first part, it's pretty faithful to the comics. It does draw out some scenes longer. I can't help but feel like that wouldn't have been necessary had they just combined parts 1 and 2 into a single film. Also, as with the first part, I have problems with the animation not being stylized enough and the voices of Batman and others not being handled by Kevin Conroy and company. I said with my review on the first part that it's hard to really capture what made the comic work so well with a cartoon made nearly 30 years later after countless imitations and knockoffs. I do think some of the reviews giving this 10's are mainly fans of the comic rating it super high because they love the books. This is a good cartoon but it's nowhere near the boundary-pushing work of art fans are making it out to be. Again, that was the comic but this is the cartoon and the two are just not the same. It's still a fun movie, particularly for fans. I enjoyed it even more than part one and it's especially interesting to watch now after having seen this year's Batman v Superman, which borrowed heavily from this story. Whatever problems I have with this animated film, I do think it's far better than that disjointed glum mess. Best viewed with part one as a whole.
... View MoreThis is a spoiler-free review, so don't worry xD.This movie depends on how much you enjoyed the FIRST part. Let's see, while many of us found it amazing with very good fight sequences , some viewers were left disappointed .. Well, this movie covers it all - good story line (10/10), action- packed (Boy, the action sequences are THE best.. 10/10) and EPIC fight scenes - I had to watch batman vs joker and batman vs superman because it was AWESOME, it took animation to another level. Below, are few answered questions. Violence? YUP!! lots of blood during fight scenes, might be disturbing and scary for young viewers and throwing batarangs in the eyeball kinda stuff.... (8.5/10, they can reduce the violence because there will mostly be only young viewers)Good sequel? Absolutely ! Animation was Perfect, and if you are a DC or a bat fan, you will love it!! (10/10)So guys, This movie is epic! You'll love it !! Note - Batman vs Superman:Dawn of justice is slightly based on this movie. You'll find out why when you have finished watching the movie.Hope my review helped :)
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