'Batman: The Dark Knight Returns' Review- Old Man Bruce Wakes Up
The movie was originally released in 2013.
Bruce Timm through Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has brought us a two-part film adaption of The Dark Knight Returns. I decided to review both as a single film.
The story of Part 1 goes that a gang of murderers called Mutants has risen in Gotham. They want nothing more than to raze Gotham City to the ground and put retiring Commissioner Gordon’s (David Selby) head on a pike. Bruce Wayne (Peter Weller), old, aged, and drunk, sees all this happening ten years after his retirement. When a supposedly cured Harvey Dent (Wade Williams) is released from the Arkham Home For The Emotionally Unstable disappears, that draws Bruce Wayne out of retirement and back into the mask of Batman. Soon after handling Dent, he goes after the army of Mutants, and receives a new Robin (Ariel Winter) in the process.
Part 2 follows the Joker (Michael Emerson) going on another killing spree, but Batman and Robin step in to stop him. Meanwhile, the Cold War is heating up and politicians want to bring the Dark Knight down because the world does not accept “their kind” anymore, so he turns to the one person who might be able to stop him: Superman (Mark Valley).
You will see a difference in Frank Miller’s version of the Caped Crusader as compared to Chuck Dixon, Denis O’Neil, and even Grant Morrison. This Batman is brutal and has no problem maiming and seriously injuring his adversaries.
A few commentators have complained because, in the movies, several “news” segments are meant to show the reader and/or viewer the condition of the world Frank Miller has made for us. These comments are said by people who have not read the graphic novel. I have and the news commentary is exactly where it needs to be. My only complaint about the film is the voice of Commissioner Gordon (David Selby). The voice does not match the character and I found it very frustrating.
As for the films themselves, they are very well-made and steers from the “pulp” like the art of the graphic novel and instead use a more modern animation. They seemed a little fast-paced at some points and then slowed down at others, but all in all, I did enjoy it. In my opinion, Part 2 is better. Even though I am not a fan of Joker being in love with Batman, I thought the story made for a more climactic ending.
I also thought the voice actors did a fantastic job. Weller was shockingly perfect for this version of the Caped Crusader. I also thought Selby did a good job as Gordon. The two worked well together and made it come together.
Bottom line, The Dark Knight Returns is not for the faint of heart. It is a more brutal version of Batman and it takes you into the darkness.
PARENTAL CONCERNS: Profanity, Excessive violence, Foul language
FAVORITE QUOTE: You try to hold me back, but you're weak. You know it in your soul. You're nothing but a hollow shell. A rusty trap. The time has come.
Check out the trailer below:
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, or novel you would like me to review.