The Lego Batman Movie (2017)

Genres

Action | Adventure | Animation

Director

Chris McKay

Country

USA

Voice Cast

Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson, Ralph Fiennes, Mariah Carey, Jenny Slate, Susan Bennett, Billy Dee Williams, Hector Elizondo, Conan O'Brien, Jason Mantzoukas, Doug Benson, Zoe Kravitz, Kate Micucci, Riki Lindhome, Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Seth Green, Eddie Izzard

Storyline

To save Gotham City from the Joker's (Zach Galifianakis) hostile takeover, Batman (Will Arnett) has to drop the lone vigilante thing and work with others.

Opinion

Let's be honest, again, "The Lego Movie" wasn't supposed to work. The idea was terrible and I was sure it was going to be a silly kids movie. Needless to say, it turned into a fantastic idea as well as a fantastic film. Batman was pretty much the film's highlight, so it was more that obvious he was going to get his own film soon. It finally happened. And it was awesome.

Although it isn't as good as its predecessor, "The Lego Batman Movie" still is an entertaining, fun, lighthearted superhero flick. And the best Batman movie in years!

Better than the average superhero film, the story is simple - if you've seen the trailer, that's basically it - but it's also engaging and it has more depth that I would have ever imagined. It actually touches some important themes, among which the importance of teamwork stands out, and they are delivered in a way that kids can easily understand them.

The characters are the best part film. As they did in 2014, the filmmakers brought to the screen a different Batman, a version we are definitely not used to see. He is not the dark knight we all know, but a cocky, selfish, childish guy. In other words, some sort of Deadpool. In spite of that, he still remains a likeable character. And it's so refreshing to see this new Batman.

The writers though did not only focus on him, but they took the time to properly write the other characters as well, from the awkward Robin to the awesome Batgirl, to the Joker, the best version of this villain since Heath Ledger's. He isn't as scary as he should be - I doubt the filmmakers wanted to scare kids - still it's very interesting just like his relationship with Batman. I also loved the way the writers were able to integrate villainous characters from other universes, from Lord Voldemort to King Kong.

Other than a solid script, "The Lego Batman Movie" can also claim a lot of funny jokes, delivered as needed, than never failed to put at least a grin on my face - I guess that's the least I could do for the Joker -, dazzling, brilliant visuals, and a soundtrack that will probably have you either wanting to sing or dance. Or both.

Equally awesome is the voice cast. Will Arnett continues his parody of Bale's Batman, Michael Cera's awkwardness fits Robin to perfection, Rosario Dawson is great as Batgirl, and Ralph Fiennes is delightful as Alfred. And kudos to Zach Galifianakis, he makes the Joker so much compelling.

Batman & Robin (1997)

Genre

Action | Fantasy

Director

Joel Schumacher

Country

USA

Cast

George Clooney, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chris O'Donnell, Uma Thurman, Alicia Silverstone, Michael Gough, Pat Hingle, John Glover, Elle Macpherson, Vivica A. Fox, Robert "Jeep" Swenson, Vendela Kirsebom, Elizabeth Sanders, Jesse Ventura, Patrick Leahy, Jack Ingle, Eric Lloyd

Storyline

Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger) plans on taking Gotham City hostage by freezing the town into a permanent winter. In the meantime, a new seductive villainous, Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman), has appeared to cause a rift in the partnership of Batman (George Clooney) and Robin (Chris O'Donnell). While all this is happening, faithful butler Alfred is dying.

Opinion

Right when I thought no film could be worse than "Batman Forever" here's something to prove me wrong. I know I might have said this several times before but "Batman & Robin" is the worst comic book film ever made.

There is no real plot, it's just a little of this and a little of that, and the pitiful "story" a, is too family friendly - this is Batman, the Dark Knight, not the Colorful, Funny Knight - and b, drowns completely with all those characters poorly used. The writers basically threw in every single character that came into their minds, ripped their origins, and used them for some nonsense.

Let's have a look at Bane, for example. When I saw that kind of dumb bodybuilder whose only purpose in the movie was to be Poison Ivy's bodyguard I was shocked. Tom Hardy's Bane came back to my mind, and after that I felt sorry for comparing Nolan's film with this thing.

The screenplay is basically nonsense over nonsense, filled with utterly stupid dialogue and action scenes that makes no sense. Also, it delights us with a tremendously awful opening sequence where Batman & Robin suit up - I won't spoil it because it's hilarious to watch.

And at last but not least the cast. Every single actor manages to be dreadful and unwatchable. No matter how good some of those people usually are, they all manage to give absolute shit performances.

Batman Forever (1995)

Genre

Action | Fantasy

Director

Joel Schumacher

Country

USA

Cast

Val Kilmer, Tommy Lee Jones, Jim Carrey, Nicole Kidman, Chris O'Donnell, Michael Cough, Pat Hingle, Drew Barrymore, Debi Mazar, Elizabeth Sanders, René Auberjonois, Joe Grifasi, Ofer Samra, Ed Begley Jr.

Storyline

Batman (Val Kilmer) must battle Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones) and The Riddler (Jim Carrey) with help from an amourous psychologist (Nicole Kidman) and a young circus acrobat who becomes his sidekick, Robin (Chris O'Donnell).

Opinion

Seeing Tim Burton's name in the opening credits tricked me into thinking this film would have been good. But like I just said, tricked me, because the utterly ridiculous "Batman Forever" is a disgrace to the Batman franchise.

I'm not even sure the film has a plot. Every single thing that happens is dull and extremely predictable, and nothing does really happen other than villains teaming up to fight Batman and Robin. There's also a pointless romantic subplot whose only purpose is to have a beautiful woman in the film.

But the plot isn't the only problem, no sir. The characters are a complete disaster as well. The villains, Two-Face and the Riddler, are both terrible, and instead of being menacing and threatening like villains are supposed to be, they are always trying to be funny, which would have been totally fine if the film was a comic book movies parody. But it's not.

Among the good guys, the Dark Knight's character is a complete disaster as well, but Robin's is definitely standing out. An orphaned acrobat turned crimefighter that never quite convinces of his struggle between darkness and light, and that ninja stuff he pulls off, absolutely stupid.

The film also feature a bloody awful Gotham City made of neons, psychedelic and flashy lights that are nothing like Burton's gothic atmosphere of the previous films, and awful costumes.

But if you're thinking it can't get any worse, you're wrong, there is the cast. Who even cast these people? Val Kilmer isn't convincing at all as Batman as he looks like a piece of driftwood the waves drag to the beach, Tommy Lee Jones frankly sucks as Two-Face, Jim Carrey is unwatchable as the Riddler, and Nicole Kidman, just like her character, is just a pretty face.

Batman Returns (1992)

Genre

Action | Fantasy

Director

Tim Burton

Country

USA

Cast

Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Michael Gough, Pat Hingle, Michael Murphy, Vincent Schiavelli, Andrew Bryniarski, Cristi Conaway, Rick Zumwalt, Anna Katarina, Paul Reubens, Diane Salinger

Storyline

After successfully defeating the Joker, Batman (Michael Keaton) must stop crooked businessman Max Schreck (Christopher Walken) and the grotesque Penguin (Danny DeVito) from taking control of Gotham City. Meanwhile, the Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer) also emerges with her own agenda in mind. 

Opinion

24 years ago Tim Burton, the great man behind the original "Batman" and other amazing films, brought to us "Batman Returns", a thrilling ride from start to finish that is worthy of its excellent predecessor.

The first thing you will notice in the film is Tim Burton's dark style, from set design to makeup - especially the Penguin's -, to the atmospheres, and the story he presents us certainly does not differ.

The director focuses on the characters of the Penguin and Catwoman, turning what could have been just a banal superhero flick into a sort of dark fairy tale that studies the torments of human soul, and to do that uses people that are different. While the Penguin is outcasted by society because of the way he looks, Selina Kyle aka Catwoman is because of her bland personality.

Unfortunately, once again happened what happened with "Batman", the villains are so well made, wonderfully written and amazingly portrayed by Danny DeVito and Michelle Pfeiffer, they end up obscuring the true protagonist of the film, the dark knight, once again overshadowed by the above mentioned characters. But that certainly isn't a good reason to hate on a film, and I sure do not hate on "Batman Returns".

The choice to focus on the Penguin's story is quite brilliant to be honest. It gives the film that melodramatic touch that needed, and it certainly adds emotional depth to balance the great action sequences - they are occasionally absurd though.

Michael Keaton reprises his role of Batman, and he still does a good job. Danny DeVito is simply spectacular as the Penguin, delivering the sinister character to perfection. Michelle Pfeiffer was the perfect cast for Catwoman, she delivers the character amazingly and, as much as I love Halle Berry, she is much sexier and cat-like than her. Christopher Walken deserves a special mention, he is brilliant as the megalomaniac Max Schreck.

Batman (1989)

Genre

Action | Fantasy

Director

Tim Burton

Country

USA | UK

Cast

Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl, Pat Hingle, Billy Dee Williams, Michael Gough, Jack Palance, Jerry Hall, Tracey Walter, Lee Wallace, William Hootkins, Hugo E. Blick, Charles Roskilly, David Baxt, Sharon Holm, Garrick Hagon, Liza Ross, Adrian Meyers

Storyline

When Jack Napier (Jack Nicholson) is transformed into the evil, Joker, he promises to take over Gotham City it is up to Batman (Michael Keaton) to stop him in his tracks before it is too late.

Opinion

After going through some tough weeks with the Superman franchise, I've made it to the first Batman film, the only DC Comics superhero they seem to be able to bring justice to - okay, forget about Joel Schumacher's films.

Dark, broody and charming, "Batman" is a spectacular achievement for superhero flicks and the credits goes to Tim Burton and a spectacular leading duo.

Tim Burton leaves behind the parodistic Batman TV series of the 60s and presents us a dark, terrifying yet fascinating Gotham City that is almost a character unto itself, and a human Bruce Wayne/Batman, sparing us the typical opening with Wayne's parents being killed - even thought it's shown later in the film - because after all this is not an origin film.

The story, concerning Batman as he faces his arch enemy, the Joker, is more than solid and it's elevated by top class storytelling, and is just a tiny part of a brilliant script that also features great dialogue, authentic comic style, and wonderful characters, Bruce Wayne/Batman, like I mentioned before, and the Joker.

Michael Keaton's Batman is a mysterious, enigmatic, threatening but at the same time fragile man, and he, before all, has managed to give the character that credibility that is often missing in superheroes. Then there's the Joker, Jack Nicholson's Joker. And I'm actually going to complain here, because he is so tremendous, he too often overshadows Batman. He arguably is the perfect cast to play the Joker, and brings to the character cruelty, mercilessness, still he manages to be gloomy and poetic.

Let me see what's left... the action! Though action isn't exactly what comes to your mind when you think of Tim Burton, he did an admirably job here. The action scenes are impressing but measured. Burton, as the great director he is, knows how not to overdo.

A suggestion? See this movie, it truly is a gem.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

Genre

Action | Sci-Fi

Director

Zack Snyder

Country

USA

Cast

Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Jeremy Irons, Holly Hunter, Gal Gadot, Robin Atkin Downes, Tao Okamoto, Ray Fisher, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, Michael Shannon, Harry Lennix, Christina Wren, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Lauren Cohan

Storyline

Fearing the actions of Superman (Henry Cavill) are left unchecked, Batman (Ben Affleck) takes on the man of steel, while the world wrestles with what kind of a hero it really needs. With Batman and Superman fighting each other, a new threat, Doomsday (Robin Atkin Downes), is created by Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg). It's up to Superman and Batman to set aside their differences along with Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) to stop Lex Luthor and Doomsday from destroying Metropolis.

Opinion

My excitement was so high I went to the cinema on Wednesday night, even though that meant staying awake until almost one in the morning to see the whole thing. Big challenge for me considering the poor outcome of "Man of Steel", but, and I can't believe I'm actually saying it, Zack Snyder did a good job for once, and I haven't miss a single frame despite being tired as hell. Without further ado, here's my thoughts on one of the most anticipated films of 2016.

A great piece of entertainment, "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" is a solid foundation for the DC Cinematic Universe.

The opening sequence was not what I expected but it shows Snyder's visual creativity and wowed me for the first time that night: while the opening credits rolls in, in a dream-like sequence, is told the murder of Bruce Wayne's parents, without mince words since we all know the story, later to move the action in Metropolis, while it is being destroyed by Zod, this time shown from Batman's point of view.

I won't spoil anything, but the film goes on showing a series of actions that will bring the two superheroes, Batman and Superman, to the fateful clash, that eventually turns out to be nothing more than the outcome of a series of misunderstandings.

This first part is beautifully done, it is so well made that the idea of Zack Snyder making it won't even cross your mind for a second. Simply spectacular.

In the second part, the good old Zack just couldn't resist to the temptation, and indeed loaded it with a lot of action. While this was a major issue with "Man of Steel", in "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" the action is appropriately dosed and has really improved since 2013. The fight between Batman and Superman is quite amazing.


Despite one terrible scene - you'll know what I'm talking about when you'll see the film -, the CGI is actually good. Doomsday was frightening, threatening, all I wanted to see in such a character.

Unlike in the previous film, Snyder did not use action and special effects to compensate the lack of a good story. Actually, overall, the story is well written, it has the right amount of twists and a good amount of humour enough to be compelling and very entertaining. To be honest, though, there are some plot holes, and the story could have been developed a little better in the second part of the film.

The film also features quite beautiful cinematography, colours and atmosphere as well as a thrilling score from Hans Zimmer and  Junkie XL.

Something I was worried about was Ben Affleck playing Batman and Jesse Eisenberg playing Lex Luthor. While Christian Bale will always be my favourite Batman, Affleck did a wonderful job, he was intense, and played beautifully both the aged Bruce Wayne and Batman, and he can finally shake off "Daredevil". Jesse Eisenberg's casting was questionable, and I was worried he was going to kill Lex Luthor. Well, I've never been so happy to be wrong. He is quite a villain, deceiving, and convincing, a true devil. He still played Jesse Eisenberg, but really had something new this time. Gal Gadot is the other member of the cast standing out. Eff the haters, because she owned the role of Wonder Woman in every possible way, and she also nailed it as Diana. And now the other side of the coin: Henry Cavill. If he didn't convince you in "Man of Steel", he won't convince you neither here. As if looking like a piece of wood was not enough, he has also lost charm.

Overall, "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" is a great improvement on "Man of Steel", but it is not as good as Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight". Not even remotely.

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Genre

Action | Drama | Thriller

Director

Christopher Nolan

Country

USA | UK

Cast

Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson, Cillian Murphy, Joey King, Josh Pence, Nestor Carbonell, Alon Abutbul, Juno Temple, Matthew Modine, Ben Mendelsohn, Brett Cullen, Chris Ellis, Aidan Gillen, Burn Gorman, Rob Brown, Desmond Harrington, Josh Stewart, Tom Conti, William Devane, Aaron Eckhart

Storyline

8 years after the Batman (Christian Bale) taking the fall for murders committed by Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), the Dark Knight is forced to return to save Gotham City from Bane (Tony Hardy), a terrorist, and former member of the League of Shadows.

Opinion

As I finished the Dark Knight trilogy, I'm assailed by melancholy and sadness, and the following quote comes to my mind, "Don't cry because it's over, but smile because it happened", because for not liking neither DC Comics nor Batman, I loved Nolan's franchise.

The Dark Knight Rises is a brilliant, intense, emotional, brutal, potent final chapter that concludes the best superhero series ever.

Christopher Nolan incredibly managed to maintain the high level of the previous two films, and crafted a two hours and 44 minutes long film that not only is never dragged or dull, but it is so spectacular, and entertaining you'll demand for more, because you will never get enough.

The screenplay, written by Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer, is brilliant, and dialogue is smart as Lucius Fox, and the characters are amazing. As also happened in "The Dark Knight" Batman is a little left behind, and more space it's given to other characters, in particular to the villain, Bane. He might not come too close to the greatness of The Joker, but this time Batman has to face a physical, and not psychical enemy. Still, I think removing Alfred was a mistake, because he took away much of the humour and humanity.

The several acting sequences are spectacular, thrilling and jaw-dropping. The musical score by Hans Zimmer is terrific and enhances the film.

Christian Bale has been brilliant throughout the whole franchise as Batman, and this time adds lot of emotional depth to the character - the only thought of Ben Affleck playing Batman in the future makes me cringe. Tom Hardy is terrifying, intimidating as Bale, and he manages to do that only with his eyes. Some people from the US have been saying they couldn't understand much of what he was saying, but I don't really see how that's possible since I understood every single word he said; and English is not even my mothertongue. Anne Hathaway is the perfect casting for Catwoman. Marion Cotillard does a pretty good job, even though her character isn't well developed. Michael Caine gives a heartfelt performance as Alfred. Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman do great as Jim Gordon and Lucius Fox. Joseph Gordon-Levitt perfectly fits Robin, and gives a great performance.

Quotes

Jim Gordon: [reading from Charles Dickens's "A Tale of Two Cities"] I see a beautiful city and a brilliant people rising from this abyss. I see the lives for which I lay down my life, peaceful, useful, prosperous and happy. I see that I hold a sanctuary in their hearts, and in the hearts of their descendants, generations hence. It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to, than I have ever known.

The Dark Knight (2008)

Genre

Action | Crime | Drama

Director

Christopher Nolan

Country

USA | UK

Cast

Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Heath Ledger, Gary Holma, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Morgan Freeman, Eric Roberts, Chin Han, Colin McFarlane, Nestor Carbonell, Keith Szarabajka, Monique Gabriela Curnen, Anthony Michael Hall, Joshua Harto, Melinda McGraw, Nathan Gamble, Tom Lister Jr., Michael Jai White, Ritchie Coster, William Fichtner, Cillian Murphy

Storyline

With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Batman (Christian Bale) sets out to dismantle the remaining criminal organizations that plague the streets of Gotham. The partnership proves effective, but soon they find themselves prey to a reign of chaos unleashed by a rising criminal mastermind known as The Joker (Heath Ledger).

Opinion

Darker and more sinister than its predecessor, The Dark Knight is entertaining as a comic book adaptation would demand, and deep, and thrilling as Nolan's films are, and indeed the best superhero film ever made -- do better is impossible.

As mentioned before, Nolan managed to blend to perfection the entertainment component, and a psychological depth and a thematic seriousness never reached by any other film based on a comic book.
Along with his brother Jonathan - with whom he had already teamed up for "Memento" and "The Prestige", two of his best films indeed -, Christopher Nolan wrote the screenplay to perfection. The dialogue is pure gold, and almost every single line is memorable. Also, they perfectly managed to handle all the characters, giving each great importance in the story, no longer focused on Batman. The most impressive character is unarguably the villain, the Joker - big credits go to Jonathan and Christopher Nolan for the writing and treatment of the character.

The action sequences are thrilling and absolutely spectacular - for once the exorbitant budget has been used properly -, and the wonderful shots are breathtaking. The makeup and the visual effects are fantastic. The musical score by Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard è flawless.

The acting is sublime. Christian Bale is wonderful as Bruce Wayne/Batman. Michael Caine perfectly fits the part of Alfred. Aaron Eckhart is great as Harvey Dent/Two Face. Maggie Gyllenhaal's Rachel Dawes is much better than Katie Holmes, and she is terrific in every scene. Also she has great chemistry both with Bale and Eckhart. Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman are also great. However, the star is Heath Ledger. He delivers an astonishing performance as The Joker: he manages to get inside your head, and make you laugh at his sick jokes. The performance is definitely Oscar-worthy, too bad he has not lived long enough to accept the award.

Quotes

Harvey Dent: You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.

The Joker: Do you want to know why I use a knife? Guns are too quick. You can't savor all the... little emotions. In... you see, in their last moments, people show you who they really are.

Batman: Sometimes the truth isn't good enough, sometimes people deserve more. Sometimes people deserve to have their faith rewarded.

Batman Begins (2005)

Genre

Action | Sci-Fi

Director

Christopher Nolan

Country

USA | UK

Cast

Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes, Gary Oldman, Cillian Murphy, Morgan Freeman, Tom Wilkinson, Rutger Hauer, Ken Watanabe, Gus Lewis, Emma Lockhart, Mark Boone Junior, Larry Holden, Colin McFarlane, Christine Adams, Linus Roache, Sara Stewart, Charles Edwards

Storyline

After training with his mentor (Liam Neeson), Batman, alias Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale), begins his war on crime to free the crime-ridden Gotham City from corruption. 

Opinion

I am not a DC Comics fan, and I surely don't like bats, but I've always been kind of fascinated by the new Batman trilogy. Maybe it's because of the extraordinary director, maybe because of the wonderful cast. I don't know, I'm still trying to figure it out, but the thing is I love it.

Simply the best - or one of the best - superhero film ever made, Batman Begins has it all: action, drama, depth and thrills.

By telling the tale of how Bruce Wayne faced his fears and the loss of his parents to become the crime fighting legend called Batman, Christopher Nolan stars a spectacular trilogy, and gives to one of the best and more iconic DC Comics superheroes the treatment he deserves. Also, his way of telling stories will keep you interested throughout the whole film.

The excellent dialogue is carefully tended; the screenplay, written by Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer, provides good basis for character development, and even though the secondary villain, Scarecrow, isn't much developed, I appreciate Nolan's' choice of focusing on Bruce Wayne.

The action scenes are a little messy, yet spectacular - the Batmobile chase is outstanding. The wonderful, dark, gloomy cinematography by Wally Pfister perfectly enhances the scenes involving Batman. The musical score by Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard is perfect.

However, if possible, the acting is even better. Christian Bale is a real chameleon, and he delivers a wonderful and emotional performance as a serious, and determined Bruce Wayne. Michael Caine is absolutely perfect as Alfred. Liam Neeson wonderfully portrays the main villain, Ra's Al Ghul. Cillian Murphy gives his character, Scarecrow, the right amount of insanity. Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, and Tom Wilkinson are also great. Ken Watanabe is wasted, but he does a pretty good job with his little screen time. Unfortunately, Katie Holmes makes you hate Rachel Dawes.

Quotes

Alfred Pennyworth: Why do we fall sir? So that we can learn to pick ourselves up.

Rachel Dawes: It's not who you are underneath, it's what you do that defines you.