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Batman Returns Reaction! (Patreon)

Published:
2024-12-25 18:00:11
Imported:
2026-06
Tags:

Files

Batman Returns (1992)

Full Reaction You can either stream the Full reaction below using the embedded video player, otherwise you can click the 'Download' button which will take you directly to Google Drive, enabling you to save the video to your computer instead. You must provide your own footage to watch alongside the full reactions.

Comments

Ryan

Yeah, I’m not going to be making any effort to be objective here. This movie was such a huge part of my childhood and making me fall in love with what movies could do that even being able to look back and see the occasional thing it could have done better, I have no interest in going down that road. For anyone who’s not much into Batman, the Burton films are probably the best way in, since he never made any bones about being more interested in the villains than Batman himself. And in this one, Michael Keaton even got in on the action and asked to cut a bunch of his own material because the film would be better keeping Bruce more of a taciturn cipher. In fact, just about everything here is an improvement on the first film, where you can very much feel producer Jon Peters (later of Kevin Smith’s notorious “Superman has to fight a giant spider” story) keeping Burton from going as far into his own sensibilities as he wanted. But when that movie was a smash hit, he got a much freer hand on the sequel, and to paraphrase another beloved Christmas special, of all the Tim Burton films…well, I’d still call Edward Scissorhands the Tim Burtoniest, but this is still a strong second. It’s also the only comic book movie yet made that actually manages to make three equally important villains work without feeling overstuffed with someone getting short shrift, and seeing how well it worked out here makes it easier to understand why people thought movies like Spider-Man 3 could also pull it off. The downside is that Max Shreck was supposed to be Billy Dee Williams as Harvey Dent, following his brief appearance in the first film and being scarred at the end rather than killed outright, but something went wrong and they actually had the guts to replace him with an original character who probably only works thanks to Christopher Walken’s legendary dark charisma (though you have to feel a bit for Andrew Bryniarski as his son who got stuck doing a goofy Walken impression that kills any attempt at real acting). Regarding the other two, since you asked, these origin stories are totally made up for this film as before this they’d just been regular human criminals who happened to have animal gimmicks. And as you’d imagine there was a big uproar from the fans that continues for some to this day, though the movie’s success still influenced later depictions quite a bit. This was especially amusing with the ‘90s animated series’ version of the Penguin, who looked just like this one but was still played as a posh, refined guy (and voiced by Paul Williams, the writer of The Rainbow Connection). Watching this movie as kids, my brother and I had our biggest reactions every time De Vito was onscreen, similar to how I’d quickly attached to Ursula on my first trip to the theater for The Little Mermaid. We also took to greeting people with “Just the pussy I’ve been looking for,” which I’m sure our parents were thrilled with. But if there’s any one person you can point to for the movie’s enduring appeal, it’s Michelle Pfeiffer, that white gold. I’m very glad I saw this at an age where I was willing to just take anything in a movie at face value as long as it was cool enough, and wasn’t bogged down with any questions of how the whole cat resurrection thing works, because this reimagining of Catwoman as an undead avenging spirit is by far the most compelling of the competing plot points, and even with the Penguin taking most of my attention, I also immediately imprinted on the scene of her rebirth, going through her typical routine like a zombie before the mention of Shreck’s name makes her snap and destroy her childish lifestyle in favor of becoming, well, so much yummier, all scored with one of the most passionate and heartwrenching pieces Danny Elfman's ever done (I was also very proud of myself for immediately realizing the letters she knocked out of the sign made it say "Hell here," before the confirming shot). For everyone a bit too young to have their sexual awakening with David Bowie in Labyrinth, this is what they had instead. And Pfeiffer is almost Nicolas Cage-like in the way she throws herself at every single moment with no reservation, with many critics calling this the top female performance of the year and a good deal of outrage when it didn’t get an Oscar nomination (she was instead nominated for the now totally forgotten racism parable Love Field). The physical stuff is all really her, including whipping off the mannequin heads on the first take and being so happy about it that she improvised the jump rope bit. She still calls it the best role of her career, even though the costume was hell to work in and she’s advised Halle Berry, Anne Hathaway, and Zoe Kravitz to ask their costumer to make sure there’s a way to go to the bathroom. And she was so popular with test audiences that the final shot confirming her survival was added, and Burton fully intended to bring her back in the third film, but unfortunately studio politics struck again and he got booted for the controversy of the film’s more grotesque elements, with his replacement Joel Schumacher opting not to do it. As I mentioned in The Lost Boys, I totally get how that choice made perfect sense on paper, but unfortunately he ended up making the superhero genre impossible to take seriously for years until Christopher Nolan’s Batman films rescued it, paving the way for the likes of the MCU. I don’t expect this movie to have done any kind of opening your eyes to loving Batman, or wanting to see any more, but hopefully you do have a better idea now how he became so popular after seeing one of his all time best stories. And no matter what, it’s always a joy just to see you work.

Thomas Corp

You talk about a fucked-up movie to watch for Christmas. I am in no position to judge as this is in my top ten Christmas films. I watched it twice this month to get ready for your reaction, which was just so amazing. I know how you’ve spoken of not being the biggest Batman fan. As someone who has Batman as my favorite comic book superhero, I’m fine with that. I figured you’d like Tim Burton’s take on the character. His Batman universe is the best of Batman in live action, helped by Michael Keaton being tied with Kevin Conroy for being the best Batman. We both love it more: the gothic drama, the theatre, the camp. Not Christopher Nolan’s talky, depressing, philosophical bullshit. Which is a bit mean, as those are good films. Bit over serious, like you note how this one wasn’t. Tim and Michaeal Keaton say this one’s their favorite of their two Batman films. The tone is set straight from the opening scene, complete with the Pee Wee’s Big Adventure reunion with the cameos from Paul Reubens and Diane Salinger. I love how you had the shock that you did upon seeing the opening, made me simply say, “YEAH.”. You ask is that Penguin’s origin: it’s this variant of Penguin’s origin. Unsurprisingly, the villains steal the show. You express apology for loving the villains more. That’s all the great Batman films and shows; the villains are the main attraction. Here, Danny DeVito is the best live action Penguin, or at least my favorite. You’re right that he just took the role and brought so much to it. Aided by Danny Elfman providing a perfectly menacing and melancholic theme. In terms of film exclusive characters, we have Christopher Walken as the fantastic Nosferatu looking Meyer Wolfsheimesque character that is Max Shreck. Then of course, there is the always terrific Michelle Pfeiffer as yes, the BEST goddamn Catwoman ever. You spoke well about the misogyny she faced, leading to her arc of just owning her story. That scene where she snaps is one of the most terrifying and wonderful scenes, with Danny Elfman going full tilt, just as he does for this whole film. It is honestly a crime that Michelle was not nominated for the Oscar for this. She was nominated for Love Field, but not this. I KNEW you’d so love her in this, and I’m right there with you. She and Michael Keaton had such fantastic chemistry. “Romantic in the day, sexual hatred at night”, as you perfectly described. Probably best shown in their date scene where Bruce is candid about how his past relationship with Vicki didn’t work out, and how both Bruce and Selina just have the honesty that they have. I hear you on the trope of the lack of recognition by the way. That said, they have the great scene of learning each other’s identities. Related to that, they went with the theme at the costume ball. They’re masks are the identities of Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle. Batman and Catwoman are their true identities. So, they abided by the theme, not to worry, Jess. I like the appreciation of Alfred; Michael Gough is the best Alfred. You express hope that he gets paid well, which, as you see with Alfred coming through with his toymaking past, that man earns his paycheck. Sadly, Commissioner Gordon gets a bit short-changed, though we still get a small moment or two with the always great Pat Hingle. You vibing with the circus gang was such a spectacular gift. You express some guilt, not me, I love all of the pageantry, camp. All of it is so good. Could have used more of the Organ Grinder as it would have meant more Vincent Schiavelli, but you take what you can get. Seriously, we both vibed hard with them. Well, obviously, you would not vibe with the Snake Woman, who, full disclosure: I never noticed the snake in this film until this month. Watching this again, I noticed the snake, immediately thought of you, and said, “...Oh, SHIT.” Now, the snake is never given much focus, and indeed, you never reacted to it, nor commented on it. That’s a Christmas miracle and a half.

Thomas Corp

The entire climax of this film stands out as one of the most bonkers of Tim Burton’s films, and we both lived for it. Well, you had the concern for the penguins dying, which did not come to pass. The penguins just chilling and vibing and having a holly, jolly Christmas, nice that this was a relief to you. Everybody, Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle, Christopher, Danny Elfman, Tim, everyone fired on all cylinders for the finale to this, and your reaction to all of it was spectacular. Within the finale, we have perhaps the best dialogue exchange that perfectly encapsulates Batman’s dynamic with his rogues gallery. That moment when Penguin accuses Batman of being jealous of Penguin for being a genuine freak whereas Batman has to wear a mask, and Batman replies that Penguin’s assessment might be an accurate one. Love how you had a look at that part. We also have Catwoman after her revenge against Shreck, which I figured you’d be on board with. Massive credit to Batman for trying his damndest to get through to Catwoman, Michael and Michelle killing it with their performances. Makes you sad that they couldn’t live happily. On the other hand, Catwoman gives Shreck a nightmarish, and exceptionally glorious demise. Michelle, seriously, I alternate between being scared of her and just crying because Michelle’s performance is THAT GOOD. Certainly, she sells the line, “How about a kiss, Sandy Claws?” with such bone chilling excellence that it is much appreciated by both of us. The charred remains of Shreck is definitely one of the most Burtonesque images ever. You are right about that. Gave plenty of kids nightmares, I’d imagine. Not me, but I’m sick. God, then there’s Penguin’s death where Tim has one of his greatest triumphs as a director. The entire scene should be completely impossible to take seriously. Indeed, you have a laugh or two at the cute umbrella part. Yet, it’s one of the saddest scenes ever, that I cry every time. Even this time, I know it’s coming, I brace myself for it, and still, it reduced me to a sobbing wreck. And although your reaction to it is not as dramatic as my own, it got me even more seeing that it got you somewhat emotional too. Ending on one of the more depressing endings for a superhero film. Bruce discovering Selina’s cat, which tells him she lives, which the ending shot confirms. But it reinforces that they can’t be together. The one thing that keeps it from being too unbearably sad is Alfred, sweet man that he is offering the Christmas wish to Bruce, who then reciprocates. And I appreciate how you said that Bruce does still have Alfred in the end. And that’s the last chapter of Tim Burton and Michael Keaton’s Batman. Much though I always am mad that we got denied the proper trilogy, one, this ending is honestly too perfect that I don’t know how you could top it. Two, the two films together provide one of the best double-features ever. I mean, you haven’t, far as I know, seen the first one. But your reaction to this was so perfect and makes just a very emotional experience as we close out the first half of what has been an especially tumultuous and VERY painful decade. So, I thank you for the beautiful, beautiful reaction. And to borrow/paraphrase the closing line of the film: Merry Christmas, Jess. Goodwill toward men. And women.

Josef Schiltz

Well, I have to admit that I liked Batman on the page and the series with Adam West and Burt Ward, but when it comes to superhero movies - (sigh) - I find them mostly heavy going. I just don't find enough charm or character in them to want to watch them. There's only so much one can take. I admired Christopher Reeve's take on Superman though which was genius. When Batman came along, I thought, "Uh oh. Here we go."

Nicole Mazza

One of beloved go-to Christmas films! <3

Brodie Vickers

Coincidentally, at the time of watching I’ve just started dating a girl who also isn’t a Batman fan. Was slightly taken aback on the 1st date when she told me 😂 Barring ‘Mask of the Phantasm’ this is the best Batman movie from the ‘80s/‘90s, no question