Jack Nicholson should have his Oscars taken away for what he did in this film. Awful. Tedious. Meh. Clearly I've been spoiled by watching the Nolan films first.
A friend convinced me I had to see this early Tim Burton adaptation of the Batman, and I was really disappointed. The plot is incredibly boring. Almost nothing happens in the entire movie, most characters are forgettable and the whole Kim Basinger love interest is almost laughable.
Tim Burton nails the comic book visuals, which, I guess, is what saves this movie for most people. It wasn't enough for me though, as it was the ONLY aspect it had going for it. Not even Jack Nicholson's supposedly masterful portrayal of the Joker did anything for me. I was very surprised that it wasn't more spectacular to be perfectly honest. I don't understand all the recognition he got for the part.
The movie is older than I am, and that might be why my experience was sour. I guess Burton's Batman belongs to an earlier generation. But that's alright. I'm perfectly satisfied with Nolan's.
EDIT: I just watched Batman Returns (1992). Way, way better.
First of the four 80/90ies Batman movies. Great design, looks sensational and fun cast with a perfect Keaton as Batman. But was never a favorite of mine. Not in 89 and aged badly. Watched it with my son of 9, he was also underwhelmed. As he said, it took too long and was dragging in places. Ok but not great!
In the sense that they don’t make movies like this anymore, I suppose it is kind of dated... but that’s also part of its appeal. I love the way it initially focuses more on the journalists than Batman; the way it’s unashamedly comic book-y in its handling of characters and plot; the grandiose production design that mixes eras and fantastical alternative realities...
Also, Jack Nicholson has been somewhat overshadowed by there being so many other brilliant interpretations of the Joker in the decades since, but we shouldn’t forget how fantastic he was too.
Great design ideas, though the performances tend to sound written rather than meant. Still, hard to fault Jack Nicholson's Joker, and the right mood is evoked throughout.
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Comments 1 - 15 of 19
The_Pretender
Awful movie, but hey it's Tim Burton so hardly surprising. Jack Nicholson was pretty good though.Principessa82
Jack Nicholson should have his Oscars taken away for what he did in this film. Awful. Tedious. Meh. Clearly I've been spoiled by watching the Nolan films first.nicolaskrizan
has its ups and downshttps://beyond1001movies.wordpress.com/2015/11/24/backtrack-batman-1989/
Vig
Wow the 80s were just awfuljunegoon
Hateable flickToljus
Really hasn't aged well; nigh-unwatchable now.jasonbudd06
Jack was awesome in this movie. Poor casting for Bruce Wayne though. I mean a slightly chubby and balding Michael Keaton?thekure23
A friend convinced me I had to see this early Tim Burton adaptation of the Batman, and I was really disappointed. The plot is incredibly boring. Almost nothing happens in the entire movie, most characters are forgettable and the whole Kim Basinger love interest is almost laughable.Tim Burton nails the comic book visuals, which, I guess, is what saves this movie for most people. It wasn't enough for me though, as it was the ONLY aspect it had going for it. Not even Jack Nicholson's supposedly masterful portrayal of the Joker did anything for me. I was very surprised that it wasn't more spectacular to be perfectly honest. I don't understand all the recognition he got for the part.
The movie is older than I am, and that might be why my experience was sour. I guess Burton's Batman belongs to an earlier generation. But that's alright. I'm perfectly satisfied with Nolan's.
EDIT: I just watched Batman Returns (1992). Way, way better.
Dieguito
The classic one. The first is always the best!naruto-uzumaki
i very love the first batman and my opinion its the best of all!Earring72
First of the four 80/90ies Batman movies. Great design, looks sensational and fun cast with a perfect Keaton as Batman. But was never a favorite of mine. Not in 89 and aged badly. Watched it with my son of 9, he was also underwhelmed. As he said, it took too long and was dragging in places. Ok but not great!emi-lee
Michael Keaton is my favourite Batman; Jack Nicholson is fantastic as The Joker. I LOVE this movie!JCS
Good for its time probably but much prefer the new films.badblokebob
In the sense that they don’t make movies like this anymore, I suppose it is kind of dated... but that’s also part of its appeal. I love the way it initially focuses more on the journalists than Batman; the way it’s unashamedly comic book-y in its handling of characters and plot; the grandiose production design that mixes eras and fantastical alternative realities...Also, Jack Nicholson has been somewhat overshadowed by there being so many other brilliant interpretations of the Joker in the decades since, but we shouldn’t forget how fantastic he was too.
Siskoid
Great design ideas, though the performances tend to sound written rather than meant. Still, hard to fault Jack Nicholson's Joker, and the right mood is evoked throughout.Showing items 1 – 15 of 19