When I watched and reviewed “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1,” I wrote that it was “...arguably the best original animated movie DC Comics has put together to date...” Now, I hate to sound like one of those Hollywood critics who watch a movie in January and say, “Best movie of the year so far,” then see another movie in April and say, “Best movie of the year so far,” but one could probably lump me in with that group. The only difference with my previous statement is that there is no arguing about whether “Part 2” is superior to previous efforts or not, it is better than all past DC Comics graphic novel adaptations.
Picking up directly after “Part 1,” “Part 2” sees the previous film’s major threat the Mutants disbanded into smaller factions, most notably the Sons of Batman. Taking up the torch as the Caped Crusader’s opposition are Gotham City’s police force, led by new commissioner Ellen Yindel (Maria Canals-Barrera), old time foe and ultimate nemesis Joker (Michael Emerson), and a sold-out-to-the-government Superman (Mark Valley), who takes orders from the President of the United States. Cramming these plot lines into the movie’s short run time of 1hour 16 minutes risked telling a rushed story, but, surprisingly, it it is done masterfully, with good pacing.
I have not read the graphic novel of “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns”–though I am quite sure I will now–but I have heard they stuck pretty close to the source material. I mentioned this in the last review, too, so I will just reaffirm that is the best way to go when dealing with any of Frank Miller’s material–stick to the script. I also think the nature of the storytelling is much more fascinating because we see a Joker that not only has a history of mass murders, but also goes out with a killing-spree upon his escape from the psychiatric ward he is housed in at the beginning of the film. The way the new Robin (Ariel Winter) is handled is genius, too. Too often, whichever incarnation of Robin is used, we see Batman make a series of uncharacteristic mistakes, just so that Robin can be made relevant, when he saves Batman’s life. The writing between DC’s most iconic superheroes, Superman and Batman, is also fun to watch unfold. While Superman has turned himself into a politicians puppet, Batman remains justice’s rebel, doing things his way. Though Superman tries to stop it, the heroes are clearly on a collision course, and Batman embraces it.
The quality of the animation is once again a highpoint for “Part 2,” the crowning jewel being the final square-off between the duty-bound Superman and stubborn, lifelong crime fighting Batman. Beyond how sleek the animation itself is, the creativity that went into Batman’s resourcefulness as he battles the faster, stronger Man of Steel is so entertaining to watch the movie could have consisted of an hour and 16 minutes of this alone, and I would have given no complaint. However, do not let my ravings of this climactic fight overshadow the other gems of combat because there are so many other good ones.
One of my few complaints about “Part 1” was the lame slang the Mutants used. Because they are not featured here, no one has to suffer through their horrible dialogue. If there is a complaint, it is again that “Part 2” like “Part 1” is so short. I would have loved to see the two as one, a long 2 hour 30 minute film, but the horse is dead, so I won’t continue beating it.
To anyone who is a fan of the character, saw “Part 1,” but is not yet decided on whether to see the sequel, if I have any power to sway your opinion, this is definitely the one to watch. Hopefully DC continues to churn out more movie’s like this. I await “Batman: Hush” and “Superman/Batman: Absolute Power,” and all other Frank Miller and Jeph Loeb work on Batman. Given that they stick close to the source material on those, too, no one will find disappointment there.
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