If you are a fan of the Frank Miller comic series that relaunched the BATMAN comic franchise in the mid 80's, then this is the BATMAN film to end them all. This Dark Knight is gritty and violent. He has no issues breaking the limbs of bad guys or pummeling their face to a bloody pulp.
The story revolves around a 55-year old Bruce Wayne, who hung up the cape and cowl after the government cracked down on masked vigilantes. When Bruce's old Friend Harvey Dent, thought to be reformed, breaks away and resumes his violent ways at Two Face, Wayne feels that he must do the right thing and deliver the crazed mad-man to justice.
But he isn't as fit, fast, or in-shape as he once was. His battles wear him out and he has a long history of drinking to put behind him.
The film maintains the feel of the comic series/graphic novel. It feels dirty and gritty and the whimsical news segments are left intact. Huge chunks of dialogue and scenes are lifted directly from the comic books. This is an adaptation done completely right. The animation style is much more crisp than the sketchy drawings that Miller is known for, but the penciled style and choppy lines that work in a comic book wouldn't work in an animated film. The look of the characters maintain that Miller-esque quality and there are several key images that are recreated for the film.
For anyone who felt that the Nolan features did not do justice to the character, check out part one of BATMAN: The Dark Knight Returns, on Blu Ray now.
I don't know when Part II will be released, but I look forward to it.
“I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass. And I'm all out of bubblegum.”
Certified 100% Serious