I recently rewatched the Batman 1989 movie, which has shown its age. Some redeeming qualities like Jack Nicholsons Joker, but the dated action and the force in the love story took me out of the experience.
Jack Nicholson’s Joker is what made the movie for me; without him, the film would fall apart. He was hilarious with great one-liners, making me laugh out loud. The depictions were more in line with a gangster Joker, with his schemes reminded me of the 1990s cartoon. The Joker’s great laugh and Joker gas were enjoyable. Whereas I preferred the dark knight where the Joker shows up, the backstory didn’t take away any enjoyment.
Though I enjoyed Micheal Keaton as Bruce Wayne, some batman action didn’t work for me. Batman wasn’t as skilled in hand-to-hand combat as I like, showing the age of the film. It led to Batman killing criminals, which to me isn’t Batman. Batman didn’t appear as intimidating as in other forms. The setting of Batman still being a mystery in Gotham felt right in the film. Batman’s Batmobile and Batjet held up for the age of the film, which I preferred seeing rather than the combat.
For me, the worst part of the film was the love story with Vicky Vale and Bruce Wayne; I was not too fond of Alfred showing Vicky the Batcave. Also, I wouldn’t say I liked how they were constantly exploring the Vicky subplot. Show me more of the Joker and Batman/Bruce Wayne. Batman’s love life and Vicky aren’t as interesting to me.
If you are a Joker fan, you will want to see this film. The film shows how Batman has evolved over the years. Putting up with the love story and some character depictions that don’t work for me, you had an enjoyable film.