Movie report: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1

Movie report: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1

“The Dark Knight Returns” is probably my favorite Batman story of all time. The four-issue 1986 graphic novel by Frank Miller and Klaus Jonson contains not only terrific lines (“This would be a good death. But not good enough.”), but some of the most striking images ever.

Part 1 of this story was turned into an animated film in 2012, and why it’s taken me so long to see it, I have no idea. The animated film is terrific, totally faithful to the original, but making it all more real.
The premise of the story is that Batman has been retired for ten years, partly due, we learn, to the death of the second Robin, Jason Todd. The now 55-year-old Bruce Wayne has been trying to channel his energies into  the rehabilitation of villains like Two-Face and Joker, as well as indulging in ultra-macho, near-suicidal hobbies such as racing Formula One cars out of which he has ripped the safety equipment.
In those ten years, Gotham City has gotten worse – much worse. Not only the usual crime, but the rise of a savage gang called the Mutants, whose goal is not gain or power but the slaughter of innocents – the more slaughter and the more innocent, the better. The police are overwhelmed by this threat.
Bruce Wayne tries to hold out against his inner demons, but it’s no use. His past is drawing him back in and, one night, he finally comes out of his self-imposed retirement. He’s a one-man anti-crime-wave. Some see him as a dangerous vigilante, others are more like the veteran cop who says to his rookie partner, “Watch this, kid. You’re in for a show.”
One of the innocents he saves is teenager Carrie Kelly. She’s as lost in her pointless life as Bruce Wayne is in his, and she chooses a similar escape. She leverages her gymnastic and martial arts skills – not to mention her sewing ability to create a new costume – to become the new Robin. Her scenes with Batman are very funny. The jaded and uber-control-freak Batman and the free spirit Robin.
Other characters serve as compare and contrast. Commissioner Gordon is facing retirement in a few days. But, unlike Bruce Wayne, he has something to go towards: his loving wife and daughter. Two-Face also struggles with his inner demons – and surrenders to them, as Batman does.
The animated film is filled with action, great dialog, and memorably visual scenes.
Can’t wait to see part 2!

Recommendation: Highly recommended, but a little disturbing for kids.



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