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When Tim Burton’s Batman came out, it changed the film landscape. There had been superhero movies, even Batman movies, but this was when the idea of a superhero blockbuster film was really born. Dude got Jack Nicholson to player the Joker! This gave Burton carte blanche for the sequel, so he made Batman Returns, and he made it a Christmas movie for some reason.
Well, I get the reason. Burton got to mix his aesthetics for Gotham City with the trappings of the holiday season. It looked different, giving things some panache. Batman Returns is not usually in the “Favorite Christmas movie” conversation a la Die Hard or Gremlins among left-of-center choices, but it is a favorite of many in the superhero realm. Maybe the power of Batman overshadows the power of Santa Claus.
Some say Batman Returns is better than Batman. I am not in that camp. Burton’s first Batman movie is decidedly better in my book. Neither Catwoman nor Penguin is on the same level as Joker in terms of character and performance. Batman Returns is also overstuffed and a smidge too weird.
All in all, I do enjoy it, though. It’s just not nearly as good. The film isn’t as funny, as fresh, as dynamic. I’ve gone to see screenings of Batman. I have no interest in watching Batman Returns again. However, if I were in the holiday mood, the sequel would be the choice. Although, it is not as Christmas-y as Die Hard or Gremlins.
