BATMAN (1989) - Full Length Reaction!
Added 2024-11-18 17:00:07 +0000 UTCHere's the full length reaction to Batman (1989)! This honestly wasn't my favorite Batman movie, but I'm glad I've now seen Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson in these iconic roles! This movie feels like the transition between the cheesy, fun superhero movies into the darker, grittier side that we see in a lot of superhero movies today.
I've already promised to watch Batman Returns (it'll still be a few weeks away), but I'm going to add Superman II before then. I'm sure you all could tell how much I loved Superman, so it seems right to watch the sequel! Enjoy!
Comments
I enjoy Batman Returns quite a bit more (which I was waiting for before watching this reaction, so I could watch them back to back). I like this movie, but the only thing I give it over Returns is I really like the heroic music used in the finale. And yes, that means for music that I do like the rendition of the Batman theme at the beginning of Returns more than this movie's version. My favorite Batman movie is The Batman, though. Yeah, The Dark Knight is probably the best made film of the bunch, but The Batman actually has Pattinson as Batman for most of the film and that puts it over the top for me.
Kyle
2024-12-10 01:51:06 +0000 UTCAnswering my own question.. no, this isn't the first. She saw Silence of the Lambs.
Luis Fernandez
2024-11-19 20:55:16 +0000 UTCIs this the first Addie Reacts to a movie with Tracey Walter? I love that guy! Bob deserved better!
Luis Fernandez
2024-11-19 20:52:15 +0000 UTCI almost forgot to mention another kind of funny thing about this movie, this one is an obvious exception to the “Batman’s one rule is he doesn’t kill” trope. Keaton’s Batman literally blows up a building right on top of dozens of guys, shoots rocket lauchers and machine guys at goons from his jet, and seemingly intentionally kills Joker at the end. Plus they mention some guys being rumored to being killed by him by being dropped off roofs early in the movie (although who knows how much of that was true? 🤷♂️) Either way he’s way more cavalier about killing random thugs in this one.
Doug
2024-11-19 15:08:58 +0000 UTCMore popular actors do get top billing today too sometimes. The original trilogy cast had top billing in The Force Awakens.
Marko T.
2024-11-19 08:18:28 +0000 UTCYeah, some of the special effects are a little dated and the fight scenes aren't the best, but this Batman film still holds up pretty well. 🙂 Specifically Jack Nicholson, he pretty much carries the movie, if it wasn't for him this film would be kind of mediocre probably. Some random thoughts: - Michael Keaton's not my favorite Batman, but he's one of my favorite Bruce Waynes. - Lol, every time Keaton was on-screen looking around as Batman, it just reminded me of that line in Deadpool & Wolverine where he says Wolverine's mask "is really intimidating, it's like Batman except he can move his neck". 😄 - Funnily enough this isn't the only time someone danced around with a limp Kim Bassinger. Tom Petty also dances with her limp body in his official music video for Mary Jane's Last Dance. - Billy Dee Williams was originally supposed to play Harvey Dent aka Two-Face in the sequel to this film, and was eager to do it, but unfortunately it didn't pan out because of changes in the studio and timing, etc. It would have been fun to see him in that role though! - And yeah, Addie's spot on about this movie being a transition between the Adam West 1960s campy Batman and proved that audiences would go see a darker, more serious Batman film. Ironically the sequels to this started getting campier and cheesier as they went, and likewise weren't as well received (the second film with Danny Devito was ok but the later ones weren't great.) It took the animated Saturday morning series and Christopher Nolan to get Batman back on track.
Doug
2024-11-19 04:00:13 +0000 UTCAs much as I love this movie, I think Batman Returns is even better.
Joe Mallard
2024-11-19 03:49:44 +0000 UTCI think what they did here was great. They kept a very dark, gritty theme, but still managed to fit some of the cheese of the original series in it for fun. I remember reading somewhere about different lines and such that Jack Nicholson improved. The one that I thought worked the best, which was probably more of a rewrite on his part than improvisation, was when he shot Bob after Batman steals the balloons. I read that it was not supposed to happen, but I think that one act really hits home how angry and unhinged he is in that moment, to shoot what appeared to be his only real friend.
Vwlss Nvwls
2024-11-19 03:42:50 +0000 UTCThank you for answering my question about the billing credits. I kind of see what you are saying, the 80s was a different time then now. 'Batman Returns' is the better film as I mentioned, I can't wait for Addie to react to it. I wonder what Mel Gibson-Robin Williams Tim Burton Batman film would have been. Its a wonderous what if story.
Kyle Brandon Sanger
2024-11-19 03:02:46 +0000 UTCNicholson was the bigger star at the time; that's pretty much the only reason. It's the same reason Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman were billed over Christopher Reeve in "Superman." As Addie said at the end, she still generally enjoyed it, though I can kind of see where's coming from, especially her being younger and having seen all these 21st century superhero movies first.
Byrd N. Hand
2024-11-19 02:41:32 +0000 UTCI saw this in the theater, and I was in love with it from the very first scene. Before this, any time you mentioned Batman people just pictured the campy 60s era Batman, which is good in its own right, but not nearly are intriguing as this one. And I love both soundtracks, which I ran out and bought within a week of seeing the movie in theaters. I have a collector edition of the Prince soundtrack on CD in a circular metal case with the Batman logo embossed on the cover. I probably watched this movie in the theater at least six times, most of them at the drive in with my girlfriend (yes, we did watch this movie those times). I have enjoyed all the iterations of Batman, but this one and Heath Ledgers Joker in Dark Knight are my very favorites.
Vwlss Nvwls
2024-11-19 01:37:00 +0000 UTCOne of my favorite things about all the different Batmen is that they all have really shone in one aspect of the Batman Mythos. For me, Christian Bale is the "Dark Knight/Caped Crusader" Batman, Robert Pattinson was "World's Greatest Detective" Batman, and Michael Keaton was Bruce Wayne.
Simone's Coconut Squire
2024-11-19 01:19:33 +0000 UTCI've always wondered how a Mel Gibson/Robin Williams 'Batman '89' would have turned out. I saw an interview recently by actor Michael Biehn that he mentioned that it came down to the wire between him and Michael Keaton but something happened and Keaton was chose instead.
Kyle Brandon Sanger
2024-11-18 23:51:19 +0000 UTCI would have to respectfully disagree with Addie, I always found 'Batman '89' to be quite dark, not cheesy. The film was unlike anything that audiences had seen from superhero media at the time. Sure, there are some stupid moments like the Alfred-Vicky Vale incident and the Joker kungfu henchmen. However, 'Batman Returns' is the better film. The marketing for this was insane, Batmania! As it was called and it was a box office smash. Although I'm not quite sure why Jack Nicholson has top billing, I forget the story behind it, if anyone in the members community knows why, please let me know. I think Addie will like 'Returns' much, much better. Michelle Phifer's Catwoman is iconic. Also, in my opinion, Jack Nicholson is the most comic accurate Joker on screen and he's frightening and unpredictable. Oh, and Addie, you mentioned that you want to watch "Superman 2", what version though, the Richard Donner Cut or the Richard Lester theatrical version?
Kyle Brandon Sanger
2024-11-18 23:44:11 +0000 UTCI JUST noticed that Vicki Vale is depicted as having just shot the "Revolution in Corto Maltese". Corto Maltese is also the island setting of The Suicide Squad (2021), which involves a revolution on the island.
Simone's Coconut Squire
2024-11-18 23:30:18 +0000 UTC"I can't see Michael Keaton as Batman" oh the irony! This was a HUGE controversy before the movie came out. There were a LOT of people who were extremely skeptical of both him and this movie in general. I specifically remember my mother's reaction when she found out that there was going to be a Batman movie. "What are we gonna get a 'Smack' 'Bang' 'Kapow' on the screen during the fight scenes?" (Up until that point the biggest non-print representation was the 60s Adam West show and a lot of people were expecting that kind of camp. )
Simone's Coconut Squire
2024-11-18 23:10:35 +0000 UTCJoker Origin: Forgot to mention this in my original comment but the Joker’s origin in this film is one of the most faithful to the comics. In Detective Comics #168 (1951), he debuted as the Red Hood, a criminal who fled to Ace Chemicals after a failed heist at the Monarch Playing Card Company. Chased by Batman he jumps into a vat of chemicals, emerging with bleached skin and green hair, becoming the Joker. Batman: The Killing Joke (1988) expanded on this, portraying the Red Hood as a mantle forced upon various individuals by the mob. In this version, a struggling comedian took on the role to support his pregnant wife, Jeannie. However, after a robbery at his workplace, went wrong, Ace Chemicals. He fell into the chemicals, transforming into the Joker. Though Joker states Batman 'throw' him into the chemicals. Film Comparison: This film leans more into the mobster origin from the earlier comics rather than the failed comedian backstory introduced in The Killing Joke. It also omits the Red Hood aspect entirely. However the movie does introduce the name Jack Napier, which has since been used as an alias for the Joker in various adaptations post-Batman '89. Another alias, Jack White, has also appeared in the comics and video games. Beyond these, the Joker’s true name remains unknown in official canon. Should also mention that the Joker did not kill Bruce's parents in the comics, nor in most adaptations. It's always been Joe Chill who is responsible for their deaths. In this film, however, it’s Jack/Joker who pulls the trigger, but Joe Chill is still implied to be the accomplice in that scene, believed to be the person with Jack.
LittleGalaxyBoy
2024-11-18 21:31:28 +0000 UTCJust like my experience with Superman it's the same with Batman! Comics, TV Series, then "Batman" (1966)!!! Better than the comics!!! LOL Then this one! I didn't care for the darkness of it, but ya gotta admit (especially if you experienced it as I did) Jack Nicholson as The Joker was very, very good! "Wait till they get a load of me!"
Randolph Tirazona
2024-11-18 19:24:37 +0000 UTCLooking forward to your reaction for Superman 2
inspectordh
2024-11-18 19:06:15 +0000 UTCI feel the '60s TV series also played into Schumacher's vision.
Byrd N. Hand
2024-11-18 18:20:58 +0000 UTCI maintain Michael Gough is the greatest Alfred who ever was. The world nearly lost its mind with this movie. Originally the choices of Burton and Keaton were viewed with derision, because both were considered comedic lightweights unfit for a project like this. Then when it came out and was hugely successful, you had the "not my Batman" types who hated the gothic tone and disturbing story elements. The whole thing was a bit of a circus. I was a Batman-mad teen at the time and followed it all closely (and loved the movie). Looking back from this age of superhero-movie saturation it all seems very silly. Watch the Simpsons episode "Radioactive Man" from 1995, it sums it up so well. Batman Returns is a great movie, even more dark and disturbing that this, which is why they didn't ask Burton back. The other sequels (Batman Forever and Batman & Robin) are immensely stupid but also very entertaining, I don't hate on them at all.
Andre Agog
2024-11-18 18:16:52 +0000 UTCShadow of the Bat: The Cinematic Saga of The Dark Knight https://youtu.be/kg8GtnPNV1s?feature=shared
Alex Tan
2024-11-18 18:02:06 +0000 UTCThat’s fair. I did enjoy Val Kilmer's portrayal slightly more, especially due to the dynamic with Robin, though it’s not a huge Improvement. I like the timeless direction, which gives it a Streets of Fire meets Animated Series vibe, especially with the 1940s vehicles. However, the campy tone and the neon lights were a bit much for me, particularly when contrasted with the more Art Deco skyline. It felt like a mismatch in terms of atmosphere, and it didn’t really know what it wanted to be. What’s frustrating is that the two Schumacher films were clearly drawing inspiration from Batman: The Animated Series. For example, Mr. Freeze’s origin story was created in the episode Heart of Ice which was then used in Batman & Robin. However, the movies went overboard when it came to translating that inspiration to film. Instead of capturing the depth and emotion of the source material, they ended up going too far with the campy tone like you said.
LittleGalaxyBoy
2024-11-18 17:56:07 +0000 UTCI'm excited for this DC Journey. Superman 2 I'm most excited for of the originals. Also addie, when you get to Batman vs superman after man of steel, it's important that you watch the "Ultimate Edition" it's like the extended cut of lord of the rings. A lot gets added in for better context and character development.
Thats MR. Baldamort
2024-11-18 17:42:33 +0000 UTCNot to mention it ends better... and also handles 1 other key story element better.
Byrd N. Hand
2024-11-18 17:39:12 +0000 UTCEh, the character was just as non-descript to me in the 2 Schumacher-directed movies. Unfortunately, Schumacher's increasingly campier touch married with Burton's more gothic comic book vision felt like oil and water together. 🤔
Byrd N. Hand
2024-11-18 17:30:01 +0000 UTC100% agree that Burton focused far more on the villains than Batman as a character. One of the reasons why I personally prefer Batman Forever when it comes to this aspect.
LittleGalaxyBoy
2024-11-18 17:23:41 +0000 UTCGotham City: Hot take, but I think the best aspect of Batman (1989) isn’t Batman or even the story, it’s the art direction, tone, and Danny Elfman's incredible soundtrack. Production designer Anton Furst crafted a breathtaking Gothic Revival Art Deco wonderland that captured Gotham’s essence like no other. In fact, the comics later embraced this vision with a storyline beginning in Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #27 (1992), where key buildings in Gotham were destroyed to reveal Furst-inspired designs underneath, bringing the city closer to its cinematic portrayal. Within the lore, these buildings were designed by Cyrus Pinkney, an architect who pioneered the "Gotham Style" of architecture. His work was funded by Mayor Solomon Wayne, who envisioned this new Gotham as a city reaching for the heavens. Today, this area is known as Old Gotham City, home to the Old Wayne Tower the tallest building in this part of Gotham. For me, it remains the best live-action depiction of Gotham. I also love the film’s timeless quality, Gotham feels suspended between the 1930s and 1980s, a perfect hybrid of old and new. This blend of eras is something Batman: The Animated Series also explored beautifully, capturing a city out of time such as introducing the iconic Gotham Police Blimps. We've yet to see blimps in a Batman movie though :( You can probably guess that I was never a big fan of Nolan's Gotham City, beyond Batman Begins. it just felt like Chicago, and later New York, without any real identity. It lacked the distinct, atmospheric qualities that make Gotham so unique in the comics and other adaptations. It was too grounded, too familiar, and didn’t capture that larger-than-life, almost mythical feel that makes Gotham feel like its own character. Less focus on Batman: When it comes to the narrative, it’s decent, but for a Batman film, it feels far more centered on the Joker, though Jack Nicholson nailed the character, maybe the most comic accurate look out of all the movie Jokers and the only movie Joker to actually use gadgets and weapons from the comics. Michael Keaton is an enjoyable Batman, embracing the strangeness of the role, but he never got the development needed to fully become my personal favorite Batman. Among the early Batman films, I’ve always felt that Val Kilmer offered the best blend of Batman and Bruce Wayne, especially in the rumored director’s cut, which would have explored Batman's darker psyche even more deeply in deleted scenes. Films like Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993) is the perfect example of what Batman (1989) could've been if it focused more on Batman/Bruce as a character. But it wasn't until Batman: Begins (2005) that we finally saw a live action movie that focused on Bruce thanks to heavily exploring his origin story. Films biggest Flaw: The biggest flaw of this film, at least in my eyes, is Batman killing. It’s something I’ve never liked, and these films don’t even question or address Batman taking lives. While it’s true that Batman originally killed and even carried a pistol in his first appearance, the no-killing rule was introduced just a year later, in 1940. That early version of Batman was later retconned to Earth-2, along with the original versions of other DC characters. In the 1950s, DC introduced Earth-1, which became their mainline universe. From that point onward, Batman did not use a gun or kill, adhering to the no-killing rule from the very beginning. That said, I still really enjoy this film. Batman: The Animated Series took what worked from these movies and improved on it, so without these films, we might never have gotten the iconic animated series. Mask of the Phantasm (1993) is a high recommendation, it’s a standalone movie set within the world of Batman: The Animated Series. So it's a taste of the Animated Series in movie form and is often regarded as many people's favorite Batman movie.
LittleGalaxyBoy
2024-11-18 17:18:57 +0000 UTCHappy Monday, Addie! I hope that you had a great weekend. 😊 I've been looking forward to this one. Aside from Robert Pattinson in the latest Batman movie, Michael Keaton is my all-time favorite Batman. Mainly because I somewhat grew up with him as Batman. And Jack Nicholson is my favorite Joker aside from Mark Hamill's voice work as the Joker in the animated series. Knowing how much you loved the first one, I'm glad that you're going to be able to work in watching "Superman 2". For some early Michael Keaton, I very highly recommend the 1983 "Mr. Mom". And for more Jack Nicholson, I very highly recommend the 1997 "As Good As It Gets". Definitely looking forward to watching this reaction later this evening. 😊
Randee Carreno
2024-11-18 17:13:31 +0000 UTCTwitterPated!!!
Randolph Tirazona
2024-11-18 17:11:43 +0000 UTCYessss!!! "Superman II"!! 🙌 Honestly, your first "Superman" reaction has done *gangbusters* on YT, so I'd say you kinda have to watch it at this point. 😏 The main criticism of these 'Batman 1.0' movies is that they tend to focus more on the villains than Batman himself... though, honestly, the villains are really, really good in these first 2 outings, so Batman taking a back seat to them doesn't bother me all that much. And, yes, alas, a lot of younger people seem to have trouble reconciling the grittier superhero movies these days with the less serious ones from the 20th century. 🤷♂️ You might enjoy "Batman Returns" more... or not; Tim Burton is more unrestrained in that one.
Byrd N. Hand
2024-11-18 17:11:20 +0000 UTCI really like this but Batman Returns is even better. I recommend the theatrical version of Superman 2. The Richard Donner cut from 2006 is unfinished and uses screen test material too.
Marko T.
2024-11-18 17:04:59 +0000 UTCHappy Monday, Addie. Let's get nuts. I'm so glad that you watched Batman (1989), as your THIRD Tim Burton movie in THREE YEARS, since your prototype reactions to Beetlejuice (1988) & Edward Scissorhands (1990), despite not being your favorite Batman movie. However, I must say that the soundtrack to the movie by Prince really slaps. See you soon for Batman Returns (1992). BTW, my girlfriend's brother also watched some of the cheesier Batman stuff from years ago.
Alex Tan
2024-11-18 17:03:33 +0000 UTCI think this movie is better as a 80s action movie as opposed to a batman movie
KingGoji94
2024-11-18 17:02:10 +0000 UTC
