WRITER'S NOTE: The following is a collection of reviews posted on my Instagram account (@be.kerian) over the past twelve months. They’ve been organized--and will be posted--by specific categories, in chronological order based on initial (theatrical) release dates, and have been slightly edited. (The dates in which said reviews were initially posted are in parentheses.)
With Matt Reeves' interpretation of The Batman in theaters this weekend (and already generating early praise), here's a look back at a fraction of the animated mythology within the Caped Crusader's decades-long history, as well as live-action and/or animated variations from some of his fellow Justice League teammates and foes.
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FROM COMICS TO CARTOONS
Batman: The Animated Series (1992-1997)
I'm gonna go out on a limb here. Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy is brilliant, no question. And I love Tim Burton's Batman from '89. But Batman: The Animated Series, from the early-90s, is the definitive version of Bob Kane and Bill Finger's iconic character. Taking notes from a great, insightful video essay (courtesy kaptainkristian), I agree that this acclaimed series encapsulates nearly every era of the character and strikes an incredible, accessible, irreplaceable, and cinematic balance of all of those elements: its campiness from the 60s, its swashbuckling adventures from the 70s, and its gritty intensity from the 80s. Like the Max Fleisher Superman cartoons of the 1940s, Batman: TAS is a high-mark in the medium, and continues to have an enormous influence on the entire DC Animated Universe--and DC, for that matter.
With that in mind, there are so many great episodes, it's hard to pick just one. "Heart of Ice" forever redefined the arc of Mr. Freeze. "Perchance to Dream" is a subversive tale of Bruce Wayne's alternate reality. "Beware the Gray Ghost" guest-starred former Batman Adam West. "Almost Got 'Im" is a unique perspective from the Dark Knight's rogues gallery. "The Laughing Fish" is one of Batman's best (if not the best) battles against the Joker. "Day of the Samurai" pre-dates Batman Begins with an engrossing Eastern setting. "Over the Edge" is a polarizing take on a now-hunted Bruce. And "Legends of the Dark Knight" is a great homage to his comic book origins, as well as Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns. There have also been some great two-part episodes, including "Two-Face" (a.k.a., the tragedy of Harvey Dent), "Robin's Reckoning" (retracing the origins of the Boy Wonder, Dick Grayson), and "Shadow of the Bat" (a great introduction to Batgirl). (10/17/2021)
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)
The first theatrical spinoff of the acclaimed animated series, Mask of the Phantasm follows Batman as he is wrongfully accused of the deaths of various mobsters in Gotham City, all while facing the real culprit--the mysterious and eponymous figure known as the Phantasm--and finding connections to an old flame from Bruce Wayne's past, as well as his archrival, the Joker.
The first theatrical spinoff of the acclaimed animated series, Mask of the Phantasm follows Batman as he is wrongfully accused of the deaths of various mobsters in Gotham City, all while facing the real culprit--the mysterious and eponymous figure known as the Phantasm--and finding connections to an old flame from Bruce Wayne's past, as well as his archrival, the Joker.
Regarded as one of the greatest screen variations of the Caped Crusader, Phantasm is certainly Batman's most underappreciated big-screen adventure. It is violent and dark, to be sure. It also showcases tight-yet-thoroughly-engrossing storytelling and complex themes that made the television series so enduring. (10/18/2021)
Batman & Mr. Freeze: Subzero (1998)
Released one year after the disappointing live-action Batman & Robin, this engrossing direct-to-video spinoff of the acclaimed animated series centers on cryogenic archvillain Victor Fries (a.k.a. Mr. Freeze) as he searches for a live organ donor to save his comatose wife.
Released one year after the disappointing live-action Batman & Robin, this engrossing direct-to-video spinoff of the acclaimed animated series centers on cryogenic archvillain Victor Fries (a.k.a. Mr. Freeze) as he searches for a live organ donor to save his comatose wife.
Sure, this hour-plus feature wears its dated special effects and home video aesthetic on its sleeve (or Bat-cape, if you prefer). But its emotional stakes, intense action, and fully-dimensional characters (including a dynamic Barbara Gordon a.k.a. Batgirl) make it a serious alternative to--and a lot better than--Joel Schumacher's over-the-top romp. This one sure kicks some ice. (10/9/2021)
If you consider yourself a fan of DC Comics, yet are only familiar with the dreadful 2011 film adaptation of Green Lantern starring Ryan Reynolds (of which the now-famous Deadpool actor has since made no secret of his utter disdain for), you should consider this animated rendition of the (vague) origin story of Hal Jordan. While lacking in substance, its animation style is edgy and entertaining, and its worldbuilding and characters are engaging. It's certainly a better alternative to the live-action misfire, although not really for kids (some scenes of violence are too intense). Future filmmakers should take a cue from this action-packed slice of the DC Animated Universe. (9/7/2021)
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OTHER DC PROPERTIES (LIVE ACTION)
Superman: The Movie (1978)
There have been hundreds of theatrical features throughout the twentieth century that have been adapted from comic books, particularly in the form of Saturday matinee serials. From Max Fleischer's Superman shorts to the Batman adventures in the 1940s, superheroes didn't really get the big-budget feature-length treatment until Richard Donner's landmark film in the late-1970s.
Although the special effects are dated by today's standards, Superman: The Movie remains a captivating and spectacular epic for young and old, thanks to a superb cast (including the late Christopher Reeve, who will always be remembered for making us "believe a man can fly"), slick direction, and John Williams' unforgettable score. (For the record, I highly recommend looking into the groundbreaking Fleischer cartoons. They're short but brilliant.) (8/29/2021)
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut (2006)
Long before Zack Snyder had a grand-if-divisive vision for the DC Extended Universe--and during the same period where Star Wars creator George Lucas and one-time Dune helmer Alejandro Jodorowsky had much bigger ambitions for their respective space sagas--Warner Bros originally conceived the first two Superman films of the late-1970s as one long picture.
Late director Richard Donner had filmed both movies back-to-back before WB decided to focus on finishing the first installment for its December 1978 release. Donner had shot roughly 70-80 percent of the second film by that point, but was unfortunately let go (he and producers Alexander and Ilya Salkind reportedly didn't get along behind-the-scenes) and replaced with Richard Lester, who eventually changed the tone and direction of the series to camp in the 1980s. (Don't even bother with the third and fourth films, by the way.) And it shows in the theatrical cut of Superman II, which, despite receiving good reviews, left fans scratching their heads and, years later, starting a petition to see Donner's intended vision for Part II.
Thanks to the anticipated release of the spiritual sequel Superman Returns in 2006, WB allowed Donner's original footage out of the vault, and the results are much stronger (if a little unpolished), more action-packed, and sincere. The story follows Clark Kent as he chooses to give up his powers to live a normal life with Lois Lane, only to turn back and save Planet Earth from a trio of supervillains headed by General Zod.
The subplot involving Clark and Lois in bed together is not only unnecessary but out of character. Yet, the film ultimately has the redemptive arc of Superman in the right place, showcasing a morality tale about what it means to be human (self-seeking) and to be a true hero (willingly helping others). With this director's cut, this is arguably where the Christopher Reeve series really ended, giving both the late, beloved actor (and Donner) a proper send-off. Other genre films should take a cue from this. (8/30/2021)
Superman Returns (2006)
A long-awaited, attempted sequel that's more retro than original, director Bryan Singer's modern-yet-classical take on Jerry Seigel & Joe Shuster's iconic superhero and his mild-mannered alter-ego finds Metropolis has moved on without him while the ever-villainous Lex Luthor plots another diabolical scheme.
Superman Returns is entertaining, roller-coaster, and features a splendid A-list cast (headlined by then-unknown Brandon Routh, who bears an uncanny resemblance to the late Christopher Reeve). Heck, the opening credits and John Williams' iconic theme music are a wonderful homage to Richard Donner's first two pictures from the late-1970s. But it's a rather forgettable blockbuster, with heavy special effects, a climax that goes on too long, and a conventional story that didn't leave a lasting impression. At least the franchise was given a fresh (if divisive) slate seven years later.
Trivial fact: Another darker Superman movie was originally planned for a 1998 release, starring Nicolas Cage as the Man of Steel and director Tim Burton at the helm. But the project was canned before filming even began, largely due to one very disappointment 1997 release. Talk about being ahead of the curve. (8/31/2021)
Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020)
This latest spinoff in the DC film universe centers on Gotham City criminal Harley Quinn (a role actress Margot Robbie has now become synonymous with, a la Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool or Hugh Jackman as Wolverine) and her unlikely team-up with other female characters (Jurnee Smollett-Bell steals the show as Black Canary) against a sinister crime lord. It is a huge improvement over the overly-disappointing Suicide Squad, to be sure, and has a more consistent (though kooky), stylized and colorful narrative to spare. But it's still very edgy, sexual (it really walks a very tight rope between female empowerment and objectification), crude, profane, and bonkers. (2/22/2020)
Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
The highly-anticipated and fairly-long-delayed Wonder Woman 1984 doesn't lack ambition or cinematic scope. It certainly has spectacular action sequences (including Diana Prince's famous invisible jet making a jaw-dropping debut), an incredible score by the always-incredible Hans Zimmer, and Gal Gadot still shines as the fearless and endearing Amazonian warrior.
But there seems to be something askew when it comes to exposition (i.e., a few questionable plot holes in Diana's backstory) and in thematically and viscerally illustrating the cost of desires and the challenge in surrendering such dreams for the greater good. Though that really has nothing to do with the stylish-but-not-shallow 80s setting, cheesy as it can sometimes be; nor from any sense of "franchise fatigue," which so many other sequels are guilty of. Pedro Pascal (who's terrific on The Mandalorian) seems underdeveloped as the central antagonist, Max Lord. But it's SNL veteran Kristen Wiig who stands out as the awkward-turned-fierce Barbara Minerva/Cheetah. WW84 isn't a great movie, but it's not bad either. Just a misguided one, perhaps. I will say it's far better on the big screen than on HBO Max, believe me. (1/24/2021)
The Suicide Squad (2021)
The best thing I can say about this latest incarnation of obscure supervillains in the DC Universe is that it's a lot better than the disappointing mess we got in 2016. But that is far from a recommendation. Sure, this action-comedy is colorful and features a stellar cast (especially Daniela Melchoir's Ratcatcher 2 and Sylvester Stallone's King Shark), as well as writer-director James Gunn (of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy fame)'s trademark wit and offbeat humor--even though the film does drag on at times.
But you should know this is very hard-R territory, with characters spewing out numerous profanities and graphic violence (exploding heads, slashed limbs, etc.), giving Deadpool some heavy competition. Gunn has dabbled in such content before, having penned Zack Snyder's 2004 remake of Dawn of the Dead, and directed other gorefests like 2006's Slither and 2010's Super. Also, the marketing may have been misleading in more ways than one. Just saying. (8/22/2021)
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