Watch Along: Batman!

Watch Batman Returns next. Skip Batman Forever and Batman and Robin. And go directly into The Dark Knight Trilogy. You Won’t regret it.

Joe M

Wow. This movie was a lot worse than I remember it. As for "how they move on", there's Batman Returns in this set of films and then a couple other not worth watching. Unfortunately, DC has never been able to construct a story universe that is anywhere near as good as the current MCU. They'll make 2-3 movies in a series and then start all over again. The Nolan trilogy for Batman is by far the best thing that'll been done in that universe in the last 30 years, and that's again only 3 movies and then done. Then again, there was Batman the Animated Series, and that was pretty cool.

Hylaea

@Tyler - You're correct of course but I was actually thinking of the nihilistic, bat-crap crazy side.

T.J. Gengler

Both movies can be thoroughly enjoyed without any consideration at all for Mr. Krabs.

I grew up with the original Warriors in theaters and on HBO, then watched the Director's Cut on DVD some time in the early 2000's. Understanding the latter was the director's original intent, I appreciate the latter and do not find it underwhelming in any way at all. I'm not going to dictate which version she should watch. She could easily be pleased with either one.

She should just make absolutely sure to see the theatrical version of The Warriors, and not the "Director's Cut" with the underwhelming and unnecessary computer cartoon transitions. Cool idea, but definitely something that should have been done by a traditional comic book artist by hand, and not using clean digital artwork.

Tyler Foster

She's already seen another side of Mr. Krabs, given Clancy Brown played Hadley, the cruel lead prison guard in Shawshank Redemption.

Tyler Foster

I could flow with HIGHLANDER if for no other reason than it would show Ashleigh another side of Mr Krabs.

T.J. Gengler

I agree the first two Superman movies are so great, the third and fourth aren't as great but I still watch them because they are so silly.

Kristine Friling

Three more classics you might consider: (1) American Graffiti, (2) Crocodile Dundee, and (3) Crocodile Dundee Part II. I like Crocodile Dundee Part II much better, though both are fantastic films, but you'd have to watch the first one to better understand the second. As for the comic book universes, you MUST watch (1) The Dark Knight and (2) Joker! Both are at the top of their game in their own way!

Like so many of the commenters, I watched this as a youngster and feel that it started me out on Batman/hero films. From the classic Batman movies (everything before Batman Begins) this is 100% my favorite. The comedy and action throughout was very well done and the acting is top notch. Good stuff, great pick by the commenter. :D My only gripe is that you didn't begin with the first DC film Superman which came out in 1978. I have a strong feeling that you'll enjoy that as well. :)

Logan Kerlee

I had this on VHS as a kid and absolutely wore the tape out. It's the movie that made me a Batman fan for life.

Andy H.

/highfive

Midge

Jack Nicholson is my favorite Joker.

Bill Bevins

I would highly recommend the animated movie Batman: Mask of the Phantasm. Personally i find it to have one of the best origin stories for Batman and not to mention one of his best movies.

Patrick Toscano

You're right, that was not a computer. That was a microfiche viewer. Google it and be amazed. :)

Kathy Ice

I must have seen this a million times on VHS (the very first movie I owned) but watching it now it seems as cheesy and corny as watching reruns of the 1960s Batman TV show was back then... Specially the dialogue it's cringy AF... lots of plot holes and leaps of logic and the neck thingy, never thought about it then but can't unsee now... Still it holds a special place in my heart, still love the darkness of it, the style, the music of course, big Danny Elfman fan... I was sure Ashleigh wasn't going to like it, glad I was wrong... now I hope you watch Batman Returns... it has the same problems as this one but it's more fun and entertaining...

Moni Castaneda

The cheese factor you spoke of; this really was the transitional movie between mainstream comic book movies and TV shows being pretty much a strictly for kids thing, and the movies for grown-ups to go see by themselves. Yes, the celebration scene was partly due to contract obligations between the studio and Prince, Tim Burton and the studio, etc. There's a whole behind the scenes mess about the use of music in this movie, who wanted what, who got to use the word "soundtrack". All I know is this movie really opened my eyes as far as far as the importance of music and film, and how wonderful Danny Elfman is.

Kenton Kruger

Thanks for doing watch-alongs. It's fun to re-watch these movies. This one came out the year I graduated high school. There are many origin stories. DC's earlier movies took a lot of liberties, but as long as we were all having fun, great! I'm glad you had a good time.

Jill Peterson

Oh, and while I prefer the Nolan pictures, this is as good a place as any to start with Batman. Any earlier and you have to go back to Adam West and I'm really not sure how if that works today at all.

Keith Jones

I haven't watched this in at least 15 years. I went to the theaters to see it twice. This came out the year I started dating my wife. I went to see it with her, and I went to see it with friends. Got it on VHS and probably watched it dozens of times. Then it kinda faded away as the years went by. Oh, the excuse to be nostalgic...this is why I'm here.

Keith Jones

Dc and marvel the infamous rivalry ;) worse than godfather fandom, and psycho fandom combined maybe a close match to the star wars/star trek group

Eric Greenwood