Each week, I will look at a movie that is currently in theaters or available to stream and give some reasons why people should watch it. This isn’t necessarily a film critique, rather, an overview of what I think is enjoyable about the film, and why it’s worth seeing. This week, we’ll be looking at Batman (1989) starring Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, and Kim Basinger.
It had been 23 years since Batman hit the big screen when, in 1989 the caped crusader flew in for the first blockbuster in the storied superhero’s history. With all the buzz currently around the movie just released, The Batman, I thought it would be a good time to go back to the first big hit with the comic book legend. Batman was directed by Tim Burton who in a sense seems strange given many of the movies he has done since, but, because he deals with darker subjects, even if some are more lighthearted, the dark gives him a playground to use the dark knight. I think we get caught up in the more modern day Batman movies and forget that this movie not only for the time was awesome, but was slightly ahead of its’ time and holds up better than some make it out to. Yes, there was some of the late 80’s and 90’s cheesy moments, but the effects were very good and if you didn’t know when the movie was made, you’d probably guess it was mid to late 90’s rather than 1989. Michael Keaton was the best Batman in my opinion until Christian Bale and if not for the brilliance of Christopher Nolan, might still be in the conversation for best Batman today. Jack Nicholson was a very enjoyable joker, and Kim Basinger was a wonderful love interest for Keaton’s Bruce Wayne. I will throw in one what in the world moment from my vantage point regarding the Vicky-Bruce dynamic. What was that “I’m Batman” reveal? Vicky just found her way into the Batcave? Where was Alfred? Did he allow it? And why was Bruce so casual about it and not even surprised she was down there? It almost felt like a scene had been deleted from the final cut where she had already talked to Bruce or Bruce was already aware she knew. It’s very inconsequential to the overall movie but I had to get a mini rant in there. This movie gets respect, I don’t mean to act like it doesn’t, but I think it deserves a little more attention and reflection as we move onto the next Batman series, especially given that Michael Keaton is slated to put the cape on again in an upcoming Flash movie.
Batman is currently available to be streamed on Hulu.
