Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 (2012)

Slow pace in the most part of the movie.

Pretty Good

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

This is a spoiler free review, so you don't have to worry xD. Batman is like one of the best superheroes in the DC universe, and this movie just proves the point!. This movie is very interesting without any unnecessary scenes/plot. Story is superb and well- written. The action scenes doesn't fail the expectations of Batman fans and the casual viewers themselves. Is it boring? NO! Violence and stuffs like that? YES! A lot of violence actually, and gore and stuff..I still haven't watched the second part yet, but I will write a review once I have seen the movie.Overall - It is a good movie, You can gladly spend 1 hour and 15 minutes of your life to watch this. Again, the only thing bugging me is the violence and It's PG-13.. So I'd give a solid 9.5 on 10...Hope this review helped, please check out my other reviews !!!! :)

Few artists have ever captured the depth of character and dark soul of one of D.C's most popular characters like Frank Miller. Miller's version of Batman has always been strangely non-cannon, and using his unique style of storytelling to his advantage, he sets himself apart from the main events of the Dark Knight. He created his own world for these characters, and was given free reign to do so. So, for those of you who have never read 'The Dark Knight Returns' (ISBN 1-56389-342-8); please go out and read it before delving into this spectacular animation.The Dark Knight shows us an aged and heavily alcoholic Bruce Wayne, some years after he has given up the mantle of the Batman. He's in his mid fifties, still a strongly driven man, but without any purpose. After rounding up and beating down on Gotham's criminals for nearly three decades, he had to give up the fight for unknown reasons. Perhaps to let the city decide its own fate and let the people choose what is to become of Gotham. Maybe because they simply wouldn't stand for him anymore, nor would they let the Batman reign terror down on city streets at night, above the law of everyone else. But the time between then and now has weighed down on Bruce Wayne's shoulders, and the city is rife with even more corruption, crime, and violence than ever before. At the same time, the emergence of a new gang of criminals that go by the moniker 'The Mutants' only aggravates a city on the brink. Specifically violent, and always willing to sacrifice their own lives in the process, the Mutant's crimes are particularly heinous. Kidnapping, assault, and murder are their way of life. They have taken up a particular grudge with the now 70 year old Commissioner Gordon, and only a few short weeks before his retirement. Bruce is compelled by the Batman to once again don the cape and cowl, and seek out vengeance against those who would do harm to the innocent.This is no children's story... not by any means. It is dark, perhaps only less so than Miller's more famous works in his 'Sin City' series. But this animation is not Miller's original comic. This is an interesting, if slightly more tame version of the comic released in 1986. The art itself is a wonderful rendition meant to emulate Miller's more contrastive style of art. Fortunately it is not too heavily altered, despite such heavy use of digital design. They keep the dialogue true to the original, if only for some slight altercations (Gordon's smoking habit for one). But Jay Oliva does a great job of approaching the theme of the original, which was such a violent and heavy theme in itself. The corruption and abuse of the innocent, and how good men and women are willing to do nothing to stop it. This movie shows us Batman at his oldest, perhaps weakest moments, and questions if he still has the will to continue the fight. This film is not without the typical problems associated with comic to film renditions. There is heavy use of digital filler here in the framework, which leads to some repetitious use of the same scenes over and over again. Peter Weller did a good job overall with expressing that effort and exhaustion of Bruce Wayne through his voice. Several of the dialogue scenes between the mutant's and their way of talking seemed strangely dated and fairly silly or out of place. They also never quite seemed threatening enough in this version, to warrant the kind of media coverage they get, rather they seemed like Saturday morning cartoon goons, who await orders from their big boss, and never really get anything done. The saving point of the film however is the phenomenal soundtrack, which is reminiscent of the famous Christopher Nolan 'Dark Knight' series in which Hans Zimmer created some fantastic orchestral works. It keeps the pace of the film, and has some absolutely fantastic moments throughout which lends to that feeling that you are watching something of epic proportions.It is a fantastic effort by the D.C animation crew. Something you don't want to miss if you are a Batman fan. Most importantly it is an excellent retelling of one of the best stories ever written about the Bat.7/10

In preparation for the upcoming Batman V Superman film, I've decided to revisit a few of each of the heroes' feature films, especially those where they come in direct conflict with one another.When it comes to comic book adaptations, there is usually a split opinion among fans. Either the adaptation has strung too far from its source material, or it relied too heavily on it. Either way, it's rare that a comic book film or a TV show can come across an audience which is very clear in saying that it is a perfect adaptation. That's what The Dark Knight Returns films are. Part 1 effortlessly displays a mans' psychological turmoil after years of fighting crime in Gotham City, and then also regain his inner humanity and self-worth. The Dark Knight Returns Part 1 quite simply is one of the greatest comic book films of all time.We begin with watching Bruce Wayne drag race his life away. Taking place 10 years after Batman retired, we get a sense that he doesn't feel as though he has anything left to give. Or rather, he's so psychologically damaged by Jason Todd dying and the chaos that was unleashed on Gotham city, that he is trying to find ways for himself to cope. While I like Part 2 a tad better, this psychological side to the story of Batman is something that gives Part 1 its own edge. This is all complemented incredibly well by Christopher Drake's hauntingly eerie score. Drake has done numerous takes on the Dark Knight, but I've always felt like his score for these two parts perfectly encapsulates this particular graphic novel more so than any of his other scores.Peter Weller voices Batman, among the many talented voice actors here. It mainly focuses on the Mutant Gang who has taken control of Gotham City in this near-future story, but we also get appearances from Harvey Dent and Joker, who give it just the amount of nostalgia Batman needs to put that cape and cowl on again. Dent's tragic tale once again takes a left turn as he was sponsored by Wayne to get his face back to normal with surgery, only to still think of himself as Two-Face and resume his crime filled ways. Joker is only teased, but I love the way this story links Batman and Joker. They can't really go on without one another.Frank Miller also weaves in a Gordon side arc that effortlessly fits in with the rest of the story as he is both retiring and being pushed out for Ellen Yindel, a strong believer of taking down Batman, a much bigger story in the second part. Everything leads to the mud fight. Batman and newly hired Carrie Kelley as Robin, trap all of the mutants into thinking that the Mutant Leader set up a meeting at a sewer outlet. There, we get one of the great comic book fights ever with Batman calling himself the "surgeon at an operating table". With the music, stunned faces of hundreds of mutants, and the official return of the Batman, it may be my favorite scene of either of the two parts. In all, The Dark Knight Returns Part 1 displays all of the graphic novels greatest attributes, while also giving it a memorable score and incredible voice talents. I love everything about this film & story.+Voice talent, particularly Peter Weller+Psychological side+Haunting score+Weaves in Batman's best characters effortlessly+Final fight scene10/10

So in the future, Batman is 55 yrs old and is retired. He has been out of the scene for nearly 10 years and the plot revolves around the aftermath. And his return when a vicious gang that calls themselves the mutants enter the scene of Gotham. Harvey Dent/Two face also enter the story as well, but he didn't seem all that pivotal to part 1 as a whole. I really a entertaining and thrilling time watching part 1, it's just downright exciting and immersive to sit through. From the well crafted scenery and animation down to the cinematography, which also goes into first person view. Even at the age of 55 yrs old, his movements and action as this gritty and dark enforcer was just a pleasure to see. Personally I liked part 1, it just felt like there was more meat to it. Despite part 2 having the face-off with the Joker and Superman. It's a ageless animated movie that shows what Bruce Wayne goes through with his age and him seeking a good death being a factor. They say "a true champion retires only once", but in this case I believe there is an exception. This movie shows why Batman will always be the badass that he is and why he is the James Bond of Superheroes.9.1/10