Rest Day Reviews: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns

-"Bahala na si Batman"

We Filipino's has a funny way of creating expressive antics, but there is no question why we often say Batman will do the rest.

I would like to start the  week by discussing the animated feature film BATMAN: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1 and 2.

Warning this post may contain spoilers.



This 15th film in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies series, the plot is based on the 1980 comic book written by Mr. Frank Miller. The first part was released last September 25, 2012 the second part was last January 29 of this year. But for me I just finished watching both this weekend.

"Kalabaw lang ang tumatanda" (only cows grows old)

At the age of 55, time has taken its toll on Bruce Wayne, after quite sometime, his Batman persona is known only as a legend for the youngsters.
He decided to retire after the tragic demise of the second Robin, Jason Todd, (who then recreated,  later became the red hood)

The best bit about this movie, is we can see an aged hero, (unlike superman) Bruce is not at his prime, his hair is a bit grey, his body is not at its prime, he moves slower than before (although its still quite fast than average) Bullets hits him like ouch-that-really-must-have-hurt-like-hell , and admittedly his one blow-knock out punches aren't that really that strong, it'll take two or three hard hit before the enemy face the ground.

But his mind is as sharp as an aged blade, although Gotham's Crime is at all time high, Bruce in-conflict within himself. Does the world needs him and try to be the mask crusader? or
Does he need to defeat his own past issues before he can truly return and fight crime?

A group of Bandits who calls themselves "Mutants" (which I thought was real mutants with powers like the X-Men) wreck havoc in the City, but they are just a gang with guns and funny google glasses that pledge on doing heinous crime rampage all over Gotham. Commissioner Gordon is also retiring from his post, and take note he is the only one outside the bat family that knows the true identity of the dark knight.

 "Bato Bato sa langit ang tamaan wag magagalit" (is that a stone flying or...OUCH! WTF!)

Hard hitting, action pack, explosive sequence will greet you along with a good amount of blood.
Crafted with a subtle political views, the film offers a wide persona of Batman, not just a vigilante but a man with a plan and principle, that the law may not be with him, he stood his ground and defend what he believes against all odds. He became the beacon of hope, a symbol of fear on his enemies. (naks)

Imagine, Batman riding black horse, kicking some criminal arse, enough said.

There are a lot of surprises in this film specially the villains, a different Harvey Dent/ Two face, a Catwoman in all her past glory, a chilling encounter with his arch nemesis Joker who is obviously clever and freakishly psychopath and a muscle hog like mutant leader.

If the villain are terrifying for our old man, lucky he still has some awesome backup like a like the 13 year old girl Robin, one arm Green Arrow (dang) Alfred is still alive aaaannnnddd a super man who is a government dog.

Also Batman has clever disguises that showcased his detective skills.

The two films is one of the best Animated feature I ever watched and I felt craving and wanting for more! The action was there, the logic was intact, the character development is impressive. I must say, I'll buy the comic book once I found one or if someone would like to give it as a gift it would be awesome.

"Superman Vs. Batman"

Recently, after the comic con, The sequel to the man of steel 2015 would include batman. In one article that I've read, they will not follow this plot but the "spirit" of this story line will be vital.
Why will they fight? they practically are best friend?

In this plot line, the government started to act differently against super heroes, forcing some of them to retire, go on hiding or hunted/killed in the process. A war is brewing against the soviet at the states.
The government wont tolerate a vigilante like batman to meddle with it's affairs.

The way I understand it, they sent Superman to stop Batman from doing what he does, even though they point fingers when it comes to who should take responsibility from controlling the mess in Gotham.

Yes they are best friends, but they differ in political views, Superman thinks that this world is for the humans to govern with as much as possible he will try to find a common ground for the greater good and will not interfere with the law.

While Batman on the other hand thinks that the law is not perfect and it favors more on the elite and it has flaws like humans, loopholes and people have the tendency to be poisoned and corrupt while the less fortunate suffers.

Then  Batman kicked Superman's butt.

Some say that the dark knight could kill the man of steel, but that is not the point of the battle, they both know that they can't kill each other, Batman clearly sends a message to let him do what he can, and stay out of his way.

But still Batman send Superman's ass on the ground!

The animation was great as ever, the sound design is fantastic, although the news cut aways and the debates shows are over used, maybe because the points of the different sides varies and to give a viewer a grasps on the clashes of ideas.

So there you have it!
Hope you enjoyed this post as much as I did.

Follow my pinterest board for more Batman Thingys.

If you watched the movie and craves for what happened next
check out the comic book sequel

Cheers!