The theme song at the beginning of Batman Returns. It hits harder than the first movie. Danny Elfman is so good, he did the same thing in the Spider-Man theme. In Spider-Man 2, that theme song was eliminated. I guess the timing of when the Batman theme hits, is what makes it epic.
The Batman I grew up with. It's impossible for me to watch this with any sort of impartial viewpoint. I love it. The Dark Knight Trilogy is my favorite, but this will always have a special place in my heart.
These re-watch vlogs are awesome; which helps to live the nostalgia of the classics. And this Batman matches that perfectly - it’s a classic film. Quite a simple film, nothing over the top - in keeping to the classic feel. The movies after this one go into a crappy state; until Nolan reinvents the Bat. Thanks again for sending me down memory lane.
Definitely gonna be interesting to see your re-review of 'Returns'. Like Coy, it's one of my favorites even if it does lean into the Burton-isms a bit. The performances and comic-y ridiculousness are just so good to me. Keaton standing in front of the signal in the beginning is still one of my all-time favorite Batman shots. We shall see.
I saw this movie in the theaters back in 89 and just loved it!!! I was 13 at the time. Later got the VHS of Batman and soundtrack on cassette!!! Thank you Kristian, Coy and Winston for a fantastic review!!! Looking forward to next week!!! 🙂
Same! I dont think i have ever been excited as i was the day i saw it on the big screen. Oh boy happy days. i wouldnt swap being an 80s/ early 90s kid for anything.
This movie was my favorite movie theatre experience as a kid. Was 7 when I saw. My cousin won a radio station contest and we got to see a special screening before the movie opened. That ending scene is so damn epic.
I know exactly how you feel. I can relate. Summer of 89 was very special for those who remember the event that this film was upon it's release. I wore this vhs out.
I remember the first time the bat-wing showed up on the screen, the audience cheered. Then when it lines up with the moon just for a second to show the bat symbol, the entire theater cheered and applauded. 89 was the 50th anniversary of the character so it was in the air, just how special this experience was to everyone.
Very happy hearing all of you but especially Kristian appreciating this movie more. Even though Dark Knight is my favorite, 89 still holds a special place
I too remember how big this movie was, and it seemed everybody had seen it. I was able to take my daughter to watch it in the theater for the first time last summer for Throwback Cinema at my local theater, and she loved it. It was awesome to watch it on the big screen again!
Great video Kristian and one of the things I like about this film is how Gotham doubted Batman at first, they didn't know whether he was an ally or an enemy and by the end of the movie they've excepted him as the protector of Gotham and you have that awesome shot of him looking at the bat signal!
Love the re-watches are back! Can't wait to see you all take on batman forever it's got a special place in my heart even though I know it's not the best. Great show!
Born in ‘87. My Dad said we didn’t stay for the whole thing but brought me in the theatre just so I could say this was my first trip to the movies. Remember watching it over and over on VHS with a happy meal. Would have loved to see a live watch along if you’re still allowed to do those. Keep it up brotha.
Great show. You guys rule! This is my favorite movie. I love how Keaton wears the cape draped around his body, like bat wings, and not thrown behind his shoulders, like Superman does. Every film since these first two have missed the point of him trying to look like a creature and not a superhero. It bugs me to no end. So much of this films details go unnoticed because of how much the shooting script was altered the day of, or completely thrown out. You’re right about the fake money. Joker even says he wants his “face on the one dollar bill.” Keaton was playing it like Bruce is who he is, Batman is what he does. Burton and Keaton both saw the character as a psychopath. The reason Bruce was able to take the bullet to his arm during the daytime shooting is because this Bruce was written as wearing his Batsuit under his clothing at all times. There was supposed to be a scene to show that Bruce would meditate before “becoming” Batman. He was supposed to be an unhinged person who viewed Batman as a separate entity that he had to transform into every night. I’m kinda glad they left that part out. Jack was supposed to be a vain pretty boy which is why he has such an insane reaction to his new appearance. This was slightly eluded to when he’s looking in the mirror and Alicia tells him, “You look fine, Jack.” Jack shoots her a look and says, “I didn’t ask.” I’m sure I’m forgetting some right now because it’s like 4am. Lol. The reason this Batman kills is because he’s supposed to be based on the 1939 version of Batman. Originally, in the comics, Batman killed criminals without a care in the world. The editors made Bob Kane and Bill Finger create the “no kill rule” to appeal to young readers. He’s the only Batman I’m fine with being a killer because of that reason alone. I could talk about this movie for days! Oh! See if you can catch Penguin’s poop joke in Returns! It’s subtle, but hilarious. 💜O+>💜✌️🤙
Michael Keaton Batman always reminded me of Batman TAS and Christian Bale Batman always reminded me of 2004 The Batman Series and I know Ben Affleck Batman was based off Frank Miller but some of it felt like The New Batman Adventures.
Great stuff, guys! This is one of my all-time favorite movies! It definitely is not overrated. Kristian, can't wait to see what you think after rewatching BATMAN RETURNS. Much like Coy, I revere "the bat, the cat, the penguin" on screen together. 💥 And I hope Winston does more of those Uma Thurman impressions! 🤣👏👏👏
So funny that you commented on this one Paul. Vivi brought up the first time we met you while I was watching this. "Remember when I met the Joker dad?" hahah
Great episode y'all! I was 8 years old when this came out. It made such an impact on me. The excitement surrounding this movie was intense for young bucks like myself. I have to go rewatch this now.
@@TheKristianHarloff Rewatch accomplished. Man does this take me back to my childhood. I noticed things as an adult that you might miss as a kid. Like you guys said in your review - Batman decides to just destroy fools once he finds out Jack killed his parents. Action is still good when you realize this was made in 89. I'm going to follow your rewatch schedule as we lead into The Batman. Keep up the great work sir. Winston and Coy are great dudes too!
I saw this movie at the midnight premiere for it. You are right. It was quite the event at the time. I loved listening to you guys talk about it even though I haven't watched this movie in a very long time. I'm looking forward to watching the rest of your rewatch.
"You ain't got no future Jack!" William Hootkins is the man. He's also in Indiana Jones. He's in some of the best franchises of all time. This is my favorite Batman for sure.
1989 Keaton is my Batman. Being 6-7yo, I was blown away at the movie. I also remember the hype of Batman and Batman Returns. My grandma had a Burger King Batman Returns 32oz cup until probably the 2000s.
Always loved this film but always found the Prince Soundtrack strange. Always hated it that Batman couldn’t turn his head either. It’s solid to fight when you cannot turn your head. Great review though guys. Thanks Kristian
Looking forward to watching all these Batman rewatches, especially hearing your recent thoughts on the Nolan trilogy. But also, I can not wait until we get to Batman & Robin. Many laughs will be had with that one
This is probably my most favorite Batman movie of all time. This is the one that got me into superhero shit. I was 6 when it came out and I was obsessed. Everything about this movie is straight up awesome: The batmobile, the batwing, the cast and their performances, the action, Danny Elfman's score, the cinematography, and the look of Gotham City itself. It's like if Castle Dracula was a whole city. That's how it's supposed to look. By the way, I hope Dorina wasn't watching when you took that shot at Batman Returns lol.
BTW Kristian, I just binged The Sopranos over the last couple of months after watching The Many Saints of Newark...it's the first time I've revisited the show since it aired, and I'm SO glad I did. I've gotta say, I got SO much more out of it watching it as a middle-aged man than I did as a 20-something, and damn, it honestly scared the hell out of me about aging. The writing is so rich and dark...I was moved on a level that I wasn't the first time I watched it.
My fraternal aunt took me to see this in theaters in 89 when I stayed two weeks with her in Dothan, Alabama when I was 7 years old. I fell in LOVE with this movie and loved it since. I've had this movie on VHS, DVD, Blu ray and now in my digital library.
@@TheKristianHarloff That was 1989, she took me to see 'Honey I Shrunk The Kids' too. I saw 'Die-Hard', 'Coming To America', 'Ghostbusters', 'A Nightmare On Elm Street 4' all on VHS that trip. But Batman was the BIGGEST movie that summer, I remember it.
Love the big thing. Watch every video you put up. The Batman was the first comic book movie I seen or have memory of seeing. I remember even as kid I was shocked the joker died lol I thought now that’s a character you don’t kill off in a first film lol . I did a rewatch last year and still Love the film still one of my favorites .
Love that you guys are back super excited to revisit these movies and of course I’m looking forward to Matt reeves the Batman my favourite Bruce Wayne is Christian bale and favourite Batman is Micheal Keaton even though I grew up with the Nolan trilogy I hope that pattinson will become my favourite Batman as I love him as an actor
My favorite Scene is at the end with Batman standing on top of that tower with the Bat Signal lighting the sky with that glow and Danny Elfman's Score playing other Batman movies have done a similar shot but never as great as this one
It's SO hard for me to be objective about this movie...I was 11 when it came out. I didn't see it in the theater, but once I got it on VHS, I wore it OUT. My friends and I still quote Jack's best lines to this day. So as a reasonably sophisticated 43-year old film viewer, the movie is definitely dated and very small and quaint in scope. That said, it's so imprinted on my brain from when I was a kid that I'll always love it no matter how cheesy and outdated people may think it's gotten.
Your discussion of how they used Michael Gough’s Alfred to for continuity in the 4 films reminded me of something. Bibbiani has a fun theory on how the transition to the Schumacher films could work canonically: Gotham legalized gambling. In Batman 89, It’s only allowed at charity events like the one from Wayne Manor. In Batman Forever, there’s an actual casino, while all of Gotham (and the Batmobile itself) are lit like Vegas. The influence of organized gambling changed Gotham’s economy & a nightlife evolved. The rise of supervillains also made Batman a public figure, now intentionally drawing attention to himself. Really the only way to make sense of it, if that’s even possible.
They had to dionk the freaking moon huh??? When Bat plane comes over skyline, and just reaches full moon which create the Bat Symbol. Lol. Also Corto Maltese, nice nod to that in new Suicide Squad. Great rewatch again Kristian. Theses younger folks may face watched the movie . We remember her the craze around it. The magazine's are where you got most of your news for movies, and that was what i saw batman everywhere . Was a huge deal for this Character. Thanks and keep up great job
As a kid I was so excited to see this, but unfortunately i wasn't allowed to finish watching it off as my brother ended up scared at the scene where Jack gets surgery done to his face and then u hear the laugh of the Joker. But unfortunately my mum told me and my brother to go to bed because my brother was scared, even tho I wasn't. I had a big grin on my face getting all excited for the joker. But I just had too, so my Dad had to tape record the film for me
I put this up there with Superman 1978. Just like Reeves, Keaton had no template to follow, and nailed it. I agree Vicki Vale in the cave had Casablanca vibes.
I saw Tim Burton's Batman (1989) in the theater when I was 9 years old! This film completely changed my perspective on Batman. I enjoyed this film so much!
One of my favorite things is how Batman misses Joker after firing a thousand rounds from two miniguns, and Joker shoots his futuristic batwing down using a 38. with part of a vacuum cleaner on the end. Makes my dad and I laugh every time.
This batman and batman returns where the best movie grow up with. Love the music n how they put it in to batman the animated series. Batman forever was ok n that where I stop got off. I watch batman and Robin but my kid like it more
@@TheKristianHarloff my wife love that one more . We just watch both of them last night again. I give return the edge of the first batman but love them both
Loved Burton’s first Batman movie. I really feel that movie is what started the super hero movies trend we have now. I like that it’s cartoonish and very dark / morbid at the same time. Loved Alfred, Vicki Vale, and I loved the sequel with Danny Devito as the Penguin.
Bob the Thug getting shot by Joker might be a metaphor of retaliation for Bob Kane taking all the credit of Bill Finger's creation of Batman. Batman '89 gave me a deeper appreciation of the visual arts and the story-telling concepts in movie making. Can't wait to see the new Flash movie!
If you're going to add Mask of the Phantasm to your watchlist, you might be interested in the also amazing animated Batman movie 'Under the Red Hood'. It explores Batman's relationship with Jason Todd, (the second Robin), as well as further expanding on his 'no killing' rule. If you have doubs just ask Coy and he'll say that it's more than a worthy addition.
Batman 89 is my fav Batman., For me it holds up. Love Jack as the Joker, and Keaton is my fav Batman and Bruce Wayne. 89 is the perfect balance for me between batman and Burton movie. For me personally Returns is a little too Burton for me. Also did you know that the actor who played Bob is Jack's friend and he put him in the movie? Thanks for the show.
Watched a ton of news footage and documentary footage of the build up and release. The media/news dubbed the Batman 1989 hype as BAT MANIA. People were going absolutely insane. Shaving bat logos into their hair, smashing the glass to get the Batman posters from bus stops and subway stations, and paying $20 for a copy of the pirated TEASER TRAILER at Cons. $20 for just the trailer! Insanity!
Classic!!!!!!, I was 12 years old when this movie came out and this was MY Star Wars. This was the movie that made me fall in love with movie making. and after this movie came out I became a true die hard Prince fan. That soundtrack made me realize just how fucking awesome Prince was. And after watching The Batman I have to say that Pattinson and Keaton are my 2 favorite Batmen.
This was my favorite movie as a kid. Still love it Michael Keaton is hands down the best Batman (live action at least I might argue for Kevin Conroy in general) and I stand by Jack Nicholson is the best Joker (again live action Mark Hamill is the GOAT)
I never knew about the possible Bill Murray casting, I’m very curious about that. Is that possibly on the list of things that Schnepp was going to dig into?
my favourite part of this movie is the (then) Fatman on Batman commentary with Marc and Kev, during the panda-anda I watched all the TB verse, love the production on this too
1989 was a great year of big budget action films: Batman; Ghostbusters 2; Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade; Lethal Weapon 2; License To Kill; Black Rain!
Favorite scenes in no order: 1) First appearance of Batman on rooftop - “There ain’t no bat” 2) Museum scene - “My face on the one dollar bill” 3) Entire Parade and Batwing sequence - “And where is the Batman? At home washing his tights!”
I think both Batman 1989 and Superman 1978 made it possible for Comic Book movies to become mainstream Hollywood blockbusters. The massive box office success of Batman 1989 encouraged studios to create Comic Book films such as Darkman, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles films of the 90s, The Shadow, Swamp Thing, The Phantom, The Rocketeer, Dick Tracy, Dolph Lundgren take on The Punisher etc.
I have a lot of the same criticisms of this movie as you guys do but one small thing that really annoyed me was that the Joker killed those people at the museum with regular poison gas. I know it's a dumb nitpick but that scene would've been so much better with smylex. They probably didn't have the budget for it.
One thing I really like about Batman 89 is that Batman comes off as a little crazy. Like in the Batcave, he gives a look and asks wanting to know what people are saying about him. Just little things like that as I believe Bruce Wayne has to be a little crazy to get in a Batsuit every night fighting super villains, etc. Batman 89 on VHS was the first movie we ever owned. As by then, the prices on VHS tapes had fallen as they used to be real expensive. Keaton's Batman is my favorite live action incarnation of Batman, just like Christopher Reeve is my ultimate favorite incarnation of Superman. One thing that bugs me on Batman 89 is his cowl is a little rough looking compared to Returns. And I wish he had the chest Bat logo like he has in Returns. i.e. I wish they had made the Returns Batman costume for Batman 89. I've got the Batman 89 on 4k. I don't have a 4k setup yet, so I watched the blu-ray. And just like Terminator 2, the colors are all blown out. With people looking like they are wearing makeup that didn't look like that on the prior blu-ray release. Also, I don't believe they went back to the original film negative for the 4k version. It's probably just an upscale. Also, it looks like they pushed the contrast up too much or something. Hopefully someone can take it and do a good color correction and upload it somewhere.
I remember seeing this on on TV and VHS back in the late 1990's and early 2000's. I think it still holds up as a great piece of entertainment and great showcase for many talented creators and actors. I do understand the argument that its dated, but you could argue that about Superman (1978) or even Spider-Man (2002). But most big movies of the moment get dated over time, that's life. In some ways the late 1980's style and even Prince soundtrack adds to the charm of the movie. It's not a perfect movie, but its what was needed for the time and it brought the character into the mainstream. Also, that Danny Elfman score is just masterful and so memorable.
The movie will always hold a special place in my nostalgic heart, but the nowadays the most redeeming thing about this movie is that Prince was the main soundtrack. (Also I totally had a Bob action figure as a kid, and Batman and Joker, but I still don't know why my parents got me Bob, maybe he was less expensive.) [edit] Batman had a retractable belt, Joker had a squirting flower, and Bob had karate kick action!
I feel like when you watch this movie you have to judge it in context of when it came out . At that point the blueprint for superhero movies hasn’t been made yet I mean what other movies were there Superman 1 2 3 and supergirl lol?I could see why in 1989 people went nuts for this movie .I mean without this movie we might not even have the superhero genre as it is today .
Best Batman score ever. Best Gotham City ever. Best Batmobile ever. Best Batwing ever. I also find it interesting that they began _in medias res_ with Bruce already Batman in the first scene. We only see his parents' death in brief flashbacks.
I do feel sometimes, especially with the bullet-shots, this movie seemed dated. But its a good movie for its time. The characters are great for its time. Michael Keaton embodies what Bruce Wayne and Batman would be in the late 80s and early 90s. A good movie which is dated in some aspects but still enjoyable.
Kristian, (to be very clear) you are great. When Batman drops, could you bring in Mark? I remember that you have different opinions on the best Nolan flick, so having you both evaluate the 2022 would be dope.
Keaton is the best Bruce Wayne I think. His opening scene he's just an observer in his own life, it's almost like he's a ghost looking at someone else's life. You can tell he's haunted and alone with his thoughts most of the time. I always felt pain behind his Bruce Wayne persona.
At one point this was the best comic film for me.. it's been long over shadowed (by other batmans...) for top tier comic book movie, but taking nothing away from it. What strikes me about this movie is that it just looks timeless... Does that effect come off to anyone else? It feels so 1940's but still set in a age that you can't quite pin down in time... It's still great. It looks fantastic still. No special flashy effects, the Joker here transcends just a taken on a comic character. He is his own character here.. Iconic would be the word... So yea still, to me a great movie in every since.
The Dark Camp. That is ‘89 Batman in a nutshell. When I was 15 it seemed dark and a million miles away from 60’s Batman (which I loved as a little kid). But to me in the time (89) it was the seriousness and how dark it was that I was fixated on. It is always the next generation of fans that pick up on the campiness of the previous generation
So I like 89 but I think it is a product of the times, so hypothetically if Burton were to do an Old Batman movie with Keaton today after Flashpoint do you think it would be Good and would you be excited for it
I was born in the early-mid 90s, so Batman was a bit before my time when it came out, but for some bizarre reason, I seem to remember Batman as one of my earliest movie memories at a very, very young age. I loved that movie, up there with The Lion King, Jurassic Park and Star Wars for me as a wee lad. I haven't seen it in a great many years, but I remember the last time I did, I thought that it was really jarring how Batman was just casually icing people because I just didn't remember that (and I always had a problem with Joker killing Thomas and Martha, even as a kid). Say whatever you want about Batfleck, but at least BVS had something to say about his actions, and even then, most of the dudes who died fighting him died indirectly because of Batman or because of their own mistakes. I got a real kick out of you guys mentioning how many bodies started stacking up, because it's so true it's funny. I really do need to check it out again. I'll always have my issues with it, but I still remember it fondly as a really good movie, and that's ultimately what matters most.
i liked it. one of the first movies i got on vhs.Man the Batman insignia posters were all over for 6 months before that movie came out. i didn't think it owed much comedy to the West series i just thought it was Burton's quirkiness. Disagreeing with Coy, Keaton is Tobey. Both of them had uber popular movies and fans still hold them up. I don't care about the Flash but i'll be there for Keaton. Can't wait to hear about Batman Returns, i liked it even more.
Fantastic Show again…loved this movie & Batman Returns was even better..they still hold up really well..these and the Nolan trilogy are my five all time favourite Batman movies…I also really love Mask of The Phantasm & The Dark night returns part 1 & 2 Animated movies too🍿already excited for next weeks rewatch..keep up the great work..I’m loving the passion being put into these shows every week ❤️🎥👍
TIME CODES:
00:00 INTRO
2:25 Winston and Coy are back!
8:40 Let's talk Batman 89
28:47 MANSCAPED
31:42 Back to Batman
58:22 OUTRO
A
The ending scene with the Danny Elfman score & that final shot of Batman & the Bat signal is awesome
So good
Oingo Boingo !!!!!!
I love the beginning of the movie where it's going around the logo.
The theme song at the beginning of Batman Returns. It hits harder than the first movie. Danny Elfman is so good, he did the same thing in the Spider-Man theme. In Spider-Man 2, that theme song was eliminated. I guess the timing of when the Batman theme hits, is what makes it epic.
The Batman I grew up with. It's impossible for me to watch this with any sort of impartial viewpoint. I love it.
The Dark Knight Trilogy is my favorite, but this will always have a special place in my heart.
I get it
What is your favorite part of the Batman?
These re-watch vlogs are awesome; which helps to live the nostalgia of the classics. And this Batman matches that perfectly - it’s a classic film. Quite a simple film, nothing over the top - in keeping to the classic feel.
The movies after this one go into a crappy state; until Nolan reinvents the Bat.
Thanks again for sending me down memory lane.
Glad you like them! Returns coming up!
So Batman is your favorite from the original anthology ?
Definitely gonna be interesting to see your re-review of 'Returns'. Like Coy, it's one of my favorites even if it does lean into the Burton-isms a bit. The performances and comic-y ridiculousness are just so good to me. Keaton standing in front of the signal in the beginning is still one of my all-time favorite Batman shots. We shall see.
I saw this movie in the theaters back in 89 and just loved it!!! I was 13 at the time. Later got the VHS of Batman and soundtrack on cassette!!! Thank you Kristian, Coy and Winston for a fantastic review!!! Looking forward to next week!!! 🙂
Same! I dont think i have ever been excited as i was the day i saw it on the big screen. Oh boy happy days. i wouldnt swap being an 80s/ early 90s kid for anything.
Thank you!
I just rewatched this one as well and reviewed on my channel. Let me know if I did well with my review too?
This movie was my favorite movie theatre experience as a kid. Was 7 when I saw. My cousin won a radio station contest and we got to see a special screening before the movie opened. That ending scene is so damn epic.
It really is
I know exactly how you feel. I can relate. Summer of 89 was very special for those who remember the event that this film was upon it's release. I wore this vhs out.
So jealous of that experience. What part did you enjoy the most when you first watched it?
I remember the first time the bat-wing showed up on the screen, the audience cheered. Then when it lines up with the moon just for a second to show the bat symbol, the entire theater cheered and applauded. 89 was the 50th anniversary of the character so it was in the air, just how special this experience was to everyone.
@@orlandoruizjr3834 I just did a review of this movie on my channel Orlando, you sound like a big fan, let me know if I did a good job reviewing it?
Love the rewatch series it’s been amazing to check out all these older movies and then have a conversation and it feels like I’m there with you.
Thank you!
Very happy hearing all of you but especially Kristian appreciating this movie more. Even though Dark Knight is my favorite, 89 still holds a special place
Totally.
I too remember how big this movie was, and it seemed everybody had seen it. I was able to take my daughter to watch it in the theater for the first time last summer for Throwback Cinema at my local theater, and she loved it. It was awesome to watch it on the big screen again!
That is fun!
Awesome experience, what is your favorite part of the movie?
@@megamikethemovieman I wish I knew.
@@1Nickem I like any joker line moment. I just reviewed this movie on my channel too, you can check it out if you would like my friend.
Great video Kristian and one of the things I like about this film is how Gotham doubted Batman at first, they didn't know whether he was an ally or an enemy and by the end of the movie they've excepted him as the protector of Gotham and you have that awesome shot of him looking at the bat signal!
This is true
Batman/Batman Returns + Mask Of The Phantasm are still the best ones & no other version has ever come even close to the perfection that they are
Still haven't seen Phantasm!
Love the re-watches are back! Can't wait to see you all take on batman forever it's got a special place in my heart even though I know it's not the best. Great show!
Thank you, yes we will be back doing these for 7 weeks!
Awesome can't wait!
Born in ‘87. My Dad said we didn’t stay for the whole thing but brought me in the theatre just so I could say this was my first trip to the movies. Remember watching it over and over on VHS with a happy meal.
Would have loved to see a live watch along if you’re still allowed to do those. Keep it up brotha.
Love this. Not doing watchalongs anymore as the rewatch serves the purpose at moment.
Love the conversation as always, Harloff and crew. Can't wait to revisit 89 Batman. Been YEARS.
Thank you!
Great show. You guys rule! This is my favorite movie. I love how Keaton wears the cape draped around his body, like bat wings, and not thrown behind his shoulders, like Superman does. Every film since these first two have missed the point of him trying to look like a creature and not a superhero. It bugs me to no end.
So much of this films details go unnoticed because of how much the shooting script was altered the day of, or completely thrown out. You’re right about the fake money. Joker even says he wants his “face on the one dollar bill.” Keaton was playing it like Bruce is who he is, Batman is what he does. Burton and Keaton both saw the character as a psychopath. The reason Bruce was able to take the bullet to his arm during the daytime shooting is because this Bruce was written as wearing his Batsuit under his clothing at all times. There was supposed to be a scene to show that Bruce would meditate before “becoming” Batman. He was supposed to be an unhinged person who viewed Batman as a separate entity that he had to transform into every night. I’m kinda glad they left that part out. Jack was supposed to be a vain pretty boy which is why he has such an insane reaction to his new appearance. This was slightly eluded to when he’s looking in the mirror and Alicia tells him, “You look fine, Jack.” Jack shoots her a look and says, “I didn’t ask.” I’m sure I’m forgetting some right now because it’s like 4am. Lol. The reason this Batman kills is because he’s supposed to be based on the 1939 version of Batman. Originally, in the comics, Batman killed criminals without a care in the world. The editors made Bob Kane and Bill Finger create the “no kill rule” to appeal to young readers. He’s the only Batman I’m fine with being a killer because of that reason alone. I could talk about this movie for days! Oh! See if you can catch Penguin’s poop joke in Returns! It’s subtle, but hilarious. 💜O+>💜✌️🤙
Thank you for this detailed and well thought out response. So glad you love this movie so much! Thanks for sharing the passion!
I love that these rewatch series get me to revisit these movies. It’s amazing how much my rankings have changed from what they were before this.
Glad to hear that!
What were they before Ninja?
Michael Keaton Batman always reminded me of Batman TAS and Christian Bale Batman always reminded me of 2004 The Batman Series and I know Ben Affleck Batman was based off Frank Miller but some of it felt like The New Batman Adventures.
Love all the lore!
Definitely agree with you. I've always felt the exact same way.
I started watching the Returns review and had to come back to this one first. This is the best crew for these reviews.
Thank you!
Loved this movie as the kid. Recently rewatched it. You know it's bad when you can anticipate the sound effects haha
Hahha
Sounds like your a big fan Sam?
Great stuff, guys! This is one of my all-time favorite movies! It definitely is not overrated. Kristian, can't wait to see what you think after rewatching BATMAN RETURNS. Much like Coy, I revere "the bat, the cat, the penguin" on screen together. 💥 And I hope Winston does more of those Uma Thurman impressions! 🤣👏👏👏
So funny that you commented on this one Paul. Vivi brought up the first time we met you while I was watching this. "Remember when I met the Joker dad?" hahah
@@TheKristianHarloff Hahaha! Will never forget that day! 🤣🤣🤣
Love the rewatch format. Keep it on in the background while doing misc stuff. Love the energy from these gentlemen
More to come!
Great episode y'all! I was 8 years old when this came out. It made such an impact on me. The excitement surrounding this movie was intense for young bucks like myself. I have to go rewatch this now.
Do it!
@@TheKristianHarloff Rewatch accomplished. Man does this take me back to my childhood. I noticed things as an adult that you might miss as a kid. Like you guys said in your review - Batman decides to just destroy fools once he finds out Jack killed his parents. Action is still good when you realize this was made in 89. I'm going to follow your rewatch schedule as we lead into The Batman. Keep up the great work sir. Winston and Coy are great dudes too!
I saw this movie at the midnight premiere for it. You are right. It was quite the event at the time. I loved listening to you guys talk about it even though I haven't watched this movie in a very long time. I'm looking forward to watching the rest of your rewatch.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!
So excited for the batman forever and b&r rewatch. I feel like harloffs arnold impression will be working overtime
You know it!
"You ain't got no future Jack!" William Hootkins is the man. He's also in Indiana Jones. He's in some of the best franchises of all time. This is my favorite Batman for sure.
Sure is!
What a movie !! It’s just awesome and gives off a great feel every time I rewatch it….”You wanna get nuts come on let’s get nuts”
Oh yea
I say that line in my review of the movie, let me know if I did a good job on it?
1989 Keaton is my Batman. Being 6-7yo, I was blown away at the movie. I also remember the hype of Batman and Batman Returns. My grandma had a Burger King Batman Returns 32oz cup until probably the 2000s.
So happy to see Keaton back
Always loved this film but always found the Prince Soundtrack strange. Always hated it that Batman couldn’t turn his head either. It’s solid to fight when you cannot turn your head. Great review though guys. Thanks Kristian
Thank you Matthew!
Looking forward to watching all these Batman rewatches, especially hearing your recent thoughts on the Nolan trilogy.
But also, I can not wait until we get to Batman & Robin. Many laughs will be had with that one
Oh yeah
My classic Batman reviews started today on my channel if your interested in them, I’m on the road to the new The Batman release!
This is probably my most favorite Batman movie of all time. This is the one that got me into superhero shit. I was 6 when it came out and I was obsessed. Everything about this movie is straight up awesome: The batmobile, the batwing, the cast and their performances, the action, Danny Elfman's score, the cinematography, and the look of Gotham City itself. It's like if Castle Dracula was a whole city. That's how it's supposed to look. By the way, I hope Dorina wasn't watching when you took that shot at Batman Returns lol.
Haha she knows I don't love it.
BTW Kristian, I just binged The Sopranos over the last couple of months after watching The Many Saints of Newark...it's the first time I've revisited the show since it aired, and I'm SO glad I did.
I've gotta say, I got SO much more out of it watching it as a middle-aged man than I did as a 20-something, and damn, it honestly scared the hell out of me about aging. The writing is so rich and dark...I was moved on a level that I wasn't the first time I watched it.
That is GREAT to hear. Such a great show and so glad I was able to rewatch the entire series last year.
My fraternal aunt took me to see this in theaters in 89 when I stayed two weeks with her in Dothan, Alabama when I was 7 years old. I fell in LOVE with this movie and loved it since. I've had this movie on VHS, DVD, Blu ray and now in my digital library.
Love this story
@@TheKristianHarloff That was 1989, she took me to see 'Honey I Shrunk The Kids' too. I saw 'Die-Hard', 'Coming To America', 'Ghostbusters', 'A Nightmare On Elm Street 4' all on VHS that trip. But Batman was the BIGGEST movie that summer, I remember it.
The first live action superhero movie I saw in the theaters when I was 6 years old. The hype this movie had was beyond belief. Awesome
Thanks for checking out the episode!
Bob was the most loyal but there were some other goons you see helping Joker at Axis (when he was Jack) and at the parade. I like that small detail
Sure
Love the big thing. Watch every video you put up. The Batman was the first comic book movie I seen or have memory of seeing. I remember even as kid I was shocked the joker died lol I thought now that’s a character you don’t kill off in a first film lol . I did a rewatch last year and still Love the film still one of my favorites .
Thank you so much Miguel! so happy you are enjoying the new channel!
"Ever dance with the devil in the pale moonlight?"
We have a great conversation!
Love that you guys are back super excited to revisit these movies and of course I’m looking forward to Matt reeves the Batman my favourite Bruce Wayne is Christian bale and favourite Batman is Micheal Keaton even though I grew up with the Nolan trilogy I hope that pattinson will become my favourite Batman as I love him as an actor
I can't wait for it!
My favorite Scene is at the end with Batman standing on top of that tower with the Bat Signal lighting the sky with that glow and Danny Elfman's Score playing other Batman movies have done a similar shot but never as great as this one
Great shot
It's SO hard for me to be objective about this movie...I was 11 when it came out. I didn't see it in the theater, but once I got it on VHS, I wore it OUT. My friends and I still quote Jack's best lines to this day.
So as a reasonably sophisticated 43-year old film viewer, the movie is definitely dated and very small and quaint in scope. That said, it's so imprinted on my brain from when I was a kid that I'll always love it no matter how cheesy and outdated people may think it's gotten.
The nostalgia got me too
I say a couple of his lines in the review I just did of this movie on my channel.
Thank you,. Have been enjoying going back and rewatching, all the matrix, Spider man.. now batman…
Thank you!
Great video! Did ya review mask of the phantasm?!
We do on one of the rewatches for sure.
Your discussion of how they used Michael Gough’s Alfred to for continuity in the 4 films reminded me of something. Bibbiani has a fun theory on how the transition to the Schumacher films could work canonically: Gotham legalized gambling.
In Batman 89, It’s only allowed at charity events like the one from Wayne Manor. In Batman Forever, there’s an actual casino, while all of Gotham (and the Batmobile itself) are lit like Vegas. The influence of organized gambling changed Gotham’s economy & a nightlife evolved. The rise of supervillains also made Batman a public figure, now intentionally drawing attention to himself. Really the only way to make sense of it, if that’s even possible.
Haha nice
Mask of the Phantasm is the PERFECT Batman movie. No other film captures the character as well. Highly recommend!!
Eventually I need to see it!
They had to dionk the freaking moon huh??? When Bat plane comes over skyline, and just reaches full moon which create the Bat Symbol. Lol. Also Corto Maltese, nice nod to that in new Suicide Squad. Great rewatch again Kristian. Theses younger folks may face watched the movie . We remember her the craze around it. The magazine's are where you got most of your news for movies, and that was what i saw batman everywhere . Was a huge deal for this Character. Thanks and keep up great job
Thank you!!
As a kid I was so excited to see this, but unfortunately i wasn't allowed to finish watching it off as my brother ended up scared at the scene where Jack gets surgery done to his face and then u hear the laugh of the Joker. But unfortunately my mum told me and my brother to go to bed because my brother was scared, even tho I wasn't. I had a big grin on my face getting all excited for the joker. But I just had too, so my Dad had to tape record the film for me
Ha I can relate to that!
I saw it in the theatres that year and it was perfect!!! ...but wait for Returns...
This week!
I put this up there with Superman 1978. Just like Reeves, Keaton had no template to follow, and nailed it. I agree Vicki Vale in the cave had Casablanca vibes.
I can understand that!
I saw Tim Burton's Batman (1989) in the theater when I was 9 years old! This film completely changed my perspective on Batman. I enjoyed this film so much!
I get that for sure!
Robert Wuhl showed up briefly as Knox in part 1 Of the Arrowverse 2019-2020 crossover event,"Crisis On Infinite Earths."
Saw that!
7:20 hows its done
Got get it out!
Harloff, what was Batmania like 1989? I wasn't born when it happened, so I only know from news footage, but you must have seen and lived it
I talk about it in this ep. It was GREAT
So which Collider live episode did Winston rant about Pattinson?
One of my favorite things is how Batman misses Joker after firing a thousand rounds from two miniguns, and Joker shoots his futuristic batwing down using a 38. with part of a vacuum cleaner on the end. Makes my dad and I laugh every time.
It is so cartoony
Kristian, I’m not kidding, I stopped watching movie stuff after Collider and AMC stopped. I’m back to watching movie stuff because of your content.
That means a lot man. Thank you! This channel is just meant for people to have fun, watch what ya want to and discuss with pals.
This batman and batman returns where the best movie grow up with. Love the music n how they put it in to batman the animated series. Batman forever was ok n that where I stop got off. I watch batman and Robin but my kid like it more
So curious how Returns will play for me.
@@TheKristianHarloff my wife love that one more . We just watch both of them last night again. I give return the edge of the first batman but love them both
Loved Burton’s first Batman movie. I really feel that movie is what started the super hero movies trend we have now. I like that it’s cartoonish and very dark / morbid at the same time. Loved Alfred, Vicki Vale, and I loved the sequel with Danny Devito as the Penguin.
I am curious to see how I feel about Returns after a fresh rewatch
I did enjoy it, this one and returns I rematches last year. To me it holds up well since it was made in 1989.
I enjoyed watching this one again
Bob the Thug getting shot by Joker might be a metaphor of retaliation for Bob Kane taking all the credit of Bill Finger's creation of Batman. Batman '89 gave me a deeper appreciation of the visual arts and the story-telling concepts in movie making. Can't wait to see the new Flash movie!
Yeah bummed that Bob ate it
I like when jack talks to the guy after he is burnt, and he makes that face and says,. " grease him now???
Haha
Of the 4 Burton/Schumacher movies, is the only I like. It’s really, really good. Nostalgia galore, but it mostly still holds up today!
Glad you dig it!
If you're going to add Mask of the Phantasm to your watchlist, you might be interested in the also amazing animated Batman movie 'Under the Red Hood'. It explores Batman's relationship with Jason Todd, (the second Robin), as well as further expanding on his 'no killing' rule. If you have doubs just ask Coy and he'll say that it's more than a worthy addition.
With 7 weeks to go, going to be limited on the ones we watch
@@TheKristianHarloff If you want you can just watch it at your own time and do a 15 minute video talking about it.
Loved this conversation. 🦇
Thank you! Full Rewatch series is fun!
I don’t know if you’ve heard Kristian but apparently Keaton is returning as Batman in the Batgirl film with Leslie Grace, and I’m pretty hyped tbh.
Yup!
Really enjoyed this rewatch episode. Lots of information and fun. How it should be. 👍
Thank you!
Batman 89 is my fav Batman., For me it holds up. Love Jack as the Joker, and Keaton is my fav Batman and Bruce Wayne. 89 is the perfect balance for me between batman and Burton movie. For me personally Returns is a little too Burton for me. Also did you know that the actor who played Bob is Jack's friend and he put him in the movie? Thanks for the show.
Ah didn't know that but Bob should have lived!
@@TheKristianHarloff agreed he was the best
Watched a ton of news footage and documentary footage of the build up and release. The media/news dubbed the Batman 1989 hype as BAT MANIA. People were going absolutely insane. Shaving bat logos into their hair, smashing the glass to get the Batman posters from bus stops and subway stations, and paying $20 for a copy of the pirated TEASER TRAILER at Cons. $20 for just the trailer! Insanity!
Total Bat Mania!
Classic!!!!!!, I was 12 years old when this movie came out and this was MY Star Wars. This was the movie that made me fall in love with movie making. and after this movie came out I became a true die hard Prince fan. That soundtrack made me realize just how fucking awesome Prince was. And after watching The Batman I have to say that Pattinson and Keaton are my 2 favorite Batmen.
It is indeed a classic!
Hey kristian not only is there a continuation of the 89 Batman in comic form but also the 78 Superman with Christopher reeves both are great!!!
That's awesome!
34min in - the dude with the knifes who attacks batman, is the father of Lewis Tan - Cole Young in mortal Kombat 2021
Ah nice
I'm surprised you didn't mention Sean Young. She was originally cast as Vicky Vale and hurt herself while horse riding
She was!
Kristian doing Keaton is amazing.
Haha thanks
This was my favorite movie as a kid. Still love it Michael Keaton is hands down the best Batman (live action at least I might argue for Kevin Conroy in general) and I stand by Jack Nicholson is the best Joker (again live action Mark Hamill is the GOAT)
Fair!
The no killing code does not exist in this Batman Universe.
It does not
I still own 'Batman '89', 'Batman Returns', 'Batman Forever' and 'Batman & Robin' on VHS. I like them all for different reasons.
Definitely. Those were massive movies!
I never knew about the possible Bill Murray casting, I’m very curious about that. Is that possibly on the list of things that Schnepp was going to dig into?
Maybe!
Awesome video keep up the great work Darth Harloff
Thank you!
my favourite part of this movie is the (then) Fatman on Batman commentary with Marc and Kev, during the panda-anda I watched all the TB verse, love the production on this too
Thats great, Bernardin coming on soon!
1989 was a great year of big budget action films: Batman; Ghostbusters 2; Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade; Lethal Weapon 2; License To Kill; Black Rain!
Was pretty good
Favorite scenes in no order:
1) First appearance of Batman on rooftop - “There ain’t no bat”
2) Museum scene - “My face on the one dollar bill”
3) Entire Parade and Batwing sequence - “And where is the Batman? At home washing his tights!”
Great scenes
I think both Batman 1989 and Superman 1978 made it possible for Comic Book movies to become mainstream Hollywood blockbusters. The massive box office success of Batman 1989 encouraged studios to create Comic Book films such as Darkman, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles films of the 90s, The Shadow, Swamp Thing, The Phantom, The Rocketeer, Dick Tracy, Dolph Lundgren take on The Punisher etc.
True, but lower budgets
Just curious, what is your all’s criteria for getting back in studio together?
Need cases to go down. I have a 4 year old I don't want to put at risk. I feel the next few weeks should get us moving.
I hear ya. Stay safe.
Jesus!! Coy was 6 in 1989.. I'm old!
Right?!
I have a lot of the same criticisms of this movie as you guys do but one small thing that really annoyed me was that the Joker killed those people at the museum with regular poison gas. I know it's a dumb nitpick but that scene would've been so much better with smylex. They probably didn't have the budget for it.
Ha yeah probably.
One thing I really like about Batman 89 is that Batman comes off as a little crazy. Like in the Batcave, he gives a look and asks wanting to know what people are saying about him. Just little things like that as I believe Bruce Wayne has to be a little crazy to get in a Batsuit every night fighting super villains, etc. Batman 89 on VHS was the first movie we ever owned. As by then, the prices on VHS tapes had fallen as they used to be real expensive.
Keaton's Batman is my favorite live action incarnation of Batman, just like Christopher Reeve is my ultimate favorite incarnation of Superman. One thing that bugs me on Batman 89 is his cowl is a little rough looking compared to Returns. And I wish he had the chest Bat logo like he has in Returns. i.e. I wish they had made the Returns Batman costume for Batman 89.
I've got the Batman 89 on 4k. I don't have a 4k setup yet, so I watched the blu-ray. And just like Terminator 2, the colors are all blown out. With people looking like they are wearing makeup that didn't look like that on the prior blu-ray release. Also, I don't believe they went back to the original film negative for the 4k version. It's probably just an upscale. Also, it looks like they pushed the contrast up too much or something. Hopefully someone can take it and do a good color correction and upload it somewhere.
I wonder if they will fix it!
I remember seeing this on on TV and VHS back in the late 1990's and early 2000's. I think it still holds up as a great piece of entertainment and great showcase for many talented creators and actors. I do understand the argument that its dated, but you could argue that about Superman (1978) or even Spider-Man (2002). But most big movies of the moment get dated over time, that's life. In some ways the late 1980's style and even Prince soundtrack adds to the charm of the movie. It's not a perfect movie, but its what was needed for the time and it brought the character into the mainstream. Also, that Danny Elfman score is just masterful and so memorable.
Elfman crushes
The movie will always hold a special place in my nostalgic heart, but the nowadays the most redeeming thing about this movie is that Prince was the main soundtrack. (Also I totally had a Bob action figure as a kid, and Batman and Joker, but I still don't know why my parents got me Bob, maybe he was less expensive.)
[edit] Batman had a retractable belt, Joker had a squirting flower, and Bob had karate kick action!
Prince soundtrack was gold
I feel like when you watch this movie you have to judge it in context of when it came out . At that point the blueprint for superhero movies hasn’t been made yet I mean what other movies were there Superman 1 2 3 and supergirl lol?I could see why in 1989 people went nuts for this movie .I mean without this movie we might not even have the superhero genre as it is today .
cool series!! I'll throw this on eventually...saved for later!
Love to hear it! Also avail on podcast form!
Best Batman score ever. Best Gotham City ever. Best Batmobile ever. Best Batwing ever. I also find it interesting that they began _in medias res_ with Bruce already Batman in the first scene. We only see his parents' death in brief flashbacks.
True
I do feel sometimes, especially with the bullet-shots, this movie seemed dated. But its a good movie for its time. The characters are great for its time. Michael Keaton embodies what Bruce Wayne and Batman would be in the late 80s and early 90s. A good movie which is dated in some aspects but still enjoyable.
True
Kristian, (to be very clear) you are great.
When Batman drops, could you bring in Mark?
I remember that you have different opinions on the best Nolan flick, so having you both evaluate the 2022 would be dope.
Just a matter if he sees it in time haha
Keaton is the best Bruce Wayne I think. His opening scene he's just an observer in his own life, it's almost like he's a ghost looking at someone else's life. You can tell he's haunted and alone with his thoughts most of the time. I always felt pain behind his Bruce Wayne persona.
He is pretty damn good
At one point this was the best comic film for me.. it's been long over shadowed (by other batmans...) for top tier comic book movie, but taking nothing away from it. What strikes me about this movie is that it just looks timeless... Does that effect come off to anyone else? It feels so 1940's but still set in a age that you can't quite pin down in time... It's still great. It looks fantastic still. No special flashy effects, the Joker here transcends just a taken on a comic character. He is his own character here.. Iconic would be the word... So yea still, to me a great movie in every since.
Oh yeah an incredible set up to comic book movies to come
The Dark Camp. That is ‘89 Batman in a nutshell. When I was 15 it seemed dark and a million miles away from 60’s Batman (which I loved as a little kid). But to me in the time (89) it was the seriousness and how dark it was that I was fixated on. It is always the next generation of fans that pick up on the campiness of the previous generation
Great way to sum it up!
So I like 89 but I think it is a product of the times, so hypothetically if Burton were to do an Old Batman movie with Keaton today after Flashpoint do you think it would be Good and would you be excited for it
I would love to see the possibility!
Very excited for this series! Let’s Go!!
Hope you enjoy!
@@TheKristianHarloff I know I will! Definitely watching this during my lunch.
I was born in the early-mid 90s, so Batman was a bit before my time when it came out, but for some bizarre reason, I seem to remember Batman as one of my earliest movie memories at a very, very young age. I loved that movie, up there with The Lion King, Jurassic Park and Star Wars for me as a wee lad. I haven't seen it in a great many years, but I remember the last time I did, I thought that it was really jarring how Batman was just casually icing people because I just didn't remember that (and I always had a problem with Joker killing Thomas and Martha, even as a kid). Say whatever you want about Batfleck, but at least BVS had something to say about his actions, and even then, most of the dudes who died fighting him died indirectly because of Batman or because of their own mistakes. I got a real kick out of you guys mentioning how many bodies started stacking up, because it's so true it's funny. I really do need to check it out again. I'll always have my issues with it, but I still remember it fondly as a really good movie, and that's ultimately what matters most.
Totally!!
i liked it. one of the first movies i got on vhs.Man the Batman insignia posters were all over for 6 months before that movie came out. i didn't think it owed much comedy to the West series i just thought it was Burton's quirkiness. Disagreeing with Coy, Keaton is Tobey. Both of them had uber popular movies and fans still hold them up. I don't care about the Flash but i'll be there for Keaton. Can't wait to hear about Batman Returns, i liked it even more.
This week!
Fantastic Show again…loved this movie & Batman Returns was even better..they still hold up really well..these and the Nolan trilogy are my five all time favourite Batman movies…I also really love Mask of The Phantasm & The Dark night returns part 1 & 2 Animated movies too🍿already excited for next weeks rewatch..keep up the great work..I’m loving the passion being put into these shows every week ❤️🎥👍
Thank you, glad you are all responding to it! Just added Patreon! www.patreon.com/SENLive
@@TheKristianHarloff thank you