Collection
Batman
Burton, Schumacher, Nolan, Snyder, Reeves: the same man, five different cities.
Which order? Each director's run stands alone; Nolan's trilogy is the one to watch in order.
Batman
- 1
Batman 1989Tim Burton’s *Batman* is a good, uneven gothic crime fantasy, anchored by Michael Keaton’s troubled stillness. Jack Nicholson gets the louder moments, but the oppressive city and Danny Elfman’s music supply much of the pleasure.Fi1m 77 - 2
Batman Returns 1992Tim Burton’s *Batman Returns* is darkly funny, extravagantly designed and well worth its untidy plotting. Michelle Pfeiffer and Danny DeVito give its villains enough personality to make Batman’s occasional retreat from centre stage seem sensible.Fi1m 81 - 3
Batman & Robin 1997Joel Schumacher’s costumed spectacle has inventive sets and an amusing Uma Thurman. But the repetitive action, wearying ice jokes and uninteresting heroes make it poor entertainment, however much there is to look at.Fi1m 35
The Dark Knight
- 4
Batman Begins 2005Christopher Nolan gives Bruce Wayne enough weight to make Batman convincing, with Christian Bale supplying the anger and restraint. The fights can be difficult to follow and the running time is generous, but this is a superhero film worth taking seriously.Fi1m 81 - 5
The Dark Knight 2008Christopher Nolan makes a gripping crime thriller, with Heath Ledger’s Joker giving its moral dilemmas a frightening urgency. The speeches can labour the point, but the suspense and performances justify the long evening.Fi1m 85 - 6
The Dark Knight Rises 2012Christopher Nolan’s Batman finale earns its long evening through strong performances and forceful action. There are too many characters and explanations, but Bale, Caine and Hathaway keep giving us reasons to care.Fi1m 74
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