Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part I & II Movie Reviews

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part I & II (2012)

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Written by: Bob Kane (character created by: Batman), Frank Miller &Klaus Janson (comic book), Bob Goodman (written by)
Directed by: Jay Oliva
Starring: Peter Weller, Ariel Winter, David Selby 
Rated: PG-13
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Plot
Now retired, Batman hasn't been seen for a decade, but when when the violence in Gotham peaks, Bruce Wayne dons the suit once again. Batman must battle street gangs, his old age, and even Superman.

Verdict
This animated story is incredibly well written, deftly capturing the essence of Batman in just a few minutes. It's brutal and smart with a unique point of view.  This isn't just a good cartoon, it's a good movie. The conclusion including the Batman and Superman fight and the aftermath is very good.
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Review
This cartoon is adapted from the 1986 Frank Miller comic. Batman is gone and Bruce Wayne is an older man, racing cars for the adrenaline fix. Batman is brooding and regretful, reminded of the horrors of being a super hero and why he sought vigilante justice.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns - Batman v Superman

The story and pacing capture a great mood and tone. Telling the story of an older Batman is unique and dynamic. He has to rely on intelligence rather than brawn. He takes the street gang head on, rolling into their camp in a tank firing rubber bullets. He fights the ring leader mano a mano just to prove to himself he still has what it takes.

Part 2 introduces Superman and the Joker. Rehabilitation isn't possible, and this is ruthless. Batman is ready to end the Joker. If this was live action it would be rated R. It has a lot of layers with an old Batman wondering if he's still got it and the Russian-American conflict over an island which echoes the prime of the Cold War Reagan era. Faux Reagan tells Superman to dispose of Batman by whatever means necessary. It's a great story with an amazing conclusion.