With the current Batman craze because of the Dark Knight, it was time for me to re-visit these movies. For me these are still good, especially the first 2, however not the Dark Knight I am afraid to say. These movies are more like the Comic Book Batman before the Dark Knight re-invention, and do have that more superhero comic book feel with some homage to the TV series. This is even more evident because of the new movies which have a much more sinister and 'real' feel to them. The new movies very much set Batman in a 'real' world setting, makes you feel that maybe this could happen, wheras this series is very much more fantasy, with the feel of Gotham City, the gadgets and the enemies. This is best highlighted with the difference in the Joker Characters.... in these movies he is a creation of the Batman and really over the top, but in the Dark Knight he comes across as a 'real villian' who has gone crazy. Another big difference is in these movies, which I had forgotten, is that… more »

With the current Batman craze because of the Dark Knight, it was time for me to re-visit these movies. For me these are still good, especially the first 2, however not the Dark Knight I am afraid to say. These movies are more like the Comic Book Batman before the Dark Knight re-invention, and do have that more superhero comic book feel with some homage to the TV series. This is even more evident because of the new movies which have a much more sinister and 'real' feel to them. The new movies very much set Batman in a 'real' world setting, makes you feel that maybe this could happen, wheras this series is very much more fantasy, with the feel of Gotham City, the gadgets and the enemies. This is best highlighted with the difference in the Joker Characters.... in these movies he is a creation of the Batman and really over the top, but in the Dark Knight he comes across as a 'real villian' who has gone crazy. Another big difference is in these movies, which I had forgotten, is that Batman actually kills the bad guys, whereas in the much darker new movies, he never does...... Overall these are still good to watch, and at this price a must have for the DVD archive!

Batman (1989)
****
This is the first big-budget film of Batman directed by Tim Burton. Michael Keaton does a really good job as Batman, Kim Basinger plays the love interest and the damsel in distress, she did a good job but she screamed too much. The real star is Jack Nicholson as the Joker he was absolutely fantastic, he was perfect for this film. Unfortunately for this film, the plot was messed up in some parts and parts of the plot ruins some the storylines in the comic. However, that is made with the gothic style added by Tim Burton, as it really suits theme of the comics and the main theme tune by Danny Elfman really stands out.

Batman Returns
*****
This is the sequel the 1989 film, directed once again by Tim Burton. He brings much more darker gothic tone to the film. Michael Keaton reprises his role as Batman and he is as good as he was in the first film. Danny DeVito plays the Penguin and his makeup is very scary and freaky that it looks so real.… more »

Batman (1989)
****
This is the first big-budget film of Batman directed by Tim Burton. Michael Keaton does a really good job as Batman, Kim Basinger plays the love interest and the damsel in distress, she did a good job but she screamed too much. The real star is Jack Nicholson as the Joker he was absolutely fantastic, he was perfect for this film. Unfortunately for this film, the plot was messed up in some parts and parts of the plot ruins some the storylines in the comic. However, that is made with the gothic style added by Tim Burton, as it really suits theme of the comics and the main theme tune by Danny Elfman really stands out.

Batman Returns
*****
This is the sequel the 1989 film, directed once again by Tim Burton. He brings much more darker gothic tone to the film. Michael Keaton reprises his role as Batman and he is as good as he was in the first film. Danny DeVito plays the Penguin and his makeup is very scary and freaky that it looks so real. Michelle Pfeiffer plays the Catwoman and it was her performance that steals the show, she played that part perfectly and she looked really sexy in the catsuit, definately her best performance ever. The plot of this film is alot better than the previous film it makes more sense and is more faithful to the comic. Tim Burton has really improved his work.

Batman Forever
***
I'm disappointed! First of all, I don't see this as a sequel to Tim Burton's Batman films at all, I see no connection what so ever (apart from Michael Gough as Alfred) in terms of plot and tone. Val Kilmer did a rubbish job as Batman, Nicole Kidman was seriously underused, Tommy Lee Jones plays a funny version of Two-Face he didn't take this seriously at all. Chris O'Donnell does a good job as Robin and Jim Carrey was spectacular as the Riddler, he saved this film in my opinion. The plot was easier to understand than the previous film but it was so cheesy and it doesn't continue from Batman Returns at all. The tone has more colour, in fact it was too colourful. But it's still a good film if you don't take it seriously, see it as more of a tribute to the comics than an adaptation.

Batman and Robin
***
I do understand why this film was critically panned, but it's not that bad. To start off Arnold Schwarzenneger's performance was awful not just because of the ice-related quotes but all he did really was wear his costume and read a script, Alicia Silverstone's performance was very wooden but still was an alright Batgirl. Uma Thurman's performance as Poison Ivy was good in some parts and bad in other parts, but at least she tried and she still looked great in her costume, she definately looked the part. Chris O'Donnell reprises his role as Robin but he plays a much more bratty Robin, George Clooney was critsised but I think he did good job, better than Val Kilmer. The plot was just as cheesy as Batman Forever. But it's still entertaining and it shouldn't be taken seriously. Children will definately like this film. As I said about Batman Forever, don't look at this as an adaptation rather a tribute to the comics.

Definately worth buying, as all four of the films are very entertaining. However, if your a die-hard Batman fan then you'd be better off watching Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins and The Dark Knight as they're more faithful to the comics.