Today’s quick review: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2. With Batman (Peter Weller) out of retirement, Gotham faces upheaval. Ellen Yindel (Maria Canals-Barrera), the new police commissioner, turns the Gotham PD against Batman. The Joker (Michael Emerson), apparently reformed, prepares for his public comeback. And Superman (Mark Valley), acting on orders from the President, comes to Gotham to force Bruce quit for good.
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 is an animated superhero movie based on the graphic novel by Frank Miller. Bruce Wayne, older but undaunted, pushes back against years of crime and corruption, giving Gotham the opportunity to remake itself. Part 2 escalates the situation introduced in Part 1, as Bruce’s actions have dangerous ripple effects. Solid craftsmanship and an insightful story make the film a worthwhile watch.
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 brings to life some of the character’s most iconic moments. Batman’s break with the Gotham police, Joker’s perverse return to the public eye, and the seemingly inevitable clash between Superman and Batman all contribute to the sense of something final. The story takes major risks, practically burning down Gotham to set up its finale, but the payoff is seeing the character pushed to his limits.
Still, Part 2 has the same drawbacks as Part 1. The art style is grotesque and distorted, showing Batman’s familiar cast of characters at their worst. The tone is bleak even when the story is trying to be optimistic. The story is laced with heavy-handed 80s political commentary. Finally, some viewers may not agree with the film’s thesis statement about where and why Batman should draw the line.
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 is a worthy conclusion to the story begun in Part 1. Its bleak tone and heavy stylization mean that it will not appeal to everyone, but its iconic scenes and titanic conflicts make it an important part of the Batman canon. Fans of the character should give it a try. Skip it if you are looking for a lighter superhero adventure.
For an animated superhero movie that comes at similar themes from a different angle, try Superman: Red Son. For a live-action clash between Batman and Superman, try Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. For a live-action Batman movie that adapts elements of the same storyline, try The Dark Knight Rises. For a bookend story that features Batman in his early career, try Batman: Year One.
[8.4 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2166834/). I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for solid craftsmanship with an ambitious but hit-or-miss story.