Today’s quick review: Batman vs. Two-Face. When an accident disfigures Harvey Dent (William Shatner), Gotham’s intrepid district attorney, it awakens a sinister alternate personality: the criminal Two-Face. Batman (Adam West) and Robin (Burt Ward) manage to rehabilitate Harvey and restore him to work as a prosecutor. But when Gotham’s supervillains commit a series of unusual crimes, the signs point to Two-Face as the mastermind behind it all.
Batman vs. Two-Face is an animated superhero comedy. Much like Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders, Batman vs. Two-Face is a campy, self-aware revival of the live-action Batman TV series of the 1960s. Adam West and Burt Ward reprise their roles as the Dynamic Duo, Julie Newmar returns as Catwoman, and newcomer William Shatner lends his vocal talents as Two-Face. The film offers a light tone and tongue-in-cheek humor with little trace of cynicism.
Batman vs. Two-Face recreates the feel of the original series, but with the benefit of a richer story, an extra layer of self-awareness, and stunts that would have been infeasible at the time. Batman vs. Two-Face has more action and a more focused plot than Return of the Caped Crusaders, but its humor is not as sharp or as varied. The result is a solid, amusing watch that’s less of a tribute and more of a standalone story.
Give Batman vs. Two-Face a watch when you’re in the mood for something on the lighter side of the superhero genre. The film’s light tone and solid humor make it an enjoyable pick. However, its deliberately dated style and reliance on nostalgia mean that it won’t appeal to everyone. Superhero fans who want a break from realism, cynicism, and drama will find Batman vs. Two-Face to be a welcome reprieve. Others may not get much out of it.
For a more effective take on a similar premise, check out Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders. For a hectic superhero comedy with harder-hitting jokes, check out The Lego Batman Movie. For a dramatic animated offering from DC, try Son of Batman.
6.0 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for good humor and charm.