Batman Returns has an identity crisis. Its overstuffed plot leaves meager room for drama or themes. Significant time is committed to superfluous threads. Consequently, everything feels rushed and pointless. Entire sequences are inconsequential. There are no logistics, inconsistent motivations, campy dialogue, contrived formulas, stagnant characters, and melodramatic emotions. The hero is so sidelined that he barely qualifies as a protagonist. Needless to say, there’s no earned arc. The only consistently good aspect of the story is Catwoman (buoyed by Pfeiffer's fusion of camp and vulnerability). Ultimately, Batman Returns is too unfocused to be mentally or emotionally engaging.
Technically, Batman Returns is more assured but clashes between silly and dark tones. The meandering 2nd act and lackluster climax make for flat editing. Conversely, its cinematography offers sharp lighting and stylized angles. Despite some mediocre combat, the sound provides ample genre elements. Its Elfman music delivers the iconic theme along with eerie scoring. The immersive production design employs Art Deco aesthetics, a primarily black-and-white color palette, and campiness that undercuts tension. Its cast has strong fame and fit. The effects are diverse, frequent, and mostly convincing. Overall, Batman Returns’s proficient filmmaking softens its muddled storytelling.
Writing: 3/10
Direction: 6/10
Cinematography: 8/10
Acting: 7/10
Editing: 5/10
Sound: 7/10
Score/Soundtrack: 9/10
Production Design: 9/10
Casting: 9/10
Effects: 8/10
Overall Score: 7.1/10
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