Same Bat-time. New Bat-channel. Batman ’66 for a new generation.
Like a lot of people I know, their first exposure of Batman was the Adam West and Burt Ward one. Mind you, it was reruns, but still, we grew up on it. And Batman ’66 has become once again a culture phenomenon. Especially with Warner Brothers allowing licensing on various products.
The latest is the animated feature Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders. Warner was able to get Adam West, Burt Ward, and Julie Newmar to voice their roles as Batman, Robin, and Catwoman. That was really cool. Also a little depressing when you think about it. That they are the only cast members still around. Burt Ward was truly on his game. He really eased back into the role of Robin. Don’t get me wrong, Adam West and Julie Newmar do a great job too, but you can hear the age in their voices. I’m not knocking it. I loved hearing West and Newmar voices again, but age is something happens. But neither of one of them misses a beat.
Anyhow, the plot had to do with the Dynamic Dou battling the Joker, the Penguin, Riddler, and Catwoman. Not to minimize it, but just don’t really want to spoil it. Fans of the original show will appreciate that this animated feature runs like of the old episodes.
I especially loved the not-so-subtle references to the Tim Burton and Christopher Nolan films. And then there was Aunt Harriet’s questioning the relationship between Bruce and Dick that would make Fredric Wertham a very happy man.
The buzz on this film is so good, there’s already been talk of a sequel with William Shatner as Two-Face, a character that never appeared on TV show.
This film a must for the Batman ’66 fan or just any Batman fan. Heck, it’s just fun and campy and just a joy for everyone.
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