The Dark Knight Returns

        Graphic novels do not always translate well to animated films. Some stuff always gets left out, the art is not always on par, the cast selection is not always the best, and sometimes it is just a miss. DC graphic novels are typically done pretty well, though, and The Dark Knight Returns might just be the absolute best of the bunch. The best decision that was made when it came to this film was to separate it into two parts. The DC animated films have a restriction of needing to stay under 80-minutes and there was just no way that you could get every story element from the graphic novel into one 80-minute film. The decision to split it just allowed them to do the graphic novel justice and allows the audience to experience the excellence that is The Dark Knight Returns in the way that it was meant to be experienced.

            This story focuses on the return of the Batman, and it is the inspiration for the film The Dark Knight Rises, as well as Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, except that this version is done much better and has a more cohesive storyline and purpose. In short, this story revolves around an aging Bruce Wayne coming back into the life of the caped crusader after he was forced to hang up the cape and cowl decades earlier. In returning, he has to learn how to adjust to his aging body and adapt his fighting style to suit the capabilities that he has now. Helping him on his journey is a young woman by the name of Carrie Kelley who dreams of patrolling the nights of Gotham as Robin. This film has everything. The return of Two-Face, The Joker, a fight with an insane gang leader, and the ultimate clash between Batman and Superman. It is everything that a DC comic book fan could dream of, and the perfect adaptation of Frank Miller’s terrific graphic novel. The animation for this is absolutely phenomenal. It looks so crisp and clean, and the characters have such great designs and display fantastic emotions. You can watch this and get mesmerized just by the artwork alone. To go along with this fantastic artwork is a fantastic score, composed by Christopher Drake. His score gives every single major event that happens in the film such an extra boost of emotion. The big clashes have fitting music that gives it a big fight feel, and the more emotional scenes have the perfect music to complement it.

            The cast was also chosen well. Peter Weller does an amazing job as an older Bruce Wayne, and Mark Valley has that perfect Superman voice. Michael Emerson also does a good job with his interpretation as The Joker. Every cast member does a great job of making their character their own and they all work well with each other. All of these elements help make a great film, but the biggest strength this film has is its intensity and action sequences. There are some intense battles in here and they are gorgeous to look at and easy to get invested in. The emotions that are generated from them can easily be felt. This film just nails everything that it does, and it is incredibly rewatchable. I honestly have zero complaints about it. It is just perfect, and you should consider watching it. Official Rating: 5 Stars.

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