While Christopher Nolan's recent installments to the Batman franchise are fairly dark, atmospheric and often gleefully macabre, they just don't hold a candle to the noir-y goodness of Tim Burton's efforts in Batman and Batman Returns. While I am partial to Batman Returns (probably mostly due to the soundtrack and Michelle Pfieffer's iconic turn as Catwoman), the franchise-starter is something of an underappreciated gem. Granted, Burton's flair for the shadowy isn't as flashy as Nolan's CGI spectacles, but there's something to be said for the creepy undertones swimming throughout the narratives of the original. And, of course, everyone agrees that Heath Ledger's Joker is an absolute work of genius...but Jack Nicholson's version of the mad villain set the standard. Plus, Burton's contributions don't feature a pair of perky nipples as a major character. Seriously. Do a Google search for "Batman Begins Nipples" if you don't know what I'm talking about. Revisit Batman to remind yourself how stylish, dark and groundbreaking it was for the entire genre of superhero flicks when it screens as part of the Inwood Theatre's Midnight Madness series. The movie will play--as you've probably guessed--at midnight on May 28 and 29. Tickets are available at the box office at 5458 W. Lovers Lane or online at landmarktheatres.com.
Fri., May 28; Sat., May 29, 2010