Batman Returns

In Batman Returns, Batman faces two new menaces:the sinister Penguin (Danny DeVito) and the slinky mysterious Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer)

Batman Returns (1992) starring Michael Keaton, Michelle Pfeiffer, Danny DeVito

Review

Selina Kyle: A kiss under the mistletoe. You know, mistletoe can be deadly if you eat it.
Bruce Wayne: But a kiss can be even deadlier… if you mean it.
[silence as they realize each other’s identities]
Selina Kyle: Oh, my God. Does this mean we have to start fighting?
Bruce Wayne: Let’s go outside.

I really wanted to like Batman Returns — But I didn’t. The cast is excellent, as is the acting. For me, the fundamental issue with the movie comes down to The Penguin. No insult to Danny DeVito — he did a good job with what he was given. But the idea of turning the Penguin into an ugly, unlikable mutant was simply silly. And then the idea of putting him forth as a mayoral candidate? Worse than silly.

Unanswered questions

• Where does the Penguin get the initial money to hire his gang, giant duck-mobile, multitude of trick umbrellas, etc?
• What changes Selina Kyle into Catwoman? She falls multiple stories to her death — but is revived by a gang of cats licking her. And she’s suddenly able to do acrobatic fighting well enough to hold her own against Batman. Not to mention seemingly having seven lies.
• Why is the police’s immediate response to contact Batman instead of calling for police backup?

Product Description 

Terrific sequel to the smash bat hit has Michael Keaton’s caped crusader with his hands full, going up against three enemies vying for control of Gotham City: the umbrella-wielding, sewer-dwelling Penguin (Danny DeVito); megalomaniacal businessman Max Shreck (Christopher Walken); and the sexy, leather-clad Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer). Directed by Tim Burton. 126 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English. Two-disc set. Region Free

Cast of characters

• Michael Keaton (Batman (1989); The Founder) … Batman / Bruce Wayne
• Danny DeVito (Space Jam; Hercules) … Penguin
• Michelle Pfeiffer () … Catwoman / Selina
• Christopher Walken … Max Shreck
• Michael Gough (Konga; The Crimson Cult) … Alfred
• Michael Murphy … Mayor
• Cristi Conaway … Ice Princess
• Andrew Bryniarski … Chip
• Pat Hingle (Batman & Robin) … Commissioner Gordon
• Vincent Schiavelli … Organ Grinder
• Steve Witting … Josh
• Jan Hooks … Jen

Songs

• Face to Face
  • Words and Music by Danny Elfman and Siouxsie and the Banshees
  • Produced by Stephen Hague and Danny Elfman
  • Performed by Siouxsie and the Banshees
  • Courtesy of Polydor Limited and Geffen Records
• Super Freak
  • Written by Rick James and Alonzo Miller
  • Orchestrated by Bruce Fowler
• Adeste Fidelis (O Come All Ye Faithful)
  • Written by John Reading
• I Saw Three Ships
  • (Traditional)

Trivia

• Burgess Meredith, who played the Penguin on Batman and in Batman: The Movie, was asked to play the Penguin’s father in the opening of the film, but illness prevented him from it.
• The Penguin’s appearance, attire, bestial habits, and affinity for threatening shadows combines the presentation of the characters Orlok and Knock from Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922), a variation of Dracula. Orlok actor Max Schreck provided the name for Christopher Walken’s character.
• Danny DeVito spent two hours a day in make-up. He was forbidden to describe the Penguin’s make-up to anyone, including his family.