Batman vs. Two-Face (2017)

 

This animated direct to video movie marks the last time Adam West and Burt Ward reprised their roles as Batman and Robin and one of Adam West's last acting roles before passing. 

I honestly often prefer my superhero stories on the more light hearted and fun side. Because of this as many of you may guess I love the 1960's Batman TV show. So I am happy to say the this movie is fully in the spirit of that series. What made the TV show so special was that it was over the top and silly enough to be a lot of fun but never too over the top to become self-parody. Batman vs. Two-Face walks this fine line perfectly. Not surprisingly this movie's writers (Michael Jelenic, James Tucker) worked on Batman: Brave and the Bold, a show that did this equally as well. There are plenty of Robin's "Holy-somethings," silly puns, giant and ridiculous props, boy scout style dialogue and great humor. Yet at the time the storyline is very engaging. This movie does away with the typical Two-face origin for a new one. Yes this new origin is completely over the top, but it has a real heart to it. Two-Face is a great Batman villain, because of the tragedy behind him and while this movie is over the top and silly, it still perfectly captures this tragedy. As much as they are filled with over the top and silly moments, the moments between Bruce Wayne and Harvey Dent are actually quite effective on an emotional level. The voice acting here is perfect. Of course Adam West and Burt Ward are as fantastic as ever. Julie Newmar is equally fantastic reprising her role of Catwoman. Adding to the 1960's nostalgia, William Shatner (of Star Trek fame) is the voice of Harvey Dent and his evil alter ego Two-Face. Shatner is perfect and like Adam West he knows to play it strait and therefore make the over the top moments all the funnier. 

While those who prefer a dark and brooding Batman may not care for this film, its intended audience (which I am a part of) will completely love it. For those who love 1960's Batman, this is a true treat.