Batman vs Two-Face Review

Certificate – 12

Director – Rick Morales

Starring (Voiced By) – Adam West; William Shatner; Burt Ward; Julie Newmar.

Running Time – 72 minutes (1 hour 12 minutes)

★★★★✩

IMAGE VIA WARNER BROS/ DC ANIMATION

Following the success of Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders, Adam West’s Batman is here to save Gotham City one last time in Batman vs Two-Face.

It’s surprising that amongst the long line of rogues to appear including Clock King and Egghead, Two-Face never appeared on the 60s show despite being in the top five of iconic Batman villains of all time. There was once a rumour that a young Clint Eastwood was going to play the character before the show got cancelled.

Luckily they found someone of equal legacy to rival the great Adam West and of course that man had to be William Shatner! Seeing these two TV icons on screen together in a Batman movie is as wonderful as I’d hoped.

IMAGE VIA WARNER BROS/ DC ANIMATION

You know what you’re getting when you watch something from the 60s Batman, old-timey language, words flying at you when the caped crusaders hit a villain and really poor but funny puns and jokes.

West as always is the heart of the film like he has always been and this film has a bittersweet feeling as you know this will be the last time the Bright Knight will ever appear. Yet, he still brings it and brings a smile to the faces of fans around the world.

IMAGE VIA WARNER BROS/ DC ANIMATION

As well as the campy moments, Shatner plays Harvey Dent/Two-Face brilliantly and this film uses a lot of the famous Frank Miller Dark Knight story which was a brave and smart move by director Rick Morales and DC Animation. This helps bring some dark edges to an overall light movie.

You can’t have West’s Batman with Burt Ward as Robin and in this film it sort of continues the story of his jealousy towards anyone else getting close to either Batman or Bruce Wayne to the point it gets a little annoying and creepy.

While Julie Newmar reprises her role as Catwoman, she isn’t a major fixture on the film itself and it works as she was one of the weak links in Return of the Caped Crusaders and this sequel is about West and Shatner.

IMAGE VIA WARNER BROS/ DC ANIMATION

This sequel also brings a lot more Easter eggs and cameos from the rogue’s gallery from both the 66’ movie and modern Batman lore.

IMAGE VIA WARNER BROS/ DC ANIMATION

Finally, West was the first Batman I ever saw on TV watching the 66’ film on VHS on repeat and my entry to a character I’ve loved ever since. So all I have left to say is goodbye old sport you’ll be forever missed.

Verdict

A brilliant way to end the Bright Knight’s chapter with wonderful voice work from West and Shatner.