Episode 48: Batman Review

Topic: Batman Media Review

We’re back to discuss the films that I got mom to watch for homework.  What struck me more about the conversation wasn’t the story, but the psychology of Bruce Wayne and the ego mom found fascinating in the character.  Certain one of the most interesting conversations I think we have ever had, so you should definitely check it out.

Dark Knight
2008, Sequel to Batman Begins
Christian Bale – Batman
Heath Ledger – Joker
Michael Caine – Alfred
Aaron Eckhart – Harvey Dent / Two Face
Gary Oldman – Detective Gordon

• Many of the Joker’s actions were unscripted and improvised by Health Ledger, including when Hospital Explodes, Clapping in Jail, and licking his lips.
• First comic book movie to break a Million
• Health Ledger won Oscar posthumously, second person to do so, First comic book movie to win award
• Character of Reese was an allusion to the Riddler

Batman Under Red Hood
Tells story of mysterious Red Hood arriving in Gotham to clean up crime through violence and murder. 
Bruce Greenwood – Batman
Jensen Ackles – Redhood
John Dimaggio – Joker
Neil Patrick Harris – Dick Grayson (Nightwing)
Wade Williams – Black Mask

• Always minor difference in batsuit during flashbacks, like yellow chest symbol, or utility belt
• Animated film was original meant to be R rated, but was changed after low sales of other animated movies
• First time Jason Todd had been featured on TV/movie form, though illusions to him had been made in the past.
• Based off Batman – Death in the Family

Batman Year One
Tells story of Batman and Jim Gordon’s first year in Gotham and them beginning their crusade to clean up the city.
Bryan Cranston – Jim Gordon
Ben McKenzie – Bruce Wayne
Jon Polito – Commissioner Loeb

• Adapted from Batman Year One graphic novel
• Ben McKenzie plays Jim Gordon on Gotham, and is only man to play role of both Gordon and Batman
• Batman Year One was almost a movie, with Darren Aronofsky set to direct.  It was beat out by Batman Begins instead

Batman Bad Blood
Batman has gone missing and Nightwing takes up the Mantle of Batman in order to show Gotham that there is still hope.
Jason O’mara – Batman
Yvonne Strahovski – Batwoman
Staurt Allan – Damian Wayne (Robin)
Sean Maher – Dick Grayson (Nightwing)
Morena baccarin – Talia al Ghul
Gaius Charles – Batwing

• First Appearance of Batwing outside of Comic books
• When Dick Grayson is on the phone, he’s talking to a Kori, AKA Starfire from Teen Titans
• Includes elements of Batman Battle for the Cowl and Batman Incorporated
• Batgirl makes appearance, sporting outfit from New 52 series of comics.