Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Extremely violent, ambiguous end to animated Batman saga.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
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Where to Watch
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Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
What's the Story?
In BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, PART 2, Batman (voiced by Peter Weller) and his new, female Robin (voiced by Ariel Winter) continue fighting the new wave of crime in Gotham City, perpetuated by vigilante gangs. To make matters worse, a new police commissioner has replaced James Gordon and has issued an arrest warrant for Batman. Meanwhile, the Joker has escaped from prison by agreeing to appear on a talk show (where he kills everyone in the audience). In addition, the United States has become involved in a nuclear stalemate, threatening everyone in the country, and the president has ordered Superman to stop Batman's antics. How will Batman survive his most complex and deadliest adventure?
Is It Any Good?
This faithful, satisfying adaptation of Frank Miller's legendary, groundbreaking 1986 comic book is perhaps the most ambitious animated feature yet to come from Warner Bros. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 has done remarkable justice to what some consider to be the ultimate Batman story: the conclusion of the entire mythology. Steeped in 1980's values, including the threat of nuclear war, the rise of gang violence, and a sinister Reagan-like president, it comes across as perhaps even more frightening and alien than it might have in its own time.
Actor Peter Weller, also known as Robocop, adds just the right combo of chilliness and humanity to Batman, as he makes choices no longer governed by regular laws or ideas of justice. He's now looking to settle a score, destroying an infrastructure so that he can rebuild from its ashes. Director Jay Oliva sticks close to Miller's dark, brutal style and makes the classic comic come to life. Serious comic book fans will be pleased.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in this version of Batman? Does it enhance or detract from the central story in Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2?
How has the Batman character evolved over the years? What has remained unchanged about his basic story? Out of all the different Batmans played or voiced by different actors, which one is your favorite?
Is Batman a good role model here? Is he supporting the idea of vigilante justice? What are the differences between Batman's justice and that of the police and the U.S. government?
How does ex-Commissioner James Gordon help his community in this story? How does his vision of good differ from that of Batman?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: January 29, 2013
- Cast: Ariel Winter , Mark Valley , Peter Weller
- Director: Jay Oliva
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Warner Home Video
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Superheroes
- Run time: 76 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: sequences of action violence and some suggestive content
- Last updated: September 1, 2024
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