I’m with Seth Rogan in Neighbors on this one: Michael Keaton is my Batman. His films were released during my early childhood, inspired me to love the character and crack my first “I’m Batman” long before appreciating Bale’s tenure as an adult. Keaton got their first, therefore Keaton is my Batman. Yet I’d be lying if I hadn’t considered breaking that rule once I discovered re-runs of Adam West’s TV show and movies. He’s the man that reduced me to pieces by calling for the shark repellent bat spray with a shark around his leg. He’s the man who taught me that “What weighs 6 oz., sits in a tree and is very dangerous” could only be a sparrow with a machine gun. He’s the man that taught me that all import life lesson; that some days, you just can’t get rid of a bomb. It might not always have made sense but not even Bane could have ripped the smile off my face when I was watching. For many, Adam West’s Batman era still feels so timeless because of for every attempted dark and gritty reboot, it always serves to be the fun refreshing alternative. Now, in honor of his TV show’s 50th anniversary, Adam West and a few of his old pals return to their roles in this special animated featured, Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders.
It’s a blast from the colorful past as The Joker, Penguin, Catwoman (Julie Newmar) and The Riddler have all teamed up for a nefarious plot that endangers all of Gotham City. It’s up to Batman (Adam West) and Robin (Burt Ward) to stop them before it’s too late. Warning; may contain boffs, thwacks and smacks.
This will either be one of the best or worst animated Batman films you'll ever see and that depends entirely on you and the mood you’re in. If your Bat sensors are searching for something serious like this year’s Killing Joke adaptation or more action packed like the range of Justice League features, then don’t even think about watching this film because it will fail you on both fronts. This is the film to watch if you’re in Joker's state of mind -- incapable of taking yourself or anything else seriously. This film is all about deriving brilliance from sheer deadpan lunacy, and in that respect, it’s a heroic success. All of the regular troupes of the 60's show aren’t just featured, they’re hilariously exaggerated to the point of parody, but it finds just the right balance of subtle self-mockery without being deliberately goofy. I watched a good part of this film with my hand across my face in an odd mixture of cringing, disbelief and euphoric delight over what was on screen. The loving familiar likes of making ridiculous deductions from random clues or riddles, rope-walking up buildings, random last minute escapes from fiendish death devices and endless bat named gadgets. Even West’s ultra goodie Batman persona gets plenty of great laughs like one genius moment of convincing Robin to safely use the crosswalk even when racing to stop a crime. It’s everything you loved about the old show, and it really feels like a celebration of itself as intended. What’s more, the animated medium allows for good enhancement of some areas like the classic pole slide to the Bat cave taking on a more dynamic twist or allowing for bigger and better vehicular action more akin to the acclaimed 90's animated series. Last but not least, of course, the flying word fights get plenty of showcasing. They actually form the balance between new and bold being a bit more energetic for their animated format but still at a comparable slower face slugging pace akin to the old show.
In terms of the Bat downers (holy overused bat gags!), as great as it is to have the classic Batman, Robin and Catwoman back in their roles it’s fair to say that, reflective of their age, they all sound a bit tired. Admittedly, Adam West sounds just like his Family Guy elected official, which in some ways, adds to the comedy but Julie Newmar really sounds a world away from the on screen version of her character. That occasionally shatters the illusion. However, the most surprising fall back is that Return of the Caped Crusaders can’t seem to shake off the influence of this modern Batman era: it actually gets a little dark. The middle act revolves around Batman becoming infected with a serum that slowly makes him evil and power-mongering. While most of the events still play out in a comedic fashion, there are occasionally moments of Bruce Wayne becoming more of a dick than Grayson that burst the bubble of throwback charm somewhat. The ideas are good as it pits Robin against Batman with Catwoman as a last resort ally but director Rick Morales should have achieved this without veering away so far from the Batman we want to see. It all makes the middle section drag a little as we patiently wait for things to get cranked back up to 11.
So Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders is best viewed in high quality fan fiction. While those unfamiliar with the Bat Super Computer or Chief Miles O’Hara may still get some laughs and smiles out of the experience, at least a vague 60's knowledge is required to fully appreciate it. Its PG rated and certainly safe for younger fans with little more than the odd suggestive joke to raise an eyebrow. It’s ridiculous fun in ways that only Lego Batman may top and a DVD best placed behind a glass panel labelled, “Break if you get too serious”. It’s even been confirmed that there will be a sequel next year with William Shatner voicing Two Face as the main villain. So it seems the bell hasn’t rung on the old school as soon as we thought, but bats all for now.
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