When you think of superheroes; usually images of powerful individuals in bright Lycra spring to mind. Then there’s Batman. He’s much darker than the majority of superheroes and doesn’t even possess any superpowers but he’s still one of the world’s most cherished comic book characters. With the various incarnations it is hard to choose which one is my favourite version but I think this is the best.

It follows Batman (Michael Keaton “Beetlejuice”) as he battles against the crime in his city. He then must a face a new threat when the Joker (Jack Nicholson “The Witches of Eastwick”) starts putting Gotham City in mass hysteria as he mindlessly kills innocent people through various psychotic means. Also, Batman is being pursued by a reporter but he falls for the journalist’s his photographer Vicky Vale (Kim Basinger “L.A. Confidential”).

Batman is played brilliantly by Michael Keaton. He perfectly captures the tortured soul persona of Bruce Wayne as well as the revenge wanting Batman. But the one who steals the show is Jack Nicholson as the deranged, psychopathic prankster the Joker. He’s terrifying yet hilarious. You’ll laugh at his behaviour then in the next scene regret it deeply. Also, I think the relationship between Batman and the Joker as hero and villain is one of the best I’ve ever seen.

“Batman” is an adventurous classic that dares to be more violent and more intellectual than your average comic book fare. “Batman” is more compelling and captivating with its extraordinary universe that it creates by utilizing a dark, eerie and moody atmosphere that only Tim Burton (“Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure”) could pull off. I think “Batman” is brilliant movie. It contains all the explosive action and the over the top scenarios you’ve come to know from the genre as well as a dark and interesting look brought to you by the talented Tim Burton.