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Here are mine as they stand today:
1) Batman 1989 - There is nothing like the seeing Batman done in his original, serious tone, back in '89. Nicholson still stands out as a classic Joker without overconceptualizing the idea and Keaton had it all in the eyes. PLUS I still LOVE that original cowl. Keaton just looked awesome in it.
2) The Dark Knight - A close second, but still second. It's primary set back is Bale who is good as Batman, but somewhat dull as Bruce Wayne. Plus he overacts the vocal quality of Batman. Yes, he must disguise his voice, but convincingly so. Heath Ledger brings a brilliant and refreshing portrayal as the Joker.
3) Batman Begins - This film earns third place simply for telling the whole story of Batman for the first time. It was done very well and I admired the way director Christopher Nolan explained (with some grounded perspective) how one man could undertake and conceal himself as the Dark Knight. Very smart film.
4) Batman Returns - As much as I love director Tim Burton, it pains me that I can't rank his sequel any higher in this series, but I can't. I LOVE the choreography in this film. The Batmobile cutting through the snow and the textbook Burton-esque world of surrealism is beautifully displayed. But the stunning shortcomings in this film hender the believability even in Burton's world. The origins of both the Penguin and Catwoman are very weak and so outlandish, I still scratch my head after all these years - Penguins in a sewer? Penguins raise a child that is deformed from birth that strangely resembles them? Hmmmm. The Catwoman is born after the mayor throws his secretary out a window and alley cats lick her wounds which somehow grant her supernatural abilities? Hmmmmmm. I can buy into alot, but this is a stretch even for my imagination. I admire Burton's effort to inject a social message regarding gender perception, but it's underdeveloped. It's still a Tim Burton film though, so I watch it every year.
5) Batman Forever - Val Kilmer does an admiral job as Batman, but the cartoon nature of the 60's is sliding into the series now. And while the 60's television show has it's OWN respectability and place in Batman lore, (including saving the comic book from cancellation in '66) it does not have a place in modern cinema since THAT concept was strictly a vehicle for television. I didn't think Jim Carrey brought anything to the role of the Riddler except his standard comedic slapstick which, while fun in places, lacked direction or reason. Tommy Lee Jones also appeared lost in his role as Two-Face.
6) Batman & Robin - History has spoken on this film. No matter your taste or preference of era for Batman, the fact is it took nearly 20 years for audiences to accept a serious version of Batman after the television show ended. Reaching back to that comedic material in 1997 was simply a bad move and the franchise was deemed dead shortly after it's release. I don't believe this means the material involving Adam West is in any way inferior or lacks credibility in the history of Batman. What it does say is that audiences want a different approach for their cinematic experience. 'Nuff said.
1) Batman 1989 - There is nothing like the seeing Batman done in his original, serious tone, back in '89. Nicholson still stands out as a classic Joker without overconceptualizing the idea and Keaton had it all in the eyes. PLUS I still LOVE that original cowl. Keaton just looked awesome in it.
2) The Dark Knight - A close second, but still second. It's primary set back is Bale who is good as Batman, but somewhat dull as Bruce Wayne. Plus he overacts the vocal quality of Batman. Yes, he must disguise his voice, but convincingly so. Heath Ledger brings a brilliant and refreshing portrayal as the Joker.
3) Batman Begins - This film earns third place simply for telling the whole story of Batman for the first time. It was done very well and I admired the way director Christopher Nolan explained (with some grounded perspective) how one man could undertake and conceal himself as the Dark Knight. Very smart film.
4) Batman Returns - As much as I love director Tim Burton, it pains me that I can't rank his sequel any higher in this series, but I can't. I LOVE the choreography in this film. The Batmobile cutting through the snow and the textbook Burton-esque world of surrealism is beautifully displayed. But the stunning shortcomings in this film hender the believability even in Burton's world. The origins of both the Penguin and Catwoman are very weak and so outlandish, I still scratch my head after all these years - Penguins in a sewer? Penguins raise a child that is deformed from birth that strangely resembles them? Hmmmm. The Catwoman is born after the mayor throws his secretary out a window and alley cats lick her wounds which somehow grant her supernatural abilities? Hmmmmmm. I can buy into alot, but this is a stretch even for my imagination. I admire Burton's effort to inject a social message regarding gender perception, but it's underdeveloped. It's still a Tim Burton film though, so I watch it every year.
5) Batman Forever - Val Kilmer does an admiral job as Batman, but the cartoon nature of the 60's is sliding into the series now. And while the 60's television show has it's OWN respectability and place in Batman lore, (including saving the comic book from cancellation in '66) it does not have a place in modern cinema since THAT concept was strictly a vehicle for television. I didn't think Jim Carrey brought anything to the role of the Riddler except his standard comedic slapstick which, while fun in places, lacked direction or reason. Tommy Lee Jones also appeared lost in his role as Two-Face.
6) Batman & Robin - History has spoken on this film. No matter your taste or preference of era for Batman, the fact is it took nearly 20 years for audiences to accept a serious version of Batman after the television show ended. Reaching back to that comedic material in 1997 was simply a bad move and the franchise was deemed dead shortly after it's release. I don't believe this means the material involving Adam West is in any way inferior or lacks credibility in the history of Batman. What it does say is that audiences want a different approach for their cinematic experience. 'Nuff said.
-Tallahassee 
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