“Batman vs. Two-Face” was Adam West’s last time as his iconic 1960s Batman. This film is really enjoyable too and is stronger than the animated film prior and the live-action film as his Batman. There was so much love poured into this film and I love how it focuses on the Harvey and Bruce relationship and the fact that Harvey Dent has a complete arc that captures the show’s focus on hope. If you like DC animation or the 1960s show I do recommend checking this out.
The film was directed by Rick Morales and written by Michael Jelenic and James Tucker.
After District Attorney Harvey Dent (William Shatner) is scarred in a horrible accident the dynamic duo of Batman (Adam West) and Robin (Burt Ward) must solve the mysterious crime spree while facing off against countless foes.
SPOILERS ahead
The Pros:
The Animation and Action – The animation from this film is smooth and flows well. It makes the action work really well and it incorporates the classic “Pows” on screen from punches when Batman and his allies are fighting foes. It is so much fun.
Catwoman – Julie Newmar is back reprising her role as Catwoman and is courting Batman from prison until she breaks out after he stands her up when dealing with the Two-Face crisis. She outsmarts one of the guards and trades their clothes and saves Batman from his rogues who bid for Batman’s true identity at Two-Face’s auction. She is a constant help and I liked her and Batman’s relationship as it was one of mutual respect.
Harvey Dent / Two-Face – William Shatner was my favorite part of this film besides Adam West. Two-Face is a great threat through the entire film, setting up lesser crooks as his plot unfolds to make everyone like him. He is amazing as Two-Face and has an arc where he has to defeat the evil side of himself and succeeds due to Batman’s friendship and support. Shatner plays the split personality so well and it was great to see a story where Harvey defeats Two-Face as all the ones I know it always ends in tragedy and Two-Face’s return.
Dick Grayson / Robin – Burt Ward’s arc goes from jealousy to appreciating Harvey and not being jealous anymore. It works and it was interesting to see him turned into Two-Face by the formula that made Two-Face in the first place. The tension between the dynamic duo was annoying at times but it did make sense and Robin did catch what Batman missed which helps them take down Two-Face in the end. I also liked how he made peace with Harvey by the end of the film.
Bruce Wayne / Batman – Adam West’s Batman is endearing. He is so forthright, blunt and honest and it makes his relationship with others so wholesome. His belief in Harvey eventually leads to Harvey’s rehabilitation too. Batman’s relationships are the heart of the film whether it is his being surrogate dad to Robin, romance with Catwoman or friendship with Harvey and this is a great way to honor West’s Batman. This was a wonderful final film. R.I.P. Adam West. You were iconic.
The Possibility of Redemption – The focus on redemption is huge and we see it in a few of Batman’s rogues but front and center with Harvey Dent. The fact that Harvey defeats Two-Face is huge and his redemption is something you rarely get in Batman shows and films outside of Catwoman and he lives. Oftentimes redemption means death for Batman rogues if redemption ever happens. Harvey and Catwoman live and can continue their relationships with Bruce and Batman. It is sweet and the core of the film.
The Cons:
Some of the Jokes – Some jokes were annoying. I didn’t mind the corny jokes but Aunt Harriet hits on everyone and it is really annoying as a running joke.
Robin’s Jealousy – Robin’s jealousy of Harvey was also a con. I understood it but it was core to the drama when it could have been more organic and less blunt.
The Useless GCPD – This is true to the show but also annoying as GCPD can’t do anything basic without the dynamic duo. I get how it is true to the show but they aren’t even allies they are just there to say what the problem is.
No Setup of the Cure – Batman randomly makes the cure and there is no making of the cure or how he found or discovered it. It needed at least that. The film is short so a 3 minute scene would have been perfect.
This was an enjoyable final sendup to honor Adam West’s Batman and I had a lot of fun. The core relationship between Batman and Harvey Dent works and I like how hopeful it is. This is a film celebrating the show and is a wonderful final film for Adam West’s iconic Batman.
Final Score: 7.6 / 10
cameronmoviesandtv 