"Batman" opened to record breaking numbers when it first opened back in June 1989, and deservedly so. This is easily the best film in the series. None of the sequels come close to topping this one for great fun. The plot: Batman tries to save Gotham City from the outrageous villain Joker. Michael Keaton is terrific as Batman/Bruce Wayne; Kim Basinger shines as the beautifully seductive reporter Vicki Vale; and Jack Nicholson gives arguably the craziest performance of his career as the Joker. Directed by Tim Burton, "Batman" is one of the best looking movies that I've ever seen. The Oscar-winning production design is eyepopping and mindboggling. I love movies that have production design that takes you to a world like no other seen before (like Ridley Scott's "Blade Runner"). The Gotham City look in this movie is unforgetable. The special effects and music score (by Burton regular Danny Elfman) are superb too. "Batman" is great fun from start to finish. And boy do I love that Joker's laugh! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
**** (out of four)
**** (out of four)