Happy Birthday Batman! Mimsey's 5 Favorite Things About the 1989 Batman movie!

Hello Gentlereaders,

As it turns out, it's Batman's birthday!

 

WEEEEEEE!!!!!!

Specifically, it's the 25th anniversary of the film Batman starring Micheal Keaton, Jack Nicholson and Kim Basinger, as Batman, The Joker and Kim Basinger respectively. It was also directed by Tim Burton, back when Tim Burton was an auteure director and not just the guy who put Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter in all his movies. 

 

And this was his claim to fame. 

In celebration of this Batversary, I thought it would be nice to do a list of 5 things I love about Batman (1989). 

Mimsey's 5 Favorite Things About the 1989 Batman movie!

5) Jack Nicholson as The Joker

 

One day, I too shall own a suit as awesome as this. 

Now, let's get one thing clear: I love Heath Ledger's portrayal of The Joker. I love Mark Hamill as The Joker. I even have a very sincere affection for Cesar Romero as The Joker (mustache and all!). But, there is something that Jack Nicholson has that no other Joker can top: This Joker is FUN! He's got all the great one-liners, his laughter is infectious, he's campy as all get-out and most importantly, he's got personality to spare. And what's really interesting is, we see the character, Jack, pre-Joker, and the guy is already charismatic. Also named Jack.

JACK NICHOLSON IS LITERALLY PLAYING HIMSELF!

If you don't have time for the entire thing, skip to 1:55 

for the funniest moment in the entire film

4) The Insane Production Design

If you watched the above clip, did you notice how this superhero movie features COMPLETELY REAL PARADE BALLOONS? Like, who does that? Literally, who says "I'm going to make a Batman movie, and there's going to be a parade."

Notice the complete and total absence of CGI!

There was just so much thought put into even the tiniest details. People give Tim Burton a lot of flack for his movies having the same basic look (maybe rightfully so), but here, it just works. The entire city feels like something straight out of a comic book. It's gothic, it's overthetop and it is GLORIOUS!

3) The Characters

Ladies...

I am an unabashed fan of character actors great and small. There is just something fun about watching a man or woman take a small part and just OWN IT! The handsome man above is a perfect example, as Billy Dee Williams steals every scene he's in. See, Lando plays Harvey Dent, who fans of The Dark Knight might recognize as A MAJOR CHARACTER!

But, this movie has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to cast. Alfred is amazing, Commissioner Gordon is 100% trustworthy, and Jack Palance, who plays The Joker's boss is a national treasure. 

And that's not even getting into the true nemesis of Batman: Bob the Goon. For a better analysis then I could ever hope to give, check here. But, suffice it to say, the only point where Joker truly begins to lose is after he shoots Bob. (Uh....spoilers?)

2) Alfred

 

 Alfred knows what you're doing. 

And he finds it most amusing. 

I touched briefly on him when I talked about the characters, but man...Alfred is so good in this. Granted, Michael Caine is amazing in anything, but Michael Gough who plays Batman’s batman in this flick just owns the role. More then just a butler, Alfred is the brains behind Batman. From the first scene you see him in, Alfred is covering for Batman, cleaning up after him, noticing suspicious activities, and keeping Batman completely in the know. 

 

Shall I get my Bat-bat sir?

More than that, he feels like Batman’s surrogate parent. He’s Batman’s mentor, his confidant and a real friend to him. He is also quite possibly the most hilarious wingman ever, as he all but forces Batman and Kim Bassinger together like they were his own person dolls. 

 

 Now...KISS!

1) Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne and Batman

I have a very real respect for Michael Keaton as an actor. The dude is good with the dramatic work, and he is also FUNNY! It was actually a bone of contention for folks when he was first cast, because no one could believe a funny man could accurately portray Batman. 

 

 Clearly, this is a man who couldn't possibly play 

a charismatic, dark and entertaining character. 

This dude was fantastic. Not only did he bring sincerity, personality and depth to Batman, he also is one of the best Bruce Wayne’s ever. Here’s a guy who may or may not be legitimately crazy. Add to that, he’s got a great understated charisma, giving us a Batman that is the strong silent type. 

 Fast car, lots of money, wears a mask 

and he probably cuddles.  

So, that’s my list. I’d love to hear your thoughts, and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog. I’ll be back at my regular Battime at my regular Batchannel. Now, if you'll excuse me...

I must watch Batman in my Battub. 

Jay Mims writes books, blogs, and went to see Godzilla. Jay is far funnier on Facebook then in real life. He is terrible at Twitter.  If you liked what you read, don't forget to subscribe to the blog for your regular dose of Mimsey!