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A superhero Takes In And Marvels Over BATMAN BEYOND: RETURN OF THE JOKER

that's a fucking good review! by Ashen Shugar	Sep 18th, 2000 02:41:39 PM
Almost no spoiler, although superhero tells a lot of things. Great job man! And I'm first...So what more do I need to say?
YAHOO! by BurninBullwinkle	Sep 18th, 2000 02:45:51 PM
Damn skippy! I'm so happy they didn't tone down this flick. Oh PLEASE GOD make the WB suits see clear to establishing a direct to video series of Batman and Superman now that the series is "on hiatus". Amen.
WHEN!!!! by Munchausen	Sep 18th, 2000 02:54:00 PM
When does RETURN OF THE JOKER release???
Damn right! by waynehead	Sep 18th, 2000 02:54:28 PM
Does it sound like Bruce Wayne's gonna bite it to anyone else? I think he was getting at that with all of the 'tragedy' stuff. But that was one helluva review, superhero. Keep 'em coming!
I'll check it out by Celedhring	Sep 18th, 2000 02:55:45 PM
I've always thought that Batman Beyond was a lame series with a lame concept (reminded me of that lousy "2050" Marvel comics). But after reading this review I'll check it out (I was going to do it anyway, heck THE JOKER is in that one...) Anyway, anybody knows anything about that live-action project? WB seemed that wanted to give up Batman 5 on favor of this one, something I didn't like at all...
Manic anticipation! by derrickfish	Sep 18th, 2000 03:02:12 PM
Wow. A great review. (Even though it did'nt quench my evil need for life-sucking spoilers. Ah well) Does anyone know if there's any footage of it anywhere online. A REAL trailer or something! I'm getting antsy!
Enough kidding around... by silentjay	Sep 18th, 2000 03:05:45 PM
The joker is one sadisitic fuck in this movie...
wow. by grammarcop	Sep 18th, 2000 03:11:53 PM
finally, a well-written review. harry, moriarty, and the rest of the dorks ought to take note.
wow. by grammarcop	Sep 18th, 2000 03:12:37 PM
finally, a well-written review. harry, moriarty, and the rest of the dorks ought to take note.
Re: WHEN!!!!-- October 24, 2000 by Jeebs	Sep 18th, 2000 03:29:51 PM
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obi dos/ASIN/0790749416/qid=969309 320/sr=1-/103-7973597-2030221 GOD!! I can't wait B-{{{{{
Return of the Joker, eh? by Russell Hammond	Sep 18th, 2000 03:51:59 PM
That title reminds me about the time that Keith Moon came back from the dead. It happened back in 1987. I was over at C.C deVille's house, watching Berry Gordy's The Last Dragon with Keith Richards, Billy Idol, George Michael, and Meat Loaf. I was busy smoking up a storm, while George was in the bathroom, "freshening up". Meanwhile, Keith and Billy became entangled in a deadly spork-fight,trying to determine who exactly was the ugliest asshole in rock N roll. Ol'Meaty was eating pizza.... his 47th pie that night. Then, without preamble, the rotting corpse of Keith Moon lept through my window! After promptly shitting myself, I lept up to embrace my idol. However, Moon was busy cracking open C.C's skull, digging for brains. Enraged that there was not a single trace of gray matter left in that Aerosol-imbued skull, Mooney attacked Keith and made him age another 10 years (not a difficult task, i can assure you). After 2 hours of hilarous hijinks, George stuck a 15 inch dildo up Mooney's ass and chucked him into the pool. I've never seen him since, although Jim Morrison popped in last weeks to wish me well. Maybe I should take Jimmy Page's advice and lay off of the Necromancy.... All this and more to appear on Russell Hammond: Behind the Music!
does anyone know when this comes out in Australia?? by baff	Sep 18th, 2000 05:07:38 PM
holy shit this sounds fine!! this is my guess. this has been done before, i know it was lois clark with lex luthors retrn so it is hardly original but here it goes: harlequin has been this pathetic obsessed love sick idiot all these years in this dingy little hole trying to revive jokers body. she finally does it (thru cryogenics or cloning or somethin) and baddabing baddaboom he is back and laughin all the way! i have only seen one ep of BB so i dunno much; have they hinted at somthing goin on between bruce wayne and barbera gordan?? thatd make dick grayason get pissed off id imagine! there are lots of rumours that all them robins will be back in this flick as well. so many character and loose ends to tie up. are they gonna do it all in this 80minute movie (if that)?? i am very jazzed about although not really a fan of BB. baff
I just had a bad feeling (Possible Spoiler)... by JimJim Binks	Sep 18th, 2000 05:29:19 PM
If they kill off Bruce I'm gonna be pissed. I love the bitter old Bruce Wayne in Batman Beyond. I'm pretty sure its gonna be Jim Gordon thats killed in the flashback sequence. It would explain why Barbara is so bitter towards Bruce in the future. One more thing, I'm gonna be pissed if the last shot of the movie is the new Batman watching the sun rise, or set. Don't know why, the thought of something like that happening makes me sick though.
This Movie's gonna kick the @$$! by X-Girls	Sep 18th, 2000 06:20:53 PM
I can't wait. I'm in love with what I heard up there. An adult animated batman set in the future written by the best of the best. It bothers me that the Joker has a green face, I hope they didn't give him a glider... but still who gives ? The movie will kick ass when is it comin' out? On video, right?unfortunate
Hamill rules by Heir	Sep 18th, 2000 06:31:49 PM
Not crazy about Star Wars, but Hamill IS the Joker- superb, genius, a star gone nova. Let's hope the industry sees this, that old kid deserves an award!
Bring it ON! by superninja	Sep 18th, 2000 06:55:57 PM
I'm always up for a macabre Batman tale by Dini's team!
Excellent!! by Hiram099	Sep 18th, 2000 07:14:41 PM
Congratulations SuperHero, this is a great review, and I can
BATMAN BEYOND by Batman_9	Sep 18th, 2000 07:54:59 PM
Oh Man! I can't wait! I am not a big fan of "the new Batman" either, but after reading that I am so excited! I can't believe we will finally see what happened with the rest of the "Bat-Team!" I never should have doubted Paul and that other guy! I will be buying this film, even before I see it!
ARRGH! STRAIGHT TO VIDEO! by Hinesy	Sep 18th, 2000 08:16:15 PM
I absolutely hate Pokemon. Pokemon shit-ass movies get the royal treatment from Warner Bros. while the Batman Animated moveis get the shaft. Pokemon occupies nearly every time slot during the week and on Saturday mornings while we get ONE new regular Batman show (not that I don't appreciate Beyond, but we all want to see the real deal.) Since it moved to the WB it improved in every area EXCEPT for the fact that we see it next to fucking NEVER! This movie deserves to be shown in a theater. The last three live action movies should have gone to video if you ask me. These guys should be recognized for their achievements in restoring dignity and greatness to Batman. If only they could do a Dark Night Returns animated movie and release it THEATRICALLY. Shit, I'd trade in Matrix 2 and 3, Episode II and Lord of the rings to see that.
VIDEO, SCHMIDEO!!! by Sith Lord Jesus	Sep 18th, 2000 08:41:43 PM
When's this bad boy comin' out on DVD?! Come on, give it up, 'cause I'm there the second it does!!
by darthpablo	Sep 18th, 2000 09:20:45 PM

This film will suck because I don't know anything about it or ho by U.R. Pretentious	Sep 18th, 2000 09:25:11 PM
On second thought, this movie will rock because I've never read the script, or seen the film, and the only real information I have to go on is a review that a second rate Sherlock Holmes villain did for a pseudo-friend, and someone whose review doesn't really give any sort of new information other than what's been rehashed. I've only seen the teaser, and the poster, but that's enough for me to know this movie will rule the fucking Earth, because the Joker is back, and he's green! GREEN! Mark Hammil is a God because he was in SW so anything he does is obviously a goldmine! So is Dini, Timm, and Burnett! They're all Gods because they get the characters, and know what the true fans want! This movie will rule the fucking Earth because I know every minute detail of the Batman series' and the comics, and other than Batman, I only collect the most obscure, difficult to find underground comics and music that no one has heard of. This movie will be video-store Gold, just like BATMAN: SUBZERO. Why? Beause I'm a film geek, and I nitpick.
batman beyond dvd by darthpablo	Sep 18th, 2000 09:28:15 PM
Is there going to be a DVD release? I'm not a big fan of BB but from that review, it might be worth a shot. Batman has to be potrayed in a darker light than what Hollywood is used to vomitting out. From the sound of it,this animated feature just might hit the mark.
I thought this was supposed to be a real movie? by Eyegore	Sep 18th, 2000 11:45:47 PM
Oh well, since it's another of these lame badly drawn batman cartoons, it sucks donkey balls like the rest of the batman animated crap.
Will someone PLEEEEUZE riddle me this.... by TallScott	Sep 19th, 2000 02:51:37 AM
Will someone please tell me why in the Wide Wide World of Sports that the Batman Beyond movie is going stright to video but Warner Brothers put the Pokemon 2001 movie in the theaters (..I know i know its the money stupid!)
So, what's it rated? by Kodani-kun	Sep 19th, 2000 04:50:03 AM
Good to hear an AMERICAN animated film, not just anime, will go the extra distance to include some real edgy content and deal with serious mature themes, about time damnit. I'd just like to know what's it rated so I can get an idea of how extreme it might be. PG? PG-13? I doubt R, but wouldn't that be nice. By the way, the toy line is out now which seems to include classic Batman, classic Bruce, new Batman, and of course 'ol smiley himself, but guess what? Despite what's seen on the poster, the figure's got a white face! Which leads me to conclude that A. Joker's not really green and someone screwed the art or B. These are lame rehashes of previously released figures 'cause those lazy bastards at Kenner didn't feel like mak'n new ones. Most likely the latter, but we shall see. Lastly, if this film is as marvelous as some claim it to be, WHY OH WHY THE @!%# IS IT NOT BEING SHOWN IN THEATERS? Screw Box-Office earnings, this couldn't have cost much to make. God I'm sick of cartoon-crap fests like Pokemon being shoved down kid's throats while great art like this is doomed for the $3.99 bargain bin at Blockbuster. Justice will never be served, that is all.....
Warner Brothers does it all for the nookie.... by XTheCrovvX	Sep 19th, 2000 06:49:37 AM
Ok, maybe not the nookie...but they're definitely some money grubbing assholes...they have some great quality stuff under their wing, then shoots itself in the ass by not using it right...i remember when The Matrix was about to get released....yes, they gave it a few commercials, but they absolutely screwed the film when promoting it, then jumped on the bandwagon when they saw how much people liked it...Then, getting closer to the subject at hand, i remember Mask of the Phantasm getting ZERO publicity, then they scratched their heads wondering why the hell it didnt make any money, despite it being one of the best Batman flicks ever...Sub-Zero, i can understand, it was good, but it worked best for me on video...but the way this is sounding, Return of the Joker DESERVES a shot in theaters...why then are we stuck begging for video, and new episodes of the TV show, when the ugly beast named Pokemon gets on three times a day?? Greedy bastards....either way, October 24th, i NEED this movie...and people, we need to support this movie, and show those leeching assholes at the WB that their audience is not entirely game boy touting brats with pikachu fetishes...Revolution is my name...
Flash III - Revenge Of The Trickster by The Brain	Sep 19th, 2000 07:07:52 AM
Anyone who likes Mark Hamill's voice talent as the Joker should check out the above film. He plays the role of The Trickster complete with alter-ego, high pitched Joker-esqe voice and harlequin lycra outfit (from what I can remember). It's good in a cheesy Saturday morning for the kids kind of way. For the more obscure Mark Hamill film try Mutronics (rubber monsters do battle) directed by some 80's fx guru, I think he went on to do Guyver but I could be wrong.
Joker Isn't Green... by Jon Zuckerman	Sep 19th, 2000 07:16:50 AM
in this!!!I saw it as well, and it is probally the best Batman movie yet made. The flashback sequence to the last Batman/Joker confrontation is the greatest I've seen,live action or animated. I was very suprised as I'm not really a Batman Beyond fan, but I really enjoyed this.
Animation- the ignored art form by Terry_1978	Sep 19th, 2000 10:35:44 AM
Seriously, if the review of this movie is accurate, then it proves without a doubt that animated characters in movies can evoke deep emotion within their audience. Hollywood has always been hesitant about releasing dramatic animated movies and tv shows for the mere fact that animation in the US has a stigma of being just for children or for the sake of comedy. I really hope Return of the Joker gets the rave reviews it deserves(though as someone mentioned earlier, straight to video usually means death, and releasing this in theatres would truly expose more people to it). The last animated flick to be nominated for best picture was Beauty and the Beast, about 10 years ago.....I'm not saying Batman Beyond is 100% Oscar worthy, but like Spawn, the original Batman series, etc...it's more than worthy of national acclaim.
One more thing.... by Terry_1978	Sep 19th, 2000 10:42:44 AM
When I went to see Titan A.E. a few months back, the trailers were for nothing but Pokemon and Rugrats....why in God's name were trailers made for little kids put on an adult film? As soon as I saw those enormous flashes of Pikachu and Chuckie, I knew that the people who attach trailers to films truly are morons....they attach the trailers based on the genre of the movie...but all animation is not one and the same.
Batman and Superman movie??? by IrishJoe	Sep 19th, 2000 11:17:25 AM
Was there really a movie like this. Im presuming animated well of course its animated but when did it come out. What is the deal with it. Also i never got to see batman:subzero over here any one want to send me a copy. ill be your best friend.
World's Finest is the best hands down. by superninja	Sep 19th, 2000 11:54:48 AM
It's better than Phantasm or Sub Zero. Romance, action, mystery...it's go it all! I'd like to see more Superman/Batman crossovers, but I guess that's out of the question now.
Avi Arad is sure getting mileage off this Marvel casting hoopla. by superninja	Sep 19th, 2000 12:10:56 PM
The guy is quoted nearly every week now, commenting on pre-production and casting for Blade, Ghost Rider, Spider-Man, etc. Does he have ANY control over these elements, or is he just being a publicity hound?
Better not be Bruce by Rictus	Sep 19th, 2000 12:42:55 PM
Well I tend to concur with the general belief that someone is gonna die. I think both in the flashback and in the future "reality". I dunno about Commish Gordon, while a definite possibility its to easy and to close to the plot for the original series episode where Barbara goes into a coma and dreams of a future where she is dead and Commish is hunting Batman for revenge (the one that brought NightWing back to Batman's aid) It just seems to me that it would be to close to comfort to that plot. . I am thinking more along the lines of one of the Robins, I think one of 2 things, either Dick gets axed (I rarely watch the show so if he has shown up in the BB storyline then forgive my ignorance) and Barbara and he had a thing going on, Batman, for one reason or another, could not or would not save him and he ended up dying. Barbara is pissed at Bruce and quits the team, joins the police force and rises to commisioner, Or the younger Robin, forget his name at the moment, gets killed, Batman tries to save him, cannot, he dies. Barbara secretly or openly always opposed such a young child as Batman's side kick and took him under her wing like a younger brother, she is destroyed by Mini-Robin's death and blames Batman, see above possibility for rest. Another posibility is totally different and less likely. Barbara marries at some point in the past, Hubby either gets caught in the crossfire of a Batman/Joker brawl and is killed or Hubby turns into a feakish (or was always) supervillan that Batman lets die or can't save. As for future characters, Bruce Wayne, while a shocker, can't happen, the death of BW at the hands of The Joker would be insulting to everything the series/Comic has stood for, It would be a travesty along the lines of Stan Lee's "New Superman" GI Joe look bullshit. I don't care if Terry is the "New" Batman, he will never be Batman much like Dick Grayson is the only true Robin. Sidekicks may be interchangable and killing one off is dramatic and provides a turning point for the main characters, Killing the original main character, even if he has been relegated to the supporting cast can't happen. It will be a grave insult to the Batman "mythos" to allow Bruce Wayne to die at the hands of the Joker, it negates everything Batman/Bruce Wayne fought for, it will basically make his whole life a futile pursuit of justice only to have him discover in the end that evil never can be truely destroyed. Dramtic and Poingant maybe but I for one will be truly insulted if they let BW die. Terry is in no way ready for a solo gig, it is way to much of a burden for him. Even if Bruce left him everything in his will, he has no guiding force, no "inner voice", no direction. Bruce was orphaned at a young age true, but he always had Alfred, Alfred was basically young Bruce's father figure and guided him and molded him into the man he became. Bruce has taken on the Alfred mantle with young Terry, while Terry has a mother, he has no father and Bruce has taken on the father figure role. He is needed for any future growth of the character. I think we are looking at the death of either a member of Terry's family (mother or brother) or maybe Barbara Gordon (which while little better than killing BW is more feasible since BG always was a supporting character) or possible one of Terry's school friends or harem of female admirers will be taking a long dirt nap. Something personal to Terry, I think we may see a serious love interest or an old flame becoming serious and the Joker putting an end to that. While reminiscent of SpiderMan's Gwen Stacey storyline, its been something like 30 years since that particular episode graced the pages of a Spidey comic (I own a near mint condition of it :) ) and I think it would make for an OK plot. I mean how many of us would not want to tear the person who killed our first love limb from limb and beat him to death with his own appendages. I see it as massive motivation for Terry to go on a blood hunt for the Joker with Bruce trying to keep him from destroying himself in the process, much like he did with Dick Grayson. My question, shocking, or a variation of, is used liberally in the review. How are we going to be shocked? Violence, blood, gore, nudity? I mean are we talking Anime quality shock value or just shocking for an American Cartoon? Also is it shock for the sake of shock or does it fit into the story and enhance the telling of the story. Part of the reason I dislike most Anime is the gratuitous violence and blood that seems pointless to the plot. It reminds me of some animated Commando (Arnie movie). I mean is it necessary to see a mans guts spill out after he is killed with a katana? I like violence and action as much as the next guy but make it have a point. Mindless violence is ok in a John Woo movie, but thats because John Woo is an artist in the way its presented, its like some kind of morbid ballet. But blood just for the sake of blood bores me. Now Nudity, thats always welcome in American animation, seems like we get all twisted around, the naked human form is evil and should not be seen, but a man getting decapitated or disemboweled is ok. Oh well.
The HAM in Hamill. by Scott Ridley	Sep 19th, 2000 01:44:50 PM
On a recent talkback I dared to to suggest that that mister Hamill's joker was basically wildly over-acted crap, a stance I'm sticking to.What amazed me was the level of venom and defensive anger that got thrown back at me on the talkback afterwards.Why does everyone think this guy is so good?I think there is some kind of collective guilt going on because his movie career bellyed up straight after 'Star Wars'.Would anyone go and see a live action Batman movie with him as the Joker?I'm sure he's a nice guy and all that but I'd doubt it.
_____The Official trailer says OCTOBER 31st.... by IAmJacksUserID	Sep 19th, 2000 01:47:54 PM
...dammit
batman beyond: return of the joker by justaj	Sep 19th, 2000 03:11:13 PM
One of the things that annoyed me (and everyone else i'm sure) most about the cartoon was how cryptic bruce was about his past. Finally we'll get some answer. I'm curious about what people think happened to Dick, Tim, and Gordon. So far the idea that one of the robins became the Joker has intrigued me most. Now as a loyal Batman fan i would probably never watch another batman beyond if they did that, but that really would have been a fantastic plot. From the little research i've just done (and its not anywhere near over) on the web I can draw two assumptions. Dick lives, Tim doesn't. http://www.comicology.com/f1jo ker.html The last paragraph states: "We finally explain what happened to Tim," said Timm. "And there's a line in the movie that says something about what happened to Dick," he added tantalizingly, "but he doesn't actually make an appearance, because we might want to save that for the sequel." Its the 'he doesn't make an appearance' that leads me to believe Dick is still alive. And its just the tone of the comment about Tim that leads me to believe he dies. Oh and someone mentioned that they thought Bruce dies in Return of Joker. From what i've read, it sounds as though he just gets injured. But i do think that in the flashback battle of batman vs joker, that is where he either a)whatever caused his heart condition occurs or b) he uses a gun for the first time. back to hunting... -A
Which are movies by Heinrich	Sep 19th, 2000 04:30:14 PM
Someone please list the actual MOVIEs of the animated Superman & Batman. I know about Mask of the Phantasm, but Amazon does not make it real easy to know what is a movie and what is just collected eps.
ARRRGHGHH!! Leave it to the WB to #$%^ my world. by superninja	Sep 19th, 2000 11:10:34 PM
Daily Variety reports 13 EPs ordered of a NEW Superman series -- where Clark is 15 YEARS OLD! Oh, I do SO not want to see that Smallville $hit with Lana. What is wrong with continuing the current Superman? Why are you trying to copy Batman Beyond? I hate you WB...Why can't we have both? Let Dini & Co. move onto other projects and hire a writing team for the previous projects! Make a 2-hour block on FoxKIDS.
The Batman/Superman "film" is called: World's Finest by superninja	Sep 19th, 2000 11:19:25 PM
It was a straight-to-video release because it was a compilation of three EPs that played on Fox. Here's the addy on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obi dos/ASIN/0790736896/qid=969423 881/sr=2-1/103-0803519-0984618 *********** It's referred to as The Batman Superman Movie (1998). Order it now. It's the best ever.
Where's Aquaman! by Cnatch22	Sep 20th, 2000 12:40:21 AM
He's such an underrated character in the DC universe.... Ok I'm lying.
Kevin Conroy by Manos	Sep 21st, 2000 05:52:43 PM
I agree with the general consensus that Hamil is the definitive Joker - he's certainly got Nicolson beat, but lets have a cheer for Kevin Conroy. For a lot of years he's been a great Batman. The way he could use his voice to differentiate between Bruce Wayne and the Batman was quite effective. I'm indifferent toward the movies (liked Keeton, sort-of liked Kilmer, hated Clooney). For me, whenever I read a Batman comic or see a Batman poster, I'll hear Conroy's gritty voice. Thanks, Kevin, for a lot of years of Great Batman.
How the hell did you all do it?? by Eppy Thatcher	Sep 22nd, 2000 12:12:42 PM
I just want to know... Where did you all that have seen it get it to see it to review it? I mean... the thing isn't due for release until October, so where did you get a copy? How do I get on that privlaged list of previewers. I already do movie reviews for one of the local rags where I live, how come I don't get these really important things. I'll give up that gig to review the good stuff like a BB flic. HELP!!!!! Oh yeah... to reiterate one of the other poster's questions... does anyone know the rating on this? Based on your reviews to date I'd have to presume PG if not PG-13, but this is direct to video. Any info is good! Thanks All... Eppy Thatcher Devil in Your Heads Vivat Grendel!

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A superhero Takes In And Marvels Over BATMAN BEYOND: RETURN OF THE JOKER

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