Rating: Summary: Batman couldn't be better..... Review: Batman couldn't be better, whether in a live action or an animated feature, Mask of the Phantasm sets a high standard that has so far been unsurpassed. While Mask of the Phantasm is animated, this film should not be mistaken for a children's cartoon. The plot is sophisticated, providing more insight into Batman/Bruce Wayne's personality than any of the dreck that Tim Burton has turned out. The story is told partially in the present and partially through flash back. Someone is knocking off some old time crime bosses and Batman is the primary suspect. I don't want to give too much away, but the flash back sequences link back to when Bruce Wayne was first becoming Batman. The love of his life has returned, and Bruce/Batman is faced with some difficult decisions regarding the price he has paid to wage his war on crime. The great thing about this movie is the characters. Bruce Wayne is a multifaceted character whose hopes and dreams have become subrogated to his Batman persona. This movie really explores that aspect of his personality. Make no mistake, like any Batman film, there's plenty of action but the story is character driven. The voice talents are excellent. Kevin Conroy has really defined the Batman character. Dana Delaney gives the Andrea Beaumont character a sensual vivacity that hasn't been seen in any of the female characters in other Batman films. Mark Hammil is perfect as the Joker. The DVD production is solid if unspectacular. The picture is crystal clear and really serves to highlight the palette of colors employed by the artists. The film is intended to have a noir-like quality, and this is really felt on the DVD. The DVD comes with the widescreen presentation on one side and the pan and scan on the opposite side. The soundtrack has been reproduced magnificently. The score and the sound effects really resonate with strong clarity. My complaints are twofold. At times the dialogue seemed rather muted when compared with the overpowering sound effects. I found myself constantly turning down the volume during the action scenes and cranking it up again during dialogue. The dialogue seems particularly muted, since I had to turn the TV volume higher than usual. It would've been nice to see more extras. Other than the trailer and a french language track, there's nothing else here. If you're looking for a Batman fix or a solid film, this is the purchase for you.
Rating: Summary: Animated "B-picture" enlivened by good storytelling Review: This animated "B-movie" was originally slated for a direct-to-video release, but had a two-week run in theaters first. Although the animation itself is generally mediocre, the writing and performances are superb. This is the only Batman film -- animated or live-action -- that captures the Dark Knight's square-jawed heroism without venturing into camp or cheap irony. A must-see for Batfans and B-movie lovers alike. Warning to parents: This film earns its PG rating.
Rating: Summary: What Junk. Review: Plotless and ultimately pointless story in the Batman animated series with the Dark Knight fighting some mysterious new villian in Gothom with the Joker putting in a hammy and dry act to boot. Warner Brothers animation is really corny, they should stick with Bugs Bunny cartoons.
Rating: Summary: BOTMANN ROXX!!! Review: BOTMANN ROXX!!! ...This is simply the best Batman movie out there. It goes back to classic type of Batman, with all of Gotham fearing him and mysterious villains that he himself created when you look deeper into the story. This movie is not for kids...It has action, sorrow, mystery, humor, not to mention the great music. However, it is NOT the greatest animated film of all time as some say...Anyway, go buy this right now...
Rating: Summary: Showing that sometimes the best films are where you least... Review: The musky and dark setting of Gotham City is excellent for the first Animated Series Batman film. While flashbacks are in no shortage here, i can see why they were so abundant. With a twisted plot that may not suprise the slightly above average viewer, it certainly brings the action to life. After Batman is blamed for the killing of a crime boss, he has to clear his name by exposing the true killer. This brings back painful memories of his past, and paints a clear picture of Batman's psyche. Shirley Walker's (who conducted danny elfman's scores in the batman films) score to this movie is grand. It brings the framiliarty of Elfman's score with a distinction all it's own. It definatly exceeds Goldenthal's score of Batman Forever and Batman and Robin. If you enjoyed this film, i highly reccomend the sequel to this film, Batman: Sub-Zero. However, that one has Robin and Batgirl in it. Batgirl isn't so bad, but robin is extremly irritating, so that is a drawback of that one. All in all, this is a great film. Although, i'm only fifteen, and what do i know?
Rating: Summary: The Best Batman - drama, romance, and thrills! Review: In this film spun from the hit animated series, Batman confronts elements of his past while hunting down a new menace called the Phantasm. Along the way, we get flashback scenes that show us how the Joker, along with one of Bruce Wayne's old girlfriends, is tangled up in the past of both Batman and this mysterious villain. Paul Dini, who won an Emmy for his work on the animated show, delivers a world-class script here that makes the whole movie. Voice performances from Kevin Conroy as Batman, Dana Delaney as Andrea Beaumont, and Mark Hamill as the Joker make this ride even better. The icing on the cake here is Shirley Walker's excellent score, which really hits in the right places. If you are a fan of Batman whatsoever, rent this movie. It's certainly worth getting. I recommend the DVD because of the widescreen format, which really gives the film a comic book perspective.
Rating: Summary: Maybe this is the Best Batman Movie Ever. Review: Batman (Voiced by Kevin Conroy) has to face a new Anti-Villian named the Phantom, who has been Killing Dangerous Gangster for Revenge. Bruce Wayne/Batman cannot forget about his Past Romance (Voiced by Dana Delany), who was Comeback to Gotham City. While he has his Troubles with The Joker (Wonderfully Voiced by Mark Hamill). Directed by Eric Radomski and Bruce W. Timm made a Slick Animated Film. A Box Office Disappointment in Theaters, was Supposed to be a Direct-to-Video Release. This film is Too Strong for Youngster. This is Based Strongly on Frank Miller`s Dark Knight Comics. Extremely Well Made. Grade:A-.
Rating: Summary: Superior To The Live-Action Features Review: Who would have thought an animated movie would be better then it's live counterparts? But that's what BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM is. Many swear that BATMAN (89) or BATMAN RETURNS are the best films featuring The Dark Knight. Obviouslly they have yet to see this film. While the story is slightly mediocre, it is far better then that of 89 and RETURNS. It's a tale of lost love, vengeance, and madness. Not the kind of themes one expects for a mdeium long associated with childern. And it handles them all in a mature, realistic fashion that never insults the viewers intelligence. This Batman is not only scary, but a serious threat to criminals. Instead of standing around and using gadgets he leaps, kicks, and punches. Then he'll throw a batarang to disarm a foe. Kevin Conroy has the right voice for Batman. Dark, menacing. But he is also capable of doing Bruce Wayne in a slightly higher pitch so that the two sound nothing alike. Something anyone from Keaton to Clooney never even attempted. The main foe is a new vigilante called The Phantasm who emerges from a cloud of smoke. Unlike Batman he kills criminals, which results in Batman being framed for these murders and fleeing from the police. Of course these crimes get the attention of The Joker, who believes he's next. Ah, Mark Hamil as The Joker. His performance is perfect. Chilling and oddly funny at the same time. His Joker gets notice but never steals the spotlight. Too bad that can't be sad of other films. Toss into this Andre Beaumont, a red-headed beauty from Bruce's past. They loved each other before he donned the mantle of the Bat. They were even engaged to be married but her father came between them. She left for Europe and when she came back she was engaged to another. As an aside, their are flashback in this movie. They explain the relationship between Bruce and Andrea. As well as the origins of the Batmobile, the Batcave, and why Bruce dresses as a giant bat. So if you are a fan of The Batman you can not go wrong with this film. It shows you who the character is, how he operates, his world and its rules, and his villains with rules of their own. And for those reasons it serves as an excellent introduction to Batman. You won't regret it.
Rating: Summary: 'Missed It By That Much' Review: This animated BATMAN motion picture was released theatrically with a limited run, and it deserved far better ... if for no other reason than it actually had a far greater story than any of the other Batflicks to date. Occasionally hard-to-follow due to a wealth of flashbacks (difficult to pull off in animation), MASK OF THE PHANTASM tells the story of Bruce Wayne's early days as the Batman and discloses the surprising fact that he almost hung up the cowl ... over the love of Andrea Beaumont, a beautiful socialite whose past might not be as clean as it appears. A wonderful story with moments of pure excitement, MASK begins briskly and ends all too quickly: I'd love to see a longer finale with a greater build-up, but what was completed is well worth the viewing.
Rating: Summary: Great movie for Kids looking for a hero. Review: My 5 year old just loves Batman. Great first movie (of Batman). He had a great time guessing who the Phantasm was.
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