Batman: Return of The Caped Crusaders Review

Batman: Return of The Caped Crusaders is an animated film based on the live-action Batman series from the 1960s that star Adam West and Burt Ward as the dynamic duo. As such, West and Ward reprise their roles in the animated film, alongside fellow alumni Julie Newmar as Catwoman. The animated film serves to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 60s Batman show.

As the film is based on the 60's Batman, the story is also set in the same time period, as is the plot, meaning it's quite simplified. Joker, Riddler, Penguin, and Catwoman teamed up to pull their latest caper - stealing a ray gun that replicates virtually anything. So the Caped Crusaders are once again on the job to take care of them.

I could not stop laughing at the campy and sometimes inconsequential dialogue, which is spot on from the original show. It's so ridiculous it's awesome! Some might be turned off by this iteration of Batman, and I can't blame them. This is not The Dark Knight Batman today's people are used to thanks to the Christopher Nolan movies onward, and even before that, such as Batman: The Animated Series, and the Tim Burton movies. No, this version of Batman, which made Adam West a household name even until now, is silly and light-hearted, yet very entertaining.

At least for the first half of the film.

By the second half, things took a rather very dramatic turn. Via a plot device, Batman is given a sudden change of character that shakes the very foundation of the world of the 60's Batman. It is now up to Robin to find a way to bring his old chum, back to his old self.

I must say, I did NOT see the plot twist coming in this version of Batman, and before I know it, the movie's plot began to reveal itself. I was totally blown away by the sudden change of direction. And yet, even in this rather dark transition, the movie still remembers itself as 60's Batman. As such, the campiness is still there and it continues to make me laugh so hard it's hurting my face.

I give it a hand to the writers of Batman: Reurn of The Caped Crusaders, because it was so well-thought out while still retaining the charm of the 60s Batman. I wonder why these people did not work on the Batman Unlimited series, which is becoming one that's really not worth talking about, let alone watch it, because it's way toned down to be ultra-kid friendly. And as Batman: Return of THe Caped Crusaders show, you can make a light-hearted and even a family-friendly Batman, yet still fun and entertaining for everyone of all ages.

The only downside to this film is that it's not The Dark Knight. So if you prefer that particular Batman, you won't find it here. But if you've grown-up to the Adam West version, or you want a Batman that would bring a smile and a good laugh on your face, then Batman: Return of The Caped Crusaders is the right "bat-film" to watch on your "bat-video player" from your homemade "batcave", while enjoying a snack of "bat-popcorn" and "bat-soda". On a scale of 1 to 5, I give Batman: Return of The Caped Crusaders, a 4 out of 5.