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Batman

In 1989, Tim Burton's Batman was released. Set in a pseudo-Gothic Gotham City, the story revolved around Batman's struggle with the Joker and the photographer Vicki Lewis who was caught in the middle of the chaos. The film got the tone, the style and especially the virtuous theme, by composer Danny Elfman, correct. It hinted at Bruce Wayne's darkness and left the audience thoroughly entertained. It was an action extravaganza that was epic in scope but lacking in story.

Batman Returns

In the 1992 sequel, Batman Returns, there was only one way to top the Joker: give Batman two villains. Tim Burton returned with his wacky version of Gotham City and doubled the stakes by having Batman battle Catwoman and the Penguin. Selina Kyle is arguably the only relevant female character in the Batman series and the movie successfully played off the relationship between the dual personalities of Selina Kyle/Catwoman and Bruce Wayne/Batman. Despite the crazy storyline concerning Christopher Walken and the Penguin, the movie survives purely because of the relationship between these two characters. Burton's films may be passable for the average moviegoer, but not for the rabid comic-book geeks.

Batman Forever

Joel Schumacher took the helm for 1995's Batman Forever. Literally taking the worst from Burton, Gotham City was turned into a neon rave with black lighting, plasma signs and wacky architecture. The only thing missing was trance and foam falling from the sky. Once again the story took a back seat for more action, elaborate set pieces and another disposable female lead played by Nicole Kidman. This time around Batman battles Two-Face and the Riddler. Due to the character overload there is not enough time to concentrate on the relationships between the characters.

Batman and Robin

In 1997, Schumacher released the grave injustice that is Batman and Robin. Talk about character overload; this includes Batman, Robin, Batgirl, Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy and Bane. All of the villains are dumbed down to one-dimensional nitwits. Their origins are glossed over and are replaced with hammy dialogue that is on par with the classic '60s series. In a poor casting choice, George Clooney plays Batman. Though he is a fine actor, he is much better suited for the role of Bruce Wayne than Batman. The only good aspect of the movie is seeing Michael Gough's performance as Alfred, which he perfected in all four Batman films.