Random Movie Review - Batman: The Long Halloween

 

With there not being much on at the cinema at the moment, I decided it's time to talk about another animated Batman film. This time, it's a film set in the Tomorrowverse and is a 2 part adaptation of another beloved Batman story, The Long Halloween. I have read this story and the overall story is told across one year and features a number of the villains that we know and love. With at least one origin story, for one of them, being revealed. I know it's probably not the right time to be talking about this film with Halloween in the name, but it is one I have been wanting to talk about for a while, so no better time than now. Let's get to it:

Across one year, Batman (this time voiced by Jensen Ackles) learns that a murder is taking place at certain points of the year, specifically holidays. Working alongside GCPD Captain James Gordon (voiced this time by Billy Burke) and District Attorney Harvey Dent (voiced this time by Josh Duhamel) with some occasional help from Catwoman (voiced this time by Naya Rivera), Batman sets out to find the mysterious killer as well as dealing with villains that may have a connection to them and the mobsters of Gotham. All while Harvey Dent begins to turn villain himself.

I think when DC makes these films, sometimes it's good just to have the one film. But as we've learnt with Superman: Doomsday and the Injustice film, it's not always easy to cram in so much in one film. Hence, why this, and also animated films that have come before it, work because it's spilt up into parts. I mean, sure, it may mean more money, but a film that leads into another film without cramming in too much, usually works well. Sure, there have been some recent Marvel films that have crammed too much in two part films anyway, but usually with good reason. Anyway, this is a good take on the story and very faithful too while going in its own directions in places. I may not be too keen on the animation style of the Tomorrowverse franchise, but it works pretty well for this Batman story, so can't really complain. The voices may not live up to the iconic voice actors like the late Kevin Conroy and the very much alive (at time of posting) Mark Hamill, but a good attempt nonetheless. 9/10