Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders

• USA • 2016 • 78m •

• Directed by: Rick Morales. • Starring: Adam West, Burt Ward, Julie Newmar, Jeff Bergman, Sirena Irwin, Thomas Lennon, William Salyers, Lynne Marie Stewart, Jim Ward, Steven Weber, Wally Wingert. • Music by: Kristopher Carter, Michael McCuistion, Lolita Ritmanis.

Batman and Robin spring into action when Gotham City is threatened by Penguin, The Joker, Riddler and Catwoman. This time, the four super villains have combined their wicked talents to hatch a plot so nefarious that the Dynamic Duo really have their hands full.

Trailers:

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Teaser

1:21

Trailer

1:30

TV Spot - Holy Unholy Alliance!

0:31

Review:

Image from: Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders (2016)

I enjoyed Return of the Caped Crusaders quite a bit, and found myself laughing uncontrollably from time to time, but that being said, this movie is honestly only as strong as its fan service.

Before I get going, allow me to briefly introduce myself as a Batman fan. Batman has been my favorite superhero for as long as I can remember. I grew up watching the animated series, and have since dove headfirst into Batman stories across a wide variety of mediums, but my first introduction to Gotham City was when my parents showed me the old 1966 movie starring Adam West. As such, it holds a special place in my heart, and I always like to watch reruns of the old series when I can, even though its lighthearted camp is quite different from what Batman has been for much of his existence. I am not one of the many people reviewing this who thinks that this is what Batman should be (I personally think the Arkham games capture Batman best), but I do think that Return of the Caped Crusaders and its predecessors are enjoyable parts of the Batman mythology.

Where Return of the Caped Crusaders succeeds is in fan service. It is very much in the spirit of the old series it is based on, and isn't afraid to make jabs at the show's more ridiculous aspects, as well. I won't spoil these delightful little Easter eggs, as they are far too much fun to discover oneself, but I think it is safe for me to mention that Batman's teaching moments with Robin and the absurd mannerisms of many characters are definitely fair game. Even the settings are just like the old show; unnecessary labels on items of importance abound! But fans of Batman in his other forms are not left out to dry, as small, but fun, references to later Batman adaptions are sprinkled throughout, and they are a real treat to long time fans.

However, as I stated in the summary, this really is a bad movie, even if it is enjoyable. The fact that this movie is animated allows for situations which would not have been possible (at least budget-wise) in the old show and movie. While this does pose intriguing possibilities, it made me realize that part of the charm of Adam West and Burt Ward's adventures of old lied with the constraints it worked within. And to be completely honest, at times this movie tries a little too hard to recapture the magic of that bygone era in Batman history. It can sometimes be a bit cringe worthy.

Thankfully, all of the fan service makes Return of the Caped Crusaders an enjoyable visit to a time when Batman was simpler and more innocent, in spite of its obvious shortcomings. Those who enjoy Adam West's take on Batman will definitely find this to their liking, even if it isn't their preferred take on the Dark Knight. For others, however, the camp may be a bit too much.

Review by Stephen Roberts from the Internet Movie Database.