With the upcoming release of the most anticipated film of the year ‘The Dark Knight Rises.’ lets take a look back at Batman’s role in cinema through the years dating back to almost 25 years ago!

‘Batman’ 1989

Directed by: Tim Burton

Starring: Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, and Kim Basinger

Tim Burton’s first stab at Batman was an overall success. Unlike many super hero films Burton understood that Batman’s story is a dark one and while there can be some campy elements to it, it should be taken very seriously. Michael Keaton seemed like an odd choice for the role of Bruce Wayne but he turned out to be my second favorite actor to play him (behind Christian Bale). And Jack Nicholson’s portrayal of The Joker was epic, although it has been completely overshadowed by the much more powerful performance by the late Heath Ledger.

Favorite scene: The Joker interrupts Bruce Wayne and Vicki’s date at a museum while he spray paints all of the famous artistry.

‘Batman Returns’ 1992

Directed by: Tim Burton

Starring: Michael Keaton, Danny DeVitto, and Michelle Pfeiffer

Burton’s second outing in the franchise turned out to be even better. Darker this time, the story of the Penguin was sympathetic but still creepy, and Danny DeVitto nailed the role. And Michelle Pfeiffer gave a hauntingly sexy performance as Catwoman. The action was upped from its predecessor and the Gotham scenery was magnificent, setting it around Christmas time was a wise decision.

Favorite scene: After planting explosive devices in a Gotham building Catwoman backflips out onto to the street and simply says, “Meow” as the building explodes behind her.

‘Batman Forever’ 1995

Directed by: Joel Shumacher

Starring: Val Kilmer, Tommy Lee Jones, Jim Carrey, Nicole Kidman, and Chris O’Donnel

This film was the beginning of the end for the Batman universe that Burton created. With a change in director and lead actor this film focused more on the cartoony feel of the comics. While the actors involved were top notch, I never felt that Val Kilmer was a good choice for Bruce Wayne. Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey nailed it as the villains, but Chris O’Donnel was horrendous as the annoying and whiny Robin. But thanks to some impressive set pieces and performances from Jones and Carrey, this film isn’t a total loss.

Favorite scene: The Riddler and Two-Face play Battleship with Batman and Robin’s speed boats, sure it was campy but it was damn funny.

‘Batman & Robin’ 1997

Directed by: Joel Shumacher

Starring: George Clooney, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Uma Thurman, Chris O’Donnel, and Alicia Silverstone

I’m not really sure how to even discuss this film without getting upset. Once again the lead actor was changed and while George Clooney is phenomenal even he could not save this train wreck. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Uma Thurman tremendously over-acted their roles as Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy. Their performances were almost as ridiculous as the costumes they wore. Robin and Batgirl (Silverstone) were both annoying and took up too much screen time. The transition from what Tim Burton created to this garbage is actually quite shocking.

Favorite scene: NONE.

‘Batman Begins’ 2005

Directed by: Christopher Nolan

Starring: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes, Gary Oldman, Cillian Murphy

Almost a decade after the ‘Batman & Robin’ train wreck Christopher Nolan stepped up and brought the Batman franchise back to life! It was once again dark, realistic, and gritty. Batman doesn’t just fight goons in purple and green suits – he fights crime. So it made sense to Nolan to make his films crime noirs with Batman thrown in. Genius technique. While the villains were lacking and Katie Holmes is an overall disappoint (in every aspect of life), Christian Bale was perfect as Bruce Wayne and the creation of Batman to him coping with his guilt and anger over the death of his parents were both handled beautifully.

Favorite scene: The Scarecrow (Murphy) poisons Rachel and Batman saves her in the midst of a highway police chase.

‘The Dark Knight’ 2008

Directed by Christopher Nolan

Starring: Christian Bale, Michael Cane, Heath Ledger, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart

Just like ‘Batman & Robin’ it is hard for me to talk about this film, but for the complete opposite reason. This film is so good that it is almost impossible to just sum up exactly why I loved it. From the opening scene to the closing shot this film is absolutely brilliant. The acting, script, characters, action, everything was pitch perfect. Heath Ledger’s turn as The Joker will most likely go down in cinematic history as one of the best film villains of all time.

Favorite scene: The whole movie…but if I had to pick, when The Joker infiltrates Bruce Wayne’s fundraising party for Harvey Dent and he throws Rachel out the window.

‘The Dark Knight Rises’ 2012

Directed by: Christopher Nolan

Starring: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Gary Oldman, Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Review to come soon!

As the final chapter of Nolan’s trilogy is just a few days away I find myself more and more excited each day. While Tim Burton made a valiant effort in the Batman universe it was unfortunately ruined by a different director’s take. Thankfully, Christopher Nolan stayed with the series the whole way through and we will have what some reviewers are calling a perfect crime trilogy. While I doubt ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ will live up to ‘The Dark Knight’ (what film could?), I am quite certain I will leave the theater satisfied as a whole with Christopher Nolan’s epic and legendary take on Batman.