by Edward James

Created on: June 04, 2010   Last Updated: June 05, 2010

Written by Sam Hamm, Warren Skaaren and directed by Tim Burton, Batman is the first in a series of films about the comic book hero that was released back in August 1989. This is a review of the film only.

Gotham City is a dangerous and dark place to live that is becoming more and more fraught with criminals each day. The only protection Gotham's residents have is the local police force, but most of these are corrupt and are only out to line their own pockets. There are, however, a couple of officers who are determined to make Gotham City a safer place. Step forward D.A Harvey Dent (Billy Dee Williams) and Commissioner Gordon (Pat Hingle). Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton), a billionaire who has resided in Gotham all his life decides to assist Dent and Gordon and disguises himself as a bat, to become known as Batman, to strike fear in to all the criminals as he slowly starts picking them off.

During this time Jack Napier (Jack Nicholson) becomes disfigured during a terrible accident at a chemical factory. The accident changes Napier both physically and mentally for the worst. Napier decides to leave his old life behind and turns in to an unpredictable and stark raving mad crime lord of the underworld, changing his name to Joker, a 'happy' character with a permanent grin on his face in the process. The Joker makes it his mission to 'take' Gotham City and all those that reside in it. The Joker and Batman have two separate and conflicting objectives and soon clash, and have epic scuffles, as each tries to achieve what they set out to do.

It appears that Batman has not only captured the attention of the Joker, but also that of prize winning journalist Vicky Vale (Kim Basinger), who makes it her mission to uncover the true identity of the man behind the mask and the Bat suit.

Will the Joker get his wicked way and take control of Gotham City? Or can Dent and Gordon stop him with the assistance of Batman? Why has Wayne decided now is the time to be a crime fighter? Will Vicky uncover the mystery that is Batman?

As well as the main characters, which I'm sure you agree is quite a star-studded cast, there are loads of other actors/characters in this film, all of which do a great job. Other major characters include;

i) Alfred Pennyworth (Michael Gough), Bruce Wayne's faithful Butler

ii) Alexander Knox (Robert Wuhl)

iii) Carl Grissom (Jack Palance)

iv) Lt Eckhardt (William Hootkins)

v) Bob The Goon (Tracey Walter); and many others 

Obviously Batman, Joker and Vicky get

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