Pjtaylor-96-138044 'Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part II (2013)' acts more as a sequel to the first film, rather than a straight continuation, but still recreates Frank Miller's acclaimed graphic novel with a striking accuracy, in terms of tone, story and style. The piece follows a similar formula as its predecessor, presenting its bleak world with a brutal and brooding Batman operating on the fringes of the law. It focuses even more on the morality of vigilantism and the consequences it has on society, especially in a city as vulnerable as Gotham, while also exploring the idea that the Dark Knight creates the very evils he seeks to destroy. There are some interesting ideas explored here. The underlying themes are mature and nuanced, woven into the world at every opportunity. These also manifest themselves in the unexpected, often counter-intuitive but ultimately fascinating ways in which certain comic-book characters appear. Again, the handling of the source-material, including the wider Batman universe, is deft and demonstrative of a deeper understanding of the lore. All of this plays into the darker narrative presented, which very much plays into fears of the past that might soon become fears of the present. This isn't due to some prophetic ability, though, it is simply due to Miller's own widely known sensibilities, which seep into the piece in some less subtle ways such as a couple of 'on-the-nose' nipple-tassels. This time, the presented 'universe' isn't quite as cohesive, either. There are some elements that stand-out as being somewhat outlandish compared to the world established in the prior film and, indeed, at the start of this one (possible superpowers notwithstanding). It's in these moments, which aren't ever explained, that the otherwise incredible immersion is broken. Not that this is a major issue, but it is distracting and the plot leans fairly heavily on these elements. As does it on a structure that means it peaks about half-way through. This leads to a feeling that it's fairly unfocused, too, because the story doesn't head in its natural direction - not immediately or for its natural reason, at least - after this peak. Still, the events are always entertaining and there is a consistent, even somewhat surprising, level of emotional attachment to the characters, even those to the side. There is a constant level of excitement in the action sequences and some satisfaction in the blunt brutality of their conclusions, too. The movie picks the pace up again with a great, action-packed finale and ends on a down-played but fitting final beat. On the whole, I wouldn't say it's necessarily better than the first part, though it is difficult to rank them as they feel quite different. It certainly stands alongside it and is a fitting film for such an iconic character, one that serves him better than many of the live-action attempts. 7/10

Jesper Brun I don't know why, but with expectations set VERY high after the cliffhanger from Part 1., I was left after the movie ended with mixed feelings about it. It is a good movie, but I would've liked more of the Joker. Michael Emerson really nailed his scenes starting off as a subtle psycho which managed to make his way onto national TV and slowly return to an all out maniac which leads to some of the most disturbing scenes including the character I have ever seen. As I stated about Part 1., I liked how a major issue discussed in the movies is how controversial Batman actually is in his batle against crime. It continues in Part 2. and extends into great confrontations between the complete state of chaos which Gotham is in. That and the Joker were the best aspects of Part 2. in my opinion. And then we have the Cold War subplot and Superman. I never liked Superman, and his role as the defender of the governement only adds to that. The Cold War theme felt like it was crammed in, and will inevitably not have the same impact on the screen as it would have had 30 years ago. Distracting you can call it. Despite that, Part 2. had a great intensity to it compared to Part 1. even though I preferred the more dramatic side. I think Part 2's first half is fantastic and the second half is just enjoyable. To sum up, I like The Dark Knight Returns and I recommend it to Batman fans and fans of the source material, but I think it could have been stronger if some scenes were shortened in Part 2. so it was possible to make it into one movie with a theatrical release it truly deserved to be.

ironbat-85417 I don't know how they have managed to show all this in 75 minutes .. but i thought i was watching a 2 hour movie and the thrill never went down . NOT EVEN FOR A MINUTEThe first part was in itself great, but the second part really breaks the boundary of excellence. Not being familiar to the graphic novel origins of the story, what happens in second part really blows my mind. Not only does Batman have the Joker to contend with, but put Superman together in the mix, and you get another level of awesomeness.This is one of the darkest portrayals of the Batman universe and it makes me wonder how the hell did they get away from an R rating. Never has been an animated movie been so thrilling and so serious for me like these. The whole story and some of the fight scenes are just epic. While face-offs with Harvey Dent & the Mutant Leader in Part 1 was great, battles with the Joker & Superman in Part 2 takes animation movies to a whole new level. Some might be disappointed not to hear Kevin Conroy & Mark Hamill's familiar voices, I'd say the chosen actors to play the older counterparts was a right decision. Some subplots might be mildly uninteresting, but that is irrelevant when most of the package is stuffed with such greatness.Easily the most powerful conclusion and the finest animated production from Warner Premiere, the whole thing looks superb. Animation is of the highest quality, rivaling that of big budget anime movies. Fight scenes are in full motion, bristling with a kinetic sense of energy and without a single short cut. All of it set to a unique score by composer Christopher Drake which combines blockbuster orchestral tunes with a futuristic tune inspired synthesizer sounds. Again, the main complaint is more with the art than the animation. Frank Miller's art is faithfully replicated but in certain scenes, the quality of the art takes a nose dive. One such scene involves superman taking on a naval fleet; the way the ships are drawn look pathetically cheap compared to the rest of the movie.These are Batman movies which almost shake my soul some of the familiar experiences are Batman Under the Red hood and The Dark Knight.But I recommend a new comer to watch in this order1)Batman Under the red hood 2)Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 3)Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 Final marks A++

Aakash Senthil This is a spoiler-free review, so don't worry xD.This movie depends on how much you enjoyed the FIRST part. Let's see, while many of us found it amazing with very good fight sequences , some viewers were left disappointed .. Well, this movie covers it all - good story line (10/10), action- packed (Boy, the action sequences are THE best.. 10/10) and EPIC fight scenes - I had to watch batman vs joker and batman vs superman because it was AWESOME, it took animation to another level. Below, are few answered questions. Violence? YUP!! lots of blood during fight scenes, might be disturbing and scary for young viewers and throwing batarangs in the eyeball kinda stuff.... (8.5/10, they can reduce the violence because there will mostly be only young viewers)Good sequel? Absolutely ! Animation was Perfect, and if you are a DC or a bat fan, you will love it!! (10/10)So guys, This movie is epic! You'll love it !! Note - Batman vs Superman:Dawn of justice is slightly based on this movie. You'll find out why when you have finished watching the movie.Hope my review helped :)