The actual plot deals with a shadowy figure by the name of The Phantasm killing off mob bosses in the city. The murders are getting pinned on Batman instead. Now, Batman has to figure out who is behind the murders, while dealing with the cops on his tail. You can also throw in the Joker into the mix. When the Joker shows up in the story, the movie seems to gain some kinetic energy. In this film, the creators were able to tell a more mature story with sex, murder and revenge. (You know, the good stuff).
Despite all the wonderful work put into this film, there are some pacing issues toward end, where it seemed the writers were trying to wrap things up too fast. Ending is pretty good, but it could have been fuller. It ends on a sort of Cliffhanger.
Another thing that many Batman: The Animated Series fans debate is if this movie actually fits into the continuity of the TV show. Robin is nowhere to be found, and the origins of the Joker are completely different than the one later revealed on the show. Here, he was a member of the Mob, but on the show a washed up standup comedian. The ending is also extremely vague on the fate of the Joker as well, with him showing on the TV show later without this movie ever being mentioned. Yet, the Phantasm does get mentioned on the show later on, and actually plays a huge part in the fate of the next Batman from Batman Beyond on an episode of Justice League Unlimited.
All in all, they writers of the TV show did a better job with Batman than Tim and Joel could ever imagine. This movie is a little dated by today’s standards, but is still fun to look at considering the similarities to Batman Begins.
Grade B+
Whatever you do, don't shake his 'hand'!
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