Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (2012)

The graphic novel that inspired Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice. They both have some pretty hardcore oneliners. I just prefer how in this, the original iteration, the superhero world already feels very fleshed out and like it has seen the Justice League save the world together countless times. It gives more weight and emotion to the fight between the heroes. This does feel a bit unnecessarily long. It is a 2 and a half hour movie that doesn’t have the pacing of Across the Spiderverse to help make it easier to digest. It is still great and gives a final round to some of Batman’s biggest nemesis. It is gritty, dark, and feels like a final chapter with a bit of a more hopeful ending. Worth watching at least once in your life.

Story - 18%

Characters - 20%

Pacing - 17%

Spectacle - 18%

Entertainment - 18%

Total score: 91%

Grade scale:

90%-100% = must watch

80%-89% = solid, but could be better

70%-79% = Not terrible, watch if the characters or story interests you

60%-69% = only watch for completionist reasons

0%-59% = just skip it, I find the positives and they don't exist here