Watch Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 and Part 2

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns is an animated film divided into two parts, released in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Based on the graphic novel of the same name written by Frank Miller and drawn by Klaus Janson and Lynn Varley, the movie adapts the story arc that rejuvenated the Batman character in the mid-1980s, bringing a darker and more mature tone that had significant implications for the superhero genre.

Part 1 opens with a Gotham City ten years after Bruce Wayne (voiced by Peter Weller) retired as Batman following the death of Robin, his young partner, and the public's growing condemnation of vigilantism. Without the adrenaline from his alter ego, Wayne, now 55 years old, lives a reclusive life and suffers from nightmares of his past. However, when a wave of crime and violence carries out the city, including the kidnapping of the mayor and the media circus stirred up by a gang called the Mutants, Wayne is forced to reconsider his retirement and suit up as the Dark Knight once again.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 showcases several iconic Batman villains, like the Joker (voiced by Michael Emerson), Two-Face (Wade Williams), and the leader of the Mutants (Gary Anthony Williams), whose brutality and nihilism are amplified by the stunning animation that elevates Miller's original pencilings. Bruce's return to vigilantism also sparks controversy, attracting the ire of the Gotham Police Department and the admiration of Carrie Kelley (Ariel Winter), a teenage girl who saves Batman's life and becomes the new Robin. The dynamic between Bruce and Carrie creates a compelling subplot that contrasts Wayne's grizzled and cynical view of the world with Carrie's naivete and hopefulness.

Part 2 of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns picks up right where Part 1 left off, with Batman fighting a non-stop war on crime that puts him in the crosshairs of the government, the media, and his deadliest foes. The movie amps up the stakes, as Wayne's nemesis, the Joker, escapes from a long coma and unleashes a plan to terrorize the city, pushing Batman to the brink of his sanity. Meanwhile, the authorities, led by an overzealous Commissioner Ellen Yindel (Maria Canals-Barrera), view Batman's actions as unlawful and plan to bring him down by any means necessary.

The second part of the film also introduces new antagonists, like the sociopathic mutant leader who threatens to take over Gotham and Superman (Mark Valley), who is sent by the President to stop Batman's vigilante acts. As the confrontation between the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel looms, the movie explores themes of power, morality, aging, and legacy, with Bruce Wayne's journey as the centerpiece. The voice acting continues to be superb, with Weller and Winter delivering nuanced and emotional performances that reflect the complex layers of their characters.

Overall, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns is an outstanding adaptation of one of the most influential comic book stories of all time. The animation faithfully captures the striking visuals of Miller's graphic novel while adding new dimensions of movement and color that enhance the action sequences and the atmosphere. The screenplay, written by Bob Goodman, condenses the multiple storylines of the comic into a coherent and satisfying narrative that condenses the essence of Batman into two hours of pure entertainment. Fans of the Caped Crusader will appreciate the attention to detail and the respect given to the source material, while newcomers will have a thrilling and thought-provoking experience that transcends the boundaries of animated movies.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 and Part 2 is a action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 28 minutes.