As a HUGE fan of Batman fandom, I have to say something about this movie; it is one of the best Batman movie ever! And I am not kidding, folks. I watched this when I was a teenager, and it was a truly awe-inspiring. Although it depends on different people, in my humble opinion, this animated movie is so different and so dramatical, it changes the way people view animated film.

A dark caped vigilante is killing Gotham City's mob bosses, and eyewitnesses insists that Batman is the culprit. Batman is now in serious trouble with the police, accused of being dangerous and unpredictable. He must solve the mystery of the phantasm, stop the killing and regain his reputation. Meanwhile, Andrea Beaumont (Dana Delany) whom Bruce Wayne (Kevin Conroy) had a serious love relationship before he was Batman, returns to the city. He has to face his problems and his past. The answer to it all lies somewhere in the past of both Bruce Wayne and another deadly foe, The Joker (Mark Hamill).

This is the first film from the "Batman: The Animated Series" in which the legacy of the Dark Knight continues through this animated masterpiece. With this being the best, most true-to-the-character adaptation of Batman for the big screen. Animated or not, this is probably the best Batman movie ever made, it's what the live action films should be. It's not campy like the Joel Schumacher adaptations (Batman & Robin...Eugh). This film is much darker and goes deeper into the world of Batman, the way Batman was originally envisioned. I am automatically drawn in from the start with the epic soundtrack, which sets the tone perfectly for the film. If you are a fan of Batman, this is the must have movie. Basically, the movie takes all the best elements of the series, and puts it together as a longer episode. Except that if it were an episode, it never would have made it past the censors. The film maintains the dark-noir-deco direction and style of Batman: The Animated Series.  It's a darker, more mature look at Batman than the series could be. It's more intense than usual, showing murder, blood, and allusions to sex that could never be shown on the show. The movie is an excellent combination of action and suspense, and until the recent release of Batman Begins, was easily the best Batman film ever.

Personally, I absolutely loved this movie. However, it's not a movie for everyone. If you're not already a fan of Batman, then I don't think this movie would have much of interest for you. But if you are a fan of the series or the character, then I highly recommend you check this film out. The script from Paul Dini -- who responsible for the series -- is brilliant, the story is their own improvisation and succeeds to be excellent in every aspect. The voice acting, I thought, was overwhelming compared to other cartoons. Kevin Conroy is the perfect voice for Batman. Gruff and petrifying. Mark Hammill is also a brilliant Joker. It doesn't hesitate to show blood or violence, and to a higher extent, it gives the film one of its dark elements. The film possesses everything you'd hope for. A kick-ass Batman, violence, dark elements, a sense of romance, action, a good cast and a license of its own to be creative in its own story. The end credit song, "I Never Even Told You", is a rare singing performance by Tia Carrere. This has been a cult animation movie for me, and I hope you'd enjoy this movie as well.

Ratings: 10/10