Batman Ninja Review

chekohler (70)in #movie • 6 years ago (edited)

Just when you think you've had enough Batman with the likes of the DCEU, the Dark Knight returns In 2018 we see a new take on capped crusader in Batman Ninja

Plot

Batman, along with his allies and adversaries, are on the prowl trying to stop Gorilla Grodd's plan to take over Gotham, in the process he finds himself transported from modern Gotham City to Batman story set in feudal Japan!

This new setting takes inspiration from many different interpretations the Caped Crusader has had, from the campier 60's version to the surprisingly dark moments that are more like Nolan's movies or Miller's comic books!

As Batman reaches Japan he finds that some of his key adversaries over the years like the Joker, Deadshot, Penguin and Ivy have all taken over certain provinces of Japan and are vying for complete dominance in a bloody war that has torn Japan apart for the past 2 years.

He enlists the help of Catwoman and Alfred to do reconnaissance as the greatest detective in the world always does and in the process recruits a Ninja army alongside Nightwing, Robin, Red Robin and Redhood.

With his own army to command Batman seeks to restore order and the timeline in Japan, but can he do it?

My thoughts on the movie

The animation is fantastic and character (re)designs are amazing. It's really impressing how almost everything about Batman, his rogue's gallery and extended Bat-family have received a new look and feel, but still remain familiar and completely recognizable! Full of surprises, outlandish moments, twists and turns, the story is never dull and thanks to the new visual style always a sight to behold.

But, no movie is without its flaws. some characters including Batman rogues gallery felt underdeveloped. But It's understandable given the fact that there are so many characters to deal with across the entire film & it's fair enough that most of them got decent screen time.

The story itself seems like a season of Batman anime condensed into one movie, I feel a 2 part movie would be much better as the final act was cut short to wrap it up in one movie.

Yes, the dialogue is cliche and cheesy. Yes, it's heavily inspired by all types of anime. Yes, it doesn't take itself seriously. But, why does that have to be a bad thing? Look, I'll admit this isn't for everyone, though I believe they should give it a chance. To address the main complaint, the plot, it's just fun.

Not every installment has to be dark and gritty to be good, and forgive me for not being a DC purist fanboy but this movie was an enjoyable, fresh new take on the most beloved character in the DC universe.

The traier for batman ninja

Conclusion

I give it a 8/10

I think the movie is great and fully worth watching. Even more, than Gaslight think this movie is to shows what is Batman is all about, without his Batmobile and his gadgets. Batman has to rely on his wits and leadership skills to get the job done.

Batman Ninja is an incredibly stylish and original anime that just so happens to feature Batman and co. While the animation occasionally falters and the English dub can best be described as 'serviceable', it succeeds at delivering an excellent and decidedly different animated Batman feature. I truly hope that DC will continue to deliver more animated features like Batman Ninja.

Many of those who take issue with the Japanese influences and the departure from the usual 'grounded' Batman universe(s). If you dislike Japanese media and/or can't handle a film that will greatly differ from popular Batman movies & source material, then this is not for you.

The movie celebrates Batman characters & all of its cliches while mixing everything about Japanese pop culture & anime in general. You won't find anything remotely similar with other DC animated movies or MCU movies (for that matter). Way better than Justice League or Suicide Squad DCEU. It's just a very fun movie with a simple story of the Batman Family fighting Gotham's Greatest Criminals in Sengoku era of Japan.

Have your say

What did you think of Batman Ninja? Did you think the fusion of Anime and the iconic DC comic world was worth a shot? Let me know in the comments!

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