Batman Returns
Movie, 1992, Burton, Set in Christmas in Gotham
Batman Returns is #3 of 26 in release order and #3 of 26 in chronological order in the Batman.
The story
The monstrous Penguin, who dwells in the sewers beneath Gotham, joins up with corrupt mayoral candidate Max Shreck to topple the Batman once and for all. But when Shreck's timid assistant Selina Kyle finds out, and Shreck tries to kill her, she's transformed into the sexy Catwoman. She teams up with the Penguin and Shreck to destroy Batman, but sparks fly unexpectedly when she confronts the caped crusader.
Batman Returns recap
At Christmas in Gotham, a deformed man raised in the sewers by penguins, Oswald Cobblepot, emerges as the Penguin, and the corrupt businessman Max Shreck uses him to push a power plant that will drain the city's electricity. Shreck pushes his timid secretary Selina Kyle out a window when she discovers the scheme; she survives, sews herself a black vinyl suit and becomes Catwoman. Shreck stages a recall of the mayor so the Penguin, now a public hero, can run for office. Catwoman teams up with the Penguin to frame Batman for a murder, while Bruce Wayne and Selina fall for each other without knowing who the other is. At a masked ball they each realise the truth. Batman broadcasts a recording of the Penguin mocking the voters, wrecking his campaign.
Batman Returns ending explained
The Penguin's gang tries to kidnap Gotham's firstborn sons, and when that fails he sends an army of penguins with rockets to blow up the city. Batman turns them back on the Penguin's lair. Catwoman refuses Bruce's offer to go away together and electrocutes Shreck with a kiss and a taser. The Penguin dies, and his penguins carry his body into the water. Bruce finds no body for Selina, and in the last shot Catwoman looks up at the Bat-Signal.
Post-credits scenes
No. There is no post-credits scene.
Where to watch Batman Returns
Batman Returns is streaming on HBO Max in the US. You can rent or buy it on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.
Ratings
IMDb 7.1/10, Rotten Tomatoes 81%
Where it fits
- Release order: after Batman, before Batman: The Animated Series.
- Chronological order: after Batman, before Batman Forever.
What to watch before Batman Returns
Batman (1989), which Batman Returns (1992) continues.
Cast
- Michael Keaton as Batman / Bruce Wayne
- Danny DeVito as Penguin
- Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman / Selina
- Christopher Walken as Max Shreck
- Michael Gough as Alfred
- Pat Hingle as Commissioner Gordon
- Michael Murphy as Mayor
- Cristi Conaway as Ice Princess
- Andrew Bryniarski as Chip
- Vincent Schiavelli as Organ Grinder
- Steve Witting as Josh
- Jan Hooks as Jen
Directed by Tim Burton.