Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, December 30, 1993 TAG: 9312290134
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By MIKE MAYO CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
It's a highly stylized variation on the familiar original story with an emphasis on the personal, psychological side. Throughout, Bruce Wayne (voice of Kevin Conroy) wonders whether he's doing the right thing. Is the life of a vigilante crime fighter really for him? Wouldn't he be happier leading a normal life, particularly now that old flame Andrea Beaumont (Dana Delaney) has returned to Gotham?
The first half of the short, swiftly paced film shifts back and forth in time, establishing the history of the couple. Meanwhile in the present, another masked figure is killing the city's criminal elite, and Batman is getting the blame. To take care of the situation, gangster Sal Valestra (Abe Vigoda) hires the Joker (Mark Hamill doing terrific work with some sharp dialogue).
The expressionist art-deco nightscape is just as important to the film as the plot, and that's why it may not hold the attention of some kids. Others will be captivated by this version of the characters they know from the comic books and graphic novels.
It's slick, atmospheric and unusually complex. Several writers, directors and artists worked on the film. Perhaps that accounts for its convoluted structure. Overall, the quality of the animation is remarkable. The computer-generated opening sequence is a real knock-out, and although the facial features of the characters lack detail and expressiveness, the big action scenes are inventive.
Fans of the Dark Knight should certainly take a look and so should anyone who's interested in animation. This "Batman" is too good to be relegated to the kiddie matinee.
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm: ***
A Warner Bros. release playing at the Valley View Mall 6 and Salem Valley 8. 73 min. Rated PG for subject matter, some violence.
by CNB