R - E - V - I - E - W - S
There are spoilers -- you've been warned!
Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm
Running Time:76 mins
Directed by
Eric Radomski
Bruce W. Timm
Writing credits
Alan Burnett
(also story)
Paul Dini
Bob Kane
(comic book)
Martin Pasko
Michael Reaves
Cast (in credits order)
Kevin Conroy
....
Bruce Wayne/Batman (voice)
Dana Delany
....
Andrea Beaumont (voice)
Hart Bochner
....
City Councilman Arthur
Reeves (voice)
Stacy Keach
....
Carl Beaumont, Voice of The
Phantasm (voice)
Abe Vigoda
....
Salvatore 'Sal the Wheezer'
Valestra (voice)
Dick Miller (I)
....
Charles 'Chuckie' Sol (voice)
John P. Ryan
....
Buzz Bronski (voice)
Efrem Zimbalist Jr.
....
Alfred Pennyworth (voice)
Bob Hastings (I)
....
Commissioner James Gordon
(voice)
Robert Costanzo
....
Detective Harvey Bullock
(voice)
Mark Hamill
....
The Joker (voice)
Marilu Henner
....
Veronica Vreeland (voice)
Jeff Bennett
....
Additional Voice (voice)
Jane Downs
....
Additional Voice (voice)
Ed Gilbert
....
Additional Voice (voice)
Charles Howerton
....
Additional Voice (voice)
Pat Musick
....
Additional Voice (voice)
Thom Pinto
....
Additional Voice (voice)
Pete Renaday
....
Additional Voice (voice) (as
Peter Renaday)
Neil Ross (I)
....
Additional Voice (voice)
Vernee Watson-Johnson
....
Additional Voice (voice)
Arleen Sorkin
....
Bambi (uncredited) (voice)
Produced by
Alan Burnett
Benjamin Melniker
(executive)
Eric Radomski
Tom Ruegger
(executive)
Bruce W. Timm
Michael E. Uslan
(executive)
Original music by
Shirley Walker
Casting
Andrea Romano
Review
Fans of "Batman: The Animated Series" should love "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm." Unlike director Tim Burton's live-action "Batman" films, this animated feature actually puts the emphasis on the Dark Knight rather than the still-colorful villains. It's kind of a kitchen-sink "Batman" tale - his past, present and future are all mixed into a brew full of angst and action. This movie has alot of factors which should make it toally enjoyable to fans. We got classic action, as well as a new villians who looks to be a complete bad-ass, which is pretty. It's nice to see a villian who doesn't pull his punches for a change.
"Batman: Mask of the Phantasm" features the look of the current animated television show - an alluring "Dark Deco" - and was produced and animated by the same team. The animation fits as well on the big screen as it does on the small TV screen. While the animation is exactly the same as it is on the show, it seems more..enhanced, or something, here on MOTP. There's just something about the story and about the animaiton that makes it seem bigger than life.
As much for adults as for children, this "Batman" is basically a film noir with a haunting love story and edgy suspense.
"Mask of the Phantasm" blends nicely with the "Batman" mythology that began with Bob Kane's creations for DC Comics. Billionaire Bruce Wayne (voiceof Kevin Conroy) - who fights crime disguised as Batman - is puzzled when underworld figures start getting bumped off. Witnesses describe the killer as a hooded, caped figure - possibly Batman. Intent on clearing his alter ego's name, Bruce studies evidence for clues to the true identity of this mysterious Phantasm.
Meanwhile, the lonely Dark Knight is thrown into turmoil when his long-lost love, Andrea Beaumont (Dana Delany), suddenly returns to town. Bruce hasn't seen Andrea since she broke their engagement a decade ago. This little plot is a nice addition to the Batman mythos. While we're used to seeing Batman as this cold unforgiving figure, it's nice to see his alter ego getting in on some of the action, and story time. As wel delve into his past, we can actually feel his pain in some flashbacks, and frustration.
Although the story isn't exactly packed with surprises, it is efficiently plotted. At 70-odd minutes, it doesn't feel much longer than a television show, but it accomplishes a lot in a short time. This movie is able to provide the viewer with alot fo informaiton in a short time, but doens't make the movie feel congested and too quick. The pace is pretty good in this movie. A bit iffy in places here and there, but overall the pace is well done. This movie has it all: an intriguing plot, interesting dialogue, rapid-fire action and good characterization. It also shows you can have two costumed villains in the movie and still have the whole story center around BATMAN (take note, future directors: it all goes back to a GOOD STORY that doesn't assume the audience has the intelligence and attention span of a six-year-old hopped up on sugar and caffeine.) I know I've said it already and will likely repeat it adnausuem, but the voice actors here are great!
The story is able to build itself up to the inevitiable showdown, as well as the many twists which will no doubt be littlered throughout the movie.
It's interesting to note that Mark Hamill - who as Luke Skywalker in the "Star Wars" trilogy was upstaged by Han Solo and aliens - does the voice of the Joker (as on the series) but still can't steal the show from Batman. No one can. Kevin Conroy just has the perfect voice for Batamn. He is able to change his voice between Bruce and Batman personas, and that really emphasis the change of the characters. Of course, it also brings up the quesiton of who really is the mask and who is the alter-ego. He's even able to make his voice a bit higher in the flashbacks scenes, which is barely noticeable, although a nice effect.
The best things about "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm" are the slim but sure slices of sophisticated dialogue (as seen, or rather, heard, on TV!) and the very lifelike chemistry between Conroy's Bruce and Delany's Andrea. It's odd how the live-action Bruce Wayne's chemsitry is as cold as ice, but animated, it seems pretty damn real! Conroy deliver a great job on their roles, and it shows.
by "Dick Grayson"
