Who’s the Best Batman?
So Batman: The Dark Knight has opened here in T.O. to rave reviews. The Toronto Star gave it 4 out of 4 stars. It looks like it’s a great movie, whether you’re a comic book fan or not. I’m hoping to check it out this weekend.
Batman hasn’t exactly had nine lives, but close to it. There have been seven actors who have played the caped crusader in live action versions of the character - Christian Bale (Present), George Clooney (1997), Val Kilmer (1995), Michael Keaton (1989, 1992), Adam West (1966), Robert Lowery (1949) and Lewis Wilson (1943).
I haven’t seen the Lowery or Wilson performances, but I have to admit, Adam West will always be the consummate Bruce Wayne/Batman to me. He may not have had the rippling muscles the plastic suits and personal trainers afforded his successors, but there was just something about his delivery that made you admire his strength of character. His voice, his demeanor, his actions made you believe that he would always do what was right, even if it wasn’t right for him. That, my friends, is a true hero.
Who was your favourite Batman? Are you going to check out the new film this weekend? Feel free to post your thoughts and your review by clicking on the No Comments/Comments link below. Today’s Jack Nation bonus code is DARKKNIGHT. It’s valid until July 20th.
July 18th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Always loved Michael Keaton but you are right Adam West was the consument Batman/Bruce Wayne
Carly’s Note: It’s funny, there was some criticism about Michael Keaton not being “man enough” to play the role, but many fans seem to have appreciated his performance.
July 18th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
I met and chatted with Adam West when he attended the Sci Fi Expo in T.O. and he is the BATman! He made what they gave him to work with work, and had fun with it at the same time.
I have yet to see the first 2 actors renditions, but Keaton was a good balance for the time and material.
Kilmer was not. Clooney could have said no nipples, but for the money, hey,PLAY! This will be The dark knight; a new chapter in the persona of the Bat. Can hardly wait. Guess I’ll toss in my autographed Batman movie and spin back to the ’70s when it was filmed, and then read some Frank Miller to get into the new bat. ENJOy the party..
Carly’s Note: It was worth the price of admission, although apart from Heath Ledger (who is brilliant in the film), I remember the previous Christian Bale Batman as being better than this one. I should watch it again to be sure.
July 18th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Well for any male born between 1955-1961 there will be only one Batman, the king of camp, the titan of tights, the grooviest dancer of them all, the one and only Adam West. (just like our only Superman should be George Reeves from his 50’s Superman show). When I was 6 I thought this show was all real, so when the Riddler had them headed on a conveyor belt for a date with a buzzsaw, I sweated it out until the next night. Same Bat Time, Same Bat Channel!
I must have thought the same thing Mike Myers thought when he was the same age watching this and using it years later in Austin Powers: Why did the bad guys leave the room so Batman and Robin could escape? I’m not really into the comic book/movie Batman, guess I was brainwashed with the TV version.
Carly’s Note: I think the Riddler was my favourite villain, although Cesar Romero’s Joker would be a close second.
July 18th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Hi Carly: I would have to say the best Batman was Adam West with his little sidekick. No I won’t be checking out the new Batman movie. I think I watched the orginal Batman and Robin show to keep my Dad company. Janice
Carly’s Note: Ah yes, Burt Ward. It’s funny to see him as an older man because in my mind, he’ll always be about 20.
July 18th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Michael Keaton is my fave Batman, but my hubby Joe thinks Christian Bale is a better one. I won’t watch the movie this weekend, but I will probably go watch it next weekend.
Carly’s Note: I didn’t buy Christian Bale in this one. I didn’t empathize with his Batman. Usually the inner turmoil about doing what’s right is palpable. I didn’t get that this time. I loved Heath Ledger, though, and Aaron Eckhart was pretty good, too. Eric Roberts looks better with age, but that has nothing to do with his acting ability.
July 18th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
I think I’ve only seen one Batman movie, and that was with Michael Keaton. I still can’t believe that he was Batman, since he has usually done comedies.
As for the movie, I haven’t been to the theatres in over a year, so I’ll probably just wait for it to come out on DVD. I do have a couple of movie passes that expire at the end of the year, and although movies of this kind are better watched in a theatre, I prefer watching comedies and I’m hoping some good ones come out before New Year’s Eve.
Carly’s Note: That’s the sign of a versatile actor, though, one who’s equally good at comedy and drama. If you are going to see The Dark Knight, see it in a theatre. The action scenes just wouldn’t translate on the small screen. I saw it as a matinee at a Rainbow Cinema and it was only $6.00. They also have Two Toonie Tuesdays ($4).
July 19th, 2008 at 8:15 am
Adam West all the way !!!!
Carly’s Note: Agreed!!!!
July 19th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
I’d have to say Adam West…it takes a confident man to wear a leotard, and not have to hid behind a cod-piece. Which begs the question, where on earth did they come up with that name? I’ve heard “it” called many things, but never a cod
Carly’s Note: It gives “trouser trout” a whole new meaning.
July 19th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
I always thought Clooney looked lovely in black rubber but Christian Bale takes Batman to a whole new level. Seriously though, Bale’s portrayal is based on the graphic novel so the characters are less “cartooney”. It definately adds a real and darker element which I personally find appealing.
I often find that the hype can take away from seeing a movie but I just got back from seeing it and it was absolutely fantastic.
Carly’s Note: I agree with you about the dark element, but I didn’t like the way women were portrayed in this one. They were bimbo ballerinas with implants or hysterical or two-timers.
July 19th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Definitely Adam West. I remember as a kid watching the series on tv.
Carly’s Note: I think Mr. West is winning this one.
July 21st, 2008 at 5:21 am
Hi Carly,
My favorite Batman was Adam West too but that was only because i haven’t seen the others and i grew up in the 70’s so that was what i can relate to.
You’re right about his integrity and character. Something lacking in today’s movie heroes. Geez I’m starting to sound like my father eh?
By the way have you seen Adam West do the voiceover for the mayor in the cartoon show Family Guy? He’s pretty good and the show is hilarious! I only started watching it about 6 months ago and didn’t realize it’s been on for almost 10 years!
Have a great day Carly.
Carly’s Note: I don’t watch Family Guy, but my brother really likes it. I’ll have to tune in.
July 21st, 2008 at 1:26 pm
I have to say that Christian Bale is my favourite. I love the recent reinvention. Now, the Dark Knight was a good movie, but not the masterpiece it’s being made out to be. It’s on par with Batman Begins, I felt. We could have gotten more from Maggie Gyllenhal, but at least it wasn’t Katie Holmes.
But the Adam West Batman does have it’s charm!
I wonder when they’ll get around to the Green Hornet?
-S.B.
Carly’s Note: How about the Brown Hornet from “Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids”?