Batman Returns (1992): The Sequel So Dark it Angered Parents and McDonald's

Why did so many people think Batman Returns was too dark and violent?This snowy Gotham sequel to the hit Batman '89 went so dark and Tim Burton it famously got McDonald's in hot water over a toy tie-in. Though I don't know what film execs were expecting. The script was written by Daniel "I wrote Heathers" Waters.But while retro critical reviews were mixed, more recent re-appraisals have been quite positive.I saw this movie in theaters as a child, and in this episode, I go back to the moments I remember and feel them in an even more iffy way. But, hey, it could be worse. It's not like anybody bit my nose off, am I right?Join me for a discussion of the best damn Batmobile we ever got, the unhinged performances of Penguin and Catwoman, and the loathsome Red Triangle gang who fights with clown capoeira.Directed by Tim Burton. Screenplay by Daniel Waters. Story by Daniel Waters and Sam Hamm. Starring Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Michael Gough, Pat Hingle, and Michael Murphy.Connect with us on Bluesky:@not-ni-theaters.bsky.socialAnd to read more of Will's writing or check out more podcast episodes, you can visit him at: willturntale.com