MOVIE TITLE: Batman: Gotham Knight

RATING: ★★★★ (A+ entertainment)

RUNNING TIME: 76 mins

BONUS FEATURES: Commentary by DC Comics' senior vice-president of Creative Affairs, Gregory Noveck; former Batman editor Dennis O'Neil; and voice of Batman, Kevin Conroy. Exclusive sneak peek at DC Universe's Wonder Woman.

WHAT IT'S ABOUT: Batman Gotham Knight chronicles the transition of the caped crusader from novice crime fighter to the big man on the block. the six interlocking episodes show the various things that make Bruce Wayne and Batman, different sides of the same man, tick. The episodes emphasise Batman's enigmatic status in folklore as the masked vigilante of the underworld.

Batman Gotham Knight is meant to bridge the gap between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. The theme of Dark Knight runs throughout the vignettes. The superhero is 'dark' because of the memories that haunt him and his desire for revenge, but, at the same time, he is a 'knight' because he is on 'our' side. He also rules over one of the 'darkest' and dirtiest cities in comic lore, Gotham City.

Though it is an animated movie and kids might get a kick out of the Batman element, it is not really kid-friendly. The themes are grown-up and gothic, as are the various vile characters, who the hero encounters, among them The Russian, Scarecrow, the Killer Croc and the unerring marksman Deadshot. However, Batman Gotham Knight can be a fun and fascinating watch for children if parents are present during the viewing to offer guidance. It is rated PG13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned) for stylised violence, including some bloody images.

In fact, the Japanese anime format helps make the more bloody scenes palatable and though it is in parts violent, it is not your usual Frank Miller depiction.

LONG STORY SHORT: It's a worthwhile watch, especially for Batman fans and those who have very little time but would like some interesting entertainment. Each of the six vignettes - Have I Got A Story for You, 'Crossfire', 'Field Test', 'In Darkness Dwells', 'Working Through Pain' and 'Deadshot', is just 15 minutes.

THE REEL LOW-DOWN: If you like Batman or are into animated flicks, this is definitely one to watch.

- Alicia Roache

Animated

Drama

Ratings:

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