One of the rare examples of a sequel that outdoes its predecessor in almost every way, Tim Burton’s Batman Returns (1992) is a deliciously dark showcase for Gotham City’s newest villains, Penguin and Catwoman. 

Michael Keaton is back as the stoic Dark Knight, this time joined by a strong, sexy, stitch-suited Michelle Pfeifer as Catwoman and a gleefully disgusting Danny DeVito as the Penguin. Add Christopher Walken, some weaponized penguins, and one of Danny Elfman’s most gloriously careening carnival funhouse scores into the mix and you have one of the most madcap comic book adaptations to ever grace the screen.  

The toy companies didn’t appreciate Batman Returns’ kid un-friendly psychosexual themes and gross-out gags, but any fan of Burton’s German Expressionism by way of Bugs Bunny aesthetic will find this a refreshingly off-kilter blockbuster and a strong entry in the Batman canon. 

This screening will be preceded by an introduction from local writer, Cine-File contributor, and adjunct professor, Megan Fariello.