Mini Film Review – Batman: The Killing Joke

I have just watched Batman: The Killing Joke, and it was pretty cool! Directed by (Sam Liu), and starring (Kevin Conroy), (Mark Hamill), and (Tara Strong); Batman: The Killing Joke is an animated superhero movie based on the graphic novel of the same name by (Alan Moore), and (Brian Bolland). Batman is having personal and professional problems: he has an out of control partner, and worst of all, the Joker‘s at it again. Batman: The Killing Joke is less like a film, and more like several animated episodes of a TV show all in one. Firstly there’s the story of Batgirl struggling to control her emotions whilst trying to bring a new enemy to justice. Then there’s the lead-up to and execution of the Joker’s plan to turn Jim Gordon insane. But whilst that is going on, we see what is widely considered to be the true origin story of how the Joker, became The Joker. This approach makes the film a nice easy going, casual watch; however, it’s also one of it’s weak points to. The whole first act beautifully sets Barbara Gordon up to be the film’s narrator, only to drop her in a flash, and then barely mention her. It’s quite a cool sequence, but also pretty pointless to the full show. The story after this though is not disappointing, as we see that terrific, albeit sad origin story of the Joker played out in full, whilst also being treated to both a great song and dance sequence for the Clown Prince of Gotham, as well as that final joke. It’s a pretty cool film on the whole, with some nice eye pleasing animation, and pretty much everything else; it’s just a shame how that first act pans out (even though it’s still really good)!