9 Comic Book Movies That Divided Critics And Fans
3. Batman Returns
Given the reaction to Joel Schumacher’s reign of terror on the Batman franchise, it’s hard to envision a time people were excited about seeing a “lighter” take on the character. But they were, and it was all thanks to Batman Returns, Tim Burton’s ultra dark sequel that featured all kinds of freakish imagery and kinky sexuality. Not really befitting of a movie with a McDonald’s tie-in really.
Fans didn’t seem to like the movie either, feeling it was more of a Tim Burton movie that happened to feature Batman. Surprisingly it was the critics who defended it, for the most part, feeling it was a unique and stylish blockbuster that was a big improvement on the original, and focused on character instead of action.
Batman Returns grossed a lot less than its predecessor thanks to the backlash over the tone, though now the film is regarded quite well by the fanbase; after Batman & Robin, this isn’t much of a shock.