Batman: Gotham By Gaslight Review - 5 Ups & 5 Downs

4. There's A Cringe-Worthy Sex Scene

Because these Batman movies apparently can't help themselves, Gotham by Gaslight continues the unfortunate tradition of including an embarrassing sex scene for no discernible reason.

Now granted, the scene in question - between Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle - lacks the morally questionable ick of so many recent sex scenes in DC animated movies, but that still doesn't prevent it from feeling wildly unnecessary.

The lead-up to the sex itself is hilariously contrived, with an on-the-run Bruce taking refuge from the cops in Selina's horse carriage, and when the cops come a-knocking, the pair strip down in order to keep the police from investigating much further.

Naturally, though, this faux-tryst leads to an actual sex scene moments later, and it's yet another instance of Warner Bros. pandering to their fans in the most cringe-worthy way possible. It's not graphic and there are no issues of consent or power dynamics as in other recent DC films, but it's still head-smackingly pointless all the same.

Because a guy and a girl can't ever just be friends, right?