a5c7b9f00b In latter-21st-century Gotham City, The Jokerz, a street gang enamored of the city's infamous Clown Prince Of Crime, is breaking into a high-tech engineering plant to steal a powerful generator, a crime stopped by the new Batman (Terry McGuiness) and which puzzles Terry and his mentor, the elderly original Batman Bruce Wayne. The reason for this and other "geek junk" thefts is a mystery even to The Jokerz gang, who are now working for someone claiming to be the original Joker himself. When he makes an appearence at a charity function attended by Bruce Wayne (cover to steal another generator), the Joker taunts Wayne, and later sends his minions to attack Terry McGuiness while he attacks the Batcave. But the original Joker died forty years earlier, and why does this new Joker want high-tech items? When a shaken Barbara Gordon explains the fate of the original Joker, Terry begins to piece the twin mysteries together, culimating in a confrontation with the Joker that literally threatens the very existence of Gotham City. While trying to uncover the Joker's secrets, Terry McGinnis, the new Batman, discovers the greatest mystery in the career of the original Batman - the true story of the night Batman fought the Joker for the last time. Though when Bruce Wayne is almost killed in one of the Joker's new attacks, it's up to Batman Beyond to avenge his mentor and put the Joker to rest forever. What happens when the original Batman's arch-nemesis comes back, as spry and diabolical as ever? And can the new Batman deal with him?<br/><br/>Once again, the animated Batman movies trump the live action versions (except for the first one, maybe) and this is probably because Return of the Joker is a product of a talented group doing what they ENJOY.<br/><br/>While the artwork is kept to a minimum, the plot is an engaging mystery novel and the story flows smoothly, at least in the unedited version. You just HAVE to know how the Joker came back and the ending doesn't disappoint. Also, there are several unexpected twists in the story, giving the movie atmosphere and the dialogue feels natural.<br/><br/>In addition, the voice acting is fantastic. While all of the voice actors have done a top notch job, Mark Hamill does a convincing job of voicing a character who is deranged, diabolical, AND flippant. Not exactly a small feat.<br/><br/>The only problem with this movie is that it requires some background in the animated series to get the most out of it, but even w/o, it could probably stand on its own without any problems. This may explain why the movie went straight to video, but it deserves more attention than the last three live-action movies have received, so this is unfortunate. Nicholson was great. Ledger was legendary! What about the other one? The better one.<br/><br/>Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker was the straight-to-DVD continuation of the Batman Beyond TV series. Bottom line, this should have been in theatres, it outshines most of the live action Batman films by a long shot. <br/><br/>Let's jump right in! You DO NOT have to be familiar with the series to enjoy this film, that works so well in its favor. <br/><br/>To the voice actors I will be talking about a few at first like usual, but Mark Hamill will be mentioned at the end.<br/><br/>Kevin Conroy as Bruce Wayne. This man has the most intimidating Batman voice of them all. I believe he is the only one who could truly disarm an opponent simply by talking. He is calm, stoic and terrifying. Will Friedle as Batman/Terry McGuinnis is passable. He is your average smart as teen character. He is voiced with honest effort and care. <br/><br/>The animation is very good for a DVD film. In some cases better than a lot of traditional animated features of the day. Now this comes at a time when CGI films were all the rage and these kind of films were overlooked. This films could beat out most of them with its dark futuristic style. It fits perfectly with the original Batman Animated Series as you would believe this really is the future of that city. <br/><br/>The story line is unique and unpredictable at every turn. There is not only some great action scenes, but some chance for the World's Greatest Detective to actually do some Detecting rather than beating criminals to a pulp with his bare hands. <br/><br/>Okay now to the main two selling points for why this movie stands with even the greatest Batman films. <br/><br/>First: Arleen Sorkin's portrayal of Harley Quinn. This is a character that was created especially for the Animated Series and eventually was accepted into the comic world as she was so popular. And Sorkin's performance is a big part of why. She plays Harley with a genuine sense of fun, with a perfect mix of crazy. Although not in the film for very long, she leaves a lasting impact. <br/><br/>Second and most important: MARK HAMILL!!! This man is the greatest Joker of all time. Sorry Ledger fans. His voice is crazy, funny, over the top, whimsical and just plain awesome! He stands for everything the Joker ever was and everything he has become since. Hamill presents the perfect blend between Funny Clown and Disturbing Psychopath. The Jokers laugh, none of the others have come close. Hamill has said that he practiced this laugh in his car on the way to record. Anyone who saw him must have been terrified beyond reason. He has a laugh for every moment, and no two are the same. It is the consummate Joker laugh that all of those to come should look up to. <br/><br/>10/10. This films is excellent. Well animated. Characters are well written. The story is thrilling and unpredictable. The voice acting is perfectly enjoyable. Mark Hamill is legendary as the Joker as he has been in all of his appearances! <br/><br/>No one else can do The Killing Joke justice.
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