The Dark Knight Returns is an epic two part look at a retired Batman getting back to work and ultimately battling the boy scout himself, Superman! The movie features great animation, great voice acting, a well crafted story, and a great soundtrack. Everything about this movie is great. In fact it is actually much better than the original material it is based off of. Basically the crew that made this movie stripped out all the unnecessary Frank Miller elements, redesigned the horrible art style, adapted the story for the screen and made an amazing movie. If you have read the comic this is much better.
The story follows the original Batman( ie 1940's Batman) and is set at the height of the cold war. An aged Batman is forced out of retirement to combat increasing gang violence and lawlessness in Gotham. The only catch is that all heroes other than Superman have officially been ordered to stand down and cease all "hero" activity. This is ultimately what puts Batman on a collision course with Superman(in one of, if not the best Batman vs Superman fights of all time). Along the way he encounters old foes and picks up a new Robin( a girl this time) and battles the leader of a vicious mutant gang. All of these events happen against the backdrop of a cold war conflict in a fictional country which quickly begins to spiral out of control.
This movie is definitely worth watching. I have seen it five times since it's release and have never lost interest. Be warned, this movie is not for kids, it features extreme violence and Batman does kill in this story. I really enjoy it because it depicts a less physically all powerful(and more realistic) version of Batman. He is still very strong for a person but he gets hurt, sometimes quite badly on a regular basis. His age is beginning to catch up to him and he doesn't always have the option of a non-lethal take-down if he wants to live. It also shows a very interesting take on the Joker. Batman's sudden retirement profoundly affects him and you see just how interdependent they really are. Carrie Kelley is a refreshing take on Robin and her voice actor really sells it well.
So if you have a few hours to spare watch The Dark Knight Returns and be ready for a wild ride. This is a fantastic movie and well worth the two and a half hour run-time. The action is fantastic and I feel like I need to say it again, this movie features one of, if not the best Batman vs Superman fight of all time. Go watch it and thanks for reading.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKHUF7e0hK0
