Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000 Video) User Reviews

Batman for a new generation...

[Cephyran · 8/10 · 19 November 2004]

A lot of the Batman cartoon versions are better than the live versions, and Return of the Joker is one of them. Set in the Batman Beyond universe (between twenty and thirty years later from when Bruce was in his prime), this movie introduces a young boy named Terry who is given the honor of becoming a Batman for a new generation. At the same time, the Joker, who was long thought dead, resurfaces and causes no end of trouble for our heroes.

I've also had the chance to watch a big chunk of the series, and it's always neat when a video release like this is a continuous piece of the series. The voice acting is well done, the story is compelling and dynamic, and the physical limitations of the real world are easily evaded with the animation medium. This makes Batman a lot more agile, swift, and sneaky then he ever could be in the movies. Anybody who's followed the show has probably seen this, but if you haven't, it's definitely worth a watch.

the Return of the Joker - better than the 'Beyond' series, almost as good as Phantasm!

[Quinoa1984 · 8/10 · 16 August 2008]

The first thing that stands out about Batman Beyond: The Return of the Joker is its structure. Unlike some of the other animated Batman movies (SubZero, Mystery of the Matwoman), this one comes closer to the likes of Mask of the Phantasm to actually feeling, however in short running time, like a real feature-length movie and not simply four episodes strung together. This is important since we can get wrapped up in the mystery behind the re-emergence of the Joker and it feels fluid and without a cliffhanger-type end every several minutes. The second thing that marks this as above-average animated Batman fare is the quality of the history of two series, original animated and Beyond, and how sharp the writing and voice performances go along with the (PG-13) action and cartoon violence. The filmmakers could've just thrown in old characters like Joker and Harley Quinn and Barbara Gordon and Tim Drake just for the hell of it. But it all fits a story that's worth telling, if only for the fans looking for that awesome coda to the first series.

It's hard to try and not spoil how the Joker, fifty years into the future, re-appears with his gang the Jokerz when Bruce Wayne is now an old man and Terry McGinnis is the new young Batman. Without saying too much, the Jokerz are stealing some high-tech equipment, and something smells fishy on top of the conniving Jordan Price possibly double-crossing Wayne, who is taking back control over Wayne enterprises. But when the Joker himself crashes Wayne's party, McGinnis and Wayne try and investigate what's going on- who he really is, since he's supposed to be killed- and where he'll strike next. The writing and crafting of the mystery, and the eventual truth, is told creatively and with the kind of absorption Batman fans crave (it IS Detective Comics after all), but also impressive is the animation done mostly with computers and not skimping on making the action fairly intense (the subtraction of a good deal of the blah heavy metal music from the show is a plus here).

And lest not forget Conroy as Bruce Wayne, always a sturdy presence, and Mark Hamill as the Joker. They're probably two of the most iconic voice actors of their time just on the basis of their work in the Batman animated saga; Hamill especially gives it his all, and even puts in double-time on the voice of Jordon Price (which for a little while begs the question of him being involved in the crimes), as the clown prince of crime and mayhem. It's such a good performance that it makes up for some standard work by other voice actors (however fine) by Dean Stockwell and Angie Harmon. With just his voice he projects this iconic villain for all its worth, and ranks up there with Nicholson and (now) Ledger as the wonderful if varied versions. Somehow, even in the drama, Hamill manages to get a couple of laughs out of the audience with this Joker. Funny, since it's one of the most dramatic Batman stories yet. 8.5/10

Quite good

[blackcircles · 8/10 · 1 December 2000]

I've never really been that wild about this Terry kid, or this new costume. He seems to rely more on his Iron Man-like costume than his intellect and deductive skills, as the original Batman did. Having said that, my favourite part of Return of the Joker was when Barbara Gordon flashed back and remembered the last time Batman fought the Joker. That is an absolutely marvelous scene. You feel the concern and horror thunder through Batman as he's confronted with the atrocities Robin has endured, as well as his hatred and fury towards the Joker. The people in Warner Brothers animation have thankfully returned to drawing the Joker with the detail they had when Batman the Animated Series started. And as much as I don't really like him, Terry's climactic fight with the Joker is definitely worth checking out. As a previous comment said, it's a pleasant surprise.

What a spectacular movie!

[Kokomadeta · 10/10 · 5 January 2007]

Before watching this, I was expecting a good movie, but it turned out to be a spectacular movie that I want to watch again and again! This film pays true homage to the Batman animated series and explains many questions of what happened to the supporting characters and sidekicks of the original Batman animated series. The animation style for the Joker is that of Batman: TAS volume 1-3 (i.e. Joker: good version). If you're hesitant to watch this movie, go for it. Watch, love, and enjoy. I recommend buying the DVD right away, because it also has some pretty cool bonus features like a making-of feature, and a music video. I highly recommend this movie for a fan of the show, or anyone else who even remotely likes Batman.

A wonderful surprise!

[Skeletors_Hood · 23 July 2002]

When I bought the unedited version of this movie on DVD, I had never watched Batman Beyond in my life, so I knew nothing about the storyline. I wasn't even sure about buying the movie before having seen it, but I am a great fan of Mark Hamill's Joker, so I was sure that even if the movie sucked, I would at least like the Joker.

What I found was a great bit of animation with a surprisingly awesome storyline. I was expecting the comic book cliche of a clone replacement, but the fresh twist had me guessing all the way through. And I was right about loving the Joker, he was still as great as he always was.

If you haven't seen it yet, don't wait. It won't disappoint you.

one word: cool.

[sourapple · 10/10 · 26 October 2001]

when i heard that there's a "new" batman in town, my initial reaction was to roll my eyes. so whenever i see it on tv, i change the channel.

but this is some surprise! we watched in school during a free time and amazingly, i was hanging on every bit of the video. the animation was wonderful, and even the story line and the freaky voice of little joker. if you love batman and love great animation, i absolutely insist you watch this. cool.

Batman Beyond Return of the Joker: Better than most

[Platypuschow · 6/10 · 29 December 2017]

I'm not familiar with Batman Beyond, it's on my watchlist but that's not saying much. My watchlist is rapidly starting to look like a phone number.

Set in the future revolving around Batmans protege we see the supposedly dead Joker return from the dead with a gang full of villian siblings. I expected the worst as I really don't like the futuristic setting but it actually isn't all that bad.

This multi-award winning critically acclaimed animated movie has a fantastic rock soundtrack and brilliant voice acting (Including Mark Hamill). It's well paced and a good watch all round.

Truth be told I don't see the unwavering acclaim being justified but it's certainly the best Batman animated movie I've seen for a while.

I really didn't like the payoff, the "Twist" felt cheap and highly unsatisfying. It's like they ran out of ideas and for me it really damaged the film.

Competent enough stuff.

The Good:

Weirdly awesome soundtrack

Mark Hamill

The Bad:

Not keen on the setting

Cutesy villians

Crappy twist

Things I Learnt From This Movie:

I missed the Harley Quinn voice, shame on you Margot Robbie

One of the best DC Animated movies ever made...

[justin-fencsak · 10/10 · 16 November 2018]

I'm about 47 minutes into it, and all i can say is..wow. The voice acting is top notch, the animation well done, and the music and action well paced. It's also the darkest of the batman beyond episodes, given it's pg-13 (unedited version) rating. I bought this for $1 at the local library and it's a good bargain. Definitely not for kids but for cartoon fans of all ages.

"Ah, the new boy. Ears are too long and I miss the cape. But not too shabby. Not too shabby at all."

[drewnes · 7/10 · 30 May 2021]

What I like about the older animated Batman films is that they have this darker feel to them. It is a cartoon, but they touch on some dark elements and I was surprised by how much I liked this. That Beyond suit is so aesthetically pleasing to look at.

A Good Movie That Is Best Watched Uncut

[jeremycrimsonfox · 10/10 · 11 April 2020]

In the year 2040, Terry McGinnis continues to fight crime of Neo Gotham under the mantle of Batman, however, after stopping the Jokerz gang from stealing high tech equipment, he gets suspicious of their actions. However, the Jokerz returned with the console's memory board and gave it to a man sitting on a throne, who reveals himself to be The Joker, who has come back from the dead (as an episode had his remains). After his return as CEO is crashed, Bruce relieves Terry of duty, not wanting him to face Joker due to how dangerous he is, but after the Jokerz attack Terry in a nightclub, and Bruce is hospitalized after an ambush by The Joker leaves him poisoned with the clown's signature toxin, Terry decides to don the Batsuit to find out how the clown prince of crime is back from the grave and what he is plotting for Neo-Gotham.

Yeah, this movie had an interesting development time. Having to be delayed and re-edited after the Columbine massacre started a new backlash against violence in films and video games (because it's easier to pass the buck to those two industries instead of going after the real cause), the film had some scenes changed to avoid mentioning death, change or remove lines of dialogue, and even shorten some fight scenes. However, fans hated the change, and in 2002, after countless petitions, the original, uncut version of the film was released with a PG-13 rating.

And I have to agree that the movie is best watched uncut. Being a film, it could do anything that KidsWB would never allow an episode of the cartoon it's based on to have, giving it the tone that the fans would expect from Batman. Also, the voice actors return to reprise their respective roles (even Mark Hamill comes back to voice Joker), and they do a fantastic job, and the story is awesome, with many twists, and even a flashback telling the tale of Joker's death (the cause being different depending on which version is being watched, edited or original uncut). This is a good film for any Batman fan, and one best watched uncut (unless you have kids, in that case, the edited version is also good).

Nice story, backgrounds, voicing and tone.

[Vic_max · 6/10 · 16 September 2006]

I was surprised at how well done this animated feature was compared to what I was expecting (a more 'cartoonish', aloof style). The story was very interesting - taking place in the later / twilight years of the power three (Batman, Robin and Batgirl). This setup immediately caught my interest and caused me to want to see the story through. I also really liked the dark colors and tone of the movie - it definitely set it apart from a cartoon for kids. Also very impressive were the visual sets - lots of large buildings and open areas. Somehow these enhanced the sense of alone-ness and darkness to the whole movie.

On the minus side (for me) was the animation style of the characters - definitely 'anime' influenced. I guess I'm used to the older DC comic images, so this was a bit awkward. Also - Robin looked more like a 10 year old boy than anything else - kind of also a minus.

In general, this is a really good story with nice visuals. I'd generally recommend this movie for most, and definitely for Batman fans.

A definitive end to The definive Batman series

[devinhaslebacher · 10/10 · 19 June 2021]

This is the end all of Batman The Animated Series and it's beautiful and dark and disturbing and certainly not directed at children. It ends The Animated series Joker storyline, and brings the original Harley Quinn storyline to an interesting conclusion. What a wonderful movie. As a Batman fanatic I can honestly say this is the perfect conclusion to both the animated series and Batman beyond.

Good... but that's about it

[educallejero · 6/10 · 21 June 2019]

The animation is not that pretty. The villains weirdly unthreatening. The new Batman design, quite awful. The story is really good though, the emotions felt earned and the acting pretty good.

But I felt the movie needed more (or better) humor in the first half, and less humor and more intensity in the second half.

Adequately entertaining...

[paul_haakonsen · 5/10 · 26 June 2019]

While I am not overly keen on superhero movies or movies set within superhero universes, then I will still sit down to watch them when given the chance. And since my nine year old son wanted to watch "Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker", then of course I sat down to watch this 2000 DC animated movie with him.

I've never really liked this particular future Batman much, nor the drawing style that they use here. So that was working against the enjoyment of the animated movie for me.

I will say that they definitely had a very impressive ensemble of voice actors to perform the voices in "Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker", with the likes of Mark Hamill, Dean Stockwell, Melissa Joan Hart, Henry Rollins and Frank Welker.

Storywise then I found "Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker" to be somewhat average. It wasn't particularly outstanding, nor was it a drag. However, it is not a movie that will leave any lasting impressions on me, nor is it a movie that will finds its way to my screen for a second viewing.

For fans of future Batman, then I am sure that the 2000 animated "Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker" movie is a blast.

'Batman' has never been so good!

[jellyneckr · 4 July 2001]

I do not know why this was a direct-to-video release. It was very exciting and I think it would have done pretty well in theatres. I rented BATMAN BEYOND: RETURN OF THE JOKER because I love the BATMAN BEYOND television show and I loved BATMAN BEYOND: THE MOVIE. The first couple of scenes seemed a little too much like the television show, but as soon as I saw the new Joker, I knew this was going to be Batman like we have never seen him before. This was so different from the show in so many ways and had such great animation. It was a fast-paced animated thriller. It was intense. I loved it. A few days later, I bought it on DVD and listened to the filmakers' commentary. I had no idea that so much work was done on this movie in such a short time. Sadly, none of the filmakers' mentioned the cuts that were made by Warner Brothers due to the amount of violence. I think it would be really interesting to see the footage that was cut from the movie. Hopefully, Warner Brothers will come out with a version that contains the cut footage some day. Until then, I'll just enjoy the movie the way Warner Brothers released it. It is one of the best animated movie I have ever seen. I hope there are some more BATMAN BEYOND movies in the future.

A new Batman doesn't mean less awesome!

[Animany94 · 10/10 · 11 September 2018]

I have a special relationship with the Batman Beyond TV-series, because I grew up with it, but re-watching it brought on a couple of minor disappointing discoveries regarding less memorable villains, but the relationship between Terry McGinnis and Bruce Wayne was always spot on about how the passing of the Batman persona was hard for Bruce.

Both of those things shine in this mature, dramatic, action-packed movie with the Joker himself back on top of his game and even grimmer than ever.

The highlights shortly summed up, we have an ongoing conflict between the old guard of Bruce Wayne and Barbara Gordon and the new guard of Terry McGinnis who ends up discovering happenings in Bruce's past he wasn't allowed to know which leads him to act on his own. Brilliant and engaging with dark and edgy subject matter put into it. One of Mark Hamil's best performances ever as a truly menacing madman bent on torturing Bruce Wayne psychologically to make him do what he wnats the least. Has been done in later movies, but this one stands out as one of the best renditions.

The animation took everything good from the series and improved it. The background animation is amazing with the Neo-Gotham seeming way bigger than it did in the series. The action scenes throw fast-paced and fluid movements at us and the slow and menacing scenes between the Joker and his victims just sink in and effectively give you the creeps.

One of my favourite Batman movies along with Under the Red Hood and Mask of the Phantasm.

THE BEST

[yoavsh-21736 · 10/10 · 4 May 2020]

I saw the movie a year ago and I steel LOVE IT/ highly recommend.

All in good fun

[Polaris_DiB · 7/10 · 12 September 2008]

What can I say? Lately I've taken my interest in Batman mythology beyond the Tim Burton, Joel Schumacher, and now Christopher Nolan flicks and have really explored the development of the character over time, and Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker is some damned decent entertainment. I can't say I'm all that familiar with the Beyond series as a whole, being that I lack television, but Batman's new dark avenger underling is certainly a much more interesting person than any of his three Robins.

Let's see... "Return of the Joker" takes place years after the death of the eponymous clown's death. Bruce is old and cannot fight anymore, so his place has been taken over by a 20-something kid with a similar fateful past and a brand new suit. Most of the old villains and accomplices are gone, but there's no lack of crime in Gotham--the town that shall ever be plagued by destruction from the most crazies of crazies. And now the craziest of them! has returned. Joker, yeah, Joker. He of the demented laugh. Violence and brooding vengeance ensue.

The run-time of this video is split pretty much three ways between plot, action, and character-development, but not in an overlapping way. The story, at times, literally stops for characters to have some time to discuss their philosophies or blow each other up, and when the explosions or vengeance-dialog stops, things start moving forward, plot-wise. This isn't a bad thing, actually. It pretty much guarantees most viewers will get something out of this movie they like, and for what it's worth the animation is always interesting enough to maintain visual intrigue.

I like the idea of seeing what happens to the Caped Crusader whence old age hits, and this movie is a pretty decent speculation. Even better, for those debating the variable ways Joker has changed over the years, Mark Hamill's laugh is a good point to rest on. This is a pretty good movie for fans, though a lot of what happens in terms of the back-story and villains might be confusing to those not very familiar with the general mythos.

--PolarisDiB

He's baaaack...

[TBJCSKCNRRQTreviews · 8/10 · 14 November 2009]

I watched this not having seen a single episode of the show, and much to its credit, I had no trouble at all following the film. The plot is excellent, interesting, well-thought out, and develops rather nicely throughout, with a twist that will keep you guessing. This is well-paced, and there is an immense amount of the awesome, well-choreographed action. While quite intense and exciting, this doesn't overwhelm or overstimulate the viewer. The characters are well-written, credible and consistent. Every acting performance is great, with Hamill's take on the Joker taking the cake, as always, with the sheer maniacal quality to it, and his endless enthusiasm. The psychology is all accurate. This has well-done 2D animation and marvelous design. This builds the mood expertly, and the bleak atmosphere of Gotham is captured beautifully. The music is cool, and in general the audio is spot-on, with every effect sounding just right. There is a bit of violence in this, and I understand that it is stronger in the Director's Cut. I recommend this to any fan of Batman. 8/10

Bruce Wayne continues to mentor new Batman Terry McGinnis while the Joker resurfaces after his apparent death at the hands of Robin years ago.

[c-blauvelt · 7/10 · 27 January 2006]

Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000) by Curt Geda--It's hard to believe that a direct-to-video animated film could be better than the last four Batman films, but it is. Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker is the denouement of the Batman universe created in Batman: The Animated Series in 1992. The story is the final passing of the baton from Bruce Wayne to protégé Terry McGinnis, who has now become the new Batman. This film returns to the roots of the Batman mythology by reviving the Joker, who was apparently killed in the Batman: Gotham Knights series through a brilliant story device involving the second Robin, Tim Drake.

When this video was first released much was cut out due to the intense violence and psychological complexity inherent to the story of the Joker's final demise. Thankfully, two years later a restored version of the original vision was released on DVD with a new PG-13 rating. The flashback sequences showing the Joker's apparent death are absolutely inspired. Mark Hamill has never been better voicing the man in the purple suit. His over-the-top insanity is the perfect counterpoint to the reserved Bruce Wayne and the sometimes over-eager Terry McGinnis. Joker's relationship with Tim Drake in the film is heartbreaking and terrifying simultaneously. Likewise, the psychology behind what it means to dress up like a bat and be a vigilante is explored in much greater detail than I think any previous incarnation of Batman. Through the story device of Bruce Wayne mentoring the new Batman Terry, Bruce gets to ruminate on what exactly it means to be Batman, thus deepening our understanding of what I consider to be the most intriguing heroic figure of comic mythology. The animation of the film includes some of the best action scenes in the entire Batman animated universe, but I think that ultimately its emphasis on the action detracts from the most important elements of the story, that of the exploration of Batman and vigilantism and developing the relationship between Bruce Wayne and Terry, and Joker and Tim Drake. If some of the action scenes had been cut down to better accommodate character and thematic development I think the film could have been even better, but considering that the animation is entirely hand-drawn it is truly a spectacular sight to behold. B+

The best animated Batman movie since Mask of the Phantasm

[Keyan-the-Eagle144 · 8/10 · 12 July 2018]

Having followed the Batman Beyond show since its series premiere, this was a good spinoff. The cast was excellent, especially Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill, and the plot was well done. Plus we get the futuristic Gotham City. It's very much in touch with the cyberpunk themes. Flying cars, supercomputers, urban environments, and really tall buildings with lots of neon. Just like Blade Runner. But with superheroes. Or at least one. And this is also a mystery thriller much like Mask of the Phantasm. What happened to the Joker? And why has he returned? What is his dark secret? Will Batman figure out the truth before it's too late? Just take the time to watch and I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised. It's actually pretty darn good.

Animation trumps live again...

[Gislef · 7/10 · 25 January 2001]

Once again, we discover that when the folks behind a Batman movie actually carry about the characters and the story, and not simply spraying their neuroses and subconsciouses across the screen (i.e., the Tim and Joel team), the product is far superior.

The only real flaw with the movie is that Terry McGinnis/Batman still isn not as interesting a character as Bruce Wayne. They do try to establish this a little more, digging back into Terry's motives, but there's still the feel that they're doing a youth-oriented bad boy just for the target audience.

Batman/future's limits are another source of irritating. He's supposed to have the strength of ten men, but the Joker beats him up readily. It's also been shown he has a built-in electro-shocker (last used against Inque in "The Call"). So why does he need the Joker's joy buzzer?

That leaves it to the "old" cast to carry the story. Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy are in top form, and the Joker/Batman relationship is explored with some great dialogue between the "new" Batman and Joker. Angie Harmon doesn't do much for me voice-wise as Gordon (why did they replace Stockard Channing?).

The story is just convoluted enough, with a plot twist that might actually throw you. It fills in some of the backstory, but leaves other areas (what happened to Dick Grayson?) unanswered for future movies and episodes.

Overall, a superior product.

Great movie.

[kyle-mcdonald · 9/10 · 6 January 2008]

OK well it took me a long while to get this movie but I finally got and got to see and it turned out to be a great sequel to the batman cartoon series and for all the same reasons. It has lots of action in it the storyline to is really good the cartoon effects are good. the voice over actors are really good such as Kevin Conroy as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Will Friedle as Terence "Terry" McGinnis/Batman, Angie Harmon and Tara Strong as Barbara Gordon/Batgirl, Dean Stockwell and Mathew Valencia as Tim Drake/Robin. The villains are good such as Mark Hamill as The Joker, Arleen Sorkin as Harley Quin. So I am sure you will not be disappointed with Batman Beyond The Return Of The Joker because it is a really good movie. So make sure that you rent or but Batman Beyond The Return Of The Joker because it is a great movie.

Overall score: ********* out of **********

**** out of *****

Also there is a really good twist in this movie but I am not going to tell you what it is.

Prett good

[neil-476 · 7/10 · 21 February 2016]

Terry McGinnis, the Batman of 40 years from now, finds himself up against thugs working for what appears to be the original Joker, who seems to have survived or been reincarnated. Bruce Wayne refuses to tell Terry what happened, yet this appears to be critical to solving the mystery and apprehending this future Joker.

This is a good story, where the present-day Batman set-up meets the future square-on, and this is helped by having a lot of familiar voices in the voice cast, not least of which are Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill, of course. Though there were elements which I thought were going to leave me unhappy, the eventual resolution worked well.

I thought some of the animation was a little sloppy but, otherwise, I enjoyed this.

Great story..

[ajax-kumar · 9/10 · 8 April 2021]

Solid plot, a narrative that keeps you glued to the seat till the end and quite a surprise in the climax. All in all.. a great movie.