RipDelight
This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.
AnhartLinkin
This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.
Invaderbank
The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.
Marva
It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,
DCfan
I saw this movie about two years ago and it wasn't that memorable, to be honest.But I do remember that mainly focused on Commissioner Gordon's life as a cop and his life struggles because of his wife having a baby, him having an affair with a colleague at work and to putting an end to the Batman. The movie kinda had bad animation and I find it weird that Selina Kyle bearly has hair, a daughter and if I remember correctly a husband or a an agent who she ends up killing. I must admit though in a scene where a swarm of Bats come in that reminded me of Batman Begins (See my review) when he is getting away with the cops.I also think that Bryan Crayson, sorry if I missed spelt his name wrong, was a good voice for Jim Gordon.
SlyGuy21
I am stunned by how faithful this is to the graphic novel. Although I shouldn't say "faithful", more "respectful". Even though adaptations are totally able to make things different (see Nolan's "Batman Begins") the people involved in this movie went with just a straight-forward "book-to-film" format. And it's awesome! I knew what was going to happen in each scene because I read the graphic novel before-hand, and it was still incredible. I knew 99% of what was going to happen, and it was still incredible. I was able to almost directly quote character's lines of dialogue, and it was awesome! I don't give this any flack at all for staying so close to the source material because the source material is so incredible on it's own. In fact, it took me about as long to read the graphic novel as it did to watch the movie. And in this case, I would both read the book and watch the film. It is that well done! Could you imagine if they did this same thing with stories like "The Long Halloween" or "A Death in the Family" or "Hush"? Seriously, how have they not made an animated movie out of "Hush"?Bottom line, if you are a Batman fan, you owe it to yourself to watch this movie. It is one of the best adaptations I've ever seen!
Kevin Lea Davies
The origins of Batman. There have been several renditions over his from his more wholesome and humble beginnings in the 'Silver Age' of comics, to Christopher Nolan's epic film trilogy of a man driven mad by the death of his parents. Printed in 1987, Year One was artist and writer Frank Miller's take on Batman's beginnings and is considered by many the official cannon of Wayne's long endeavour against crime.DC Animation did a wonderful job approaching Miller's work, and remained very true to the original work. There is very little alteration in plot and theme, as it retains it gritty and dark narrative, about a city lost to crime and corruption, and the struggle of good men in a city where good men are considered weak. You are introduced to two main characters, Bruce Wayne and James Gordon. Both outsiders, and both willing to make a difference in their own way. The theme of this film is one of absolute resolve and strength in the face of adversity.Where this film really excels is within its voice acting. Most people will be able to place Bryan Cranston as Lieutenant Gordon. Gordon, arguably the main character of this story, begins as a man in penance. He enters the city by train, regretting his actions that got him transferred to the most dangerous city in America, apprehensive about the future for his wife and himself. All of this is portrayed through these subtle inflections of voice, and Cranston does a fantastic job of maintaining this quality throughout the film. Ben McKenzie as Bruce Wayne / Batman is excellent in his role, and separates himself from previous voice actors. He portrays a man of drive and unforgiving resolve, yet at times a man who is uncertain of himself. The acting is solid throughout, which is no small feat in animation as it depends completely on how the actors use their voice.Batman is a symbol to many, as a stand against crime, yet his beginnings were not always easy. His struggle is a very real and human one. In many ways, he represents the best of us, and an unwavering determination to do what is necessary in the face of evil. Year One is arguably the best animated adaptation of a comic book to date.8/10
lukey8922
I was more reserved than most to see this movie. As a huge fan of Frank Millers comic for a long time i was worried how it would be transferred to the screen, but boy was i wrong. I feel embarrassed it has taken me this long to watch this movie, this was Batman at his animated best.The main reason i thought the film would struggle to do justice to the comic is, as anyone who has read the comics will know, Its a much darker, grittier version of batman and after recently watching under the red hood, which i enjoyed, it doesn't have that dark edge that i see in Batman. However the same cannot be said for this movie. It was like the pages of the comic were been lifted to the screen and coming to life before my eyes! its the closest adaptation of paper to screen you will ever see. The animation is done to a high standard, smooth and more colour than i had originally expected. The action sequences are particularly impressive without giving the viewer too much to concentrate on. its a well written script by Tab Murphy, although much of that credit has to go to Frank Miller as a lot of the dialogue is VERY similar to the source. The only let down for me was the voice casting. Bryan Cranston put in a solid effort as Jim Gordon but unfortunately Ben McKenzie did not do such a good job, he just doesn't have that grittiness i feel batman needed in this film more than any other. Such a shame they didn't use Kevin Conroy as i'm sure most fans will tell you, he is the voice of Batman.Overall, a really really good effort. Worth spending your hard earned money on, but definitely not one too see with the kids!