Batman: The Movie (VHS, 2001)

With the recent interest in the "Batman" movie franchise at an all-time high, it is interesting to know that the original 1966 version, "Batman: The Movie" still has lost none of its appeal. This is one of the few movies that was based on a popular television series to be transferred to the big screen while that show was originally on the air with the same cast from that show ("McHale's Navy", "The Munsters", "The X-Files" all come to mind). In this version, four of the most notable villains from the series (Catwoman, Joker, Riddler, Penguin) join forces together to attempt complete takeover of the entire world, starting with Gotham City. However, it is up to the caped crusader and the boy wonder to stop these fiends at all costs. Reprising their roles from the series are Adam West as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Burt Ward as Dick Grayson/Robin, Cesar Romero as the Joker, Frank Gorshin as the Riddler and Burgess Meredith as the Penguin. The only casting alteration was that of Lee Meriwether as Catwoman (played on the series by either Julie Newmar or Ertha Kitt). As is with the series, the movie version also has a lot of clever and charming moments. One unforgettable sequence has Batman trying to dispose of a bomb that is set to explode at any moment. Realizing that he cannot properly dispose of this device, he says "Some days, you just can't get rid of a bomb". It is little touches like this that delight you. The movie as a whole is perfect for the entire family. See how the big-screen "Batman" all started.

My 8 year old son loved the older version of Batman. He has recently gotten into all of the Batman movies, but I think this one is by far his favorite.