Batman: The Killing Joke

Batman: The Killing Joke

(Note: Although the film hasn’t been released on DVD/Blu-ray yet, I was lucky enough to catch its limited theatrical release at one of my local theaters.)

With expectations VERY low for Sausage Party, Warner Bros Animation is here to give us our fill of R rated animation with Batman: The Killing Joke. Based on the iconic graphic novel written by Alan Moore and illustrated, this animated adaptation takes a psychological look inside Joker. It even reunites BTAS cast members Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill and Tara Strong as Batman, Joker and Batgirl/Barbara Gordon respectively.

In the Clown Prince of Crime’s latest plan, he attempts to prove that anyone can go insane like him after one bad day by kidnapping Commissioner Gordon. His psychological torture is very grim, deserving of its R rating, yet a musical number called “I Go Loony” that’s one part energetic and one part terrifying. Throughout his plan, we flashback to his supposed backstory (Like the Joker says “If I’m going to have a past, I prefer it to be multiple choice.”) that portrays his as a sympathetic comedian struggling to support his pregnant wife. It’s the first time in history the character has ever been portrayed as sympathetic, the last word you’d ever use to describe him, and yet they manage to pull it off. Thanks to a combination of the writing and Hamill’s great voice performance as both of the character’s personas.

But seeing how the graphic novel the film is based on is quite short, they created an entirely new first act that focuses on Bat Girl. She’s a fun character, but the story in it ties little to nothing with the actual plot. And there are scenes, without spoiling anything, where they portray her that I find quite….questionable. Admittedly, I’m not exactly an expert when it comes to comic books so my word on it shouldn’t be taken seriously. But my sister and her boyfriend who attended the screening with me, seemed genuinely shocked by one scene involving the character with Batman.

Unnecessary first act aside, when it followed the graphic novel, it was a very entertaining movie. I loved the Killing Joke comic and Batman/DC Comics fans will find a faithfully adaptation or Moore’s most iconic story with these characters. But you’ll first have to sit through a story arc that has little to nothing to do with it. But when it followed the comic, which id did very well, it’s pretty hard not to recommend it.  As for me, I have no problem being part of this sick joke.

3 out of 4 stars.