Category: 1990s

Batman Returns is a Christmas Miracle

Spending Christmas in Gotham City is an annual tradition for diehard fans of Batman Returns (1992). I have to watch the movie sometime in December—and often several times this month—and nothing brings me more Yuletide spirit than the most gloriously bizarre and unapologetically kinky superhero movie ever made. Tim Burton and screenwriters Daniel Waters and … Continue reading Batman Returns is a Christmas Miracle →

Hot Shots of the Week: Gotham City’s Ice Princess

“The tree lights up, and then I push the button. No-no, wait, wait, wait, wait. I press the button and *then* the tree lights up...” It wouldn’t be the holidays without the delightfully ditzy Ice Princess from Batman Returns (1992)—played brilliantly by Cristi Conaway—lighting up Gotham City’s Christmas tree. As cinematic dumb blondes go, she’s … Continue reading Hot Shots of the Week: Gotham City’s Ice Princess →

Hell Here

Scenes and dialogue from Batman Returns (1992) play in constant rotation in my mind. It’s the weirdest, most unique superhero movie ever made, in my estimation, and it’s also a delightfully subversive Christmas movie, too. It has everything going for it, from outrageously over the top characters to sumptuously gothic set designs, from a pitch-perfect … Continue reading Hell Here →

“Favor Gonna Kill You Faster Than a Bullet”: Carlito’s Way at 30

Brian De Palma’s deeply moving morality tale Carlito’s Way (1993) recently had its thirtieth anniversary. The film has long held a special place in my personal movie pantheon, ever since seeing it opening night, November 12, 1993. Based on two novels by New York State Supreme Court Judge Edwin Torres (which I’ve read and highly … Continue reading “Favor Gonna Kill You Faster Than a Bullet”: Carlito’s Way at 30 →