Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker

Now for the final Batman themed review! Been a ride and late as hell, but I’m still new at this thing. Time to wrap things up with one of my all time favorite movies (better than Red Hood, honestly), Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker.

A little background in case of any plebeians in the audience; Batman Beyond was a sequel animated series to Batman: The Animated Series as well as a sort-of finale to the Justice League cartoons. The series takes place many decades in the newly named Neo-Gotham where Batman has disappeared. Bruce Wayne got too old for the cowl and has hung it up, even leaving Wayne Enterprises along the way. Our hero is ex-juvenile hall high schooler Terry McGinnis who stumbles on Bruce’s secret and new Batman suit which enhanced the user’s abilities. Bruce takes Terry as his latest protege and hijinks ensue.

The show was amazing for continuing the great story telling of TAS while updating it with new stories and new conflicts to keep the story interesting. The show went for 3 seasons  and the movie we’re about to see. The show actually ended early to make room for Justice League even though a 4^th season was announced. Would've loved to see what they had planned.

In all honesty, this movie was getting some high expectations and flak back in the day. Apparently the violence in it earned a PG-13 rating; the first animated DC work to do so back then (nowadays they don’t hesitate to show a sex scene between Deadshot and Harley Quinn. Yahtzee...). And a death scene in the movie was edited to be less violent, but could actually be kinda worse if you think about it.

Now because of the massive amounts of editing that happened in this movie, I will only be discussing the uncut version of the film without edits and alterations. I will only mention the changed scenes if they have some kinda impact. Let’s finish up Batman Month with Return of the Joker.

We open up in Neo-Gotham at Gotham Shipping where a group of Jokerz is attempting to steal some high tech equipment. The Jokerz consist of Bonk (Henry Rollins), Ghoul (Michael Rosenbaum), Dee-Dee twins (both played by Melissa Joan Hart), Chucko (Jon Harvey), and a human/hyena spliced creature named Wolf (Frank Welker). They are soon interrupted but Batman/Terry McGinnis (Will Freidle). Batman easily starts taking them out at first, but is slowly overwhelmed by Wolf. The others use their hover cranes and escape with the equipment. Batman begins pursuit with his glide wings. In a rage, Bonk takes his crane and chases Batman while the others start falling due to the uneven weight. When Dee Dee misses a kick and falls, the other takes her crane to catch her, leaving only Chucko holding the equipment. It crashes, and the damage sets it to explode. Chucko grabs a key component from the tech and escapes. The Jokerz all get away on one crane as Batman is smashed against a wall and dazed for a moment.

The credits roll and we move to the Batcave where Bruce Wayne (Kevin Conroy) is tossing a Batarang around. Terry returns and is debriefed. They both find it strange that the Jokerz are stealing tech; not their usual MO. A news broadcast announces Bruce is returning to take over Wayne Enterprises, but some are against it. In particular is a man called Jordan Price (Mark Hamill) who wants to keep the company to himself. Terry heads out for a date with his girlfriend Dana Tan (Lauren Tom) despite the late hours. To the said date at a rave club, Terry is barely managing to stay conscious throughout. Dana orders coffee to keep him up.

To Jolly Jack’s Candy Factory, the Jokerz approach their boss (who sits in a shadow) and explain what happened, handing over the memory board they were able to salvage. The boss crushes it, and swipes away the scraps. As he insults the Jokerz today, Bonk snaps about how this man is a “fake”. Bonk says he’s out, and the boss pulls out a gun. He pulls the trigger, but all that comes out is a flag saying “BANG”. A sigh of relief, but then he pulls the trigger again and the flag shoots out to impale bonk on the table.

The boss comes out of the shadows, revealing to be the Joker. The Joker monologues about the way things have changed since he’s been come. He first asks for everyone’s loyalty, and out of far they all agree. As Dee-Dee take dispose of Bonk, Joker sets Ghoul out to look for the equipment they tried stealing. Joker goes through the list and wants one with the tightest security.

To Wayne Enterprises, Bruce and Terry attend a banquet welcoming Bruce to the company. Everyone but Price is present. Bruce takes the stand and begins a speech, which is quickly interrupted by the mic being hijacked by maniacal laughing. Wolf jumps from the bushes and charges for Bruce. Security is stopped by Ghoul using gas. Bruce easily takes care of Wolf with his cane. Bruce is then stopped by the Dee Dee twins and kicked onto the stage. The stage opens, and the Joker emerges

“Hello, Gotham! Joker’s back in town!”

Bruce utters “It can’t be,” but the Joker kneels down and assures it is indeed him. Terry arrives as Batman, the Joker taking note to critique the new design of the Batsuit. Wolf jumps in and attacks Batman as the Joker and Dee Dee twins look on. Ghoul and his friend steal what they need in the crises. Joker and the Dee Dee twins escape on a hovercraft, picking Wolf up on their way out. Joker sets off several bombs, forcing Batman to stay behind and save the civilians rather than pursue the Joker.

On the drive back to Wayne Manor, Terry asks about the Joker. Bruce is quiet throughout. But when Terry keeps talking, Bruce says to shut up.

We move to a man (Dean Stockwell) sitting in his living room watching the news explain that three hours ago, the Joker made a return. He tenses up throughout the program, but narrows his eyes at the image of the Joker.

The next morning at the GCPD, Terry walks in to speak with Commisioner Barbara Gordon (Angie Harmon) about the Joker. Barbara shoots down any questions about the Joker. As Terry mocks the Joker, Barbara snaps about how dangerous the real Joker truly was. An appointment comes in, and Terry walks out. The man from earlier walks in, Barbara greets him.

The Batcave, Bruce is comparing old footage of the Joker against the new one, finding an EXACT voice match. Terry comes in, asking about the Joker again. Bruce remarks that the Joker was the most dangerous, a monster. Bruce can’t believe the Joker to be back, knowing that he was there when the Joker died. Terry assumes that Bruce may have killed the Joker due to something so horrifying. Bruce wants to suit back. He had no right to force the Bat-Life on anyone. Terry refuses, wanting to make up all for all of the mistakes he’s made by being Batman. Bruce calls Terry stupid and is given the suit back in rage.

The following morning, Terry is having breakfast with his family. His younger brother jokes around about how Terry broke in (noting how Terry is never home). That night at the rave club, Dana is taken out by her friends, but is taken away from them by Terry to dance. But their dance is interrupted by the Dee Dee twins in civilian clothing taking Terry away. Ghoul takes Dana away from the crowd.

At the Batcave, Bruce is experimenting with chemicals. Ace hears something heads up the stairs toward it. A howl of pain is head from above. Bruce gets up and heads toward it, but is stopped by a Joker gas bomb. He heads toward his table of chemicals, but falls over. Joker comes in, throwing Bruce into his chair. Joker laughs and calls Bruce “Batman”.

The Dee Dee twins begin attacking Terry and are outmatched until Wolf comes in again. Dana stomps on Ghoul’s foot and almost gets away, throwing Dana over the edge of the second floor. Terry catches her and dodges laser fire. Terry hands Dana to her friend and begins taking out Ghoul. He goes to a nearby 30 ft lava lamp, knocking it over and sending a surge of water that washes away the Jokerz. He walks out and sees Dana being taken by the ambulance. Terry hops on a bike and heads to the Batcave, calling Bruce. But Bruce doesn’t answer, setting an alarm in Terry’s mind.

He arrives at Wayne Manor, finding it in ruins, Ace injured in the library, the Batcave destroyed, and Joker’s signature “HAHAHAH” sprayed in red all over the cave. Bruce is lying stiff on the computer, the Joker-grin on his face. Terry finds a heartbeat, and Bruce starts laughing, barely alive. Between chuckles, Bruce points to a vile by his table next to an injection gun. Terry grabs both, and injects Bruce/ Bruce stops laughing and falls asleep.

In the morning, Bruce is recovering in his bed as Barbara helps taking care of him. Terry goes to look over Ace. Terry turns to the news, where Jordan Price is the headline for Bruce’s condition. Terry asks about the Joker again, wanting to know what happened to him. Barbara reveals the night it all happened.

A flashback to the past reveals the only remaining Bat-Family back then were her as Batgirl, Bruce as Batman, and Tim Drake as Robin. Robin is on patrol, but comes upon a woman in trouble from thugs. Robin takes them out, but the woman whacks him unconscious with a mallet. The woman is revealed to be Harley Quinn.

Barbara narrates that Bruce spent every waking moment trying to find Tim. They find nothing for weeks until an “invitation” in the form of an exploding Jack in the Box. A straight jacket in the remains is marked from Arkham Asylum, long shut down. Batman and Batgirl head for Arkham, and come across Harley singing a lullaby in a strange family setting with toys and dinner table. Joker welcomes Batman, who demands for Robin’s location. Joker and Harley think he is referring to their “Little J”. Harley takes out a bazooka and shoots restraints on Batman. Joker monologues about how their age is getting to them. So, the Joker thought it was time to make a family via adoption. They walk over to pull back a curtain, showing Tim Drake strapped to a table and warped into a younger version of the Joker, constantly chuckling.

Batman escapes from his binds and begins chasing the Joker Harley quickly engages with Batgirl. Both parties split to different parts of the Asylum. Batgirl comes across a giant chasm, looking for Harley. Tim Drake whistles, throwing Harley’s bazooka to her. Harley begins shooting; her bazooka is knocked from her hands. The landing on the ground makes the bazooka shoot a stray shot, sending Harley over the edge of the chasm. Batgirl grabs to some cloth on Harley’s wrist, but it tears and Harley plummets to the darkness below, screaming. Batgirl begins climbing upwards.

Batman continues searching for the Joker, the latter of which is over a speaker. The lights go out, and a movie projector screens the process of how the Joker altered Tim Drake. Every grisly detail is shown. Joker then mentions Tim spilling several secrets. Among them, is Batman’s identity as Bruce Wayne, and Bruce’s entire reason for being Batman. Joker starts poking the bear; that despite Bruce’s appearance and passion, he’s nothing more than a “little boy in a playsuit, crying for Mommy and Daddy”. Batman snaps and begins beating down the Joker with blind fury. Joker is thrown back to where they started. Joker takes out a knife and cuts and stabs Batman, sending him falling.

Joker throws a gun to Tim, holding Batman up as a target. Tim takes up, but can’t find it in him to shoot…Batman anyway. Instead, Tim shoots the gun at the Joker, impaling him with a flag saying “BANG!”.

“That’s not funny…! That’s not…”

Joker dies as Tim begins crying, falling his knees. Batgirl comes in to hold Tim, trying comfort him.

In present day, Commissioner Gordon remarks that Harley’s body was never found. Tim was helped by Wayne Family doctor Leslie Tomkins to help back then, and was forbidden by Bruce to be Robin again (it seems blaming himself for problems is Batman’s own running joke then). Tim is now an engineer, married with kids. Terry says Tim may have it good, but has a strong connection to the Joker, considering the latest events.

To a satellite field, Terry questions Tim on-the-job about the Joker. Tim says he was surprised as everyone else, and how he’s moved on from the Bat Family. Tim announces how he has grown up, and gotten past the costumes. Batman heads out, heading for another possible lead.

That night on a cruise line, Price is interrogated by the Jokerz. The ship takes off as Batman places a finger against the window screen listening in. Price reveals he gave them everything (equipment, security codes, and Bruce’s condition). The Jokerz inform Price that he is now considered a loose end by their boss, and are there to take care of him. Dee Dee handcuffs him to a table and the Jokerz go to escape, but Batman storms in. Rather than fight, the Jokerz escape on a hover craft. Batman saves Price as a strange light covers the ship. The two escape as well as a giant laser comes from the sky and destroys the ship in a single shot.

They head to the shoreline, where Batman hands Price over to the cops along with the recording of Price confessing his crimes. Price is taken away as Terry flies back to the cave.

Terry is sitting at the cave and laments not having the Joker caught yet. Bruce comes down in a robe, Ace hopping around happily for his return. Terry tells Bruce that he knows what happened to Drake, and that he won’t fall prey to what happened to him. As Terry points toward the cases containing the old bat suits, he notices that while the cases are damaged, only the Robin costume is destroyed. Terry deduces by Tim Drake’s earlier comments about hating the Robin costume, that he might be connected to the Joker. Terry uses the computer to combine all the technology that was stolen. All the tech is used by someone of communications expertise; Tim’s field. Bruce recognizes it as a satellite jamming system, which can take control of satellite weaponry. Terry backs this up with what happened at the yacht. Bruce orders Terry to suit up and check out Tim Drake while he monitors. Terry brings Ace along with him.

Batman sneaks into Tim’s laboratory and starts interrogating him, but as he reaches to grab Tim, it was revealed to be a hologram. Batman is trapped in the lab as the Joker pops on the screen. Joker first proves Tim’s involvement with him, and that the satellite he took over is a government weapon with a laser that can take out large scale threats. The Joker’s plan: use it as a “bigger stick” method to remind the world that Gotham is his territory.

Batman is held up for a while first by several motion detecting lasers, but escapes soon enough. As he gets out, he hops into the Batmobile and flies off searching for “Jolly Jack”, finding the candy factory. Joker hacks the Batmobile communications and starts using the laser to shoot at the Batmobile. When single shots aren’t enough, the beam condenses and tears through Neo-Gotham. Joker starts laughing, but quickly stops from signs of sweating and over exertion, cutting off the laser. Batman heads for the factory.

As he lands, the Jokerz attack. Wolf is held off by Ace while Batman deals with the other members himself. Batman walks into the factory and finds Tim Drake unconscious on the ground. Drake wakes up, saying the Joker walked out. Tim walks around, making fun of his old self. But as he talks, he suddenly remembers that he killed the Joker. Since then, he’s been plagued by the Joker’s laughing and screams. But as Tim wards off Batman’s offer to call an ambulance, he calls him “Terry”. He reaches for a small ball and throws it at Batman, calling him “Batfake” (what Joker called him earlier). The ball turns into an electroshock grapple, knocking Terry down. Tim speaks loudly to reach Bruce on the other end of the communications line. Tim starts laughing, and slowly changes.

His voice changes to the Joker, his skin turns bleach white, eyes, lips, and hair changing as well. Tim Drake is the Joker. Joker reveals that in the time he kept Tim Drake, he experimented with genetics technology to create a microchip with his DNA that was graphed into Tim’s neck, giving him access to Drake’s mind and body over the years. Everything the Joker did while in control was made into bad dreams.  Over time, Joker is getting stronger until he can completely take over the body and be born again. Joker takes control of the satellite and aims it for Terry’s house, the hospital where Dana recovers, and Wayne Manor. When asked for last words, Terry says “Sick ‘em!”

Ace comes in and attacks the Joker. Ace even chomps off the restraint holding Terry’s suit. Ace tries to attack again, but is stopped by a dangerous hand buzzer. Terry knocks Joker down, sending the buzzer into the computer and setting it haywire. The signal is screwy, making the laser shoot its condensed beam into Neo-Gotham. The beam starts heading for the factory.

Joker starts to walk out, but Terry drags him back to fight. Joker shows high physical prowess, using Tim Drake’s memories and skills of training to his advantage. Terry gets up and locks the doors, engaging in a fight. They almost seem even, but the Joker/Drake’s skills are overwhelming. For advice, Bruce mentions Joker’s vanity and how he likes to talk; best to ignore it. Terry goes for an alternative, opting to talk instead. First he fights dirty with a crotch blow. When criticized for such a low-blow, Terry reminds Joker that he doesn’t know him.

“Funny guy!”

“Can’t say the same about you.”

Terry flies up to the ceiling, starting to mock the Joker and how he’s not funny. Terry plays psycho-analyst, saying the Joker kept coming back because he never made Batman laugh. Terry continues crapping on the Joker’s hopeless attempts at being funny. He goes on to say that the Joker makes him laugh for all of his patheticness. Terry actually starts laughing at the Joker, making fun of him.  Joker takes out a few grenades, warning Terry to stop laughing at him.

“What? I thought the Joker always wanted to make Batman laugh!”

“YOU’RE NOT BATMAN!!!”

Joker throws a grenade to the ceiling, knocking Terry to ground level. Another grenade sends Terry to the ground by the computer. Joker traps Terry beneath a table, unmasking him and taking off his mask. Terry reaches for the handbuzzer, and uses it to destroy Joker’s microchip. Joker falls over, transformed back into Time Drake. Drake wakes up as Terry begins carrying him out. The two escape with Ace to the Batmobile and fly off as the beam destroys the computer, annihilating the whole factory. With the jamming signal cut off, the satellite shuts down and drifts into space.

We cut to sometime later when the Dee Dee twins are being released on bail by their grandmother who starts beating them with her cane.

“Break a grandmother’s heart! I hope they throw the book at you!”

“Oh shut up, Nana Harley.”

At Gotham General Hospital, Tim is sitting in his bed with Barbara watching over him. Tim says Barbara shouldn’t cover for his action, but Barbara assures it wasn’t his fault. Terry walks in and introduces himself, but they met the other night. Tim puts the pieces together and now knows Terry as Batman. Tim compliments Terry that Bruce picked a good person to take the cowl. Terry walks out as Bruce walks in, but before stepping through the door, Bruce assures that Terry is worthy of the mantle of Batman. Bruce walks in, and greets Tim, presumably to make up with him.

That night, Terry stands over Neo-Gotham. He dons his mask and takes flight, off to continue his crusade.

Spoiler alert: this IS in my own top ten animated movies of all time. I have so many good things to say about this movie. But first, we have to clear the air a bit.

There were plenty of edits to this movie. Two versions were released: The PG-13 (Regular) version and the Unrated version. What I reviewed was the unrated version. There were mostly changes in small cuts and dialogue. I won’t go into great detail about the changes; just two in particular. Bonk’s death scene in the PG-13 version was by Joker Toxin. The other great difference was the Joker’s death scene. In the PG-13 version, Tim Drake throws the gun given to him and pushes the Joker into a few water tanks. Joker slips in the water and grabs a lever. A quick cut to Barbara and a loud scream by the Joker. Honestly I have no complains, but I don’t like changes unless really necessary. Hell, the death scene with the Joker may not have been actually seen, but the mental images of the Joker’s body flailing around in an electro-fried chicken frenzy might be a tad worse, don’t you think?

The only other gigantic change that I LOVED in this movie was Harley Quinn. This changed happened in both versions (the only difference being the color of Nana Harley’s clothes) Originally, Harley Quinn was indeed meant to die in her fall at Arkham. Paul Dini, her creator and one of the writers for Batman: TAS, fought to include this scene because he didn’t want to kill one what he thought was one of his biggest contributions to the Batman mythos. Thank and praise this man, people. He kept the Harley train tooting.

Sidenote here: am I the only that feels they were referencing The Killing Joke by having Terry making fun of the Joker not being funny? I mean part of his origin IS being a failed comedian and all. Just saying is all....

Once again, voice direction by Andrea Romano, and it is amazing. Back then, getting to hear Mark Hamill’s Joker in this show was a showstopper. Mark Hamill as a whole is a great voice actor, and I really appreciate all the years he’s put in as the Clown Prince of Crime. But I will say Troy Baker is doing a good job (the man gave us “I’m here, BITCHES” for god’s sake). Will Freidle is great as Terry, being the snarky Batman. I do have to say that it was the original Batman’s thing to be quiet and intimidating. This is a new Batman and the snark is appreciated. But the biggest highlight goes to Michael Rosenbaum as Ghoul, who’s performance is a practical Christopher Walken impression. And as we all know, Christopher Walken makes anything 20% better.

The animation is just great. This was back during the Justice League airing of DC’s animated timeline, and the animation was topnotch in those days as a whole. The fight scenes are nice and the designs of Neo-Gotham are impressive (if a cartoon city with flying cars looks better than your city-planet, you’re doing it wrong, Star Wars).

A big aspect I have to mention is the soundtrack. While Batman: TAS was known for its orchestral tunes, Batman Beyond had its music rocking out with techno. It really sets the tune for how things have changed, and that this is no longer Bruce’s era. Times change, and Terry’s leading the charge.

One last thing before I close this out.. Terry stood against the original Batman’s greatest enemy at his most dangerous, and everyone that could've stopped him no longer can. So, it’s up to the new blood to take him on. I personally love these kinds of stories where the greatest threat of the old generation takes on the newer one. And this movie did the story idea amazingly. Mad e even better by bringing in Bruce’s last protégé as the Joker’s practical crutch.

As a closeout, I would recommend this movie to ALL Batman fans. The only problem however is that you need some kind of understanding of Batman Beyond to get who Terry is and the overall environment of Neo-Gotham. Overall, this is a fantastic movie and is pretty much a requirement for any Batman fan.

With this, Batman-based reviews are over with, and now its time to get with the program. I’ll be reviewing pretty much anything now, and I think I know where to start. Something mindless, stupid, or just plain bad will do. I enjoyed doing these reviews, and I look forward to doing more here on the site.