 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Batman: Year One
- Review Date: October 18, 2011
- PG-13
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
Animated superhero drama is too intense for young fans.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this feature-length animated action movie based on Frank Miller's popular comic books is fairly violent and includes a shocking sequence in which a newborn infant is kidnapped and placed in danger. There's also the expected fighting and shooting (with some blood shown). The movie also includes some sexual content, with images of a red-light district and prostitutes, suggestions of an extramarital affair, and (in the accompanying short film) images of a strip club. The occasional strong language goes as far as "bitch" and "bastard."
What's the story?
Young Lt. Gordon -- the future Commissioner Gordon (voiced by Bryan Cranston) -- arrives in Gotham City to start his new job at the ultra-corrupt Gotham Police Department. At the same time, young billionaire Bruce Wayne (Ben McKenzie) is trying to figure out how to start his career as a crime fighter and finds inspiration when a bat flies through his window. The police see Batman as a vigilante and start working to either catch or kill him, but Gordon sees him as something else. Can Gordon stop the corrupt cops before Batman's career is permanently cut short? And what's the story behind another costumed fighter who turns up, called Catwoman (Eliza Dushku)?
Is it any good?
The directors of All-Star Superman and Green Lantern: Emerald Knights return for this dark, noir-ish take on the first chapter of Batman and Commissioner Gordon's careers. The movie looks great, with a moody use of shadows and darkness and dreary, lowdown locations. But the main problem is that, at only 64 minutes, it's too short; Gordon's story feels fully fleshed-out, but Batman's story is surprisingly truncated.
It helps that actor Cranston (from both Drive and TV's Breaking Bad) does a terrific job with Gordon's conflicted voice. But McKenzie (from The O.C. and Southland) seems too young and complacent for Batman; he sounds more like a frat boy than a tormented loner. Moreover, for a movie this short, too many supporting parts are fighting for space; it takes place over the course of a year, so the story feels bigger than it really is. But if we allow that Gordon is actually the main character, then his journey is a fascinating one.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about the movie's violence. When does it cross the line from thrilling to shocking? What's the difference?
How does this version of Batman's story compare with others you've seen or read?
Is Batman a vigilante? Should he be arrested, or should he be allowed to help the police? What's the difference between law and justice?
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Educator and Parent
November 19, 2011
AGE
Animated, but NOT for Children
Because it is Batman, you know there is going to be violence. But this was marketed on the same row on my Redbox with all of the other animated kid-movies. I sure wasn't expecting foul language or prostitutes, particularly with NO warning on the labeling to let you know this was not going to be appropriate for children.
What other families should know:
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Kid, 10 years old
August 21, 2012
AGE
IT'S GOOD BUT,
It has: bloody fights, drugs and drinking, curse words, intense and scary scenes. But when all of this stuff wasn't going on i liked it a lot it was pretty good
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Teen, 15 years old
May 13, 2013
AGE
Too much drama for little kids. However, it's still a great film.
This film was gold. Great animation,great voe acting, and everything. I loved it so much. It's WAY too intense for little kids though.
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| Topics: | superheroes |
| Studio: | Warner Home Video |
| Directors: | Lauren Montgomery, Sam Liu |
| Cast: | Benjamin McKenzie, Bryan Cranston, Eliza Dushku |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Run time: | 64 minutes |
| DVD release date: | October 18, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | violence and some sexual material |
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