Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violence, some sex in Victorian-era Batman tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight
What's the Story?
It's the late 19th century in Gotham City, and Batman (Bruce Greenwood) is attempting to find out who is behind the stabbing deaths of prostitutes and other denizens of the night in GOTHAM BY GASLIGHT. He's a vigilante as feared by everyone then as he is in more recent times; some even suspect Batman as the murderer. Selina Kyle (Jennifer Carpenter), a stage actress and vigilante in her own right, attempts to lure the murderer and kill him, but her plans are accidentally foiled when Batman swoops in. Shortly after, Selina meets Bruce Wayne, and the two hit it off. But things take a turn for the worse when Wayne is spotted at the orphanage where he grew up on the night his beloved Sister Leslie is murdered. Now the police are in hot pursuit of Wayne, and he must now, with the help of Kyle, not only discover the murderer, but also prove his innocence.
Is It Any Good?
This is a unique take on the Batman story. Set during the Victorian era, it places Batman/Bruce Wayne among the street urchins, burlesque dancers, moral reformers, and Jack the Ripper-style killers of the time. On the whole, Batman: Gotham by Gaslight is an interesting take on the now-familiar tale of the misunderstood vigilante and playboy philanthropist. The mystery behind the killer is a surprise, all things considered, and presents a unique take on the character's twisted motives for the murders.
At the same time, the "whodunit" of it all feels a little too much like a Scooby-Doo! episode, with a lot more adult content and far fewer clues to help the audience play along in solving the mystery. It doesn't quite strike the right balance between showing what these well-known characters would be like in a different time and telling the story itself. It's definitely enjoyable on its own terms for the novelty of the time and setting, but one would hope that if this is the direction the creators want to take the Batman franchise, they'll do more than simply plug in a half dozen or so historical reference points to give the movie authenticity.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the Batman movie franchise. How does Gotham by Gaslight compare to other stories about Batman?
How does the movie present what the 19th century would be like in Gotham?
Was the violence too much, or was it necessary for the story? Why?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : January 23, 2018
- Cast : Bruce Greenwood , Jennifer Carpenter , Chris Cox
- Director : Sam Liu
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros. Animation
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes
- Run time : 78 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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