Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun, action-packed tale celebrates '60s TV version.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders
What's the Story?
It's clear Batman and company are in big trouble when four of their most formidable enemies team up in BATMAN: RETURN OF THE CAPED CRUSADERS. The Joker (who still sounds and looks like Cesar Romero, is voiced by Jeff Bergman), the Penguin (William Salyers), the Riddler (Wally Wingert), and Cat Woman (Julie Newmar) have gotten their malevolent hands on a Replica Ray, which can duplicate anything and everything. It's their key to finally ruling Gotham City. And Cat Woman has a spray can of "Batnip" that could actually turn Batman into a cunning criminal consort. The superheroes take on the supervillains with striking valor, velocity, and vibrant versatility. And just when it seems that Batman and Robin (voiced once again by the iconic Adam West and Burt Ward) have accomplished their mission, a surprising new villain emerges, threatening to turn the planet into a pulverized, powerless, parking lot of panic! Holy trench warfare!
Is It Any Good?
The campy, dynamic, and oh-so-self-aware Batman of 1960s TV has returned to delight old fans and inspire new ones with Adam West and Burt Ward along for the fast-moving ride. Director Rick Morales and his team of writers and animators bring back all the elements that made the 1966–1969 series such a crowd-pleaser. The pop of the "speech balloons," Robin's obsession with "holy" expletives, the alliterative artistry, and Batman's penchant for philosophizing while under fire all have made it into the final cut. Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders is very well-done, with a twist that gives it some momentary heft. Though there's a tinge of the darkness that has followed Bruce Wayne and company since the turn of the 21st century, this is the Batman of more innocent times. Only some mild sexual wordplay and innuendo between Batman and Cat Woman contradicts the story's basic virtue. Fine for all except little ones who can't distinguish between real and imaginary violence.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the prospective audience for Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders. Whom do you think the filmmakers are trying to reach? If you were already a fan of the 1960s television show, did this new movie meet your expectations? If you're new to the concept, did this film inspire you to check out the earlier series?
Compare this version of Batman to others you've seen (movies, Lego DVDs, TV shows). What makes it special? Why do you think it's fondly remembered after so many years?
Look up the term "alliteration." What are some examples of alliteration that appear in the movie (for example, "prince of perverted puzzles" referring to the Riddler)? How does the use of this literary device add to the magic and humor of Batman's character? Write a description of someone you know using alliteration.
Why do you think Batman is such a popular character? What is it about him that both kids and adults relate to?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 1, 2016
- Cast : Adam West , Burt Ward , Julie Newmar
- Director : Rick Morales
- Studio : Warner Bros. Animation
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Adventures , Animals ( Cats ) , Fantasy , Friendship , Robots , Superheroes
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 78 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : action, suggestive material, and rude humor
- Last updated : September 7, 2025
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