Last year we got Return of the Caped Crusaders, an animated feature based on the 60's Batman show, it was a good time, fun and a great love letter to that show. This year we get the sequel, which is just... good, not great but a fine film all the same. Batman vs. Two-Face, rather than act as a celebration of the old show, acts more like an extended lost episode of the show, which is fine, but it does lose some appeal in the process. Now that isn't to say this is bad, it's not, it's just where the last one felt like a celebration of Batman, as well as a commentary on later takes, this one has nothing going for it beyond being a fun new adventure, it's fine, but it doesn't leave an impact.
The story this time deals with Harvey Dent (William Shatner is well cast here) becoming Two-Face. Batman and Robin take down Dent again and again, until finally they cure him, at least they think so, as shortly after Dent is rehabilitated, crimes hit again, seemingly coming from the Two-Face. A strain between Batman and Robin grows, as Batman refuses to believe Robin that Dent is back to his old ways. Crime is fought, the day is saved and Julie Newmar hangs around as the Catwoman, it's all silly fun.
I'll give the film this much, the plot is laid out a little better, as the last film did feel like it had a couple of climax fights. There's clearly a much smoother flow of the story, which is a plus, but when all is said and done, it just makes the film feel a little disposable. The last one had its problems in the story sure, but it knew it couldn't just rely on being a throwback, it needed to say something about Batman as a character, this is just a throwback, which is fun, but lacks a memorable punch. Still, it's nice to see all the returning cast back, even if they sound a little old at times, I even liked the small cameos for fans of both the comics and old show.
This is a fun film, disposable, but it does its job so I can't complain. Batman vs. Two-Face isn't the greatest Batman film, but it's serviceable fun. Also, Adam West, it was nice to hear him one last time, so as the film's final message states, "rest well Bright Knight".
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