Morgan (Video)

Morgan is an underwhelming sci-fi thriller that we've seen done better many times before.

Don't Breathe (Video)

Don't Breathe is an intense and claustrophobic thriller that showcases Stephen Lang's amazing acting abilities.

Hell or High Water (Video)

What you won't expect from Hell or High Water is how two bank robbers and two U.S. Marshals will warm your heart as it builds to the inevitable showdown.

Kubo and the Two Strings (Video)

Kubo and the Two Strings is a beautiful stop-motion Japanese folktale that offers a great story, gorgeous visuals, and a lot of heart for all viewers.

Suicide Squad (Video)

While Suicide Squad might have many, MANY flaws, the great characters and added humor make it the the most enjoyable movie of the DC Extended Universe yet. Hopefully this will be the start of a new, better direction.

Jason Bourne (Video)

Matt Damon is back as the rogue secret agent Jason Bourne, and while it's not perfect, Jason Bourne offers enough to be the second best in the series.

Batman: The Killing Joke

Batman: The Killing Joke somehow does the source material justice and changes it in horrific ways to both please and anger any fans of Alan Moore's graphic novel.

Now before I begin, I have to say that this movie is based on a graphic novel that is almost 30 years old, so my review will have minor spoilers. Most of the spoilers are from the source material and a very few of them are scenes and plot points that were added specifically for the movie. That being said, everything I'll say in my review I had already heard before going into the movie myself and it did not decrease my overall enjoyment of the movie. So even though there will be minor spoilers, it does not ruin the movie at all.

The Good:

Honoring the source material. This is hands down the best part of The Killing Joke. The first half of the movie is basically a prequel of events that leads to The Killing Joke. Now while I enjoyed this added material, it is nothing compared to the storyline that is featured during the last half of the movie. Once Batman walks into Arkham Asylum to talk to the Joker, the movie kicks into another gear and really becomes what every fan wanted to see. So regardless of what anyone says about the first half, the second half is a perfect adaptation of Alan Moore's critically acclaimed work and does it complete justice.

The amazing voice acting. I feel this was already going to be obvious because any time Kevin Conroy plays Batman or Mark Hamill plays The Joker it is always going to be voice acting perfection. And this time is no different.

The action. This is one part where the animation really shines. Throughout The Killing Joke there are multiple moments where Batman and Batgirl beat the crap out of bad guys, and every fight scene is expertly choreographed and even better drawn. It captures perfectly how Batman and Batgirl would fight.

The Ehh:

The animation. When the trailer was first released, one of the biggest criticisms was the stiff, slow animation. Now, while it is better than the trailer lets on, there are definitely moments where the animation isn't the best.

The ending. I'm going to be honest and say that I first read Batman: The Killing Joke earlier this year. I have since read it a total of 3 times, but I definitely would not call myself an expert on the graphic novel, but each time I read the story I felt that the ending was weird, abrupt, and completely out of place. Now, I'm not saying it is bad, just that I feel it could have been different and closed the story out a little neater. If you are fan of the graphic novel's ending, there's no need to fear, it wasn't changed a bit. In the movie adaptation The Joker tells his joke, the music cuts out, and Batman reacts exactly like he does in the source material. During this moment all you hear is laughing and rain, the camera zooms out, fades to black, the laughing dims, the credits begin, and all you can hear is rain hitting the ground. There is no music, no flourish, simply the sound of rain. I was in a theater with almost every seat filled and there was barely a sound that could be heard. And while that could have been out of awe, I feel it was more because of confusion and awkwardness. It was kind of a little disappointing than the typical big Batman ending we have become accustomed to.

The Ugh-ly:

The Romance. When early reports were coming out regarding the relationship between Batman and Batgirl, many fans were angry and appalled. Now, while I personally don't mind the direction they took their story, I do feel that if something like that was going to be added that it should be for a good reason and carry weight for the characters. Unfortunately, the entire romance plotline maybe encompasses 5 minutes of the story and doesn't add to Batman's motivation. So even without the romance, Batman would have reacted exactly the same. So although I'm not personally offended by the additional relationship, it definitely didn't add anything to the story and should have been left out.

Recommendation:

Overall, Batman: The Killing Joke is a worthy adaptation of Alan Moore's acclaimed graphic novel that will please most fans. The few things that aren't great about the movie can easily be overlooked and eventually forgotten. Since Batman: The Killing Joke was only in theaters for a single day and is currently only available for streaming download or Blu-Ray purchase I feel this requires a more atypical grading system. So since Batman: The Killing Joke does enough to please hardcore fans while also angering them, I say it is solid...

B+

So that's what I thought of Batman: The Killing Joke, what did you think? And what other Batman story line would you love to see adapted by WB animation? Leave your comments below, check out my YouTube channel "Unpopped Review," and remember to always keep it unpopped!

Star Trek Beyond (Video)

Star Trek Beyond is a perfect summer blockbuster that offers enough to please both lifelong Star Trek fans and the average movie-goer.

Ghostbusters (Video)

Ghostbusters definitely has a different tone than the 1984 original. Luckily, all involved bring enough uniqueness and laughter to the film so it can defy the haters and stand on its on as a good film.

The Secret Life of Pets (Video)

The Secret Life of Pets is a great movie for the whole family, but lacks any emotional depth we have come to expect from animated features. It will win the box office, but won't be one families will revisit for years to come.

The BFG (Video)

Steven Spielberg tries to capture the childlike wonder of ET or Hook. Instead, The BFG is a boring and average children's book adaptation.

The Legend of Tarzan (Video)

Despite the awful looking trailers, The Legend of Tarzan offers just enough acting, action, and story to make a movie that is a surprisingly good time.

The Shallows (Video)

The Shallows is the next shark survival thriller. Is it the next Jaws or is it closer to Sharknado?

Free State of Jones (Video)

Free State of Jones is a true story that features Matthew McConaughey as defected Confederate soldier Newt Knight who leads a group of rebels against the Confederate army.

Independence Day: Resurgence (Video)

Independence Day: Resurgence is a sequel to the 1996 White House exploding classic. Is it good enough to be considered a worthy sequel?

Look Who's Back (Netflix)

Look Who's Back is a fish out of water story that features Adolf Hitler who suddenly wakes up in 2014 having no idea what has happened since his death. He then stumbles his way through modern society while attempting to gain the influence he once had.

Look Who's Back is a 2015 satirical comedy based on a German novel of the same name. Although the premise does seem a little off putting at first, the fish out of water story with Hitler being the focus was enjoyable, funny, and extremely though provoking.

Another thing that I think should be mentioned is that the film is entirely in German. That means that everyone in the movie speaks German and English subtitles are throughout the entire film.

The Good:

The Premise. The premise itself is so utterly bonkers that it at least deserves a look to see how it is handled.

Oliver Masucci as Adolf Hitler is absolutely perfect. Occasionally he will give speeches to people; sometimes it is one person, other times it is a whole crowd, and just like Adolf Hitler, his speeches are intense and captivating. It was truly incredible how perfect he was able to capture the charisma of Hitler.

The improv. Much like in Borat and other documentary style comedies, Look Who's Back has moments where Oliver Masucci is walking around Berlin in full character as Adolf Hitler. Actual people interact with him and ask him questions. The responses are completely improvised and are perfect. Most of the movie is scripted, but these little nuggets are some of the best part of the movie.

The comedy. As I mentioned, the story is utterly hilarious. The way Hitler reacts to certain modern situations had me actually laughing out loud, even though I was watching it alone.

The thought provoking message. I don't want to give anything away, but there is a definite message in Look Who's Back and it is something that one should definitely think about. It even has a certain correlation to the US Presidential Election of 2016... not that I'm directly insinuating anything of course... just observing.

The Ehh:

The middle. There were moments in the middle where the story did get a little boring. There were still enough nuggets of hilarity to make it worth it, but it doesn't compare to how good the beginning or end was.

The Ugh-ly:

Nothing. Look Who's Back is worth your time and attention.

Conclusion:

Look Who's Back is a funny and ingenious movie and is definitely worth your time. Just remember that this isn't a casual viewing since you will have to pay attention enough to actually read the subtitles.

What did you think of Look Who's Back? And what other historical figure do you think would make for a funny fish out of water story? Leave your comments below and don't forget to check out my YouTube channel (here) for weekly movie reviews. Remember to always keep it unpopped!

Central Intelligence (Video)

A little Hart teams up with a big Johnson to help protect America from a national threat. Do they have what it takes to uncover the conspiracy behind it all?

Now You See Me 2 (Video)

2016 is filled with sequels that nobody asked for, and Now You See Me 2 is one of them. Does Daniel Radcliffe have what it takes to make an unwanted sequel better? The answer may surprise you.

Warcraft (Video)

The Orcs home world is dying and must invade the Humans land so their race can thrive. Is Warcraft the video game movie gamers want and deserve?

The Conjuring 2 (Video)

The Conjuring 2 follows paranormal investigators Ed and Loraine Warren as they attempt to help a family in Northern London being haunted by an evil spirit.