Review of Batman: Mask of the Phantasm

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm tells the story of Bruce Wayne becoming Batman as well as taking on the two challenging foes of both the Phantasm and the Joker. The movie explores his love life with Andrea Beaumont on the other side of the spectrum of Batman and Bruce Wayne. 

Bruce Wayne recollects past events while investigating the return of his true love, Andrea Beaumont. He recalls being with her, asking her hand in marriage, being a ski mask vigilante before becoming the caped crusader. The movie also shows where the Joker may have come from before adopting the infamous persona and the devilish grin. However, as Batman keeps an eye on his former love, the Phantasm strikes and kills mob bosses around Gotham City which once again leaves Batman torn between two lives. 

As with all the Batman animated movies and episodes, that came before, the voice acting is superb. As long as Kevin Conroy (Batman) and Mark Hamill (Joker) continue to be a part of the Batman cast, this superhero will never lose his edge and will always be fantastic to watch. 

The music is one of the best, and one of my personal favorites, because it keeps to the 90’s animated cartoon while giving it a more intense feeling all the while still keeping the Batman feel without changing too much. Those who love the cartoons will find this movie to be a companion to the show and a kindred spirit. Two of my favorite moments in the movie are made so powerful in this movie, the beginning credits music and the moment when Bruce Wayne puts on the Batman cowl for the first time. The latter, you can almost feel the fear of what Batman wanted to put into the villains of Gotham City. 

This movie is one of my personal favorites from childhood and will be in my collection until the day I die. Great story telling, mixed with fantastic music and cast. This is a must have for Batman lovers. 

I give this movie a 5 out of 5