Batman Returns (1992) is a superhero film directed by Tim Burton, and it is the sequel to his 1989 film Batman. It stars Michael Keaton as Batman/Bruce Wayne, Danny DeVito as the Penguin, Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman, and Christopher Walken as Max Shreck.
Set during the Christmas season in Gotham City, Batman Returns follows Bruce Wayne as he faces off against two new villains. The first is Oswald Cobblepot (Danny DeVito), a deformed man raised in the sewers, who adopts the criminal persona of the Penguin. Cobblepot is running for mayor, with plans to wreak havoc on the city. The second villain is Selina Kyle (Michelle Pfeiffer), an insecure secretary who, after a violent encounter, transforms into the antihero Catwoman, seeking revenge against those who wronged her.
As Batman, Bruce Wayne tries to uncover the dark connections between Cobblepot and the wealthy Max Shreck (Christopher Walken), all while struggling with his own dual identity. As the film unfolds, Batman must battle both the Penguin and Catwoman, who each have their own personal vendettas, while dealing with his own emotions and the complexity of his relationships with both women.
Batman Returns received critical acclaim for its performances, visual style, and deeper, more mature themes compared to the first film. However, its dark tone and mature content led to some controversy, as it was deemed too intense for younger audiences. Despite this, it became a box office success and remains a cult favorite among fans of Tim Burton’s take on the Batman universe.