Batman: Mask of the Phantasm 1993

Mark Caro, Chicago Tribune: The violence is too realistic (though not terribly graphic) to qualify as cartoony escapism, yet the movie lacks the sophistication, vision or satirical edge to lay claim to any higher purpose. It's merely dark for dark's sake. Read more

Stephen Holden, New York Times: The actor's voices may suit animated television characters, but on a large screen Kevin Conroy's Batman, Mark Hamill's Joker, and Dana Delany's Andrea sound flat and one-dimensional. Read more

Leonard Klady, Variety: While the script and pedigree of actors are commendable, the craft level is too close to the small-screen offering to get audiences into theaters. Read more

Richard Harrington, Washington Post: Closer to radio drama than kiddie fare, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is the strangest PG film of the year. Read more