Fanboys Anonymous

Batman: Gotham by Gaslight is the latest in the line of animated DC direct-to-video films. Is it worth the watch or it is something that should be skipped?

Batman: Gotham by Gaslight
Directed by Sam Liu
Written by James Krieg

STARRING:
Bruce Greenwood (Bruce Wayne / Batman), Jennifer Carpenter (Selina Kyle), Tara Strong (Marelene Mahoney), Kari Wuhrer (Barbara Gordon), Scott Patterson (James Gordon), Grey DeLisle (Sister Leslie), John DiMaggio (Chief Bullock), Anthony Head (Alfred Pennyworth), Yuri Lowenthal (Harvey Dent), Lincoln Melcher (Dickie), Bruce Timm (Arkham Radio Man), William Salyers (Hugo Strange), Chris Cox (Father Callahan), Bob Joles (Mayor Tolliver) and David Forseth (Cyrus Gold)

Here are some specific thoughts that ran through my mind during the course of the film as a stream of consciousness:

• Poison Ivy as a stripper gimmick? Nice touch. Writer-wise, not actual touch. I'll shut up now.
• The Robins as street hoods? Another nice touch, especially with Jason being the more violent of the three.
• That Ferris wheel is going to be the final act, right?
• Well if this isn't the most low-rent Batmobile ever....
• Mrs. Cooper? Harriet Cooper? Deep cut!
• This better not be a super long musical scene like in the last film.
• Get it, Bruce. Selina's a babe.
• I really hope this doesn't turn into a story where Bruce is a suspect.
• Sherlock Holmes, eh?
• I was going to guess Blockbuster, not Cyrus Gold, but that works. I'm also hoping one of the Blackgate guards is Lock-Up.
• Really? Gordon? I didn't see that coming.
• Oh...that was an abrupt ending. Why not tie things up and explain how Bruce can clear his name, or at least show that they build an orphanage? Nah, just end credits. Strange.

This was better overall than the Batman and Harley Quinn movie, but it wasn't anything super amazing. I liked the change of style if not just for something different, and I naturally dig all the references. The animation style wasn't bad, but far from my favorite of these films. I doubt this is going to be one of them that I watch again, but if you're looking for an hour to kill, go ahead.