Reel Jolly series: “Batman Returns” and “Jack Frost”

For this holiday review, I took a look at a couple more selections that are part of the Dietrich Theater’s 12 Movies of Christmas festival - “Batman Returns” and “Jack Frost,” both featuring the actor Michael Keaton.

In the Tim Burton-directed sequel “Batman Returns” (which takes place during the holidays), the monstrous Penguin, who lives in the sewers beneath Gotham, joins up with corrupt businessman Max Schreck to topple the Batman once and for all. But when Schreck’s timid assistant, Selina Kyle, learns more about Schreck’s plan, and Schreck tries to kill her, she transforms into Catwoman.

She ends up teaming up with the Penguin to destroy the Batman, but sparks fly unexpectedly when she confronts the Caped Crusader.

For many years, I have been a huge fan of the Tim Burton-Batman movies. And even though this 1992 stand-alone sequel was deemed a bit controversial due to its darker tone, I felt that it is still a decent follow up to the 1989 movie.

Burton gives “Batman Returns” a more distinctive gothic atmosphere, which really works well with this movie and the gothic design of Gotham City really stands out, the “Burton-esque” gothic aesthetic almost makes Gotham feel like a character in itself.

The second “Batman” movie also did a decent job exploring darker, more complex themes, such as themes of alienation, societal rejection (with the Penguin) and duality (both Batman and Catwoman). The movie also dives into a more psychological depth, especially with the villains Catwoman and Penguin, which really makes those characters truly stand out.

“Batman Returns” delivers some really memorable moments, such as Selina Kyle’s breakdown and her eventual transformation as Catwoman, the chemistry and “dual identity” dynamic between Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle and just about any moment with the Penguin (which includes a rather tragic backstory for the character).

The 1992 sequel is a dark, gothic and visually distinctive movie that functions more as an auteur-driven tragedy than a conventional superhero movie. Despite a polarized initial reception, “Batman Returns” has been reappraised in the years since its release. It’s now widely regarded as an influential, bold, and unique entry in the superhero genre.

Its enduring cult following appreciates it as a complex, unconventional Christmas classic that explores the Batman mythos with a rare degree of psychological depth and visual flair.

MPA: Rated PG-13 for brooding, dark violence   (runtime 126 minutes)  (available on HBO Max and Paramount Plus).

In the holiday family favorite “Jack Frost,” as a touring musician clinging to dreams of

stardom, Jack Frost never had much time for his wife and young son Charlie. A year after Jack’s tragic death in a car accident around Christmas, Charlie plays a mournful tune on his father’s harmonica.

Much to his surprise, the elder Frost is magically brought to life as a snowman on the family lawn. Given a second chance, Charlie and Jack struggle to make up for lost time.

When “Jack Frost” was initially released in 1998, critics heavily panned the movie and audience reactions were heavily mixed. Despite the initially mixed reception, this is a great holiday movie for the entire family.

“Jack Frost” is a touching and heartfelt exploration of grief, loss and second chances for family bonding. There are quite a few moments where Charlie and Jack are trying to reconnect that are both really fun to watch and can be emotional, such as the snowboard chase and a really powerful moment where Jack has to say goodbye to the family and briefly appears in human form one last time.

The central message about treasuring time with loved ones and the importance of family can easily resonate with audiences. Jack’s second chance to bond with his son and make up for his past mistakes also provides a clear, positive message.

Despite its initial reviews, a dedicated audience appreciates the movie for its emotional core and holiday spirit. For many who grew up with it, the movie is a source of nostalgia and a Christmas tradition.

MPA: Rated PG for mild language   (runtime 101 minutes)   (streaming on Hulu/Disney Plus)

• Burgess Meredith, who played the Penguin on Batman (1966) and in Batman: The Movie (1966), was asked to play the Penguin's father in the opening of the film, but illness prevented him from it.

• In an interview for television, Stan Winston told a little anecdote about how his crew were collecting the mechanical penguins after a day's shoot, and found one of the live penguins snuggled up asleep against a mechanical one.

• Danny DeVito was advised by friend Jack Nicholson, aware of his own financial success with Batman (1989), to take the role of the Penguin.

• At least fifty percent of the Warner Bros. lot was taken up with Gotham City sets.

• Grossed $46 million domestically in its opening weekend, then the biggest opening weekend gross in history, breaking the record set by Batman (1989). It was also the second sequel to surpass its own predecessor, after Jaws 2 (1978).

• Security was so tight on the production that even Kevin Costner was refused permission to visit the set. Warner Bros. employed a private investigator firm when some shots of Danny DeVito in costume made it into the tabloids.

• Neither Tim Burton nor Michael Keaton had been signed up in advance for a sequel. Burton came on-board only after the script met all of his demands (he hadn't been entirely happy with Batman (1989)'s screenplay), while Keaton only agreed to do the second film after a serious hike in salary, and Burton's assurance that it would be mostly a stand-alone movie rather than a direct sequel.

• The first script draft of this movie was intended to be a direct sequel to the previous Batman (1989). As a result, subplots and continuity from the first film that would have been addressed, included gift shops selling fragments of the destroyed Bat Wing, further revelations into the past of the now deceased Jack Napier (The Joker), and even Bruce Wayne proposing to Vicki Vale by the end of the film. However, Tim Burton was uncomfortable in making a direct sequel, and as a result, the script was re-written, and a new Gotham City was designed. However, several plot elements from the original script did make it into the final draft. This included the Penguin and Catwoman's alliance, their framing of Batman, and the Dark Knight's escape via Bat Glider. Further elements made their way into the third film, Batman Forever (1995), most notably an invasion of Wayne Manor and the Batcave.

• George Clooney was originally attached to the project. When he left to do Batman & Robin (1997), Michael Keaton, who originated the Batman role in live action eight years earlier, was cast into the lead role. Before Keaton took over, Jim Henson's Creature Shop had already designed their snowman animatronic specifically to Clooney's facial features and acting style.

• Michael Keaton co-wrote two of the songs on the soundtrack.

• Tim Allen was considered for the title role. He turned it down because he was in the midst of shooting the final season of Home Improvement (1991).

• Kurt Russell, Billy Bob Thornton, Dennis Quaid, and Kevin Costner were considered for the role of Jack Frost.