Batman: The Long Halloween – Part 1 (2021) – Review/Summary (with Spoilers)

For what is one of Batman’s legendary stories, Batman: The Long Halloween seemed rather run of the mill.

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Director(s)	Chris Palmer
Screenplay By	Tim Sheridan
Date Released	6/22/2021
Where Can You Watch?	Video On Demand
Genre(s)	Action, Crime, Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Animation
Duration	1 Hour 25 Minutes
MPAA Rating	PG-13
Noted Cast
Carmine Falcone	Titus Welliver
Batman/ Bruce Wayne	Jensen Ackles
Harvey Dent	Josh Duhamel
Commissioner Gordon	Billy Burke
Joker	Troy Baker
Catwoman/ Selina Kyle	Naya Rivera

Film Summary

With Carmine Falcone’s associates being murdered every holiday, including those who would snitch on him, this draws the attention of Batman, Harvey Dent (pre-Two Face), and Commissioner Gordon. Thus leading to those three trying to gather answers as Joker breaks out of Arkham, Bruce and Selina try to work on their relationship, and Carmine Falcone deals with issues within and outside his organization.

Things To Note | Question(s) Left Unanswered

• Reason(s) for Film Rating: Gun violence, blood

Review/ Commentary

Disputable

You’d Expect Better

Batman: The Long Halloween is, unfortunately, a PVOD (Premium Video on Demand) release which means there is no working around that $20.00 price tag, and you don’t get a bang for your buck. Nearly every aspect of this film pushes the idea that this should have been an HBO Max release like many other WB distributed films.

To begin, while we hope she rests in peace, Naya Rivera voicing Catwoman/Selina Kyle takes getting used to as you could submit she is more focused on her lines than giving you that Catwoman/Selina allure. Now, you’ll get used to her, but by no means would you think we’re missing out on her not voicing the character again. Luckily, beyond her, the voice acting is satisfactory.

As for the story? That is where the film really falters because, if you are a casual fan like us, while you are aware this is partly a Harvey Dent origin story, it doesn’t really push you to become invested in Harvey. Be it his personal life, of which it appears he has a wife who is unable to have a child or his collaboration with Batman, they become an afterthought.

Rather, you are focused on Bruce and Selina’s relationship and them being unsure if it may work out. Also, Commissioner Gordon has his family issues, then add in Carmine having problems within his organization and his son and relationship with Bruce? Harvey Dent eventually is pushed off your radar. Heck, even the Holiday killer investigation becomes forgotten.

Who Is This For?

Batman fans who find the long wait for Robert Pattison’s take on Batman excruciating and need something to hold them over.

Overall

Our Rating: Mixed (Divisive)

What sets Batman: The Long Halloween up for failure is that there is no rental pricing. You have to pay the full price, and with paying for a video the price of the more upper-tier movies, expectations are raised, and Batman: The Long Halloween doesn’t meet those expectations. It is the same quality of animation the franchise has used for years, the voice acting you’ll get used to, but is less than stellar, and for the origin story of Two-Face, he is easily forgotten. Why? Because you’re more interested in Batman and Catwoman’s relationship, and while there is some focus on taking down Carmine Falcone, then Joker swoops in and steals his thunder.

Which, granted, could be faithful to the source but leaves you feeling you paid too much for something that should have came with a subscription service.