Batman: Resurrection

Miller’s (Star Wars: The Living Force) direct sequel to Tim Burton’s Batman film will put smiles on the faces of superhero fans. Following the death of the Joker, Batman has established himself as Gotham City’s protector, but the Joker’s impact on the city persists. Remnants of his gang and others who idolize the Joker have formed a gang called the Last Laughs, and they, along with new enemies drawn straight from comic continuity, will push Batman to his limits. Miller evokes the gothic atmosphere and soaring action of Burton’s movie, just as narrator Will Damron reminds superhero diehards of the first time they watched Michael Keaton play up the duality of Batman and Jack Nicholson chew scenery as the Joker. Damron’s vocal performance channels these actors and others, while his cadence and tempo pump up the action when necessary. Like many superhero stories, this Batman sequel threatens to buckle under the weight of its various villains and plot threads, but it’s fun enough that listeners will be all in.