Forget Die Hard: Batman Returns is my ultimate Christmas movie. Yes, John McClane in the air ducts is great, but does he beat a gloriously grotesque Danny DeVito in the Gotham sewers? I don’t think so. Besides, in this season of charitable giving, Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman is truly GIVING. She’s everything. We don’t deserve her, but for two hours and six minutes you can pretend we do. There’s also Christopher Walken! Paul Reubens for a hot second! Michael Keaton’s Batman, developed like a full-bodied wine but deferring to scene-chewing co-stars! Treat yourself to this gift of a film that’s both darker and more heartwarming than you remember. – Cat McCarrey
Dec. 6, 9-10
