Batman: The Long Halloween, Part One

The new DCAU movie is first of the two part movies based on the acclaimed limited comic book series of the same name by Jeph Loeb & Tim Sale published in the 90s.

The movie is among the few screen adaptation of the Batman that showcases his abilities as a detective. I think the movie faithfully follows the original source material while providing a fresh update to the story for modern sensibilities. The visuals share the noir-tinged sensibilities with a Gotham City and character designs that bear a more subtle inspiration to the source material.

Another highlight of the movie is the performance of Jensen Ackles, who previously voiced Jason Todd in Under the Red Hood did a wonderful job as voicing the Caped Crusader/Bruce Wayne. Josh Duhamel's Harvey Sent also requires special praise along with Naya Rivera as Catwoman and David Dastmalchian was particularly effective as the sinister Calendar Man.

Overall with an atmospheric mood punctuated by thrilling set pieces, The Long Halloween is one of the most effective DCAU movie.

With plenty of the comic story still to go, this suggests Part 2 will be even more rapidly paced, as it introduces additional players while moving towards its grand finale.

It's nice to see dc going back to there original roots instead of having these films in a shears universe I really think this is one of the best things dc had put out animated wise since dark knight returns hush I liked till I saw the ending and I was massively disappointed in really excited for part 2 and I hope they don't change the ending to much like hush but so far what I've seen it's really good when they announced this I was excited but also worried as dc animated film recently haven't been that good if im being honest but I'm glad I was wrong.

I haven't read the original graphic novel of the long Halloween, so I was excited to go into this with an open mind and a fresh take on this story. I'll admit I was skeptical given the recent wasted potential of both the killing joke and death in the family, but I'm proud to say the delivery was exactly what I wanted

First praise, the voice acting is incredible! Jensen Ackles to no surprise works so well as Batman, Josh Duhamel is an incredible Harvey Dent and disappears into the role, Naya Rivera was an incredible catwoman may she Rest In Peace, Troy Baker is an excellent Joker, and countless other examples. Very good casting choices, and excellent work by the actors

As for the story, I'm so glad I get to come in knowing nothing because this is a legitimately excellent mystery! Without giving away too much, I've changed my guesses so many times as to who holiday is, because there's more curveballs in here than a Rian Johnson movie. I love the pacing, the tone, the suspense, the action, and the way the characters interact with one another. It's almost poetic

The animation is stellar at best, but at worst it needs a bit more work. The landscapes and backgrounds are gorgeous to look at, but some of the characters could do with a few touch ups here and there. These are mostly nitpicks because for all intents and purposes, I think this was very well animated, even by today's standards

Any problems I have with the movie can be overlooked, but I still want to address them. There are more than a few moments where I feel like certain characters should not have come out of the situations they were in unscathed, or at the very least needed a moment to recover, and they can usually walk it off. I also don't know what's exactly Gilda's deal, if she has some sort of issue going on mentally/physically and I'm hoping for an explanation soon, but if it's left unexplained she does come across as a bit irritating. I don't think she's a bad character by any means, but I am hoping she grows on me a little better in part 2

So to sum everything up, I love this movie and I'm so eager to see part 2 when it's released. This is what I love to see in Batman movies, and I think it might be up there with some of my favorites.

"Batman: The Long Halloween, Part One" is a fine kickoff and jump start done in fine animation as it's take on the classic graphic novel is entertaining and interesting a mystery like feel of drama and twist. As the times in Gotham are dark as the power struggles with Captain Gordon, D. A. Dent, and the Falcone crime family all blend in with a new wild card subplot and that's the holiday killer who murders on every holiday! All this blends an underworld of corruption and terror, along the way as Batman becomes involved Catwoman and the Joker play key figures in the chain of events with twist! If you like D. C. comics then yes watch this.

Definitely has a good story to it, don't expect too much action like other DC animated movies. Less detective work from the Bats to be honest. Voice casting seems perfect, though really sad to hear about Naya Rivera. Can't wait for Part two, how it all ends.