THE DARK KNIGHT IS BATMAN RETURNS ALL OVER AGAIN

[thecolorsblend]

You wrote-

The greedy studio moved to a lighter film after RETURNS due to the film's inability to meet expectations at the box office and how the film's tone contributed.

You're the one who brought in the box office angle.  If Burton got canned because of the, as you would have it, relatively meager box office performance of BR, why wasn't Schumacher likewise fired after BF?

[shadowbat69]

There is an article in todays USA Today about how this film was not really meant for the kid crowd and how some parents were upset with it.

[The Dark Knight]

This film gives very much a graphic novel vibe. Even graphic novels are suggested for mature readers. This film version of Batman is no different.

[thecolorsblend]

I think you can do a lighter Batman film and probably make something good out of it... but (A) it's tough to do when most people want a darker film and (B) the Shlockmaker films are exactly how NOT to do it.

[Azrael]

A really light live action Batman has been done very well in the 60s, I don't think there's a reason for a modern major motion picture to have a light tone. There have been light comic books, comedic/bizzare stories, TAS/TNBA episodes with a more humorous and light tone, but the films should be dark, even if there are ways to actually do a good film with a lighter tone. The Batman image projected to the general public should be that of a dark hero in a dark city.

[thecolorsblend]

^ When you're right, you're right.