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Return To The Batcave: The Misadventures Of Adam And Burt cast: Adam West, Burt Ward, Frank Gorshin, Julie Newmar, and Lee Meriweather director: Paul A. Kaufman 87 minutes (12) 2003 Anchor Bay DVD Region 2 retail RATING: 7/10 reviewed by Andrew Hook |
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I was expecting this reunion movie to be an embarrassing foray into the past, but for
anyone familiar with the original television show which ran from 1966-8 (and - of course
- frequently repeated), there's much to thoroughly enjoy. Actors Adam West and Burt Ward play themselves in an adventure that oozes the comedic spirit of the television show. Lured to a charity event where the original Batmobile is being auctioned, they investigate its subsequent theft by following a series of intentionally daft clues to an explosive ending which - whilst not exactly cliffhanger stuff - is certainly amusing. And the dialogue is as cheesily funny as before. As Adam flicks through the suits in his wardrobe deciding what to wear ("too flash, too stuffy, too formal") he comes across the Batman costume ("too retro"). Whilst the sight of Adam and Burt as aged crusaders (albeit sans costume) is a little peculiar, and the stolen Batmobile story rather lame, where this movie really sparks are the 'flashbacks' that act as a biopic of the formation of the original series and present our two stars in a frank (often warts and all) light. Whereas this movie could have been an excuse to wheel out old clips, instead we have the excellently cast Jack Brewer (as Adam Ward) and Jason Marsden (as Burt West) and some superbly recreated sets which add immeasurably and affectionately to our history of the show. I can't stress enough how much care and attention seems to have gone into making this movie, with the 1960s' style lovingly recreated so authentically that it really does feel as though we are within West and Ward's memories as they reminisce over their roles. Return To The Batcave is a must-see movie for fans of the original show, although I imagine its appeal would be negligible to anyone who hasn't seen the series. The camaraderie between West and Ward is effortless, and with special appearances from Frank Gorshin (The Riddler, who unfortunately died this year), and Julie Newmar (Catwoman, who is still - at age 70 - as gorgeous and sensual as ever!), this movie is an interesting romp that proves worthy of its predecessors. Extras include a trailer, film notes, and actor biographies of West and Newmar (but peculiarly not those of Ward and Gorshin).
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