Jack Palance

'Batman' (1989)

Bat facts: For those who only remembered Batman as a leotard-wearing, '60s phenomenon, young visionary Tim Burton gamely stepped in and created an appropriately darker franchise, and one closer to Frank Miller's popular "Dark Knight" graphic novels. This one... more features the Joker as arch villain and murderer of Bruce Wayne's parents, setting off the Caped Crusader's rage and revenge.

The man behind the mask: Michael Keaton

Friends: Alfred (Michael Gough), Vickie Vale (Kim Basinger)

Foes: The Joker (Jack Nicholson) and Grissom (Jack Palance)

Geek critique: Many were split on the casting of Michael "Mr. Mom" Keaton (to us, he's always "Beetlejuice") as the Caped Crusader, but the biggest criticism came from Burton's poetic licensing of Batman's superhero inspiration. Burton had the Joker kill Bruce Wayne's parents (in the comic, an unknown thug committed the act), and comic-book fans felt cheated: The original wrath that fueled Batman was directed not simply at the Joker but at faceless crime in general.

Bottom line: A gorgeously filmed Burton tale with a nicely dry Keaton and a perfectly cast Nicholson, "Batman" was slow moving but visually inventive, recalling another era and the dark landscape of DC Comics. To enjoy this Batman, you have to allow yourself into Burton's world and not just Kane's. (Warner Bros. Pictures)