Watch Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 is a 2012 animated superhero film directed by Jay Oliva and based on the graphic novel of the same name by Frank Miller. The film features the iconic DC Comics superhero, Batman, as its protagonist, and is voiced by Peter Weller. Set ten years after the retirement of Batman, the film takes place in a dystopian future where crime is rampant in the streets of Gotham City. The city is suffering under the brutal rule of a gang called the Mutants, who are terrorizing the citizens with their violent crimes. The police force is helpless to stop them, and the citizens are afraid to leave their homes at night.

In this dark and moody atmosphere, Bruce Wayne, who has been leading a reclusive life for the past ten years, decides to put on his cape and cowl once again and take down the Mutants. But he finds that he is no longer the young and agile Batman of his prime - he is older, slower, and more vulnerable.

At the same time, the city is also facing a new threat - a rising tension between the US and USSR in the Cold War. The President of the United States, nervous about the escalating tensions, sends Superman to Gotham City to deal with the Mutants once and for all.

Batman sees Superman as a tool of the government, and refuses to stand down. The two superheroes clash, with Batman fighting not just for the city, but for his principles as well. He does not believe in killing, while the government sees the Mutants as a cancer that must be exterminated. The battle between the two icons of justice raises questions about the role of superheroes in society and the dangers of unchecked power.

As the film progresses, Batman faces several challenges, including his old nemesis, the Joker, who emerges from a coma and threatens to destroy the city with his psychotic schemes. Batman also trains a new sidekick, Carrie Kelley, who takes up the mantle of Robin and becomes a valuable ally in his fight to save Gotham City.

The animation style of The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 is gritty and dark, reflecting the violent and dystopian mood of the story. The voice acting is top-notch, with Peter Weller delivering a powerful performance as the aging Caped Crusader. Ariel Winter is also excellent as Robin, giving her character a youthful energy and enthusiasm.

One of the standout features of the film is the soundtrack, composed by Christopher Drake. It perfectly captures the mood of the film with its hauntingly beautiful strings and piano melodies. The music is a vital component of the film, creating the film's atmosphere and helping to build tension during the action scenes.

Overall, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 is a dark, intense, and thoughtful superhero film that does justice to Frank Miller's iconic graphic novel. The film explores themes of aging, power, and morality, and does not shy away from the more difficult and complex aspects of the Batman mythos. It is a must-see for any fan of the Dark Knight, and sets the stage for the even darker and more brutal second half of the story.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 is a 2012 science fiction movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.