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.