Return to the Batcave: The Misadventures of Adam and Burt (2003 TV Movie) User Reviews

Return to the Batcave: The Misadventures of Adam and Burt

[phubbs · 7/10 · 18 April 2014]

Holy predictable review opening Batman!...sorry, yep I know, no more. Way back in the vintage days of 2003 this TV movie came out on CBS in America, so basically no one outside of America knew of its existence. What's it about you say? well its simply a comical retrospective or quickfire trip down memory lane for Adam West and Burt Ward over their three season career as Batman and Robin. Its made around a silly little plot involving someone stealing the Batmobile at a convention, so the ancient dynamic duo set out to find the culprit.

The bookend plot is frankly meaningless really, I've no idea why they even went down that route when a simple bio approach would have been much better. The minor problem being that the actual sequences of West and Ward in their superhero days are flashbacks dotted throughout the plot. This means they are all too brief which is a shame because they are the best bits by far and you wanna see more.

The general approach of the entire flick is a harmless ridicule of the original show and is in no way meant to be anything but a good laugh. So on that note I can't complain, it is a silly ride, there are some nice moments that homage the old show, mainly a lovely punch up between the aging pair and some goons...the camera of course being suitably tilted at an angle. There are a few cameos from stars of the show naturally, Frank Gorshin and Julie Newmar being part of the daft plot, Meriwether makes an appearance and is still pretty darn hot (as is Newmar), whilst other old stars are played by actors and I must say they are very good, Tony Tanner as Meredith/the Penguin is excellent.

During the wafer thin and pointless Batmobile mystery plot you get nice cameos, homages and general cartoonish tomfoolery which is of course all in the same camp slapstick vein as the classic show. At the same time the retro flashbacks show highlights from West and Ward's lives in the famous outfits but in a light-hearted family orientated manner. These little snippets mainly focus on things we've heard about in the Batmania documentary like Ward and his audition, meeting West for the first time, Ward getting injured on set often, Waggoner's audition, the duo squabbling, Ward's troubled married life, the intro of Yvonne Craig as Batgirl, some of the big star cameos etc...It does seem to follow Ward more as the underdog, where as West (as in real life) was the more experienced older ladies man who could do no wrong.

The two actors playing the young versions of West and Ward are really good and they look like their real life counterparts, plus the stories from behind the scenes during the time of the old show are really interesting. I really liked how the retro flashbacks were done, think Tim Burton's 'Ed Wood' but not quite as cheeky. So while is it cool to see West and Ward firing dialog at each other again (don't forget about the awesome OAP bar room brawl), overall I would have liked to see more of the well created flashbacks.

7/10

Daffy blend of fact and fiction.

[dave13-1 · 6/10 · 23 April 2012]

Part reunion show, bringing back the original stars (Adam West, Burt Ward, Frank Gorshin and Julie Newmar) and part re-creation of the series shown in flashbacks, this is an affectionate tribute to one of the 60s most popular shows, and a must-see for series fans. Throwaway riffs (on, for instance, Adam West's cheapness and Burt Ward's weight gain) add to the fun as Adam and Burt are re-united to hunt for the stolen Batmobile, a hunt replete with the BIFF and THWAK sound effects, and cheap looking minimalist sets so characteristic of the show.

And as the movie goes along, we flash back through the progress of the series' production from casting to cancellation. It's a nice blend of affectionate nostalgia and silly post modern fun.

Affectionate Fun for Lovers of the One True Batman

[richardchatten · 6/10 · 25 December 2016]

After a nod to the Tim Burton films with an opening sequence depicting Adam West at home as a male Norma Desmond in monogrammed slippers, 'Return to the Batcave' sets about lovingly recreating the bright shiny look of the sixties TV series; although the music continues to stress comedy more than Nelson Riddle's exaggeratedly 'dramatic' music ever did in the original. The flashbacks to the history of the original series (such as Burt Ward getting burned by sparks so often during the first week of production he earned the nickname 'Sparky') are so good, with vivid cameos by actors recreating the original villains - not forgetting Jim Jansen as William Dozier - they could have made a film in themselves. But Adam West (who is also credited as 'Executive Creative Consultant') and Burt Ward are as charmingly game as ever as themselves in the present day searching for the purloined Batmobile (there's a nice running gag that Burt is constantly having to pay for everything). Along the way there are enjoyable cameos by Julie Newmar and Lee Meriwether (both still hot!) and a splendid gag appearance by Lyle Waggoner parodying the unmasking of the Wizard of Oz.

A blonde Newmar, resembling a cross between Lizabeth Scott & Marlene Dietrich, having been absent from the 1966 movie, is finally paired here with Frank Gorshin; and what a pair they make! Julia Rose (who actually looks more like Lee Meriwether) has a tremendous scene demonstrating at a script conference Newmar's take on Catwoman as a cold-hearted tease (too bad she's not in costume at the time!), and Newmar's appearance here in a bar in a cowgirl hat provides a glimpse of the scarier Catwoman we might have been treated to had she had her way...

Delightful, campy romp for BatFans of all ages!

[BobLib · 9 March 2003]

Okay, I'll admit it: Reunion movies don't always work. They're almost always missing that special something that makes them pale in comparison to the original. That's what I was expecting when I tuned into this, but that's not what I got. "The Misadventures of Adam and Burt" is a BANG! POW! WHAM! gasser, especially if you're a long-time BatFan like me!

First, there's the cast. If there is any justice, Adam West and Burt Ward should be nominated for Emmys for their delightfully funny, wickedly self-parodying performances. Ditto Jack Brewer and, especially, Jason Marsden as their younger incarnations. All four of them truly seemed to be having fun with the roles. And that's the sort of enthusiasm that quickly finds its way to the audience. Sort of like the original series, come to think of it.

As to the other visitors from the series, Lee Meriwether has a delightful cameo as a waitress with at least one surprise up her sleeve. Julie Newmar still looks stupafyin'-ly super in her walk-on, and can still heat up the tube. If time has been a bit less kind to Frank Gorshin, he more than compensates with the sheer enthusiasm and good humor which has always been his trademark.

It's my hope that Fox will bring this out on VHS and DVD soon, ALONG WITH the original "Batman" series. I know BatFans would eat up both like BatBurgers.

God bless Adam and Burt, always heroes in the hearts of their many fans.

Good all round fun for the retro fan

[qfanatiq · 7/10 · 8 March 2009]

I really enjoyed this. I got it thinking it was going to be a documentary, but it revealed itself as a good piece of tongue in cheek fun.

I think this has been well done, pretty much an extended TV show into a film, but due to the characters or rather original actors willingness to have fun and be made fun off helps this work in a great old style Innocent way.

If you are a fan of the original TV series then i am sure you will enjoy this.

Q

The Best of Reunion Times

[vox-sane · 10/10 · 12 March 2003]

There are many kinds of reunion shows. One kind is where old actors are taken out of mothballs and set to recreate characters they haven't played for twenty or thirty years. These have mixed results. `Return to Mayberry', despite some silliness, was okay; `Return to Green Acres' as execrable (Eddie Albert used a word for the script I won't repeat here, but both it and the movie stink); `Rescue from Gilligan's Island' filled in a necessary gap in the story of the castaways, though the show itself was silly even from a `Gilligan's Island' viewpoint. In most cases, the scripts are weak; sometimes a silliness appears in the scripts that is too knowing – and in comedy it's nearly always fatal for the characters to know they're being funny. New characters are introduced who don't fit the mix. In the main, these reunion shows are pretty weak. A second sort of `reunion' show is the kind where the cast lays its past aside but sits around, telling stories, reminiscing, interspersed with flashbacks from the shows. Then there are movies based on the shows, which are rarely good; and movies based on the history of the show (`The Brady Bunch' has had both of these happen to it, with various results).

`Return to the Batcave' uses nearly all the above, with a wonderfully twisted viewpoint, which makes it the best of the reunion shows, and has raised the bar for the others.

Adam West and Burt Ward and summoned to a showing of the original Batmobile. While they are there, the car is stolen.

The Adam West of the movie is a man demented. He called Jerry, his butler, `Alfred'. He opens a bust of Shakespeare in his apartment and reveals a hidden pole to slide down to the parking garage. He's obsessed with being a crime fighter, when in fact he's merely a washed up actor. When the Batmobile is stolen he not only believes it's his duty as a crime fighter to recover it, he drags and unwilling Burt Ward in as his assistant.

The pursuit is largely loquacious, with West and Ward reminiscing about the old days. It is broken by `flashbacks' with actors playing West and Ward in the old days. The modern scenes and the `flashbacks' both have the wacky lack of reality the show maintained. There are also running gags that show West is able to make fun of himself: in Ward's book about his time on the show, he spoke frankly about West's libido and also his being a skinflint (West makes Ward pay for everything in their pursuit, down to tips and bus fare). The clues they follow, the characters they meet (even in flashback) all fit the mentality of the old series, and there are several homages, including a fist fight with written sound effects.

The whole thing is extremely funny and done with great panache. There are also cameos by Julie Newmar (looking like she's had one facelift too many) and Frank Gorshin, reminding us why he has such a cult following. Gorshin will be the Riddler when Jim Carey, his obvious successor, is long forgotten. The movie builds to a fairly obvious but funny climax.

This show is a model for reunion shows – unfortunately, there are few that can fit the pattern. This show had actors replaying their old characters; young actors playing a movie about the making of the show; the actors West and Ward reminiscing; and a modern-day movie with the real Adam West playing the demented Adam West. It has everything. If you loved the old show, this is the stopper on the bottle.

Movie Two-face

[clivey6 · 5/10 · 24 August 2008]

There's quality and there's quality. With the huge success of The Dark Knight I thought I'd rent Return to the Batcave - The Misadventures of Adam and Burt.

This is a belated comedy spoof in which the older actors, Adam West and Burt Ward, are reunited at a car convention, where the Batmobile is mysteriously nicked. The two fellows gamely try to hunt it down via a trail of clues, taking on their Batman and Robin personas as they do. (Only their personas though, you never see them don the costumes except in the flashbacks, probably for legal reasons.) It's amiable enough but there's no snap to the comedy and the jokes are all rather laboured. The most embarrassing bit is when Julie Newmar (the original Catwoman) shows up and dances with Adam West. Actually West does have some presence, and reminded me of Jon Voight.

But holy flashback, Batman, what's this? It's intercut with scenes of how they got into the Batman TV series, played by younger, decent actors who are well cast, with some high production values and an almost poignant script. It doesn't shy away from sexual revelations either, as Adam West awakes in bed with two gorgeous Batman groupies after a night together. These 'flashbacks' recur throughout the film, and you resent going back to the present to deal with the lazy spoofery of the modern-day actors. They seem to be two different films and they don't really match.

All rather rubbish really but in a way not as bad as Connery in Never Say Never Again or Ford in Crystal Skulls in terms of expectations dashed - I had none for this.

Holy Embarrassment, Batman! I Gave This A 9!

[sddavis63 · 9/10 · 29 March 2003]

Yes, I did, as I sit here red-faced, remembering having felt almost guilty as I watched it a couple of weeks back while my wife chose to watch something as inconsequential (in comparison) as "Mommie Dearest."

How does one explain the appeal of "Batman and Robin" - I mean the only ones who ever really counted, Adam West and Burt Ward. It was a terrible show, with terrible plots and terrible acting - and, oh yes, it was terribly funny! And the same applies to this "reunion" and "flashback" movie. Adam and Burt are invited to an auction where the old Batmobile is going to be sold off for charity. But it gets stolen, and our pals (as themselves) jump into their old characters' personas (if not their costumes) and head off to find out what's happened. Along the way they reminisce about the series, and we see how it all came together in flashbacks, with Jack Brewer and Jason Marsden playing the young Adam and Burt of the TV series. It really was quite interesting to get some behind the scenes looks at the old series, and Adam and Burt just stepped perfectly back into character (even though they weren't really in character - well, you'd have to watch it to see what I mean.) It was also great to see Julie Newmar and Frank Gorshin.

If you're not a fan of the old series, you'll hate this. If - heaven forbid - you actually thought Michael Keaton and George Clooney made acceptable "Batmans" then you'll hate this even more. But if you grew up with Adam and Burt and are still willing to admit that you never missed an episode - well, this one's for you.

Yes, it's true - 9/10

Disappointing

[13Funbags · 4/10 · 7 April 2020]

This movie is basically just a look behind the scenes at the making of the old tv show. Unless you are a hard core fan of the show you probably won't enjoy this.

Holy Hysterics, Batfans!

[redbeard_nv · 10 March 2003]

This wild, wooley and wacky look back at the evolution of the 1960's camp classic is a lighthearted romp through a lot of memories for fans of the series, as well as an interesting expose for those who were unaware of the true lives of the stars.

Hosted by the originals, Adam West and Burt Ward, their hunt for a missing Batmobile (George Barris' 1955 Ford Futura), is filled with rememberances of the lives of the dynamic duo in and out of their tights. The plot is peppered with actual Batlore, including Mickey Rooney's turning down the part of The Penguin, Lyle Waggoner's original screen test as the Dark Knight, et al.

Appearences by Frank Gorshin, Julie Newmar, Lee Meriweather help round out the cast that are superbly lead by West and Ward, taking a step backwards from ego and attitudes and goofing it up with the rest of the gang, with great impersonations of younger versions of West, Ward, Gorshin, Burgess Merideth, Meriweather, Vincent Price, Yvonne Craig and a Ceaser Romero Joker that will knock your socks off.

Another amazing bit of trivia is that Dawn Wells, "Mary Ann" of Gilligan's Island fame was an executive producer for the show.

Nicely done, nostalgic romp (for the most part).

[KingHamlet · 8/10 · 24 June 2005]

This was basically an attempt to do the same thing with "Batman" that was done with "Gilligan's Island" in "Surviving Gilligan's Island." For those of you who missed it (and shame!) "Surviving Gilligan's Island" (full title: "Surviving Gilligan's Island: The Incredibly True Story of the Longest Three Hour Tour in History") was a special from a few years back, where Bob Denver ("Gilligan"), Dawn Wells ("Mary Ann") and Russell Johnson ("The Professor") related the story of the show's creation, cancellation, rediscovery & rebirth. Along the way, stories were dramatized with actors portraying the original cast and crew. It was very well done. It was funny, well cast and came across as a genuine document of the show.

"Return to the Batcave: The Misadventures of Adam and Burt" is in a similar style. The re-telling of the history of the show, the re-enactments, the general feel are all the same. What's missing is the straightforward approach that "Surviving" took.

In "Return", Adam West and Burt Ward both receive invitations to a car show to which they were not meant to be invited. After being allowed to stay, Adam and Burt witness the theft of the centerpiece of the show: the legendary Batmobile! Adam and Burt decide to chase after it themselves, leading them through clues that cause them to think about the history of the show. This eventually leads to the revelation of who stole the Batmobile and why.

Choosing to use this conceit (actually having a plot) is the biggest letdown of this show. Unlike "Surviving", "Return" forces the viewer to follow a less interesting storyline (the theft of the Batmobile) instead of focusing all its attention on what the audience would most be interested in (the history of the show.) It is the historical sections that work the best. The casting (as in "Surviving") is excellent. Jack Brewer ("Adam West") and Jason Marsden ("Burt Ward") capture the feel of the actors without looking *too* much like them. Brett Rickaby ("Frank Gorshin") bears a stronger resemblance to his subject, but captures none of the late Gorshin's charm, only his characterizations. Other actors' portrayals are short and functional, with none standing out as especially good or bad. Many of the stories have been told before, but they mostly play out amusingly, with only the occasional clunky presentation. Another wonderful bit from the historical sections was the use of audition footage of Lyle Waggoner's tryout for the part of Batman. The only place where the flashbacks fail is when they insert obviously made up plot points to advance the main story. This downgrades the accuracy of the flashbacks needlessly.

The "main plot" (if that is what we must call it) is, of course, ludicrous. This is not really a fault in and of itself, but it's just not carried off well enough to cover up the shortfall. Strong performances and good writing can make up for a silly plot (especially in these kinds of things) but we really get neither, here. The performances by West and Ward seem somewhat flat (even for them); the dialog too carefully written for it to feel natural. Again, I think the comparison to "Surviving Gilligan's Island" can be seen in that the dialog is mostly just there to set up a flashback. In "Surviving", that's all it intends to be. In "Return" it tries to do double duty and, unfortunately, often fails. Gorshin and Newmar do well (although I agree with others that Gorshin had not aged well and that Newmar had - and what's Waggoner taking to look that good?) but aren't given enough to do. Again, I think they all would have been better served by a more straightforward presentation than the one chosen here.

Another odd point about "Return". This special is about the "Batman" TV series and its history, yet all the clips shown are from the theatrical movie. Even the Waggoner footage is technically movie footage. If you know you're "Bat-history", then you know that the movie was originally planned to be made first, only to be delayed in favor of the TV show when CBS needed to fill time fast. So when Waggoner and West were testing for the role, it was for the movie, not the TV show. Why "Return" only uses movie footage is unclear. It most probably has to do with rights issues, but it is a distinct distraction to those in the know: seeing Julie Newmar in the present, but only footage of Lee Meriwether as Catwoman in the past.

Overall, I liked the show, mainly for the flashbacks. I would have preferred the style used in "Surviving Gilligan's Island", but I can understand why they'd want a more story-oriented piece given the subject matter. Besides, I like these people. It's nice to see them out and about, still having fun with one of the great pieces of entertainment history. I just wish they had done it a little better and when more of the original cast was still alive to be there.

Confused and Shallow.

[Zingbot_9000 · 2/10 · 10 March 2003]

I loved the Batman tv series and was really looking forward to this. But they tried to do too much.

Why they had the story of Adam West and Burt Ward trying to recover the batmobile was beyond me. I don't want to knock Burt or Adam for the way they look now.....It's been 35 years since they appeared at Batman and Robin, but to see them dressed in dress suits and fighting 'badguys' was kinda sad. I would rather of just seen the ex-stars do commentary. The batmobile side story was stupid.

As for the flashback movie, I think it was too short and left out way too much. It was really just a quick overview in my opinion. I'd like more background. They showed the Penguin and Joker for about a minute each just to tell the same stuff I already knew. The Joker had a mustache under his makeup and the penguin had to smoke even though he hated it and was an ex-smoker. That was it on those 2.

I'd love to read the book. I am sure it has more in it that this showed. Like why was there 2 Riddlers or why 3 Catwoman's or 3 Mister Freezes. Where was Commishioner Gordon, Cheif OHara, Alfred, Mister Freeze, King Tut, etc. the List goes on. Like I said even the ones that were in this one were barely in it.

Very disappointing. And really corny.

Great fun

[msecour · 8/10 · 13 March 2003]

A strangely enjoyable effort, combining an appropriately far-fetched plot involving Adam and Burt and flashbacks to the original TV series. Most of the flashback scenes were lifted directly from Burt Ward's book "Boy Wonder: My Life in Tights" and I imagine his book was the inspiration for making this movie. Like the book, it left fans of the original series hungering for more.

If you missed this broadcast, it is definitely worth the effort to borrow a tape from a friend who may have recorded it. I'm making a copy for my kids right now.

Holy Sexual Innuendos, Batman!

[AlanMX · 5/10 · 10 December 2010]

Beside the low production values (maybe an intentional tribute to the original series) and the simplistic script, this surprisingly entertaining television movie deters from the very childish humor of its first half to a collection of sexual references and boob jokes. Especially noteworthy is the allusion to Burt Ward's "too much junk on the thighs" problem and the portrait of Adam West in a three-way.

With a PG-15 classification, the target audience for this movie seems a little unclear. Too child oriented for the older ones who saw the original series, too ludicrous for a 15-25 public and overtly sexual for a younger audience.

Anyway, is funny enough to enjoy it.

Good Fun!

[TheScreenWatcher · 9 March 2003]

I was laughing out loud with the story of "behind the scenes" of this classic TV show.

It was a good surprise. Very funny and interesting to find out how things developed in the '60s for this group.

Watching Adam West dancing the "Batusi" once more...priceless!

True to the original series

[NavinParker · 9/10 · 11 March 2003]

I loved this movie. I knew it would be chocked full of camp and silliness like the original series. I found it very heart warming to see Adam West, Burt Ward, Frank Gorshin, and Julie Newmar all back together once again. Anyone who loved the Batman series from the 60's should have enjoyed Return to the Batcave. You could tell the actors had a lot of fun making this film, especially Adam West. And I'll bet he would have gladly jumped back into his Batman costume had the script required him to do so. I told a number of friends about this movie who chose not to view it... now they wished they had. I have all of the original 120 episodes on VHS. Now this movie will join my collection. Thank You for the reunion Adam and Burt.

It's much worse than the movie The 60s

[erminahotmail · 4/10 · 4 November 2023]

This second feature film dedicated to the Batman television series by Adam West So the plot Adam West Burto Walter someone had stolen his Batmobile and so they have to look for it and some moments are flashbacks to remind you of how they acted in the television series So whatwhat do I think of this film Well for me it's even worse than the 60's film So the only good thing is the flashback moments this is really the only good thing about the film but for the rest So the things I don't like instead Adam West being too much of a retiree is something he doesn'tI can really understand why there are only Adam West and Burto Walter. What happened to the actress who played Batgirl, she doesn't count, it's flashbacks, she only makes one appearance, that is the breast and then for the whole film the two of them don't even wear their Batman and Robin costumes I mean theoriginal actors and then the villains are really bad, that is, the actors who played Enigma and Catwoman and then they just make a bad impression and then in the end they have to look for the Batmobile again and this film was much more useless than in the original film apparently the style by Adam WestI will never like it and I don't even like its animated film which I didn't even review please avoid this film to conclude the rating 4-

Return to the Batcave: The Misadventures of Adam and Burt (2003)

[SnakesOnAnAfricanPlain · 8/10 · 29 December 2011]

Absolutely wonderful. Return to the Batcave brings West and Ward together again. Luckily, this is far from some egotistical, reliving the glory days trip. It's a heartfelt reconstruction of the making of the show, and a comedy caper about a stolen bat-mobile that perfectly captures the spirit of the original. West and Ward also don't pull any punches, allowing themselves to be shown in, often, less than glamorous lights. It's great to see some of these strange but true moments come to life, and how this show changed the lives of two relative unknowns. It is carried by it's charm, honesty, and refusal to conform to modern day biopics/docu-dramas.

An enjoyable biography/parody.

[mack3175 · 9 March 2003]

Lots of biography movies are not always laughable. But this one is every bit has laughable. The old Batman was campy, and this movie tries to be campy and funny has it was in the sixties. Adam West and Burt Ward seem to enjoy making fun themselves. They are at a Batman convention. But get pulled into action, when someone steals the batmoblie. During that time they remember the time on the set of Batman. A pure delight for Batman fans.

A Mild Surprise

[e_maleficent · 9/10 · 10 March 2003]

I watched this last night with low expectations. The reasons being, I don't usually like "made for TV" movies and rarely have I liked "cast reunion" movies. But, the critic in the Los Angeles Times seemed to like this, so I gave it a chance. I'm glad I did. It was pretty good. Adam West and Burt Ward reunite as themselves. But, in a way, they were acting as their "Batman and Robin" selves. They were being campy and not taking themselves, or this movie too seriously. The movie starts out with them searching for the "George Barris" designed Batmobile, that someone stole before it was to be auctioned off for an orphan's home. While, they are searching for the car, they are also reminiscing about the series that they did together. This is told in flashback. It was well done. The actors that they got, for the younger Burt Ward and Adam West were dead on. And, for a TV movie, it got down to the nitty-gritty about their real behavior on and off the screen. I give this one a 9/10, I liked it that much.

Histerical, Best made for TV documentary based on an old sitcom ever

[tshodan · 8/10 · 11 March 2003]

This was a well written tale of the Making of the Batman Sitcom and actually reunites our heroes on a great quest as well as offers their TV shows history. Unlike the Brady's and Partridge family documentary movies we not only get a look into the past and present lives of Adam and Burt , but also get to see them back in action. Filled with Kapow's and catwomen and the Riddler(s), Batman is back ina well told , tale that not only gives us a satisfactory closing to the Batman series , but fills the modern fan in on all the hollywood tales that about them that haven't been heard in 35 years.

Kudos!!!

Unique fun

[estabansmythe · 10 January 2004]

Talk about surreal? Yowza!

The Misadventures Of Adam and Burt is a genuine hoot, mixing (confusing?) the real-life Adam West and Burt Ward with the public persona others have of Adam West and Burt Ward and also with that of the legendary television characters they've never been able shake, Batman and Robin.

The appearance of Julie Newmar and Lee Meriwether (both played Catwoman) and Frank Gorshin (the Riddler), playing parts other than their legendary villain roles (or are they?), adds to the surreal fun.

Co-executive producer Dawn Wells (MaryAnn on "Gilligan's Island") has done some interesting things the past few years, but this is her creme de la creme.

Return to the Batcave: The Misadventures of Adam and Burt is loopy, goofy off-the-wall fun and deserves true cult status. I hope cable picks it up and airs it every now and then. I loved it!

Wonderful Nostalgia!

[lrc-7 · 10/10 · 10 February 2006]

This is one of the best reunion specials ever, with Adam West and Burt Ward parodying themselves and having fun while doing it. It's amazing the amount of effort that went into the detail, particularly recapturing the feel of the 1960's era, the Batcave set, Wayne Manor, the costumes, and the actors selected to play the younger versions of West, Ward, Burgess Meredith, Cesar Romero, and Frank Gorshin! This 90 minutes is well worth your time, and is a delight to all fans of the classic 1960's "Batman" television series. I note that clips from "Batman" were from the movie, and not the series itself, probably because of legal restrictions. Let's hope the three seasons of the show are forthcoming on DVD.

A feast for the eyes :)

[biscotte61 · 9/10 · 10 July 2008]

I'm a Belgian and grew up in the sixties. Most of the US series were shown over here (original language with subtitles) and Batman was one of the first I was keen on. Unfortunately over here it caused a "panic hysteria" amongst the mothers because Batman was considered as too violent. Geez, compare the innocence of that series to the crap kids get to see nowadays. So because of my the over-protective mothers from the 60s I only got a chance to see maybe two or three episodes ! I got so frustrated I started to collect the comics and bubblegum cards (still got them !) to compensate. I even got the View Master slides... I had an urge to see the caped crusader. All kids need some kind of hero.

Years later I finally got the chance to see the re-runs as an adolescent and I enjoyed it tremendously. The tongue-in-cheek acting would have escaped me when I would've watched it as a kid, but I understood it at the age of 17. Yeah, I've watched them all now and the occasional kind soul on the internet posts episodes because they haven't released the series on DVD (to my knowledge)

This evening I enjoyed "Return to the bat cave"... it was a delight to watch because it was full of trivia and inside-jokes. To see Adam and Burt was a delight and this TV movie is simply fantastic in every aspect. They play themselves as they played their parts in the series.

Congratulations to the people who produced this great nostalgic "feast"... I'm gonna watch it again. My advice to all Batman fans is: SEE IT !!! Rent it !!! Lend it from a friend !!! Buy it !!! I'd never expect myself to rate this as 9/10... Very well done !

Erin Carufel will be a star!

[dtucker86 · 17 November 2003]

I have to admit that the Batman tv series was a sort of guilty pleasure with me as a kid. Like millions of other kids I always came home from second grade and flopped down in front of the tv to watch the exploits of Batman and Robin. Yes I always held my breath at the cliffhanging end of each episode and wondered if our heroes the dynamic duo would escape a horrible death! They put the Batman series back into syndication when the movie was released in 1989. I was a junior in college at the time and still watched it with equal enjoyment. Adam West was very typecast after this show and seldom found other work, but he made a fortune doing personal appearances and kids parties and cartoon shows as the Caped Crusader so I can't feel sorry for him. It is fun watching him and Burt Ward together again. All right they are older and Burt is, how shall I put this, he throws a much larger shadow then he used to, but they are still our childhood heroes, just a lot older. They have a ball in this film poking fun at themselves and its really fascinating when they have flashback sequences showing how the original Batman series came to be and how Adam and Burt were cast in their most famous roles. They originally wanted Lyle Waggoner to be Batman. Its amusing when they show Adam and Burt fueding behind the scenes and when the tv censors were concerned about the way Burts tight outfit showed off his....oh never mind. Working on the Batman show must have been a great pleasure for all involved because the highest quality actors were the villians. It must have been the "in" thing at the time to be a heavy on the Batman show. Burgess Meredith, Vincent Price, Frank Gorshin and Cesar Romero all had their turns. The actors who play them in the movie all do a wonderful job especially the one who plays Burgess Meredith. He has a really funny line, he talks about playing the Penguin and says "I am feared by children and adored by women, I have the best of both worlds!!!" The only problem that I have with this film is that they didn't offer Yvonne Craig a role in it. After all, she was part of the show to. It would have been fun to see her. All right folks, I am going to make a prediction. In the next few years Erin Carufel will break out as a major young star to be reckoned with! She really shines like a diamond in this movie playing the young Yvonne Craig (Batgirl). She looks like a young Yvonne Craig and has the same spunky quality that she had. This young woman is an Olympic Gymnist and a black belt in karate. She did an awesome job and I think she will become a very well known actress in the near future. You all can quote me on that.