Batman: Mask of the Phantasm

The violence is too realistic (though not terribly graphic) to qualify as cartoony escapism, yet the movie lacks the sophistication, vision or satirical edge to lay claim to any higher purpose. It's merely dark for dark's sake.

While the script and pedigree of actors are commendable, the craft level is too close to the small-screen offering to get audiences into theaters.

The actor's voices may suit animated television characters, but on a large screen Kevin Conroy's Batman, Mark Hamill's Joker, and Dana Delany's Andrea sound flat and one-dimensional.

Closer to radio drama than kiddie fare, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is the strangest PG film of the year.

A romantic, flashback-rich narrative distinguishes this feature-length animated effort...

Fans of classical animation are hereby warned to steer clear of Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, for it will put them in instant vapor-lock and there aren't enough ambulances available this time of year.

Among the boldest and most ambitious stories ever attempted in its franchise, and it is as acute, and compelling, and satisfyingly Batmanny as any of the Batman features, if not moreso.

A spin-off of the semi-hit animated TV series, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm goes even further into the roots of the bat-dude's particular pathologies.

Quintessential Batman and a quality cartoon.

managed to soar above the theatrical Batman adaptation, and would remain the best Bat Movie to hit the big screens until Batman Begins shook things up in 2005

One of the best movie versions of Batman ever

This absorbing adventure should resonate with those who take the notion of heroism seriously -- especially adolescent boys.