‘Merry Little Batman’ Review – One Jolly Silent Knight

Twas the Night before Christmas, and when Batman is out of town it is up to his son Damien to save Gotham. While hardcore fans might prefer a darker take on everyone’s favorite Dark Knight, this animated film hits its marks by being a delightful yuletide blast. Unafraid to poke fun at the Bat-mythos, Merry Little Batman finds its strength in its humor and heart. The animation is unique and playfully whacky, and the voice-over talents make these near-mythic characters pop in new ways. There is something for every Bat-Fan to discover in this one. Merry Little Batman is an unexpected gift under the tree this holiday season.

Set on Christmas Eve, Batman, who is now a father tossing around more dad jokes than bat-a-rangs, receives an urgent call that sends him out of Gotham. Left to his own devices, Damien spends his free time trying to prove to his Dad that he is also ready to be a superhero. Batman/Bruce Wayne is overprotective of his son and wants to shield him from the world of crime fighting. However, when Damien uncovers a plot by some of Batman’s old rogue’s gallery, including The Joker, to steal Christmas, this wannabe crime fighter sets out to prove if he has what it takes to be a “Batman” – and save Christmas.

From the start, Merry Little Batman ditches a grim and brooding vigilante for Luke Wilson’s deadpan delivery and overprotective antics. He finds humor with his Batman while delivering the familiar baritones when needed. This is a Batman who wants to keep his son safe and has gone to the point of cleaning up crime in the city. In a crime-free metropolis, he can focus on being a dad to Damien. Yet, given the city’s track record, it will not be crime-free for long. The movie spends no time on the backstory; instead, it focuses on the story of a father and son.

The choice to introduce an eight-year-old Damien (Yonas Kibreab), typically seen as a teenager in the comics, allows the movie to be playful. There is never a desire to lean into the dark aspects of the character’s story, but instead to play into the father/son dynamic and add in some holiday hijinks. That is not to say this movie strips away all familiar Batman mythos. There are clever easter eggs throughout the film. Whether it’s the red Bat-Phone or the army of Penguins from Batman Returns, director Mike Roth is a fan of the character. This movie is a fun-filled love letter to the Batman mythology. And the bonus is the Christmas extravaganza. Gotham City looks its best at the holidays. 

Another surprising delight is all the voice talents. In addition to Wilson, the legendary James Cromwell voices the Wayne Butler Alfred Pennyworth. He delivers a performance filled with hilarious one-liners and witty British charm. And then, there is The Joker (David Hornsby). What Batman story would be complete without the Clown Prince of Crime? Hornsby’s Joker is a wicked carnival of a clown. He distinguishes himself from other animated Jokers by finding his own voice – and his maniacal laugh is one for the books. 

The animation style is fitting for this story. Batman’s world is seen primarily through the eyes of a child. The imagery is immersive, larger-than-life, and downright fun. Younger viewers will marvel at the landscape; the added Christmas scenery is a nice touch, too. Batman works well at Christmas time. Batman Returns or Christmas With The Joker, anyone? Still, this colorful and whacky adventure is a heartwarming family story. Spotlighting Batman’s role as a Dad is far from the conventional approach, but it freshly humanizes the character.

The early criticism of this movie before its release was its tone. Batman and his world is played light-heartedly in Merry Little Batman. This dark knight resembles the larger-than-life Bat adventures of a bygone era. He is sillier and less gritty, but Batman continues to prove why he is the most adaptable comic book character. Batman has survived through reinterpretation, and this movie proves that point.

On the one hand, a serious and dark thriller can exist in The Batman; on the other, Batman can take on a cheerful and humorous side, as seen in Batman 1966. Both interpretations are valid, and Merry Little Batman provides a beautiful gateway to younger viewers as they discover and thrill at the world of the Caped Crusader. 

A film like Merry Little Batman exists for those discovering Batman and the young at heart. The care and love for the character are apparent throughout this movie. Setting the tale through the eyes of an eight-year-old is a clever choice. Like Damien, it is easy for this fellow Bat-fan to remember being the same age, immersed in the world of Batman, and wishing to be swept up in the adventures in Gotham City. 

Batman now has two holiday classics, one live-action and one animation, under his utility belt. This Christmas, Merry Little Batman delivers. Happy Bat-Mas to all, and to all, a good night!

Merry Little Batman will be available to stream globally on Prime Video on December 8, 2023. 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GSMmXz0bHA]