At least they did like the movie itself a lot. Yeah, they didn't give Hamill's Joker his due, but at least people who might not watch the movie otherwise will watch it if they take Siskel and Ebert's opinions seriously.
WHAAATTT??!!!...he does'nt like Mark's version of Joker??...does he know we grew up on Mark's version?....which is like the best...putting Jack's version in a respectable 2nd and Heath's in a very tight 3rd?...(jack beats heath only 'cause his version is a little cooler and more composed...heath was a little too psyco,and thats perfect for the role but it's also a little harder to relate to him since he's sooo out there...but it's a DAMN close race)..but Mark? this is a HUGE insult to alot of us
They don't care shit about the audience, and that IS good. They have to have thir own solid opinion.
Still: he's wrong. Judging Joker cannot be just a matter of taste. Mark Hamill played Joker with original and manacing tone, yet somehow could even be funny in a bizarre way. This is what Joker's character is about: sadistic humor, and it comes out perfectly the way Hamill is portrying him.
Indeed.; Gene Siskel not liking Mark Hamill's portrayal of The Joker is almost sacreligious, in my opinion.
That's like having William Shatner reprising the role of Captain James T. Kirk in a 'Star Wars' movie.; "It just doesn't look right!", in other words.
He was commenting on how Batman is a vigilante. If Batman DID start killing people, even criminals, many people would see him as going overboard and it demonstrates what a thin line Batman walks in self-policing Gotham City. The term loose cannon refers to someone who's "trigger happy" or is not rational, cool and collected like Batman usually is.
@tthomaselli2 It means going "too far." Over-board refers to falling off the side of a boat. If Batman played judge, jury and executioner people would think him too extreme (thus going "overboard").
By the way... is it just me, or is Mask of the Phantasm kinda... overrated? I mean, it's great for some reasons, but... the love story is annoying and lame. I don't get it - why would Bruce need a freakin' THIRD love interest? He already has Selina Kyle and Talia Al Ghul... this is pushing it to me.
@CoolerKing37 It still feels a bit forced. Especially since this woman NEVER, EVER was even MENTIONED again through the entire series - not even in Batman Beyond. It doesn't add up - it's like it takes place in a alternate reality.
@jamesoblivion If that's what you assume, then so be it. I responded that way because I don't really give a shit - she doesn't appear in the animated series of Batman, and she doesn't appear in Batman Beyond. That's the main Batman timeline of animated shows - and therefor, cameos in other places is none of my concern. Some comics and Justice League Unlimited? Uhm.... yay...
@kurvos Justice League Unlimited is the same continuity as BTAS and Batman Beyond. It's all DCAU. Anyway, just thought I'd let you know because you seemed bothered by her absence after MOTP. Thought I could help out. But if you're gonna respond like a cunt, whatever, man. Go fuck your mother for all I care.
@jamesoblivion "Respond like a cunt", hm? "Go fuck your mother", huh? Not only using random mean choice of words; you also to it unprovoked as I haven't called you anything. Classy, kid.
@kurvos A cunt's a cunt, man. I tried to help out, and you acted like I was being a dick. It's a cunt move, and I called you on it. JLU is just as much in-continuity with BTAS a Batman Beyond is, so your "main timeline" statement is just bullshit, anyway. Anyway, all I did was try to pitch in some helpful information, and I got "Good for you," and a bunch of other snarky bullshit for a response. So yeah, fuck you.
Wait, wait, wait... did not just hear that, did I? Gene Sskel just said he didn't like Mark Hamill as the voice of the Joker? No, it can't be. It seriously HAS to be a joke. Who in their right mind would EVER say Mark Hamill does not do the perfect Joker? This is not precisely a matter of opinion as it is a fact - if you admire the Joker's character - AT ALL - you just know Mark Hamill nails him better than any other human being possibly could. I mean, is he serious?
@TRMDYLE666 Indeed, Mark Hamill IS Joker to me. Heck, there is no other Batman than Kevin Conroy to me also. He does what Christian Bale only tries to do, make Batman and Bruce Wayne 2 distinct characters only with his voice.
@TMNTJSTR Not to mention, Bale's version is backwards. In Conroy's version, the "Batman" voice is Batman's real voice, and the "Bruce Wayne" voice is Batman playing a character.
@MTTT19 The guy is lame Mark Hamill has the best Joker voice ever. I don't care what he says.
Now I think Mark Hamill definitely has the best Joker voice, but I have to give it to Heath for best Joker. His performance was just amazing, and totally Oscar worthy. Jack Nicholson did a pretty good job too himself.
I think that since this was all Gene saw on Batman the animated series he didn't get to see how the joker was used if he saw the whole series I bet he would have felt differant, because in phantasm he was used to be more menicing and less funny so he didn't get a whole idea of Mark Hammils performance...
i am proud to say that i own more of the animated features than i do the live action ones. All of them are great, and the most recent one rivals the dark knight.
It's funny how everyone is talking about the actors who have played the Joker. Caesar Romeo, Health Ledger, Jack Nicholson and Mark Hamill were great jokers in their different ways
The character of The Joker has been done so differently over the years. I always liked Hamill but it always drives me nuts when people claim it's the best of all time and that when they see the character they only imagine that voice. For me, it works only for that cartoon version of Batman. The psychology of the character was very limited in that show as it was not able to reach the dark levels that the comics do. What Heath Ledger came up with was really brilliant.
Siskel probably doesn't like the animated Joker because the character was written and voiced much more intensely than Nicholson and Romero and he probably sees the character as much more lightweight and gimmicky; what makes Hamill's Joker fantastic is that he portrayed the character on a more disturbing and psychotic level 16 years before Heath Ledger confirmed how powerful this interpretation can be. Hamill's work is immense and his characterisation equals Ledger's as the best Joker
WTF???? Siskel didn't like Mark Hamill's Joker?????!!!!! Hamill is the BEST JOKER OF ALL TIME!!!!!!!!! How can anyone not love that voice and character? It is the mix of a funny clown with a psychopathic killer. IT"S GODDAMN BRILLIANT!!!!!!!! People who don't like Hamill's Joker, here is a message for you: Go watch every episode of BATS and TNBA and see for yourselves how menacing Hamill can be with the Joker. Despite what he said, I still love ya Siskel. R.I.P
@gurneyman100 It's a matter of opinion. Believe me, I love Mark Hamill's voice as Joker but hey it's up to people on which version of Joker they like. Heath Ledger's Joker was pretty awesome and a lot of people find him to be the best. I'm sure Siskel had no hate against Mark Hamill. It's just simple opinion.
@gurneyman100 I think you're confusing Mark Hamill's voice with the writing of The Joker, i.e. he might've voiced the "best" Joker, but, it being the best incarnation is due to writing, not merely a voice. Also, voice-acting is different than actual acting; it's more apt to compare "Hamill's" Joker with another animated version, much akin to how Nicholson and Ledger are compared.
Lol my favorite Joker is Hamill's as well but John DiMaggio's was pretty menacing in Under The Red Hood. It may have had more to do with just how they wrote the character in that one though and not the actual voicework.
Great review, loved the comments about attitudes on animation changing, though they haven't changed enough in the U.S., but Siskel doesn't like the BEST JOKER EVER? Wow. Anyway, awesome film.
I watched this and Tinytoons how i spent my summer vacation more than i did with any Disney animated movies. With that heres a question where the hell is the DVD?
The best Batman movie period right now is Batman: Under the Red Hood. Phantasm and the 1989 movie did a great job developing Batman's animated and live action portrayal, allowing for future projects that led to the many DC animated series since then, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and Under the Red Hood.
Honestly, I think Mask of the Phantasm IS the greatest Batman movie, if anything because its spun-off of Batman the Animated Series, which to me is the definitive version of Batman. Tim Burton and Chris Nolan's films are great, and Michael Keaton and Christian Bale are both great Batman actors to me, but I still like the DCAU version of Batman the most.
Okay, First The Joker, Then the Skeleton King, and now Ulysses Klaw. Ladies and Gentlemen, Mark Hamill is the Go-To guy whenever you need a voice for a villain!!
Batman Mask of phantasm one of the best Batman films ever made. Ranking up with The Dark Knight and Batman(1989). But I think Hamill is the best joker. Unlike Jack or Heath who just killed people but this Joker gave thim this ugly permenant grin whi i always thought was worse than death. Anpther great Batman film is Batman Beyond Return of the Joker which i thought shoud've got a theatrical release because that one is a excellent batman animated film and the only one to get a pg 13 rating
This is without a doubt the best batman movie ever made. I disagree with with Gene on the Joker Mark Hamill is the best ever. I would say this is tied if not above the original Tim Burton batman film. I think anyone who calls themselves a fan of batman needs to give this a good look.
i like how slick looking the joker is in "the Phantasm", the series and in Batman Beyond.. he has style and humor, but most importantly he has an initiative, hes soo smart and clever... but nowadays in the cartoons and the movie hes ragady and crazy looking and they make him out to be some random psycho killer who jokes are more sinister than funny... hes beyond that, hes and cool and ACTUALLY stands up straight on here...
This Batman The Animated Series is the best batman there is. The movie wasn't as great as some of the episodes for the series but still a good one. One of the greatest batman experinces is also the Arkham Asylum game that has the cast from this animated series for voice talent and it also was one of the best games when it came in 09. In my book the best. Suited for everyone who likes a really solid game. Note that i read comic books last time when i was a child, still both products rock.
As far as the Joker's voice goes, to each his own. There are plenty of fans/haters of the voice Bale uses as Batman; I'm just glad the characters have remained in the mainstream so that we get so many different interpretations to pick and choose from.
@Revieweverything100 He didn't grow up with it. with the manner he was exposesd to it it's not suprising if he was expecting a completely different style. Joker is sort of the most cartoony and over-the-top characters in this show and if you're expecting something else i imagine he does not come off well at all and you miss the great parts of the performance.
Ebert was right. In fact, I daresay that animated television is now a more adolescent/adult mode of entertainment. While adults watch shows like Family Guy, South Park or whatever anime show they may be into, kids today are stuck with Hannah Montana, Raven, Wizards of Waverly Place, and apparently, even World Wrestling Entertainment has gone from "Attitude TV" to being kid-friendly.
I'm surprised they didn't like Hamill's Joker, I think he did great work with the role. I'm pleasantly surprised they reviewed this movie. I think it was a high quality movie that was one of DC's best until we got Batman: Under the Red Hood. It's too bad this couple isn't around to look at that movie, which is a true classic.
Jesus Freaking Christ they hit right on the spot w/ that movie. It's a goddamned pity all of this flavor wasn't incorprated into the god-awful, fan-service driven, ridiculous DCAU shows.
I'll watch this movie again, but l'll never watch Superman: TAS nor JL/JL-FUCKING-U AGAIN! SHIT!
I can see how he didn't like Hamil's Joker. You needed to watch the animated series to get it. The Joker had a very insane, yet playful personality, which Hamil made it fit perfectly.
Its GENE SISKEL. Who care if he doesn't like Hamill's Joker, the man was probably the greatest critic ever. You don't have to agree with his opinion, because its just that, his opinion.
No movie critics will ever match the team the was Siskel & Ebert
Mark Hamill is the greatest Joker ever and this is the greatest Batman film ever(animated or otherwise), and it's also the truest to the comics. The Dark Knight and Return Of The Joker are also masterpieces and all three are far better than any other superhero films ever made. The stupid, uneducated, Batman 89', Returns, Forever, and Batman And Robin fans should watch this film and see how Batman movies truly are when everything is done right.
@LiquidSolidRaiden Without batman 89 you have no animated series. The creaters have said this themselves. Batman 89 was a very good film despite its numerous flaws. I agree with you on the other films you mentioned but batman 89 was done very well.
@gold7250 was about to write a comment about his hating Hamills voice but your comment is bang on! Admittedly he does say they missed it when it was released and probably never watched the series - so coming from Nicholsons performance it probably was different - whereas we can't imagine Hamil not being the joker as were used to it!!
I personally love Mark Hamill as an actor MORE for his voice as the joker than as Luke.
In fact, Heath Ledger aside, he is the best joker by far, and I'm very saddened to hear that after nearly 20 great years he will finally step down from the role and retire. His last work will be on Batman: Arkham City, so at least he will go out with a bang! :'-D
What an idiot!! he didnt like mark hamill's Joker voice?!?!? how could anyone not like it!?!? its funny its dark, comic, evil, pyschotic, its a little of everything dude what the hell...
Yeah, I gotta agree with Nickreaper 110%. All due respect to all the other actors, but Mark Hamill IS The Joker the same way that Kevin Conroy IS The Batman.
While I'm pleased that Siskel and Ebert loved this movie, I really have to object to their comments on the Joker's voice. Mark Hamil was PERFECT as the Joker.
this movie is fine and all...but oh my god im getting sick of people thinking this thing is SO much better than it really is. its good. but seriously people... gah.. ah never mind...
He doesn't like Mark Hamill's voice as the Joker! WTF! Hamill is brilliant as The Joker. It maybe the greatest performance he's ever given. I hate when someone else does the voice in the cartoons.
It's a shame that the only thing Siskel didn't like about the movie was Hamill's Joker. To me that's one the best and most interesting aspects of "Mask of the Phantom."
What! How can he not like the Mark Hamill joker?!
WeirdRorschach 2 days ago
I also suggest to anyone here who's a gamer play Arkham Asylum & Arkham City those games are AWESOME!!
09tranm 6 days ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Best Batman movies in my opinion(in order) These are all the great ones.No Batman Forever or Batman & Robin those are crap
The Dark Knight
Batman Begins
Batman the Mask of the Phantasm
Batman(1989)
Batman: Under the Red Hood
Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker
Batman Returns
Batman(1960's)-only for the lols. It's sooo over the top & ridiculous
I can't wait for The Dark Knight Rises
09tranm 6 days ago
Comment removed
09tranm 6 days ago
Roger Ebert's opinion on animation not being limited strictly for children... yes. Dude, just yes.
FlyingFocs 3 weeks ago 3
You're too late Batman! I was going into Toshi Station to pick up some power converters!
MrJeezus 3 weeks ago in playlist Ebert
That voice almost changed how dark the character could be on tv/film, and I love it!
WingedDrant 4 weeks ago
At least they did like the movie itself a lot. Yeah, they didn't give Hamill's Joker his due, but at least people who might not watch the movie otherwise will watch it if they take Siskel and Ebert's opinions seriously.
danning1 1 month ago
How could you NOT like Mark Hamill's Joker?
Lanternfan619 1 month ago
How could you NOT like Mark Hamill's Joker?
Lanternfan619 1 month ago
I loved Nicholson's joker, but I disagree with his opinion. Mark is way better in my book.
shazbot16 1 month ago
Nicholson was basically playing himself as the Joker whereas Hamill actually throws himself into the role
RoninDave 1 month ago
WHAAATTT??!!!...he does'nt like Mark's version of Joker??...does he know we grew up on Mark's version?....which is like the best...putting Jack's version in a respectable 2nd and Heath's in a very tight 3rd?...(jack beats heath only 'cause his version is a little cooler and more composed...heath was a little too psyco,and thats perfect for the role but it's also a little harder to relate to him since he's sooo out there...but it's a DAMN close race)..but Mark? this is a HUGE insult to alot of us
TETTSUUO 1 month ago
@TETTSUUO
They don't care shit about the audience, and that IS good. They have to have thir own solid opinion.
Still: he's wrong. Judging Joker cannot be just a matter of taste. Mark Hamill played Joker with original and manacing tone, yet somehow could even be funny in a bizarre way. This is what Joker's character is about: sadistic humor, and it comes out perfectly the way Hamill is portrying him.
qwuezalothus 1 month ago in playlist Liked videos 7
Didn't like Mark Hamill's awesome Joker voice? This is more proof that these 2 assholes hardly know shit
HeadBangerAust 1 month ago
I guess Hamill didn't put enough Nicholson into his voice for Gene. Thank god, by the way.
happydragonpics 1 month ago
@happydragonpics Yeah thank god, I hate imitators
blahmehblah1 1 month ago
Doesn't like Mark Hamill? Laser Disc?
WUT
DustinOffAClassic 1 month ago
Gene can fuck himself
iantaylor124 2 months ago
@iantaylor124
he's dead for more than a decade, smart guy
qwuezalothus 1 month ago
@iantaylor124
he did
by a surgery
qwuezalothus 1 month ago in playlist Liked videos
u no like mark hamil? i no like your moma.
DonTheTurtleDude 2 months ago
Jack<Mark<Heath.
bushbasher85 2 months ago
???? Mark Hamill's joker voice was the best!
HardikG121 2 months ago 2
he didnt like the voice of the Joker!!!! did you like luke skywalker??.... im just sayin... lol
HardcoreKatsu 2 months ago
okay..hold on...how the hell can you not like mark hamill as the joker....it's...it's just beyond me.
chris200830 3 months ago
LAYZORDISK!
Hurion 3 months ago
Its so sad that Ebert's perspective on animation has been forgotten by time.
mortman200 3 months ago
IMO this is one of the BEST batman FIlms EVER(discluding Dark Knight & Begins)
JudasAngel666 3 months ago
At this point, saying such a statement about Mark Hamill's Joker like Siskels should be considered blasphemy.
LordMortis315 3 months ago
@LordMortis315
Indeed.; Gene Siskel not liking Mark Hamill's portrayal of The Joker is almost sacreligious, in my opinion.
That's like having William Shatner reprising the role of Captain James T. Kirk in a 'Star Wars' movie.; "It just doesn't look right!", in other words.
tthomaselli2 3 months ago
15 people prefer 'Batman & Robin'.
tthomaselli2 3 months ago
What'd the guy mean by "It's vigilantism at its deadliest!" & "Batman's a loose cannon, Commisioner!..."?
tthomaselli2 4 months ago
@tthomaselli2
He was commenting on how Batman is a vigilante. If Batman DID start killing people, even criminals, many people would see him as going overboard and it demonstrates what a thin line Batman walks in self-policing Gotham City. The term loose cannon refers to someone who's "trigger happy" or is not rational, cool and collected like Batman usually is.
MrScud1999 3 months ago
@MrScud1999
What about the term 'going over-board', as you said?; What does that one mean?
tthomaselli2 3 months ago
@tthomaselli2 It means going "too far." Over-board refers to falling off the side of a boat. If Batman played judge, jury and executioner people would think him too extreme (thus going "overboard").
MrScud1999 3 months ago
@MrScud1999
Thanks.
tthomaselli2 3 months ago
I'm sorry, but Mark Hamill isn't good as the Joker? Uh...no.
ThePhantom135 4 months ago
By the way... is it just me, or is Mask of the Phantasm kinda... overrated? I mean, it's great for some reasons, but... the love story is annoying and lame. I don't get it - why would Bruce need a freakin' THIRD love interest? He already has Selina Kyle and Talia Al Ghul... this is pushing it to me.
kurvos 4 months ago
@kurvos But this was the love interest he had, BEFORE he devoted himself entirely to the Batman persona.
CoolerKing37 4 months ago
@CoolerKing37 It still feels a bit forced. Especially since this woman NEVER, EVER was even MENTIONED again through the entire series - not even in Batman Beyond. It doesn't add up - it's like it takes place in a alternate reality.
kurvos 4 months ago
@kurvos She appeared in some of the Batman Adventures comics (based on BTAS), and later in an episode of Justice League Unlimited.
jamesoblivion 4 months ago
@jamesoblivion Good for you.
kurvos 4 months ago
@kurvos Nice non sequitur.
Sorry if you think I'm an asshole for pointing out a fact.
jamesoblivion 4 months ago
@jamesoblivion If that's what you assume, then so be it. I responded that way because I don't really give a shit - she doesn't appear in the animated series of Batman, and she doesn't appear in Batman Beyond. That's the main Batman timeline of animated shows - and therefor, cameos in other places is none of my concern. Some comics and Justice League Unlimited? Uhm.... yay...
kurvos 4 months ago
@kurvos Justice League Unlimited is the same continuity as BTAS and Batman Beyond. It's all DCAU. Anyway, just thought I'd let you know because you seemed bothered by her absence after MOTP. Thought I could help out. But if you're gonna respond like a cunt, whatever, man. Go fuck your mother for all I care.
jamesoblivion 4 months ago
@jamesoblivion "Respond like a cunt", hm? "Go fuck your mother", huh? Not only using random mean choice of words; you also to it unprovoked as I haven't called you anything. Classy, kid.
kurvos 4 months ago
@kurvos A cunt's a cunt, man. I tried to help out, and you acted like I was being a dick. It's a cunt move, and I called you on it. JLU is just as much in-continuity with BTAS a Batman Beyond is, so your "main timeline" statement is just bullshit, anyway. Anyway, all I did was try to pitch in some helpful information, and I got "Good for you," and a bunch of other snarky bullshit for a response. So yeah, fuck you.
jamesoblivion 4 months ago
Wait, wait, wait... did not just hear that, did I? Gene Sskel just said he didn't like Mark Hamill as the voice of the Joker? No, it can't be. It seriously HAS to be a joke. Who in their right mind would EVER say Mark Hamill does not do the perfect Joker? This is not precisely a matter of opinion as it is a fact - if you admire the Joker's character - AT ALL - you just know Mark Hamill nails him better than any other human being possibly could. I mean, is he serious?
kurvos 4 months ago
the guy is a dumbass for not likeing mark hamil s voice of the joker
178laaleros 4 months ago
My dad got it on VHS and saw it a million times as a kid :)
sonicman2500 4 months ago
holy shit he doesn't like Joker's voice?! Who the hell doesn't like Mark Hamil's Joker voice??! : 0
TRMDYLE666 5 months ago 21
@TRMDYLE666 I don't
prismgap 2 months ago
@TRMDYLE666 Indeed, Mark Hamill IS Joker to me. Heck, there is no other Batman than Kevin Conroy to me also. He does what Christian Bale only tries to do, make Batman and Bruce Wayne 2 distinct characters only with his voice.
TMNTJSTR 3 weeks ago
@TMNTJSTR Not to mention, Bale's version is backwards. In Conroy's version, the "Batman" voice is Batman's real voice, and the "Bruce Wayne" voice is Batman playing a character.
Ultracity6060 1 week ago
@Ultracity6060 Exactly. I always loved that!
TMNTJSTR 1 week ago
Mark Hamill is the Greatest Joker EVER! Sorry Jack and Heath, but it's true!
MTTT19 5 months ago 26
@MTTT19 they know it
DonTheTurtleDude 2 months ago
@MTTT19 The guy is lame Mark Hamill has the best Joker voice ever. I don't care what he says.
Now I think Mark Hamill definitely has the best Joker voice, but I have to give it to Heath for best Joker. His performance was just amazing, and totally Oscar worthy. Jack Nicholson did a pretty good job too himself.
09tranm 6 days ago
You can trash all of my other childhood cartoon characters, but you've taken it too far when you trash Mark Hamill's Joker!
TheMJThriller2009 5 months ago 3
never seen this, but i want to really badly!
ThePhantom135 5 months ago
Mask of the Phantasm is in the Top Three of Batman films.
ciroslive 5 months ago
Legend has it that Roger Ebert had a corndog clogging his shit hole during every filming of this shitty show.
johnd94 5 months ago
Comment removed
petkragh 5 months ago
@johnd94 No, that's just !@#$ed up!
SupremeCommander85 5 months ago
Wtf Gene Siskel has a different opinion than me? CRITICIZE HIM!
antisadism 5 months ago 2
My jaw DROPPED when he said he didn't like Mark Hamill's Joker.
sknywhtboy88 5 months ago 3
wow. laserdisc.
ssgsorrels 5 months ago
I watched it at home on laser disc... Hahahahahahahahaha primitive 90's lol
Elkomander209 5 months ago
I think that since this was all Gene saw on Batman the animated series he didn't get to see how the joker was used if he saw the whole series I bet he would have felt differant, because in phantasm he was used to be more menicing and less funny so he didn't get a whole idea of Mark Hammils performance...
LazerDude99 5 months ago
"Caesar Romero in the cartoon show on the TV"?!?!?!?!? YOU IDIOT! ARE YOU FOR REAL!?!?!?
TheAllKnowingTribute 5 months ago
How could you not like Mark Hamill as the joker, Gene?!
pixargod 5 months ago 3
Siskel "kinda liked" Batman Forever??? WTF.
Chaostoon218 5 months ago
Mark Hamill will ALWAYS be the best Joker.
PopxTartxThief 6 months ago 3
@PopxTartxThief This x 1,000,000,000
DuracellEnergizer 5 months ago
Disagree completely on Joker's voice. Hamill does a great job!
jksonny 6 months ago 4
@GuiltySparkFilms Really?
Hmm, well I've read it several places now that AC will be his last work, although it would be awesome if those rumors turned out to be fake. :D
dobadobadooo 6 months ago
Cool!
Barclay1987 6 months ago
i am proud to say that i own more of the animated features than i do the live action ones. All of them are great, and the most recent one rivals the dark knight.
checkeredflag90210 6 months ago
It's funny how everyone is talking about the actors who have played the Joker. Caesar Romeo, Health Ledger, Jack Nicholson and Mark Hamill were great jokers in their different ways
lightingcobra 6 months ago
Mark Hamill>Jack Nicholson
Heath Ledger> Jack Nicholson
Mark Hamill=Heath Ledger
spector1991 7 months ago
I wish Siskel had seen the Nolan films. He would have loved them.
ThePhantom135 7 months ago 11
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Batman Begins = Boring and too much back story
The Dark Knight = Highly Overrated
Mask of the Phantasm = Captures feel the comics. Somewhat depressing moody story and atmosphere.
wolfengheist 7 months ago
Comment removed
wolfengheist 7 months ago
whoah!did he just say he didnt like the voice of the joker?
mark hamil is the best!who are you going to get to do his voice?
cavalierfan1995 7 months ago
This movie is 10 times better than 'The Dark Knight'!!!!...........okay, not really, but it's still pretty damn good!
CoolerKing37 7 months ago
Over the decades, I would have to say Hamil has become one of the most familiar voice of the Joker.
TheBadMovieReviewer1 8 months ago 2
The character of The Joker has been done so differently over the years. I always liked Hamill but it always drives me nuts when people claim it's the best of all time and that when they see the character they only imagine that voice. For me, it works only for that cartoon version of Batman. The psychology of the character was very limited in that show as it was not able to reach the dark levels that the comics do. What Heath Ledger came up with was really brilliant.
prismgap 8 months ago
@prismgap Mark Hamill > Heath Ledger
zanzalot 7 months ago 2
@prismgap Good comment.
TheLockon00 6 months ago
Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert have officially earned my respect with this review. I'm glad they can appreciate a good animated movie.
cyberhoodlum 8 months ago
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is THE best Batman movie.
SonicThunderBYG 8 months ago 11
One thing I really love about Ebert is his willingness to accept animation as a legitimate medium.
LynnJynh9315 9 months ago 27
Siskel probably doesn't like the animated Joker because the character was written and voiced much more intensely than Nicholson and Romero and he probably sees the character as much more lightweight and gimmicky; what makes Hamill's Joker fantastic is that he portrayed the character on a more disturbing and psychotic level 16 years before Heath Ledger confirmed how powerful this interpretation can be. Hamill's work is immense and his characterisation equals Ledger's as the best Joker
madjack18 9 months ago 6
@madjack18 well said
o94ght 6 months ago
WTF???? Siskel didn't like Mark Hamill's Joker?????!!!!! Hamill is the BEST JOKER OF ALL TIME!!!!!!!!! How can anyone not love that voice and character? It is the mix of a funny clown with a psychopathic killer. IT"S GODDAMN BRILLIANT!!!!!!!! People who don't like Hamill's Joker, here is a message for you: Go watch every episode of BATS and TNBA and see for yourselves how menacing Hamill can be with the Joker. Despite what he said, I still love ya Siskel. R.I.P
gurneyman100 10 months ago 23
@gurneyman100 It's a matter of opinion. Believe me, I love Mark Hamill's voice as Joker but hey it's up to people on which version of Joker they like. Heath Ledger's Joker was pretty awesome and a lot of people find him to be the best. I'm sure Siskel had no hate against Mark Hamill. It's just simple opinion.
matt4lyfe 5 months ago
@gurneyman100 I think you're confusing Mark Hamill's voice with the writing of The Joker, i.e. he might've voiced the "best" Joker, but, it being the best incarnation is due to writing, not merely a voice. Also, voice-acting is different than actual acting; it's more apt to compare "Hamill's" Joker with another animated version, much akin to how Nicholson and Ledger are compared.
KeeperOfProphecies 5 months ago
@gurneyman100
Lol my favorite Joker is Hamill's as well but John DiMaggio's was pretty menacing in Under The Red Hood. It may have had more to do with just how they wrote the character in that one though and not the actual voicework.
icetrey87 3 months ago
@gurneyman100 I think he just doesn't like Hamill....
JudasAngel666 3 months ago
Great review, loved the comments about attitudes on animation changing, though they haven't changed enough in the U.S., but Siskel doesn't like the BEST JOKER EVER? Wow. Anyway, awesome film.
slave2moonlight 10 months ago
laser disc. lol
Velazquez283 10 months ago
I LOVE THIS JOKER'S VOICE!
freshrecordsbdalabel 11 months ago
siskel was awesome
mrhypnagogia 11 months ago
I watched this and Tinytoons how i spent my summer vacation more than i did with any Disney animated movies. With that heres a question where the hell is the DVD?
HERO11790 11 months ago
In my opinion it's one of my three favorite Batman films.
They are this one, BATMAN 1989, and THE DARK KNGIHT
SLPIFan 11 months ago
@SLPIFan
The best Batman movie period right now is Batman: Under the Red Hood. Phantasm and the 1989 movie did a great job developing Batman's animated and live action portrayal, allowing for future projects that led to the many DC animated series since then, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and Under the Red Hood.
KyleCleric 10 months ago
@KyleCleric
Batman begins was boring as shit, Dark Knight was excellent but again Bales voice ruins his image as batman.
Under the red hood was fantastic, but jarring without conroy and hamil
rrrevan 9 months ago
Honestly, I think Mask of the Phantasm IS the greatest Batman movie, if anything because its spun-off of Batman the Animated Series, which to me is the definitive version of Batman. Tim Burton and Chris Nolan's films are great, and Michael Keaton and Christian Bale are both great Batman actors to me, but I still like the DCAU version of Batman the most.
darthgoku135 1 year ago 2
Mark Hamil's Joker is the best Joker in my opening. Especially his laughs.
Shiblee1986 1 year ago 7
Nothing against Gene Siskel, but, hearing him saying that he didn't like Mark Hamill as The Joker really pains me...
tthomaselli2 1 year ago 3
Siskel doesn't like Mark Hamill as Joker? Hamill IS Joker!
Commando303X 1 year ago 6
Okay, First The Joker, Then the Skeleton King, and now Ulysses Klaw. Ladies and Gentlemen, Mark Hamill is the Go-To guy whenever you need a voice for a villain!!
TF2Fan101 1 year ago
CEASER ROMERO WILL ALWAYS BE THE JOKER ! IF YOU DONT AGREE YOUR DEAD WRONG ! ALSO, MY CAR WONT START, CAN ANYONE GIVE ME A RIDE ?
JackBuck44 1 year ago
@JackBuck44 OKAY, I WILL! WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO?
HalfBlindSkull 1 year ago
@HalfBlindSkull Lets go see True Grit
JackBuck44 1 year ago
Batman Mask of phantasm one of the best Batman films ever made. Ranking up with The Dark Knight and Batman(1989). But I think Hamill is the best joker. Unlike Jack or Heath who just killed people but this Joker gave thim this ugly permenant grin whi i always thought was worse than death. Anpther great Batman film is Batman Beyond Return of the Joker which i thought shoud've got a theatrical release because that one is a excellent batman animated film and the only one to get a pg 13 rating
thedarknight307 1 year ago
i think that this voice fits the joker perfectly. i cant really think of the joker without this voice.
Dullfang2 1 year ago
LOL how can he not like Joker's voice!? Mark Hamill has the most psychotic joker voice ever! No other voice even comes close IMO.
xMoJox 1 year ago 3
This is without a doubt the best batman movie ever made. I disagree with with Gene on the Joker Mark Hamill is the best ever. I would say this is tied if not above the original Tim Burton batman film. I think anyone who calls themselves a fan of batman needs to give this a good look.
GeoWing2 1 year ago
i like how slick looking the joker is in "the Phantasm", the series and in Batman Beyond.. he has style and humor, but most importantly he has an initiative, hes soo smart and clever... but nowadays in the cartoons and the movie hes ragady and crazy looking and they make him out to be some random psycho killer who jokes are more sinister than funny... hes beyond that, hes and cool and ACTUALLY stands up straight on here...
SOVEREIGNNME 1 year ago
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aderesaddy 1 year ago
it's sad that gene never got to see any of chris nolan's batman movies.
nativewizard 1 year ago 7
OMFG this is the movie i saw over and over as a kid and i couldnt remember what it was
GeneralFantastic 1 year ago 3
This Batman The Animated Series is the best batman there is. The movie wasn't as great as some of the episodes for the series but still a good one. One of the greatest batman experinces is also the Arkham Asylum game that has the cast from this animated series for voice talent and it also was one of the best games when it came in 09. In my book the best. Suited for everyone who likes a really solid game. Note that i read comic books last time when i was a child, still both products rock.
Kekkon3n 1 year ago 3
To love this movie, but not love Mark Hammil's voice? And I thought only the clown prince could have such a sick sense of humor.
FellaDudeMan 1 year ago
ceaser romero
jack nicholson
mark hamil and
heath ledger are the best jokers
TheLolers12 1 year ago
"Adults are realizing that animation is not limited as entertainment for children" heh, and then there was Pixar :P
MarkArandjus 1 year ago 75
@MarkArandjus and it seems many adults still don't...or at least hollywood and many film studios do
Rion032 6 months ago
As far as the Joker's voice goes, to each his own. There are plenty of fans/haters of the voice Bale uses as Batman; I'm just glad the characters have remained in the mainstream so that we get so many different interpretations to pick and choose from.
oobleck999 1 year ago
HE DIDN'T LIKE MARK HAMMIL'S JOKER!!!!! HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE!!!!!!!!
Revieweverything100 1 year ago 8
@Revieweverything100 He didn't grow up with it. with the manner he was exposesd to it it's not suprising if he was expecting a completely different style. Joker is sort of the most cartoony and over-the-top characters in this show and if you're expecting something else i imagine he does not come off well at all and you miss the great parts of the performance.
NoTrueFace1 1 year ago 2
@NoTrueFace1 Very true
Revieweverything100 1 year ago
I'm suprised he didnt talk about Phantasm more. I mean, we all like Joker already but Phantasm, well crap mo stank ,thats where its all at man ! xd
MattSnacks 1 year ago
Watch out Batman. I'm you're Biggest Fan. LOL
morath11 1 year ago
How funny! I enjoyed the movie as a kid as well.
mcg413 1 year ago
Ebert was right. In fact, I daresay that animated television is now a more adolescent/adult mode of entertainment. While adults watch shows like Family Guy, South Park or whatever anime show they may be into, kids today are stuck with Hannah Montana, Raven, Wizards of Waverly Place, and apparently, even World Wrestling Entertainment has gone from "Attitude TV" to being kid-friendly.
Sanguiluna 1 year ago 4
Siskel ought've been thrown in Arkham Asylum for hating Mark Hamill's Joker. >:-(
mrchuckmorris 1 year ago 7
OMG amazing joker voice
RustyTrombone 1 year ago 2
What little I heard of Hamill's Joker here actually didn't really appeal to me but he's amazing in the Arkham Asylum for sure.
Jornev 1 year ago
I'm surprised they didn't like Hamill's Joker, I think he did great work with the role. I'm pleasantly surprised they reviewed this movie. I think it was a high quality movie that was one of DC's best until we got Batman: Under the Red Hood. It's too bad this couple isn't around to look at that movie, which is a true classic.
TaiwanAmilam 1 year ago
Jesus Freaking Christ they hit right on the spot w/ that movie. It's a goddamned pity all of this flavor wasn't incorprated into the god-awful, fan-service driven, ridiculous DCAU shows.
I'll watch this movie again, but l'll never watch Superman: TAS nor JL/JL-FUCKING-U AGAIN! SHIT!
-R78
Rodimus78 1 year ago
Jesus, calm down folks. Okay, he didn't like the Joker but he LOVED the movie. Be happy.
fireflyfan1 1 year ago
I wonder if siskel and ebert ever reviewed "Alive"?.
DimeraFan28 1 year ago
I can see how he didn't like Hamil's Joker. You needed to watch the animated series to get it. The Joker had a very insane, yet playful personality, which Hamil made it fit perfectly.
takerdust 1 year ago
That shocked me. Siskel disliking Hamilll's Joker.
Retrofan 1 year ago
While I respect Siskel, I gotta say this is the first time I have EVER heard someone not liking Hamill's Joker.
wearethearchers 1 year ago
laserdisc hahahaha awesome!
shitIMGOINGPOSTAL 1 year ago
Its GENE SISKEL. Who care if he doesn't like Hamill's Joker, the man was probably the greatest critic ever. You don't have to agree with his opinion, because its just that, his opinion.
No movie critics will ever match the team the was Siskel & Ebert
nonamebrand0 1 year ago
Mark Hamill is the greatest Joker ever and this is the greatest Batman film ever(animated or otherwise), and it's also the truest to the comics. The Dark Knight and Return Of The Joker are also masterpieces and all three are far better than any other superhero films ever made. The stupid, uneducated, Batman 89', Returns, Forever, and Batman And Robin fans should watch this film and see how Batman movies truly are when everything is done right.
LiquidSolidRaiden 1 year ago
Comment removed
WildSeven0079 1 year ago
@LiquidSolidRaiden Without batman 89 you have no animated series. The creaters have said this themselves. Batman 89 was a very good film despite its numerous flaws. I agree with you on the other films you mentioned but batman 89 was done very well.
IronManOfficialguy 1 year ago
saying that he doesnt like mark hamills joker really pains me...
gold7250 1 year ago 233
@gold7250 was about to write a comment about his hating Hamills voice but your comment is bang on! Admittedly he does say they missed it when it was released and probably never watched the series - so coming from Nicholsons performance it probably was different - whereas we can't imagine Hamil not being the joker as were used to it!!
TheDevinus 1 year ago
@gold7250 For Christ's sake your a grown man, deal with it !
JackBuck44 1 year ago
@gold7250 He IS The Joker. Whenever I read a Batman comic, I imagine The Joker sounding like Mark Hamill's Joker.
SecretidentityLeon 9 months ago 4
@gold7250 Indeed.
I personally love Mark Hamill as an actor MORE for his voice as the joker than as Luke.
In fact, Heath Ledger aside, he is the best joker by far, and I'm very saddened to hear that after nearly 20 great years he will finally step down from the role and retire. His last work will be on Batman: Arkham City, so at least he will go out with a bang! :'-D
dobadobadooo 6 months ago
@gold7250 that fat ass has no idea what he is talking about.
LordValor001 5 months ago
@gold7250 Because, quite honestly, Mark is the best joker so far. I loved Nicholson, but still just second place for me.
hornetpalooza 5 months ago
What an idiot!! he didnt like mark hamill's Joker voice?!?!? how could anyone not like it!?!? its funny its dark, comic, evil, pyschotic, its a little of everything dude what the hell...
NvousOfNO1 1 year ago 2
Doesn't... like... Jokers... voice? Blasphemy!
NirvanaPhoenix 1 year ago 4
@NirvanaPhoenix I was about to say the exact same thing.
fergmaster 1 year ago
I like this animated Batman movie more than the 1989 Tim Burton movie
41181131815239 1 year ago
i still have this on vhs. i love hamill as the joker he was my heroe and kevin conroy was awesome as batman.
danielssss 1 year ago
Yeah, I gotta agree with Nickreaper 110%. All due respect to all the other actors, but Mark Hamill IS The Joker the same way that Kevin Conroy IS The Batman.
setzer3333 1 year ago
The thing he said about the joker is kinda nutty.
kfizz 1 year ago
While I'm pleased that Siskel and Ebert loved this movie, I really have to object to their comments on the Joker's voice. Mark Hamil was PERFECT as the Joker.
RazorRaven619 1 year ago 6
I friggin love this version of the Joker and his voice, absolute CLASSIC
EctoFilms 1 year ago
personally i like this better than any of the live-action movies
mommyimadeapoopy 1 year ago 2
@mommyimadeapoopy Me too!
MaxRebo120 1 year ago
this movie is fine and all...but oh my god im getting sick of people thinking this thing is SO much better than it really is. its good. but seriously people... gah.. ah never mind...
robnor101 1 year ago
Did he just say he didn't like the joker's voice? Those words is it possble to use em in a sentence like that?!
thebattard08 1 year ago 2
he doesn`t like the jokers voice!
burlin0 1 year ago
He doesn't like Mark Hamill's voice as the Joker! WTF! Hamill is brilliant as The Joker. It maybe the greatest performance he's ever given. I hate when someone else does the voice in the cartoons.
tripwilliams2 1 year ago 3
I can't believe he didn't like Hamill's Joker
kentatm 1 year ago 3
It's a shame that the only thing Siskel didn't like about the movie was Hamill's Joker. To me that's one the best and most interesting aspects of "Mask of the Phantom."
danning1 1 year ago
For an animated film, this was pretty good.: :) .