Batman was criticized in some quarters for being "too dark". Many critics also felt Burton was more interested in the Joker rather than Batman in terms of characterization and screentime. Comic book fans reacted negatively over the Joker murdering Thomas and Martha Wayne. In the comic books, Joe Chill is responsible. The songs written by Prince were criticized for being "too out of place". While Burton has stated he had no problem with the Prince songs, he was less enthusiastic with their use in the film. On the final cut of Batman, Burton remarked "there's parts I liked, but it was a little boring at times".
Kim Newman of Monthly Film Bulletin believed, "Burton and screenwriters see Batman and the Joker as dramatic antitheses, and the film deals with their intertwined origins and fates to an even greater extent than any of the comic-strip stories that have played variations on their oft-told tales."
James Berardinelli felt "there are a lot of things wrong with Batman, but it still makes for decent entertainment in the fine tradition of the typical low-intelligence summer movie. The best thing that can be said about Batman is that it led to Batman Returns, which was a far superior effort."
Hal Hinson of the The Washington Post was enthusiastic over Burton's direction of the film, stating "There haven't been many movies like this. In some ways, it's a masterpiece of pulp, the work of a true artist."
Variety felt "Jack Nicholson stole every scene" but still greeted Batman with positive feedback.
Roger Ebert was highly impressed with the production design, but claimed "Batman is a triumph of design over story, style over substance, a great-looking movie with a plot you can't care much about." His reviewing partner, Gene Siskel, however, praised the film, in particular the performances, direction and art design, and how these elements combined 'draw you into a psychological world'.
Jonathan Rosenbaum of the Chicago Reader called the film "watchable enough".
