Posted in: Comics, Recent Updates | Tagged: animation, Batman, batman 66, charities, christopher nolan, Comics, Comics4Causes, entertainment, Nostalgia and Comics, The Brave and the Bold, the dark knight

Things To Do In Birmingham This Weekend If You Like Batman

Published Thu, 21 Aug 2014 08:00:00 -0500

by Hannah Means Shannon

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By Olly MacNamee

Bringing the summer long celebration of Batman's Birthday here in Birmingham to a close local, well loved indie cinema Electric Cinema has teamed up with the good people behind Comics4Causes to present a Bank Holiday weekend film schedule that is all about The Bat. Well, mostly. Only recent cinematic releases as well as the return of a certain Doctor to BBC and to UK cinemas on Saturday night can break the Dark Knight's stride, but I don't think too many people will be complaining, do you? Indeed, if anything it seems to be a clever bit of scheduling if you ask me.

This may not be the first time you've heard of Comics4Causes. They are a comic fan collective that first came together to coordinate and celebrate the Dark Knight's 75^th anniversary at Nostalgia and Comics with their inaugural event on June 23^rd; Batman Day. Continuing in that vein, these guys have coordinated a great line-up over this three day movie marathon, kicking off on Friday with the screening of Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, the much loved animated movie that encapsulates everything that was great about the 90's animated TV series.

Needless to say, some of the profits raised throughout the weekend will be put to good use, supporting the good work of Birmingham's Children's Hospital. I already have my eye on the 'classic' 1966 Batman film simply because my daughter has never seen it and it's a fun film too. She's a bit too young for Nolan's take at the moment, so this will have to do. After all, she loved The Brave and The Bold cartoon (who didn't?) so this will be a great substitute for that much lamented series. Besides, I can't think of a more fun thing to do on a Saturday afternoon. The full schedule can be found here and looking down the list, whether it's the campy caped crusades of the 60's, the animated antics of Bruce Timm's 90's Batman or even Nicholson's hammy Joker from Tim Burton's 1989 movie, there is a Batman for all seasons, so to speak. Hell, they even find time to screen the much-loathed Batman and Robin, but even then it is with their tongue firmly in their collective cheeks, presenting it on Friday night as part of their Trash Cinema season. Luckily, The Electric Cinema allows you to drink so by the time Batman and Robin is screened, with any luck, the audience will be zap, bang, wallowed enough to enjoy it more. Bat-nipples anyone?

Within this sprawling schedule there are a few hidden gems included if you look closely. Introducing the Saturday showing is 'The Batman Professor' Dr Will Brooker a bit of an expert on Batman in the 21^st century as his recent book, Hunting The Dark Knight, will make all too clear to anyone wishing to look into a more academic approach to Batman and his many different and fascinating incarnations in this new century of ours.

That's not all either. Along with Batman themed refreshments throughout the weekend, at some point during the weekend's festivities, I have been reliably informed, the unsuspecting audience will be held to ransom by well-intentioned cosplay criminals. When this will happen, I do not know, but you have been warned.

Overall, a well-balanced and well-intentioned short film festival held in one of Britain's oldest and finest cinemas. And, if the British weather behaves as it usually does over Bank Holiday weekends, I can't think of a better place to be than under covers.

Olly MacNamee teaches English and Media, for his sins, in a school somewhere in Birmingham. Some days, even he doesn't know where it is. Follow him on twitter @ollymacnamee or read about his exploits at olly.macnamee@blogspot.co.uk. Or don't.

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