This Film has dissapointed me and angered me in ways that few movies have, the first third of the film is one of the most horribly written films i have ever seen, and the other two thirds are almost a carbon copy of the comic its based on. This film is not worth watching. This film hurts me more than any other Batman film. The way they have written Barbara Gordon is so disrespectful, and this prologue has absolutely no impact on the story itself. Don't waste your time, watch Under The Red Hood instead.

The long-awaited animated adaptation of Alan Moore's acclaimed graphic novel broke new ground in a few exciting new ways, not the least of which being that it was to be the first ever Batman theatrical release to hold an 'R' rating. All the signs pointed towards 'The Killing Joke (2016)' doing its seemingly 'sacred' source material some sort of justice. Sadly, though, the film fails to deliver on its implied promise despite solid performances from the definitive Dark Knight, Kevin Conroy, and the conclusive Clown Prince of Crime, Mark Hamill, as well as its interestingly dark story done more or less beat-for-beat as the original, except from its unnecessary and generic 28-minute prelude. It's this odd addition which ruins the piece's pacing, provides a few uncomfortable moments and paves the way for an ultimately dull first half right from the poorly-drawn first frame (animation issues persist throughout the generally rough-looking picture). When it does the comic-book verbatim, it pretty much works, but when it doesn't, it's almost like a bad joke. 5/10

I first decided to start the film from after the half hour mark (which is where the comic starts), simply because I was essentially only interested in seeing what I'd already read be brought to life through animation, voice-work and music. Other than effective moments from the comic being rendered ineffective through the art being at times disappointingly lacklustre and the dialogue being paced in a way that didn't sit comfortably with me, I still would have given the experience a good 7... but then I went back and watched the first half hour, bringing that 7 right down to an average 5.The first half hour did not help the story at all, rather, it ruined it; particularly through, as an attempt at "fleshing out interest and empowerment", sexualising the one character who was *not supposed to be sexualised*, especially not in *this* story. I'd still watch the film again if I ever wanted a recap of the story, but I will *always* skip the first half hour.

great movie...don't believe any of the negative reviews on here...all the one's crying about this movie don't have any idea what a good movie is. This movie has all you could ask for, a great story line, great animation and a Batman that we all know and love and once again to the one's crying go and find something to complain about.