The Monster's Den: Ranking the Batman Films

[@reidzorrr]

Don’t ever question how passionate Chris is about Batman.

[@chrisalo2989]

thanks for the compliment!

[@fattymcfatso1083]

@@chrisalo2989 you are the man, man 😀

[@chrisalo2989]

@@fattymcfatso1083 thanks buddy!

[@fattymcfatso1083]

@@chrisalo2989 😉👍

[@johnmichaelwilliams6694]

What a great episode. Happy birthday, Craig. Welcome back, Rich. And holy cape and cowl - Batman, too. Everyone's love for the character came through so clearly and though have not seen all the films, most have been viewed. Tons of laughs, plenty of rants, lots of fun. This is why The Monster's Den is a must-watch series. Thanks, guys, for all the time spent in making this episode. Definitely one for the record books!

[@guillermomaldonado6277]

😂😂 hats off to Mr Lazlo! I thought the Kong hand was the best he could possibly come up with, but incredibly, he outdid himself. Happy BD to Craig and thanks for the show, guys! 🍺🍺

[@johansoderberg6546]

Epic show. Highlights: Laszlo's campy impersonation, Rich Catino's confused professor mind-slips and a Chris Alo on fire. 💥

[@mdlatham]

Jamie Lazlo is now my Batman. When he pulled the paper from the printer I nearly lost it

[@SardonicWrath]

Laszlo is such a gift. What a legend!

[@franciskocher200]

😄👍

[@alexsuperpower1]

Yes thank you, Pete! I am so happy you ranked Batman. Your channel is the best on youtube. And a happy birthday to Mr Craig

[@craigkaminski]

Thanks ! 😁

[@TsukiumisGuy]

Rich is like "that was my #7, #6 is ( a pregnant pause,) and then Craig loses it! Followed by "Batman" saying "I thought that was all three!" I had to re-watch this part several times cause I was laughing so hard that I couldn't catch every thing that was being said. Chris is like "I told you this was going to be 3 hours long! The Monsters Den is about the best channel on youtube!

[@toneman8478]

Hey great episode guys!! In 1989 Batman from what I remember was an epically huge deal at the time. Had the soundtrack as a kid and nobody beats Nicholson as the Joker..

[@kayfimt7769]

Jamie’s Adam West tribute is amazing.

[@franciskocher200]

👍😄

[@derekorford1964]

This is Jamie's 'Hamlet'. SO funny with the repellents. The nose needs a little trimming, the shoulders are nearly there - but the underwear over the grey tights is the big seller. I love Jamie even more now for adding a good 50% in content here. What a sport, and all the others on their game too with Batman. Rich is right - this panel would flesh out a really cool Batman premise. The love is there, and the knowledge and contextual observations are top notch. Jamie, hope you got some 'Ladies Repellent' after this shindig, dude. They're a sucker for a man in a uniform - especially 'briefs out'. great episode! great fun!

[@garyjoyce2160]

“ You thought that Ben AFFLECK was old”, holy shit wait till this episode ends “!!! Lol 👍💯

[@zer0ed779]

Happy Birthday, Craig and you have indeed been a wonderful addition to the team. I enjoyed your picks for most disturbing films of all time. The playful ball busting it brought to that episode was hilarious, but did not invalidate your picks.

[@craigkaminski]

Thanks very much! Always a fun time with the SoT crew 👍

[@tomfisher2103]

Great episode guys! All along I suspected Jamie was Batman's secret identity 😁

[@MofosOfMetal]

We need to start a petition to make Chris the creative consultant for the next Batman movie!

[@chrisalo2989]

I work cheap!! :)

[@MofosOfMetal]

@@chrisalo2989 If they can afford to blow millions on terrible CGI to get rid of a moustache on Superman they can afford you!

[@trevdowson5810]

Having now watched this episode, HAPPY BIRTHDAY CRAIG! I really enjoyed this more then I thought I would, (1966 movie IS the best) thank you all so much for appearing in The Monster's Den, love you all equally and as Craig said, I could feel the love between you all in the friendly banter. I realise there is much effort that goes into each show and I very much appreciate what you all do (Jamie). Wonderful stuff.

[@craigkaminski]

Thank you ! 😀

[@trevdowson5810]

@@craigkaminski You're welcome Craig, I enjoy your input in the Monster's Den and hope you, Pete and Chris enjoy (and report on) another 24 hour movie-marathon in the near future, thank you again.

[@craigkaminski]

@@trevdowson5810 Thanks and yep we’re doing a recap on this year’s Horrorthon, assuming we survive! 😃

[@WarhawkBeyond2040]

This was so much fun to watch and it's crazy to think that there's been ten Batman movies, I can't think of any other superhero in history who's had more movies except maybe Spider-Man than Batman, he is a true pop culture legend. Thank you so much for doing this, here is my ranking 1. Batman Returns 2. Batman Begins 3. The Dark Knight 4. Batman 89 5. The Batman 6. Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice 7. Batman The Movie (1966) 8. The Dark Knight Rises 9. Batman Forever 10. Batman & Robin Side note: anytime you have Chris Alo in the house, you know its going to be a hell of a show and he's not going to hold back on anything he says

[@trevdowson5810]

I will always prefer the TV series but always great to hear you lads talk about your ideas on these films in the Monster's Den. many thanks, these shows are NEVER too long for me.

[@fmgacdc]

I could take 1 more hour of this discussion easily. Great episode!

[@dustyjoe71]

“Before I discovered rock and roll it was f****ing Batman”. - Chris.

[@donnybrookdetritus]

I gotta respect the commitment Jamie! Great show as always

[@ydzhugdanov]

God bless Jamie Laszlo 😂

[@joshdance9959]

I really enjoyed this guys, thanks. I'm going to have to check out a couple of these films once again. Maybe you could do a show on the Silence of the Lambs trilogy, it would be interesting to hear your thoughts.

[@harizonflamingice3167]

I remember one night after doing a test or midterms or something like that, I decided to treat myself and rewatch the 1989 Batman, and I had forgotten Prince was involved with the soundtrack. Then woke up the next day and found out that Prince had just died.

[@thewhoboy]

I remember when I saw Batman V Superman in theaters on opening weekend, there was this one guy in the audience before the movie started that yelled out, "THIS IS GOING TO BE FUCKING AWESOME!!!!" And when the movie ended he silently got up and left the auditorium lol

[@alciovillalobos]

Fantastic show as always and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CRAIG!! :) Can't think of a better present than Jamie joining as Batman! :D

[@craigkaminski]

Thank you so much ! 😀

[@guillermomaldonado6277]

I guess the big question about Batman Returns is "how the heck did the penguins got baby Cobblepot out of hs crib??" Guys, at almost two hours this was waaay too short, could have watched you talking Batman the whole day. Again, thanks!

[@ryanc970]

22:56 he should've got some Bat Credit Card Repellent Bat Spray lol

[@larrysmith5249]

All 2 hours of this episode was very entertaining and I’m not even a Batman fan. Great show!

[@franciskocher200]

Happy birthday Craig👍🥳🥳 Chris is a legend👍

[@MartyMurray]

That was a very entertaining show, gents, but a bit on the long side, like too many of the movies! I'm a huge Batman fan, and always have been. For me my top four would be all three Christopher Nolan films, and I really like the Michael Keaton one as well. I have the latest one sitting in my pile of movies to watch on my coffee table. I haven't gotten around to that one yet. I saw the 60's Batman film in theatres when I was a kid. I barely remember it now, but maybe I should see if I can find that one. I have all the serials on a two disc DVD set, and as Pete said, they are quite good. And thanks Jamie for mentioning Nicholson in "About Schmidt." That is a favourite movie of mine, and he does give a very funny and different type of performance in it. The hot tub scene with Kathy Bates is worth the price of admission alone! A very overlooked film.

[@rautoban]

Jamie Laszlo you are the best Respect From Buenos Aires, Argentina

[@robertharvey2604]

I still haven't seen the recent one so can't include it. So can only rank 9. 1. Batman 89 2. The Dark Knight 3. Batman Begins 4. Batman Returns 5. Batman 66 6. The Dark Knight Rises 7. Batman VS Superman 8. Batman Forever 9. Batman and Robin

[@angelomicciche3044]

10- Batman & Robin. Stinkbomb. Left after 30 mins. Clooney was good on paper: but as we say “football is not played on paper.” 9- Batman v Superman The rest are worth watching, to varying degrees. 8-Batman Returns 7-Batman Forever 6-The Batman Movie (1966). Holy nostalgia! See the bomb disposal scene recreated in Wallace & Gromit A Matter of Loaf and Death. Anti-shark spray.😂 5-Batman Begins. At last, a creditable Jim Gordon. 4- Batman (1989). Jack Nicholson rocks! 3-The Dark Knight Rises. The sheer menace of Tom Hardy as Bane. 2-The Dark Knight. 1-The Batman. Even with an emo Bruce Wayne, one of the best action movies I have seen in a cinema. Colin Farrell as Penguin cleverly channels De Niro as Capone in The Untouchables, without the menace.

[@brettengland192]

I thought "The Batman" from 2022 was by far the best of the bunch.

[@fattymcfatso1083]

Alo, I admire your passion - you are THE KING

[@philipalbanese]

Great show as always guys :) So far I agree with Pete’s bottom 3 picks, but I really liked “Dark Knight Rises”, don’t really understand the all the harsh criticism. I think Hardy was a great villain, and as far as the ending - I always thought it was ambiguous, sort of like the ending of Nolan’s great “Inception”

[@Danimal77]

See all you guys next Saturday at The Chance! And happy birthday Craig!

[@craigkaminski]

Thank you! 👍

[@tomfisher2103]

I agree with what was said about bringing in different villains in the Batman movies, and what made them who they are. King Tut, Lord Fog and Lady Pea Soup, The Mad Hatter, Egghead.

[@inmyhouse11]

It was great to see Rich back providing his usual Catino entertainment

[@MetalAsylumNJ]

Thanks.

[@charliecervas5504]

I want to think Alo for calling Batman the Terry funk of crime fighting. Texas loves you baby!

[@chrisalo2989]

Hahahah, thanks Charlie! Long live the Funker!

[@reidzorrr]

Great team this week, always look forward to these.

[@jockmctodger]

This is a real treat, thank you all

[@agitation-free]

happy birthday Craig !!! 🎂 🥳

[@craigkaminski]

Thank you very much ! 😊

[@TheMaryXIncident]

Does anyone know how old Christopher Alo is?

[@chrisalo2989]

WAY too old!

[@TheMaryXIncident]

@@chrisalo2989You’re a living legend! You should have your own channel!

[@chrisalo2989]

@@TheMaryXIncident You are too kind, thanks!

[@SteveHughesOfficial]

The greatest King Alo rants on SOT ever. What da fuck - 😂😂😂 I don’t know these films very well, so I didn’t know what was what…..I’ve seen a couple….and seems as though I’ve at least seen the alright ones…..I watched the trailer with Jim Carrey in it and I couldn’t make it through the trailer…..I just know his dumb face would piss me off…….what da fuck…..great show gentlemen.

[@archibaldsalyards926]

Way to go Pete!! Sticking to your guns. Hesth was worried about being compared to Jacks 89' performance. I think he knocked it out of the park!! The disappearing pencil trick scene is a stand alone !!! Thank you all!!!

[@bluejayfan5584]

I thought Michael Keaton's Batman was going to be like the tv series. I never imagined there was a serious side to the character. But then I liked the Roger Moore Bonds over all others. I'll give my number one to the original camp. Just the original joker alone gives the movie a push.

[@hammerheadly]

This was hilarious! Who knew Batman could be so funny?

[@davidpawlowski7371]

Best episode on the whole channel. Craig losing his shit during Rich going made me lose it. I can watch Alo go ape on all these movies over and over, and best bat costume. So entertaining. Happy bday Craig!

[@craigkaminski]

Thanks so much ! I cracked up SO bad during Rich’s JL turn 😂

[@davidpawlowski7371]

@@craigkaminski it was gold. Also love seeing a good ‘ski’ to the other names that end in vowels ;) you rule dude.

[@MetalAsylumNJ]

@@craigkaminski lol. I love my occasional derail off the tracks, but its still related to topic.

[@craigkaminski]

@@MetalAsylumNJ it was great, Rich ! 😃

[@MarkAS56]

Manbat dropped in the mood and atmosphere of Reeves' Batman could be an amazing Batman horror film.

[@frederickhoward8407]

Danny Elfman's score elevates Batman to being way better than it actually is, like Dave Grohl's drumming on Smells like Tteen Spirit

[@ficheetah3700]

Rips off various 40s horror & noir scores but imitation is the best form of flattery I suppose....

[@frederickhoward8407]

Sure. John Williams was guilty of borrowing passages as well...

[@jordanmaiden0073]

I agree with you on The Dark Knight Rises, Pete. It’s only gotten better for me with age and rewatches too. It is extremely ambitious and has issues but overall it sticks the landing for me in being a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. I don’t think you have to read the end of that movie as if he is entirely done with Batman either. At that point he succeeded in established Batman as a symbol and is leaving a legacy for Robin to carry on. I think if he was needed again he would return. At least that’s how I see it. Now I don’t think the way they did and set up Robin was perfect. And as you guys said Bane was miscasted and misused. I liked that he was intelligent but he needed to be way more physically imposing. Overall though a pretty underrated movie if you ask me.

[@leethomas2155]

27:21.... W.........T.........F?????!!!! 😲😢

[@Slogan8703]

Batman Returns is my favourite movie of all time, but still love ya Chris Alo lol

[@garyjoyce2160]

Happy/ HEALTHY 5️⃣0️⃣ th. Tremendous show as usual. As a kid / born in 1962 I watched the original series in 1966 religiously with Adam West and Burt ward. And actually in like first and second grade , one year I was Batman for Halloween 🎃, followed by Robin. I’ve seen 8 out of these 10. Need to catch up “ and complete the list. Thx gang SOT 👍💯

[@garyjoyce2160]

Sorry. Happy/ HEALTHY 5️⃣0️⃣th. CRAIG!!👍💯

[@garyjoyce2160]

And by the way, I’m rewatching this now, Chris ALO/ your summaries and wordings , are absolutely LEGENDARY. You crack me up /. LMAO. Love it. Never change 👍💯

[@craigkaminski]

Thanks Gary ! 😄

[@garyjoyce2160]

@@craigkaminski 👍💯

[@chrisalo2989]

@@garyjoyce2160 thanks buddy!

[@rtm8090]

Fyi, Jamie didn't spray shark repellent on Batman 66, he sprayed shark repellent repellent. 2) contains first Alo super-oof.

[@jrgenclevin4185]

Even though this wasn't a horror episode it was a lot of fun. You can easilly do this again another time. And Craig, who won the competition, Jim Carrey or Tommy Lee Jones?😁 Happy birthday, boiiiii

[@craigkaminski]

Thank you ! 😀I’d say TLJ was more annoying since it seemed so out of character for him to be acting like that.

[@MajorStark7064]

That was a wonderful episode….. I needed those laughs

[@gabrielpitz1689]

Happy Birthday Craig!!...Cheers!! Jamie killin it with props!!..Opps I mean Batman. I really like the new Batman, just like Pete I didn't mind the length because it kept my interest. I thought the reveal of the batmobile was so cool!!!. I also really like Batman v Superman!! Although I agree that Jesse Eisenberg was completely miscast as Lex Luther & Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, just Beautiful!! The Dark Knight is one of my faves. Heath Ledger as the Joker, every scene he was in was just mesmerizing to watch!! He deserved the Oscar for sure!! Chris..for crying out loud!!!!..man you're tough to please!!! lol.

[@chrisalo2989]

Sorry my man! If we are talking about making a movie about the greatest fictional character ever created, Batman, I demand excellence. :)

[@gabrielpitz1689]

@@chrisalo2989 Yeah I totally understand. Being a hardcore fan I can see why you demand the best!! I'm like that with certain franchises as well. Awesome collectables by the way!! Cheers!!

[@chrisalo2989]

@@gabrielpitz1689 thanks so much!! I have TONS more. Maybe I'll do a whole Batman collection video one day.

[@gabrielpitz1689]

@@chrisalo2989 That would be so cool!! Would be awesome see!!

[@danielthenorwegianguy]

There’s one Batman movie missing here: Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm 🦇

[@JerpPin]

Super cool episode

[@luciusblackwood2640]

Fantastic show!

[@canonlon311]

Great episode! Can you guys do Ranking of Batman animated films/shows?

[@spaceace4387]

The Dark Knight Rises does not have any issues, it is as close to a perfect film as it can get.

[@addrokgarvey4308]

50?!?! Craig happy birthday. I would have guessed you was 35-36.

[@craigkaminski]

Thank you ! You are too kind 😀

[@francismango5671]

why is the image playback low res?

[@enjois5464]

now we are talking, the greatest superhero, great show

[@BlackMoore82]

I had this conversation briefly with Alo last year, I'm not a fan of ANY of the live Batman movies. The only one I enjoy is an animated film, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993).

[@chrisalo2989]

That WOULD have been my #1 pick, actually. But this was limited to just live action.

[@Hvymetal4life1]

I do quite enjoy the 40’s Batman serials and I own them on DVD.

[@IsraelBenitez-ev7mj]

89 Batman is the best film still for 1 reason...in Batman 89, BATMAN is the coolest character in the movie, how he looks how he moves how he kicks ass, he's stealthy and every moment you SEE HIM is AWESOME

[@hipoint4599]

Now what does the real Batman think? Because that looks like Alfred standing in for Batman 😜

[@jockmctodger]

He needs to work on that pigeon chest😂

[@angelomicciche3044]

😂All the Alfred’s on TV and movies were great. I thought Jeremy Irons got the sarcastic tone of the comics’ butler. Sean Pertwee as a proto Batman (along with young Jim Gordon) was also great. I suppose after Mr Caine, most Alfred’s will now be Cockney geezers. Apparently, the more genteel Alan Napier and Michael Gough were pals. For me, Alfred Pennyworth is right up there with PG Wodehouse’ Jeeves.

[@jakobjackson1919]

Great video!

[@lorenzo82404]

Great show as always Pete, my ranking of the batman movies is as follow: (1) THE DARK KNIGHT (2008) (2) THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2012), (3) BATMAN BEGINS (2005), (4) BATMAN (1989), (5) BATMAN RETURNS (1992), (6) BATMAN (1966), (7) THE BATMAN (2022), (8) BATMAN VS SUPERMAN (2016), (9) BATMAN FOREVER (1995), (10) BATMAN & ROBIN (1997). A SIDE NOTE: RAS-EL-GHUL IS ARABIC, IT STANDS LITERALLY FOR (HEAD OF THE GHOUL), RAS MEANS: HEAD, EL MEANS: FROM OR OF THE... AND GHUL MEANS: GHOUL = HIDEOUS MOSTER, HORRIFIC FIGURE, GLUTTONOUS INDIVIDUAL, BLOOD THIRSTY KILLER, RUTHLESS/MERCILESS VILLIAN.

[@Nac017]

Please rank the Star Wars movies , I’m dying to hear Chris’ opinions on them!

[@chrisalo2989]

Oof! I just said above, if you really want to see me lose my shit, get me talking about the Star Wars series!

[@zer0ed779]

Love the respect Batman Begins receives here. It has always been my favorite of the Nolan Trilogy, and maybe favorite "hero" film of all time. Took a while for the dust to settle, but BB gets it.

[@paulcampbell1596]

thx Pete always entertaining!

[@sadboi7537]

Batman 89’ is always #1. It’s one of the greatest comic book adaptations ever. Gotham is perfectly portrayed.

[@angelomicciche3044]

The guy who designed it, Anton Furst, was a genius. The batmobile taking Vicki Vale through the forest reminded me of Anton First’s design of The Company of Wolves. Add to that Danny Elfman’s music. Ok, a lot of the filming was studio-bound, but the result was like reading a comic 🦇

[@dennismeans7350]

Loved this show. Killer. Dark night also my favourite

[@4kfellowship]

Not only is Michael Keaton's Batman a murderer, but when Catwoman kicks his ass, he throws acid on her!

[@carlosnunez1411]

BATMAN = Tim Burton + Michael Keaton + Danny Elfman DEEP PURPLE = Blackmore + Gillan + Lord + Glover + Paice That is The Logic!! Cheers from Paraguay, Pete!!

[@alvaroacitores4191]

A Star Wars rank would be awesome! Great video!

[@chrisalo2989]

Oh boy, if you REALLY want to see me lose my shit, get me talking about some of those Star Wars movies....

[@craigkaminski]

@@chrisalo2989 yeah that goes for me too !!

[@alvaroacitores4191]

@@chrisalo2989 I fucking hate some of the Star Wars movies, I think some of them are a crime against humanity and I love Star Wars so yeah, would be an absolute pleasure see you losing your shit about them.

[@fattymcfatso1083]

@@chrisalo2989 dew it guys . . the franchise needs a classic TAKE DOWN

[@JohannesYtterstrom]

Congratulations Craig Kaminski!

[@craigkaminski]

Thank you so much ! 😃

[@mintyfresh4987]

It's nice to see Rich, as well as a great homage to Adam West. Batman '66 rules!

[@MetalAsylumNJ]

Thank you. Nice to be back for the episode

[@hexus9198]

Happy birthday, man 🍻

[@marcoesquandolez4737]

Awesome! Very cool ranking

[@rogertemple7193]

What I don't like about the Batman characters in the live action films was there was changes from the comic books and like with comics these days there was reboots and that is what don't like and nowadays they change characters left and right to where they aren't recognizable and just don't like it.

[@jarneymatt2646]

My favorite is movie is The Dark Knight, however the best version is the 1990's animated series

[@aliens_exist_23]

This was great.

[@kowalsolosolo]

THE MASK OF PHANTASM-the best Batman movie ever made.

[@chrisalo2989]

Was my pick too, but we were only doing live action films.

[@metalmat3651]

I’m kind of surprised Chris went with 66 Batman as his favorite.

[@chrisalo2989]

It was close. Batman Begins is REALLY strong! But for pure "fun", I went with 1966.

[@fattymcfatso1083]

@@chrisalo2989 yeah brotha

[@ryanbates9668]

I f*cking love Alo

[@fattymcfatso1083]

Great video, Guys. Glad things moved along w/out too many digressions. 😀 A few points: 1. The Mt. Rushmore of Batman villains will always be Joker, Penguin, Catwoman, and Riddler. Joker is the arch-villain. 2. The Dark Knight is over-rated. Very chaotic. 3. Batman Returns in under-rated. I loved Michelle Pfeiffer. There seems to be a misunderstanding of her character here. She was not played as a villain strictly. She didn't really want to kill anybody except Shreck. 4. Good call to skip the Justice League. Could have skipped Batman vs Superman and I'd be fine w/that.

[@fattymcfatso1083]

I do not get Jamie Lazlo (sp?) doin the old school Batman to a T (top marks for that, byw) and then ranking Batman '66 in SIXTH place. WTF? 🤨 Something seems off. Am I wrong?

[@Jamie.Laszlo]

It was very fun to do Batman 66 since it's the Batman I grew up with. But, if I'm being honest, with myself, the over the top silliness keeps it from being top 5. But that doesn't mean the movie isn't a load of fun...and a load of fun to pay homage to.

[@fattymcfatso1083]

@@Jamie.Laszlo Hey Jamie. Ok, brotha. No problem. I grew up watching Batman reruns in the 70s in NYC (after school in the afternoon). Whenever the movie was played instead of the episodes my friends and I were thrilled. It was a big freakin deal. Anyway . . Great look, again.

[@monkeyhousescouse]

PLEASE 🙏 🙏 🙏 RANK THE MCU!!!! THAT WOULD BE A KILLER #SOT EPISODE

[@lachlanscampbell63]

Jamie your body build would suit Robin better, Batman not so sure, but love the effort.

[@jimmycampbell78]

He will wear his muscle suit underneath the costume next time, so he can REALLY SWEAT while recording the video 🤣

[@jockmctodger]

Pigeon chest😂

[@fattymcfatso1083]

Someone said that Batman (1989) was the template for modern superhero movies, but I think that has to go to Superman (1978).

[@samhouston1979]

laszlo with the props 👍

[@kurtemeigh]

Chris must really love Rises since he compared it to TLJ since that movie was amazing.

[@IsraelBenitez-ev7mj]

I love the Dark Knight, ESPECIALLY for Heath Ledger's Oscar winning performance, but....I never noticed what Chris is talking about and he's EXACTLY RIGHT, they couldn't tally those votes realistically