Nolan's got nothing on Tim Burton. Batman Returns was the darkest live action Batman we've gotten so far. Expecting it to be more serious like the two Burton movies that preceded it was a big part of it's negative reception when it came out. It's easier to split the series between the Burton led as good as live action Batman gets first 2 movies and the family friendly second 2 movies when you're looking back on them than it was as they were being released. I also really like it though. I especially appreciated "Holy rusted metal, Batman!"