Unsuspecting Mom Discovers Kid is Named After Batman Character

Remember this tip for new parents-to-be: Don’t forget to discuss the reasons behind your partner’s baby name choices before the arrival of your little one.

A mother’s TikTok post has sparked internet attention, as she reveals in a video that her 10-month-old child shares a name with a Batman character – an unexpected discovery for her.

Batman Baby Name Inspiration

In the world of Batman, not many characters spring to mind as potential baby names. While Bruce Wayne or Harley Quinn might be considered, it’s unlikely that parents would name their child Oswald Cobblepot in honor of the Penguin.

As a passionate cinephile, I’d say the art of selecting a pop-culture inspired name lies in understated elegance. One clever husband demonstrated this perfectly by proposing the name “Nora” for their newly born child – a subtle nod to iconic characters yet retaining a timeless charm.

For individuals who aren’t well-versed in Batman lore, Nora is married to the villain known as Mr. Freeze.

It’s perfectly fine if you weren’t aware of it. In fact, even the mother of the newborn baby didn’t realize it until she accidentally recognized her child on television.

Viral TikTok Video Shows Moment Mom Realizes Name Inspiration

On TikTok, user @viashoe shared a clip capturing the instant she discovered her 10-month-old baby’s name is reminiscent of a Batman character.

In her post, Nora’s mother shared that he didn’t mention the source of the name, but simply thought it was neat. Given that every other suggested name was linked to a movie or geeky, she was pleased they agreed on a regular name they both adored.

DC Comics Responds To Viral Batman Baby Name Video

Over the past month, the grand unveiling of unique baby names has captivated many, with the view count currently exceeding 33 times.

It’s also made it in front of DC Comics, longtime publisher of Batman comic books.

It’s likely that the mom would request more information if Nora were to get a younger sibling in the near future.

Every Batman Movie Ranked From Worst to Best

16. Batman (1943)

As a die-hard movie enthusiast reminiscing about the earliest big-screen adaptation of the Dark Knight, I find myself revisiting 1943’s serial titled “Batman,” directed by Lambert Hillyer. In this production, Lewis Wilson donned the cape and cowl as our caped crusader, while the villainous role was filled by Dr. Daka, portrayed by Carrol Naish, a Japanese spy.

In 2015, I labeled this serial “possibly the worst Batman in any medium to date.” Fast forwarding seven years, my opinion remains unchanged. This 15-part film is noteworthy for introducing some essential aspects of the Batman mythos, such as the Batcave. The dramatic cliffhangers and cheesy production values served as a precursor to the Adam West “Batman” two decades later. In terms of its impact on the character, it holds historical significance. However, when it comes to being an entertaining piece, it falls short due to its lengthiness, boredom-inducing pacing, and at times, shockingly racist undertones. If you’ve seen the George Clooney Batman, consider this a warning – things can get much worse!

15. Batman and Robin (1949)

Director: Spencer Gordon Bennet

Actor Portraying Batman: Robert Lowery

Antagonist: The Wizard, a masked troublemaker aiming to create turmoil in Gotham City.

Reason for 15th Position: The second Batman serial appears even more budget-constrained than the first, which seems improbable if you’ve seen the initial one. Despite a few aspects that make it slightly better than its predecessor (it avoids grotesque bias and occasionally exhibits such incompetence — like the Bat-Signal being visible on a sunny day or the Batman costume resembling Bat-Mite more than Batman himself — that it’s often amusing, though unintentionally so), one can’t help but wonder what about the title Batman and Robin leads to any film associated with it becoming laughably poor.

14. Justice League (2017)

Year: 2017

Director: Zack Snyder (initially)

Batman: Ben Affleck

Antagonist: Steppenwolf, portrayed by Ciaran Hinds, a cosmic entity who seeks to collect three artifacts known as “Mother Boxes” to annihilate Earth and recreate it in the image of his native realm.

Ranking 14th: The film “Justice League,” initially intended as a climactic culmination of an interwoven narrative, unfortunately hit its lowest point instead. Zack Snyder departed from the project mid-production due to personal matters, and Joss Whedon took over. The final product lacks cohesion, as it seems neither director’s signature style is fully represented. The editing appears hasty, the tone inconsistent, and Steppenwolf, the primary adversary, comes across as an impersonal CGI character with no depth.

(Note: Snyder later returned to complete his original vision for the movie, which was released on HBO Max.)

13. Batman & Robin (1997)

Title Role: Director – Joel Schumacher
Actor Playing Batman: George Clooney
Villainous Roles: Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman), a dangerous eco-terrorist with venomous lips and a muscular henchman named Bane (Jeep Swenson); Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a scientist who can only survive in freezing temperatures due to an accident, and is obsessed with finding a cure for his dying wife while making numerous cold-related puns.
Why It’s Notorious: Despite its many flaws, the fourth live-action Batman film of the ’90s has a strange allure. It’s so incredibly odd – from the eccentric set design to the ridiculous costumes and tangled subplots – that it’s hard to believe it was ever made. Yet, I can’t help but be drawn to it. When I stumble upon it on TV or stream it online, I find myself unable to change the channel. Once in a while, I watch it again just to remember the madness. It’s bad, but somehow memorable and even somewhat enjoyable when you’re in the right frame of mind.

12. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

Director: Zack Snyder

Actor portraying Batman: Ben Affleck

The Antagonists: Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg), who strives to sow discord among Earth’s mightiest heroes, and Doomsday, a CGI-crafted monster born from the remains of General Zod and Lex Luthor’s DNA.

Reason for Ranking 12th: Zack Snyder demonstrates exceptional visual direction in Batman v Superman, particularly during the climactic battle with Doomsday. However, the film’s narrative leaves much to be desired; the heroes’ animosity is unexplained and resolved haphazardly (a heartfelt “Martha” moment), the plot is frequently disrupted by dream sequences that function as teasers for future DC films, and Lex Luthor’s scheme remains convoluted even to a genius-level intellect. While justice may be on the horizon, logic appears to have taken a vacation.

11. Batman Forever (1995)

Role of Director: Joel Schumacher

Character Playing Batman: Val Kilmer

Characters Portraying the Villains: The Riddler, played by Jim Carrey (a disgruntled Wayne Enterprises employee who developed a device to drain people’s intelligence), and Two-Face, acted by Tommy Lee Jones (a former district attorney with severe scars, seeking revenge against Batman because this is a Batman film).

Ranking at 11th: Batman Forever occupies a unique position in the realm of cinema. It’s not as brooding as the Burton Batman films nor as absurd as Batman & Robin, which means it fails to establish its own distinctive identity. However, it does offer some enjoyable moments, and Val Kilmer had considerable potential for the role of Batman, even though he didn’t quite reach that potential. The performances of Jim Carrey and Tommy Lee Jones are now considered excessive, while Schwarzenegger’s performance in Batman & Robin remains amusingly silly. Unfortunately, the duo in this film come across as more annoying than entertaining.

Explanation: Batman Forever is akin to a man wearing an unbuttoned silk shirt and singing a ballad about Batman movies. It’s not quite dark like the previous Batman films, nor as silly as its successor, leaving it in a sort of cinematic limbo.

10. Batman (1966)

Director: Leslie H. Martinson

Batman is portrayed by: Adam West

The Antagonist features: The United Underworld, a coalition of four of Batman’s most formidable adversaries: The Joker (Cesar Romero), the Riddler (Frank Gorshin), Catwoman (Lee Meriwether), and the Penguin (Burgess Meredith).

Why it ranks 10th: For a considerable period, devoted comic-book enthusiasts looked down upon the 1960s Batman due to its supposed negative influence on comics’ reputation. Over time, many journalists and critics misconstrued all comics as being like the Adam West Batman, characterized by vibrant colors, whimsicality, and playful camp. As comic books have gained more cultural acceptance, the Adam West and Burt Ward series has seen a resurgence, with new comics and animated movies adopting its intentionally (and often endearingly) silly style. This film, released between seasons of the Batman TV series, does not possess the ambitions of later Batman films. However, its Bat-spirit remains steadfast in the right place. I admire the energetic, free-flowing fight scenes — complete with onscreen sound effects.

The 1960s Batman, directed by Leslie H. Martinson and starring Adam West, features a villainous coalition known as United Underworld consisting of four of Batman’s toughest adversaries. Despite initial criticism from comic book purists, the TV series has seen a revival due to its quirky style. This movie, released between seasons, may not be as ambitious as later Batman films, but it maintains a genuine love for the character and features exciting fight scenes with sound effects.

9. Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2020)

Year – 2020

Director: Zack Snyder

Actor portraying Batman: Ben Affleck

Villains: Steppenwolf, an alien seeking to collect three “Mother Boxes” to destroy the world and remake it in his home planet’s image, and Darkseid, who dislikes Earth and justice.

Reason for Ranking 9th: Snyder’s extended four-hour version of Justice League, which is closer to a miniseries, significantly improves upon the 2017 theater release. Although it’s lengthy and meticulous, a three-hour cut that focuses on the story and character development while minimizing the digressions could offer an optimal viewing experience. Nevertheless, this film showcases Affleck’s best portrayal of Batman, a hero who regains his humanity and trust in his fellow heroes after experiencing a fall.

The movie is from 2020, directed by Zack Snyder, with Ben Affleck as Batman. The bad guys are Steppenwolf and Darkseid. This version of Justice League is longer and more detailed than the original, but it’s also better. It would be great if there was a shorter version that kept the story and character development without all the extras. This movie has Affleck’s best performance as Batman, showing us a hero who goes through a fall before regaining his trust in other heroes.

8. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Director: The film is directed by Christopher Nolan

Batman Is Played By: Christian Bale portrays Batman

The Villain Is: Bane, a powerful anarchist portrayed by Tom Hardy, aims to overthrow Batman and instigate revolution in Gotham City.

Why It’s 8th: The Dark Knight Rises can be seen as the antithesis of the 1966’s Batman; they differ significantly in almost every aspect. It is a grand, expensive production that serves as the conclusion to Christopher Nolan’s Batman Trilogy. This film is an epic blend of action, violence, and profound philosophical discussions. Like many Batman films, it features numerous characters and events (including Marion Cotillard as a mysterious love interest for Christian Bale’s Bruce Wayne and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as an upright police officer). To this day, I am still unsure about what Tom Hardy was saying with his peculiar Bane voice. However, being challenging and thought-provoking is better than simple escapism for superhero films. If more comic-book adaptations aimed higher, we would all benefit.

7. The LEGO Batman Movie

Director: Chris McKay

Batman Is Portrayed By: Will Arnett

The Main Antagonist Is: Primarily the Joker (Zach Galifianakis), who assembles a vast roster of Batman comic book villains and others to execute his plan aimed at proving his status as a formidable adversary.

Why It Stands Out: In an era saturated with increasingly grim and consistent Batman films, The LEGO Batman Movie offers a delightful contrast with its vibrant, exaggerated animation that echoes the Pop Art style of the ’60s Batman. This is evident in characters such as Egghead, who first appeared on the ’60s Batman series and was originally played by horror icon Vincent Price, and references to the notorious Bat-Shark Repellent. However, it also manages to modernize this campy aesthetic, making it fresh, entertaining, and surprisingly stylish. As Walt Whitman once said, Batman embodies a vast array of aspects. The LEGO Batman Movie demonstrates his adaptability more effectively than any other film in history. It can serve as a platform for profound reflections on myths, heroes, and societal structures. Or it can be used as a medium for jokes about a man who throws eggs because of his egg-shaped head.

6. Batman Begins (2005)

Director: Christopher Nolan

Actor Portraying Batman: Christian Bale

Antagonist: Scarecrow, portrayed by Cillian Murphy, a deranged psychiatrist who developed a fear-inducing drug.

Reason for Ranking 6th: Despite being overshadowed by its sequel, The Dark Knight, Batman Begins holds significant importance in the history of Batman films. Following the critical failure of Batman & Robin, the franchise was nearly abandoned in Hollywood. Christopher Nolan demonstrated that the character still had potential and could deliver both intellectual depth and visual appeal. Bale’s portrayal of Batman stands as one of his finest performances, characterized by melancholy, dry humor, and convincing toughness. Additionally, Liam Neeson’s role as Bruce Wayne’s early mentor adds a unique twist to the typical Batman antagonist dynamic.

5. The Batman

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve found myself captivated by “The Batman,” directed by Matt Reeves. In this masterpiece, Robert Pattinson steps into the iconic cape and cowl as our vigilant Dark Knight. However, it’s not just any villain we encounter; Paul Dano plays the enigmatic Riddler, a chilling serial killer who leaves riddles and bodies in his wake throughout Gotham City.

This film stands out among other Batman productions due to its profound exploration of what the character means, not only to fans but also to the citizens of Gotham. Reeves delves deep into the psyche of Batman, investigating him with the same relentless intensity as our hero pursues the Riddler. Themes of surveillance, corruption, and the vicious cycle of revenge are woven seamlessly throughout the film, making it a thought-provoking experience for viewers.

Unfortunately, “The Batman” isn’t without its flaws. The third act feels somewhat disjointed, dragging out the conclusion and introducing a couple of superfluous cliffhangers that detract from the overall coherence of the storyline. Despite these shortcomings, “The Batman” remains an engaging and intellectually stimulating addition to the Batman filmography.

4. Batman Returns (1992)

Title Role: Director – Tim Burton, Actor – Michael Keaton
Villain Roles: The Penguin (Danny DeVito), a rogue mayoral candidate with businessman backing (Christopher Walken), and Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer), a cat burglar with a fascination for leather and a grudge against the Penguin’s benefactor.
Explanation: The fourth installment of Tim Burton’s Batman series, starring Michael Keaton as Batman, is often considered peculiar yet engaging. It expanded upon Burton’s initial Batman, featuring an ensemble of villains, a darker tone, more gothic aesthetics, and heightened emotional drama. The film portrays Bruce Wayne, the Penguin, and Catwoman as three tormented souls, each grappling with their past and seeking personal redemption. While it may seem odd compared to typical blockbusters, it remains captivating due to a nuanced performance by Keaton and an impactful portrayal of complex female characters by Pfeiffer. The fact that Catwoman, played by Pfeiffer, never received her own film while Halle Berry’s did is frequently cited as one of Hollywood’s great injustices.

3. Batman (1989)

As a passionate cinephile, let me share my perspective on a timeless masterpiece – Tim Burton’s Batman. The Dark Knight was brilliantly portrayed by none other than Michael Keaton. The antagonist, the infamous Joker, was brought to life by Jack Nicholson. An ordinary gangster, he underwent a chilling transformation after plunging into a vat of toxic chemicals, becoming a sociopathic crime boss.

The reason this film stands out among its peers is immense. It revolutionized the way Hollywood approached superhero films, turning them from mere children’s entertainment into a lucrative art form. Its influence on popular culture was profound, reshaping the landscape of superhero movies, Batman comics and cartoons, music (with Prince’s tunes and Danny Elfman’s score), and even hairstyles (I still can’t get over the kid down the block who shaved a Bat-logo into his head – talk about jealousy!). Essentially, it divided the comic book movie world into two eras: Before Tim Burton’s Batman, and After. I feel privileged to have spent most of my life in the ATBB (After Tim Burton’s Batman) era.

2. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm

Director: Eric Radomski and Bruce Timm

Batman is portrayed by: Kevin Conroy

The Villains: Phantasm (an enigmatic, hooded assassin targeting Gotham City mob bosses), and the Joker (Mark Hamill), a mad criminal clown who finds himself entangled between Batman and Phantasm.

Why It’s Second: Long before The LEGO Batman Movie, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm made a compelling argument for animation as the perfect medium for the Dark Knight. Produced by the team behind the acclaimed Batman: The Animated Series, Mask of the Phantasm distilled all the elements that made that show exceptional – stunning visuals, smooth animation, iconic voice talent – into an almost flawless 75-minute production. Unlike many Batman films which are overly lengthy and tiresome, Mask of the Phantasm is streamlined and agile, like a perfectly crafted 22-page comic book. The tragic love story between Bruce Wayne (Kevin Conroy, arguably the best Batman ever, in terms of voice acting) and Andrea Beaumont rivals the one between Bruce and Selina Kyle in Batman Returns, while the film’s central mystery still packs a powerful punch (if you don’t spoil it by examining the movie’s action figures). Over two decades old, the film has retained its beauty, partly because the timeless artwork of the animated series – a fusion of Art Deco architecture and advanced technology – was intentionally out-of-date even in 1993.

1. The Dark Knight (2008)

Movie Director: Christopher Nolan

Role of Batman: Christian Bale

Main Antagonists: The Joker (portrayed by Heath Ledger), a mystifying madman who aims to cause chaos in Gotham City; and Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), the city’s dedicated district attorney, driven to insanity after losing someone dear and suffering a disfiguring injury.

Reason for its Prominence: Few directors would dare to reprise the role of a Batman villain after Jack Nicholson left an indelible mark on it. However, Christopher Nolan did so, and the late Heath Ledger gave an unforgettable performance. There have been many good Batman films, but The Dark Knight stands out due to its intense action sequences, striking IMAX cinematography, and thought-provoking questions about heroes and villains. It serves as a benchmark for all future Batman movies and could potentially remain the standard for years, if not indefinitely.

2025-01-14 04:07