Michael Keatonhas one of the most extensive and beloved filmographies of any actor working today. Although there’s an audience from the 1980s that grew up loving him inBeetlejuiceandBatman, he has resonated with older viewers with his roles in such recent Best Picture Oscar-winners asBirdman (or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) andSpotlight. Keaton has now come full circle by reprising hisrole as Bruce WayneinThe Flashfor the first time sinceBatman Returns, proving once again why he is the definitive version of the character for many viewers.
Keaton has also joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe with his role as Adrian Toomes inSpider-Man: Homecoming; although the MCU has been criticized for its perceived lack of quality villains, Keaton’s performance has been held up as one of the best of the franchise. It’s a role that he may soon return to, as his cameo at the end of 2022’sMorbiussuggested that Toomes could be playing a more significant role in Sony’s universe of interconnected films centered onSpider-Manvillains. Perhaps The Vulture will be teaming up with Tom Hardy’s Venom and Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s Kraven the Hunter at some point if that multiverse continues.
Even thoughThe Flashunderperformed at the box officeandreceived mixed reviewsfrom both fans and audiences, the praise for Keaton’s return to the character has been nearly universal. Although the film may not have been the big comeback that some of Keaton’s fans may have been hoping for, it won’t be the last time he revitalizes one of his most iconic roles; Keaton is set to reunite with director Tim Burton for the long anticipated sequel toBeetlejuice. At this point, it seems like it’s Keaton’s world, and everyone else is just living in it. Here are the most underrated Michael Keaton movies that deserve more credit.
Night Shift
Keaton would go on to star in many films fordirector Ron Howard, but their first collaboration onNight Shiftwas a transitional moment in both of their careers. It showed that Howard was better suited to do comedic films after the failure ofGrand Theft Auto, and it proved Keaton could hold his own against some Hollywood megastars. Even at the height of his popularity, Henry Winkler was outshone by Keaton in what proved to be his breakout role.
Related:The Flash Director On Why Michael Keaton’s “Perfect” Batman Suit Had to Be Changed
Although its premise seems simplistic by today’s standards,Mr. Momis one of the more endearing family comedies of the 1980s; Keaton stars as an overworked father who decides to take over his wife’s duties of taking care of their children once she decides to go back to work full time. It’s a surprisingly touching film, and Keaton manages to add the right amount of humor in order to maintain its realism.
Johnny Dangerously
A few years beforeGoodfellas, Keaton starred in this bizarre send-up of the gangster genre in what now feels like an extended homage to the Scorsese era of gangster films. The brilliant writing of director Amy Heckerling elevatesJohnny Dangerouslyabove other spoof movies. The use of puns and campy caricatures are far superior to the type of lazy gags that dominated franchises likeScary MovieandA Haunted House.
While on its faceGung Ho’s premise sounds like it would be wildly problematic today, the film itself actually has a great message and positive depictions of its characters. Keaton stars as the car manufacturing supervisor Hunt Stevenson, who must go to Tokyo to work alongside an interracial staff to produce cars. While some jokes have not aged well, the down-to-Earth representation of a working man is something only someone like Keaton could deliver.
Related:Michael Keaton Teases Beetlejuice 2: ‘It’s So Fun’
Much Ado About Nothing
Kenneth Branagh’s wildly exaggerated depiction of the classic Shakespeare comedy features many great actors turning the iconic characters into comedic caricatures; Keaton’s performance as the incompetent law officer Dogberry is the scene-stealer. Although Nathan Fillion gives him a run for his money with his version of Dogberry in Joss Whedon’s 2012 adaptation ofMuch Ado About Nothing, Keaton remains the definitive screen version of the character.
The Other Guys
The Other Guysisn’t quite as funny as the otherWill Ferrell filmsdirected by Adam McKay;Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby,andStep Brothersare all more specific and judgmental in their commentary. However, the film’s one truly great element is the incredible performance by Keaton as the overworked police Captain Gene Mauch, who must work part-time at a Bed, Bath, and Beyond in order to compensate for his measly salary.
It’s a surprisingly biting commentary on the incompetence of formal justice that Keaton makes even more hilarious with his sad sack performance; he’s able to outdo Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg in the brief scenes that they share together.
The Founder
Anyone that ever wanted a version of the McDonald’s origin story in line withThe Social Networkwill definitely want to check outThe Founder, which stars Keaton as the salesman Ray Kroc. Kroc uses his power and influence to cut out the McDonald’s owners to become the public face of the company and its CEO.
Although the film delves into some clichéd elements that are common in biopics, Keaton delivers a great performance that should have earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor; he has sadly only ever been nominated once for his role as Riggan Thompspon inBirdman.
Worthwas the latest in a line of Keaton films that centered around current political issues followingSpotlightand the Hulu limited seriesDopesick(which won him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie).Worthcenters on the American lawyer Kenneth Feinberg, who helped establish the U.S. government’s September 11th Victim Compensation Fund to help those struggling in the wake of the tragedy.
