Viewers Cringe at ‘Batman’s’ Violence

I just returned home from seeing “Batman Returns.” It was a Father’s Day treat from my wife. I wish I could tell you I enjoyed the movie, but I was too busy cringing at the violent graphics and disturbing themes while surrounded by scores of young children: the Penguin child being tossed--baby carriage and all--into the freezing water, murder, bloodshed, child kidnaping--one violent image after another.

And the whole time I sat there wondering what effect the images were having on the children and why the parents weren’t leaving. Wasn’t the father of the little boy sitting next to me concerned when the boy whimpered, “Daddy, I’m scared. I want to leave.” And what about the little girl who asked her mommy why the Penguin wanted to drown “people’s children.”

I wish I could tell you I enjoyed the movie, but I was too busy cringing at what we’re becoming.

JOE DeAMICIS

Saugus