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 Film Review - Batman & Robin

Holy Bat-Flicks! Am I the Only Critic Who Liked This One?

If you've read my previous reviews of the Batman series, you know that I thought the first was OK, the second was a disgrace, and the third showed real progress. We saw the change happen with the switch of directors from Tim Burton to Joel Schumacher. Schumacher has built on his good work in Batman Forever in this film. Batman has progressed further in his emotional development. Schumacher has also thrust this film clearly into the realm of the comic book, with fight scenes that are more cartoon-like (including cartoon sound effects), as well as tossing out all of the laws of physics.

It's a Family Thing

What grabbed me out of my chair was the message about family in Batman & Robin. You'll recall in Batman Forever, Batman and Robin were thrust together, not out of kinship, but out of circumstance. They didn't trust each other and still don't as Batman & Robin begins. It is Alfred, now dying, who gives the lessons of wisdom. I couldn't help but think about Yoda in The Empire Strike Back. The Caped Crusaders must learn what it is to be family. Once they have achieved this, their lack of trust will disappear. This kind of message impressed me coming out of a comic book movie.

Arnold, I'm impressed!

I've been very critical of Arnold Schwarzenegger in his later films. Schwarzenegger has been playing cheap characters of himself to the point where one remembers Peter O'Toole's line from My Favorite Year, "I'm not an actor, I'm a Movie Star!" To be truthful, that is my opinion of Schwarzenegger, so this leads to my joyous surprise.

Schwarzenegger completely immerses himself in the role of Mr. Freeze, a doctor whose life is torn apart by tragedy. Freeze is both physically and emotionally damaged. Schwarzenegger plays this role perfectly to the point where I could forget I was watching Arnold Schwarzenegger. What better job can an actor do?

The supporting roles of Batgirl and Poison Ivy are not impressive. It shows that Gotham is still Boystown. Batgirl has far too little screen time to be developed (perhaps the next film?), and Poison Ivy is just a poor remake of Cat Woman.

Finally, the end of the film is not about revenge. Again, Batman has grown and dispenses a merciful justice. His anger has been replaced by compassion. My, have we come so far?

Slight Suction!

Film Facts

    Cast
  • Arnold Schwarzenegger
  • George Clooney
  • Chris O'Donnell
  • Uma Thurman
  • Alicia Silverstone
  • Michael Gough
  • Pat Hingle
  • John Glover
  • Elle Macpherson
  • Vivica A. Fox
  • Vendela Kirsebom
  • Elizabeth Sanders
  • Jeep Swenson
  • John Fink
  • Michael Reid MacKay
  • Eric Lloyd
  • Jon Simmons
  • Christian Boeving
  • Stogie Kenyatta
  • Andy LaCombe
  • Joe Sabatino
  • Michael Paul Chan
  • Kimberly Scott
  • Jay Luchs
  • Roger Nehls
  • Anthony E. Cantrell
  • Alex Daniels
  • Peter Navy Tuiasosopo
  • Harry Van Gorkum
  • Sandra Taylor
  • Elizabeth Guber
  • Jack Betts
  • Marc Glimcher
  • Mark Leahy
  • Jim McMullan
  • Patrick Leahy
  • Jesse Ventura
  • Ralph Moeller
  • Doug Hutchison
  • Tobias Jelinek
  • Greg Lauren
  • Dean Cochran
  • Coolio
  • Nicky Katt
  • Lucas Berman
  • Uzi Gal
  • Howard Velasco
  • Bruce Roberts
  • John Ingle
  • Azikiwee Anderson
  • Michael Bernardo
  • Steve Blalock
  • Steve Boyles
  • David Cardoza
  • Chris C. Caso
  • Mark Chadwick
  • Danny Costa
  • Simon Kim
  • Todd Grossman
  • James Hardy
  • Steven Ito
  • Dennis Keiffer
  • Stephan Desjardins
  • James Kim
  • Dennis Lefevre
  • Jean-Luc Martin
  • Cory M. Miller
  • Chris Mitchell
  • Christopher Nelson
  • Jim Palmer
  • Jeff Podgurski
  • Robert Powell
  • Chris Sayour
  • Don Sinnar
  • Paul Sklar
  • Takis Triggelis
  • Eva Ford

Directed by Joel Schumacher

Released in 1997

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Reviewed by Mongo