In 1997, the highly anticipated comic book movie, Batman & Robin, arrived in cinemas. Warner Bros. Pictures had high expectations for the film, and while it didn’t do terrible at the box-office, it was savaged by critics and it largely disappointed audiences.
The reason for the disappointment? It was deemed too bright, too camp, and too daft.
Batman & Robin was also viewed as generally ‘too much’. An excess of everything (characters, gags, Bat-nipples, etc) pushed it into a place that many Bat-fans weren’t keen to go and the film was seen as somewhat of a disaster.
As a result, Batman & Robin quickly became the punching bag of the summer season and was torn apart by anyone and everyone. Some called it the worst film of the year, while many referred to it as the worst film of all-time.
However, since 1997 the response to Batman & Robin has softened considerably. Thanks to the release of a plethora of Batman films designed to appeal to audiences of all tastes and ages, Batman & Robin is no longer viewed as being a blot on the world.
Those who only like dark, gritty Batman movies still avoid it, but those who have space in their heart for the lighter adventures of the Caped Crusader lap it up. These days there is room for all manner of Bat-films and some simply adore Batman & Robin.
So, why am I telling you all this? Because from Friday 13th September Batman & Robin is back in UK cinemas for a LIMITED TIME ONLY.
This means if you are the world’s greatest Batman & Robin fan, now is your time to rejoice and watch the movie on the big screen. Likewise if you have young Bat-fans in the house, who want to see a non-threatening Bat-film, this is the one to take them to.
Directed by the late Joel Schumacher, Batman & Robin stars George Clooney, Chris O’Donnell, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Uma Thurman, and Alicia Silverstone. The movie is a loose sequel to Batman Forever, is the fourth entry in the Batman Anthology (1989 – 1997), and is the one with Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy.
Batman & Robin is also the movie with the Bat-credit card, the ice hockey thugs, and Batgirl. It’s the one with a green-skinned Bane played by the late former wrestler, Jeep Swenson, and it includes the plot thread about Alfred becoming gravely ill from an almost incurable disease.
In the movie, Batman and Robin have been working together as a team for some time. They are known as Gotham City’s greatest protectors and to the outside world they are champions and brothers in arms.
But behind the scenes their seemingly harmonious relationship is at breaking point. Batman is stern, Robin is impetuous, and their partnership is becoming strained over their different approaches to crime fighting.
When the villainous Mr. Freeze arrives on the scene and teams up with Poison Ivy and Bane, things become even more fractious between the Dynamic Duo. But could the arrival of Batgirl help to balance things out as they tackle the triple threat from Freeze and Co.?
To reiterate what I said above, if you have young Bat-fans in your midst, this is the Batman movie to introduce them to. Batman & Robin is daft, action-packed, and filled with colourful characters.
Highlights include a spectacular opening sequence involving a dinosaur, a freeze ray, and a rocket ship, and an action-packed finale involving a race-against-time to defrost an ice-covered Gotham City. There’s also plenty of over-the-top fun from Poison Ivy, some dazzling sets, and plenty of comic book imagery.
From a visual standpoint alone, the movie is a feast for the eyes. It is also an excellent callback to the ‘60s era of Batman.
Should you wish to watch Batman & Robin in all of its big screen glory, the film is screening as part of the Batman movie season which plays out this September. Other films in the season include The Dark Knight trilogy and The Batman.
However, those films are not as kid-friendly as this one. So, should you want something for the whole family, you know what to do.
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Thank you for taking the time to read this review on It’s A Stampede!. For more reviews, check out the recommended reads below.
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