Get back in your scrubs Clooney (Batman & Robin (DVD))

Member Name: yackers1

Product:	Batman & Robin (DVD)
Date:	30/05/09 (140 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Star studded cast (although none of them are that great), Silverstone and Thurman look good

Disadvantages: Burton has no input and it shows, not as good as the others in the series

Written by Bob Kane and Akiva Goldsman, and directed by Joel Schumacher Batman and Robin is the fourth, and last, adaptation of the comic book hero produced by the Warner Brothers that was released back in June 1997. This is a review of the film only.

I wasn't going to bother reviewing this but since I have done the other three in the Warner Bros series I thought I had better do this one for completeness.

****Plot****

Once again Gotham City has captured the attention of yet more villains that are intent on taking over the City and all its residents and only Bruce Wayne/Batman (George Clooney) and his side kick, Dick Grayson/Robin (Chris O'Donnell), who we met in Batman Forever, can save the day. Commissioner Gordon (Pat Hingle) informs the dynamic duo that someone is stealing the diamonds from Gotham City's museum and on arrival Batman and Robin discover the thief is Dr Victor Fries /"Mr Freeze" (Arnold Schwarzenegger). The dynamic duo gets the upper hand in this first meeting but they soon learn of Mr Freeze's intentions in turning Gotham City in to an iceberg.

Mr Freeze is not alone and has managed to secure the assistance of Dr Pamela Isley/"Poison Ivy" (Uma Thurman) and her henchman Bane (Jeep Swenson) in achieving his nasty plan. Poison Ivy has her own thoughts on the matter and, conversely wants to turn the world in to a large greenhouse where vegetation can flourish.

The relationship between Batman and Robin becomes strained and hits an all time low as both are lured by the gorgeous Poison Ivy and a rift develops between them.

In addition to this Bruce Wayne's loyal butler, Alfred (Michael Gough), has contracted some awful disease and is going to die unless the dynamic duo can obtain an antidote. Alfred's niece, Barbara Wilson/"Batgirl" (Alicia Silverstone) visits Alfred to see if there is anything she can do to help in on the road to recovery, before donning her own suit and aiding the Dynamic Duo in conquering their most powerful foes to date.

Will Gotham City be turned in to an iceberg, a green house or can Batman and Robin kiss and make up and save the day? Will the Dynamic Duo become a Dynamic Trio? Will the loyal butler be cured so he can continue to serve Master Bruce?

****My opinion****

The previous Batman adaptation in the Warner Bros series, Batman Forever, was also directed by Joel Schumacher and Avik Goldsman was one of the writers, but in the absence of Tim Burton (who directed Batman and Batman Returns and co produced Batman Forever) it appears that Joel Schumacher and Avika Goldsman had the opportunity to do it their way, which in my opinion was not done as well as the previous films in the Batman series.

The previous three films were very dark and eerie and clearly gave the impression Gotham City is a dangerous place to live. Whilst this film is dark it is not to the same extent as the previous films, which is a real shame. I think that this is a result of the departure of Tim Burton. Burton's films are notoriously dark and it is a genre that he directs so well. Personally I don't think Joel Schumacher is up to his standard and this is clearly shown in this film.

As with all the films in the Warner Bros Batman adaptation the main cast consists of some great A list actors, all of whom have done great films individually but when combined the on screen relationships just don't work for me. I think that ther are too many personalities fighting for the limelight and not working together as a team and the film suffered as a consequence.

Clooney dons the Batsuit and I think this is the biggest mistake the producers could have made as I think he is totally mis-cast for this type of role. He has the charisma, and I can kind of see why he was selected since he was a real sex symbol at the time, but in my opinion he does not have the other attributes that are required to play the role and in my opinion only Keaton (who was cast as the Dark Knight in Batman and Batman Returns) has these. Val kilmer played a poor Batman in Batman Forever and Clooney plays an even worse Batman in this film.

When Clooney was cast he was trying to make the transition from TV star (this was around the ER days) to silver screen star and I think this move was too soon for him. I still pictured him as the Doctor in ER, which shattered the illusion for me. Whilst this film was being shot there were rumours that Clooney was growing tired of this role, disliked the role and got bored with it. Clooney's performance is not great and he adds little to the film. This is a shame because it should be Batman that steals the limelight and gives the best performance.

O'Donnell does a good job as Robin but I still he think he is mis-cast. I have always perceived Robin to be a skinny, whinging fool that is more hindrance than help (I watched the camp series that was aired on Saturday morning TV as a child) and O'Donnell is just too cool and a too bigger actor for this role. It's just not right.

Schwarzenegger makes a formidable villain (but is this down to his sheer physical size, presence and his mannerisms of few words?) and I think he did an OK job as Mr Freeze. His acting wasn't outstanding, memorable or Oscar winning but he did an ok job with the role that was given to him. He did have some really cheesy one liners which suited his accent, and whilst cringe worthy I guess they were to be expected in a film of this genre.

Whilst Catwoman was a sexy and sassy villain in Batman Forever the producers have gone one step further with Poison Ivy and made her super sexy and super sassy, and whilst it is quite disturbing it is nice to have some female eye candy on screen. I think that Thurman does a great job and, in my opinion, gives the best acting performance of the whole film.

Silverstone looks gorgeous as Batgirl and provides even more eye candy, and she gives a good performance but I am struggling to see why Batgirl was even required, which is the fundamental issue here. Batgirl adds nothing to the film and, given the timing of her appearance in the film it would have been better if she were just omitted totally.

The special effects are better than in previous films but then given the advancements in technology this is to be expected. That said, the special effects are lame for the technology available and the producers could have done a lot more with them to enhance this film.

This film contains scenes of violence but there are no sexual references or foul language making this an ideal family film that may be enjoyed by both young and old. The censors awarded this a PG certificate which is realistic.

****Conclusion****

This is clearly the weakest film in the Warner Bros series of Batman adaptations, which surprises me. Given the advancements in technology between the Batman (released in 1989) and this film the special effects should have been much better and used to really enhance this film. Unfortunately I thought the special effects in the original were utilised better than in this film.

Whilst this is the weakest in the series it is still an ok film to watch and provided you don't expect too much or compare it to the previous films then it is quite entertaining for the Batman enthusiast, although I don't think it is a film that can be watched over and over again.

Summary: Needs watching to complete the Warner Bros series - just don't expect too much!