Movie Review: Batman and Robin – 1997

After the great financial success of Batman Forever, it was very predictable that there would be another Batman film.  The audiences responded favorably to the brighter mood and the reliance on action as opposed to the psychological elements of its predecessors.  So for the next film it wasn’t surprising that director Joel Schumacher was back at the helm of the fourth film of the series.  What was unusual was that Val Kilmer didn’t return in the lead role for Batman and Robin 1997, but instead was given to George Clooney. The decision was a curious one due to the fact that Clooney had starred in only one film and outside of From Dusk till Dawn had minimal experience in the action genre.  To help support Clooney, Warner Brothers decided to cast one of the most successful action stars of all time, Arnold Schwarzenegger as Batman’s main nemesis.  The studio was confident that they had everything in place for another successful film.

The film, very similar as Batman Forever, starts off with an elaborate action piece with Batman and Robin showing up to foil a potential robbery attempt by Mr Freeze of a precious diamond.  Freeze escapes with the diamond, which leads to the growing animosity between the two heroes as Robin feels constrained by Batman, while Batman grows frustrated to Robin’s recklessness.  Back at Wayne Manor, they are saddened with the declining health of their beloved butler, Alfred..  We later learn Mr. Freeze has been stealing diamonds in an attempt to bring back his wife who is in an carbonated frozen state.  Another antagonist to the caped crusader, is the appearance of Poison Ivy, a villainess who goes on to increase the tension between him and Robin.  One positive though is the sudden appearance of Barbara Wilson, who arrives after hearing the news of her Uncle Alfred’s poor health.  She not only gives comfort to her Uncle, but is also a skilled fighter and comes to the aid of Alfred’s colleagues in the form as Batgirl.  The three of them put their differences aside and go to thwart Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy.

When I went to see this film in the theatre, I had a theory that if a major studio released an action film that it is impossible for me to be bored.  I knew after 10 minutes that I was horribly mistaken.  The opening action sequence of the film is a great example of what not to do.  It was very over the top with constant shots of the all combatants  in a bunch of meaningless stunts, incoherent combat, and a lack of any personality.  There was no tension in any of the action and the emotion of infighting between Batman and Robin comes across forced.  Mr.Freeze also adds to the pain with constant one liners about ice and freezing which is comparable  to watching paint dry.  This is the general pattern throughout the film and I actually started to dread any future extravagant action sequence.

The screenplay itself is just as bad.  We really don’t get much of an explanation  of why Batman and Robin are fighting other than pettiness of two personalities clashing.  Mr Freeze is very wooden and while we’re sympathetic of his wife’s plight, there’s nothing to really intriguing about his character.  If he was a scientist why doesn’t he just purchase the diamonds as supposed to stealing them?  Another painful moment is the scene of his tears freezing on his face as a symbol of his sadness.  I had absolutely no reaction to this attempt at poignancy and even laugh at how poorly this was executed.  Screenplay also does no favors to Batgirl, who just shows up, flips her hair, does some fighting, and smile.  Why not have some romance between her and Robin or have a more developed back story.  Her character is really inconsequential in the story.

The acting is also terrible.  If Clooney was attempting to be stiff and uninteresting, he passed with flying colors.  He adds nothing to the role and makes Val Kilmer’s understated performance seem electric.  Chris O’Donnell simply gripes and complains throughout the film with little passion.  The most disappointing though is Schwarzenegger.  The quality of a Batman film is very reliant on how good the villain is and Mr Freeze is easily the worst of the franchise.  Arnold is usually very likable and charismatic, but in Batman and Robin he is lethargic and dull.  He seems as bored in his role as I was watching the film.   

Every area in this film is poor.  I really dislike the look of the film as it goes full throttle on its brightness in its colors and tone.  I hate it due its lack of realism, which results in numerous shots that come across as fake and shallow.  The music is forgettable (I really miss Danny Elfman), and the costumes are so overpowering that at times it seems as though the characters were having difficulty moving from scene to scene.  Arnold especially seems hampered in particular, as his attire eliminates any personality that Mr Freeze might have and makes him seem clumsy.  And the direction of the film doesn’t do anything to correct the flaws.  If anything it highlights them and brings more attention to the incoherence showing on the screen.

One thing I haven’t mentioned yet is Uma Thurman’s performance as Poison Ivy.  Unlike everything else in the film, she’s terrific.  Now of course the screenplay creates a mediocre backstory  but when she becomes Poison Ivy, she lights up the screen.  Her attempt of seduction of Batman and Robin at a Gotham gala is one the most sensual moments in a super hero film. Thurman seems to be enjoying herself, as she provides the film a spark and tension that it sorely needed.  It’s not enough to save the film, or even make it a good film, but it keeps it from receiving my lowest rating which is just important.

This film shows how far the franchise has fallen.  The original Batman film was unpredictable, suspenseful, and most importantly entertaining.  A sign of how far the franchise  has declined is the only two actors who remain from the original are Michael Gough as Alfred and Pat Hingle as Comissioner Gordon.  One is dying and the other is completely useless.   This film is an insult to the Tim Burton classic and comes across as a motion picture going through the motion relying on special effects and action to distract us from weak story and direction.  It fails miserably and is easily one of the worst action pictures ever made.  Oh what the heck, I’ll just go ahead and say it.  This is the worst action picture ever made!

Brian Rating 2/10

– Flying Brian

Follow the ongoing Batman series by Flyin’ Brian with Batman 1989 & Batman Returns 1992 & Batman and Robin 1995