Batman and Robin Movie Review

                Batman and Robin

    There have been numerous actors that played Batman over the years. This time, George Clooney plays the role of the masked crusader. He’s not alone though: Chris O’ Donnell plays his sidekick Robin. This 1997 film has Batman and Robin fighting against Dr. Freeze (Terminator star Arnold Schwarzenegger) and Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman).

Positive Elements: Batman and Robin are partners from the start. They fight crime side by side, saving the people of Gotham several times. Though the two argue at times, Batman and Robin deeply treasure their partnership.

Robin tends to be reckless during the fights, and Batman calls him out on that. When Robin is seduced by Poison Ivy (more on that later), Batman sees how she negatively influences him. In a way, Robin’s temptation with Poison Ivy reminds me of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife (see Genesis 39).

Barbara (Alicia Silverstone) joins in the fight too. She cares for Alfred (her uncle) and speaks of her love for him. Robin saves Barbara at one point. In the final battle, all three heroes put their lives on the line.

Sensual Content: The camera shows a few close-ups of the hero’s clothed buttocks. Barbara (Batgirl) wears a suit showing off her curves. She wears a few low-cut tops. Richard (Robin’s alter-ego) is attracted to Barbara and flirts with her.

Scientist Pamela and other women in the film wear revealing dresses and outfits. Poison Ivy is a seductress: she flirts with several men and kisses them. Most men die after the kiss because her toxins are introduced through the mouth.

Bruce Wayne (Batman’s alter-ego) has been dating Julia for over a year. She brings up the question of marriage someday, but he rejects the idea. Bruce and Julia kiss.

Poison Ivy does a seductive dance at one of Bruce’s parties with his guests ogling her. She uses a potion that makes men (including Batman and Robin) succumb to her charms. Poison Ivy has eyes for Robin though, which tests his partnership with Batman. She wraps her arms around Robin’s neck and almost kisses him.

Poison Ivy lets loose several sexual innuendos throughout the film. For example, when Batman is lying in a pile of bags, she says “There’s something about an anatomically correct leather suit that puts fire on a girl’s lips.” In another scene, she tries to trap Robin, kissing him. It turns out Robin put on rubber lips to protect himself from her toxins.   

    Violence: Batman and Robin engage in hand to hand combat with several bad guys. Multiple sequences consist of daring leaps, punches and kicks. One perilous scene includes Barbara and Richard competing in a motorcycling race. It ends with Richard grabbing her hand as she’s dangling off a ledge.

Poison Ivy describes herself as “a lover not a fighter.” Bane is strong and constantly knocks our heroes like they are little pebbles. Both heroes suffer great pain. Dr. Freeze uses his ice gun to leave some people frozen in ice blocks. He also knocks several police officers down a roundabout staircase. 

Language: Surprisingly tame for a PG-13 film and includes a few uses of h---.

Drugs/Alcohol: Bruce and his guests consume alcoholic beverages at his party. He and Julia share some wine over dinner too.

Other Negative Elements: Robin is a great partner to Batman in many ways. However, his reckless behavior requires discussion afterward. Robin treats Batman disrespectfully a few times, once saying “It’s either your way or the highway, Bruce.” When Poison Ivy seduces Robin, Batman notices this, but Robin accuses him of being jealous. They part ways for some time in the film.

Poison Ivy kills Dr. Freeze’s wife and pins the blame on Batman. This causes Dr. Freeze to seek revenge on the caped crusader. When he learns the truth, it’s implied Dr. Freeze kills Poison Ivy.

Barbara sneaks out a few times to participate in a motorcycle race. She uses one of her uncle’s motorcycles without his knowledge. Barbara is never reprimanded for her careless actions.

Conclusion: Batman and Robin is one of the few films that shows teamwork at its finest. As the heroes put their lives on the line, it demonstrates doing what is right. Indeed, the film has great action-packed scenes that will leave you breathless.

That doesn’t mean the film is a win-win though. As mentioned,there is a surprising amount of sexual innuendos laced within the dialogue. Some negative choices are presented in such a way that they might rub off on teens. The violence isn’t graphic, but our heroes suffer greatly. Yes, these content concerns are sure to give parents and young fans pause before viewing Batman and Robin.

That said, the movie (compared to Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Trilogy) is more light in a way. There is humor balanced with heroism and great lessons to be learned too. The villains aren’t sadistic, but complex individuals.

Is Batman and Robin terrific? That would be stretching it a bit, but the film manages to keep a steady pace without wearing itself thin. It’s a movie that, while not perfect, keeps you on your toes, and that’s not such a bad thing.