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Batman and Robin

The only thought that one could have when watching "Batman and Robin" is -– “Maybe Schumacher decided to make a version more like the old television show.” That’s the only reasonable explanation to understand the bizarrely comical version delivered in this flick.

Batman/Bruce Wayne reemerges now with the complexion of George Clooney as a hero trying to reconcile a new love interest with his crime fighter life and specially with a conflictive partnership with young, rebel partner Robin/Dick Grayson (still interpreted by Chris O’Donnel), who is passing through what seems to be an adolescence crisis: fighting for independence, space and respect as a real hero (something impossible in a movie like this).

The story brings three antagonists to complicate the Dark Knight’s life -– Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman) as a botanic researcher who becomes an eco-terrorist after an accident in her lab, making her able to kill with a single poisoned kiss.

The chilling (but only in temperature and acting) Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a cryogenic researcher confined to a low-temperature armor after an accident in his lab (yes, another) and incapable of living in normal temperature environments. Finally, in one of the worst adaptation of a comic book antagonist to the silver screen, Bane -- as a mentally handicapped, but incredibly strong bodyguard to Poison Ivy.

In the thin thread of plot, Alfred, Wayne`s faithful butler, is dying of a degenerative disease, coincidentally the same illness for which Mr. Freeze tries to find the cure and save his ailing wife, kept in a cryogenic sleep until then. To survive, Freeze needs to steal diamonds to keep his armor working, while he plans to transform Gothan City into a giant ice box. To help the heroes fight the trio, the dynamic duo receives the help of Batgirl (an overacting Alicia Silverstone) introduced here as Alfred’s niece and not as Commissioner’s Gordon daughter like in the comic books.

One could go crazy trying to understand where were the minds of everyone working on this film. The Bat Cave received a neon covering that made the Dark Knight`s hideout become a genuine disco, with a reflective globe in the Bat Mobile to complete the transformation. While Gotham City’s gothic appearance was switched for a toy city lookalike, the heroes’ suits gained the aspect of carnival costumes.

Batman`s tormented personality was completely executed and substituted for a stupidly comic one. In this version, Batman and Robin even make a McJob as party animators, marching through the screen while reciting abominable jokes.

Not to mention Bane. In the comic books, Bane was the most powerful antagonist to fight Batman. A master mind who was able to break the Dark Knight’s back, making the hero paralyzed from waist down in the saga The Knight’s fall. Here he is simple a stupid thug.

At least one merit could be given. George Clooney has a good appearance for playing the part of Bruce Wayne, maybe the best so far, the only trouble is that he chose the worst film to premiere in with the hero’s cape. On one occasion, Clooney was quoted saying that he was responsible for the franchise’s end. That’s not the truth, he was merely part of it. In another movie with another script he might to get a hit.

Is this movie entertaining? Yes, maybe for someone with two teeth in the dental arch. Only a child could cheer Robin flying through the sky of Gotham while screaming cowabunga or praise Batman switching ice blades from his boots. Not to mention the Bat credit card -– don`t leave the cave without it. Unbelievable, but (sadly) truth.

Written by: Edward Olivier

Reviewers Rating: 1
Reader's Rating: 1.00
Reader's Votes: 1

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