Batman & Robin

Movie Details:

Cast & Characters:

• Arnold Schwarzenegger as Dr. Victor Fries / Mr. Freeze:
• A molecular biologist who suffers an accident while trying to cryogenically preserve his terminally ill wife. As a result, he is forced to live in a sub-zero suit powered by diamonds.
  • George Clooney as Bruce Wayne / Batman:
• A billionaire businessman who fights crime as Batman, Gotham City’s vigilante protector.
• Eric Lloyd as Young Bruce Wayne.
• Chris O’Donnell as Dick Grayson / Robin:
• The crime-fighting partner to Batman and legal ward to Bruce Wayne. He has begun to chafe against Batman’s authority, which is amplified even further by Poison Ivy’s influence.
• Uma Thurman as Dr. Pamela Isley / Poison Ivy:
• A botanist-turned-ecoterrorist as a result of being pushed into vials of chemicals, poisons, and toxins. She uses pheromone dust to make men fall for her and venom-laced lips to kill her victims with a kiss.
• Alicia Silverstone as Barbara Wilson / Batgirl:
• The niece of Alfred Pennyworth who, after losing her parents, joins the superhero duo.
• Michael Gough as Alfred Pennyworth:
• The trusted butler for Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson.
  • Jon Simmons as Young Alfred Pennyworth.
• Pat Hingle as Commissioner James Gordon:
• The police commissioner of Gotham City. He is close to Batman and informs him of numerous crimes.
• Elle Macpherson as Julie Madison: Bruce Wayne’s girlfriend. She proposes to Bruce, but he does not respond, fearing for her safety.

Storyline:

Batman and Robin are back working side-by-side to stop the villains of Gotham City, but is there tension appearing between them, especially when one villainess who calls herself Poison Ivy can make anyone fall in love with her…literally. Along with Poison Ivy, the icy Mr. Freeze is freezing anything which gets in his way from achieving his goal.

About Batman & Robin Movie:

Batman & Robin is an American superhero film based on the DC Comics characters Batman and Robin, created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane. Directed by Joel Schumacher, it is the fourth and final installment of Warner Bros.’ initial Batman film series and a sequel to Batman Forever (1995). The film stars George Clooney as Bruce Wayne/Batman, replacing Val Kilmer, alongside Chris O’Donnell as Dick Grayson/Robin, Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr. Freeze, Uma Thurman as Poison Ivy, and Alicia Silverstone as Batgirl.

Plot Summary

In Batman & Robin, Batman and Robin face a dual threat from Mr. Freeze (Schwarzenegger), who seeks to freeze Gotham City in his quest to find a cure for his terminally ill wife, Nora, and Poison Ivy (Thurman), a botanist turned eco-terrorist who aims to destroy humanity in favor of plant life. The film explores the dynamics of Batman and Robin’s partnership as they navigate their relationship amidst the chaos caused by these villains.

Mr. Freeze uses his cryogenic technology to commit jewel thefts and execute his plan for global ice domination. Meanwhile, Poison Ivy employs her seductive abilities to manipulate both Batman and Robin, causing tension between the duo. The arrival of Alfred’s niece, Barbara Wilson (Silverstone), adds another layer to the story as she becomes Batgirl.

As the plot unfolds, Batman and Robin must confront their differences while battling their adversaries. The film culminates in a showdown at Gotham Observatory, where they attempt to thwart Mr. Freeze’s plan to freeze the city.

Production Notes

Warner Bros. fast-tracked development for Batman & Robin following the box office success of Batman Forever. Schumacher and screenwriter Akiva Goldsman aimed to create a more toyetic film—one that would promote merchandise more effectively than its predecessors. After Val Kilmer declined to reprise his role, George Clooney was cast as Batman.

Principal photography began in September 1996 and wrapped in January 1997, two weeks ahead of schedule.

Reception

Batman & Robin premiered on June 12, 1997, and was released in theaters on June 20. It grossed approximately $238 million worldwide against a production budget estimated between $125 million and $160 million. Despite this financial performance, it was considered a box office disappointment at the time due to high expectations set by previous films.

The film received generally negative reviews from critics who criticized its screenplay, campy tone, and excessive use of puns. However, some praised the performances of Schwarzenegger and Thurman. It is often cited as one of the worst films ever made within the superhero genre.

Legacy

Due to its poor reception, Warner Bros. canceled plans for future Batman films that would have continued Schumacher’s vision. The film’s legacy has been mixed; while it is often derided for its campiness and tonal inconsistencies, it has also gained a cult following over the years for its over-the-top style.

One notable aspect of Batman & Robin is that one of its songs, “The End Is the Beginning Is the End” by The Smashing Pumpkins, won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance at the 40th Annual Grammy Awards.

Overall, Batman & Robin serves as a significant turning point in the Batman film franchise, leading to a re-evaluation of how superhero films would be approached in subsequent years.

Budget & Box Office Collection: