I took a cursory glance at an article claiming Batman & Robin is one of the worst movies from the 1990s, and I was utterly appalled. I argue that Batman & Robin is one of the perfect films of the 90s. For all the wrong and right reasons.
A lot of the hate stems from the movie not being at all what fans were expecting. It feels nothing like the first two — and really, Batman Forever was a transition from those to Batman & Robin — it was campy, it was a modern approach to Adam West’s Batman era. And that is why it’s a perfect film.
I will elaborate. You have no choice but listen — I mean read. And by “no choice”, I mean you do have a choice.
Anyway!
George Clooney played the role of Bruce Wayne and Batman as a flamboyant playboy; there was a constant flirty undertone to how he interacted with everyone. No one was safe from being flirted with, even a monstrous Bane was shot those playful flirty eyes. The film capitalized on Clooney being a heartthrob and objectively universally handsome man. He made boardroom meetings and fighting crime sexy and fun.
Then of course you have the iconic duo of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Uma Thurman playing modern day versions of Adam West era Batman villains, in Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy. Modern day as in 1990s, but you get my point. We get ice puns, nature puns, and more indiscriminate flirting.
Batman & Robin is a fever dream of a movie, and I love it for that reason. It’s different and fun. And we got a Batman that not only wanted to punch bad guys in the face, but also genuinely wanting to help others; including helping a villain because it was the right thing to do. Watch it through the lens of an Adam West era Batman and you too will see the absolute joy Batman & Robin is.
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