Batman vs. Robin is the 23rd animated feature from the DC Universe of original movies. Generally speaking this where DC outshines Marvel. This latest installment is partially based on the Batman: The Court of Owls story arc written by Scott Snyder. It serves as a sequel to 2014’s Son of Batman. This 80-minute feature centers around the father-son relationship between Damian as Robin and Bruce as Batman. As you may recall from Son of Batman, Damian was raised by his grandfather, Ra’s Al Ghul. He was raised as an assassin with no mercy for the weak. This is a far cry from the way Batman conducts business. Warning spoilers ahead…
As Batman and Robin continue to spar at one another, a real threat to Gotham resurfaces in the form of a secret society called the Court of Owls. The Court comprises of Gotham’s elite. They have their sights on destroying Batman and hope to recruit Robin and of all people, Bruce Wayne to help.
The mysterious figure known as Talon looks to manipulate young Damian (Robin) as he sees the conflict between the Dynamic Duo. For Batman, he has to not only fight off the threat of the Court of Owls but fight his conflicted son as well. Having read the original source material, I do wish the presence of the Court of Owls were better established. That’s the beauty of the written material as oppose to reducing it to 80-minutes.
The setting is great and the story is well told by director, Jay Oliva. What has become a standard for better or for worse is the PG-13 presentation. But since these stories are rooted in the New 52, it’s no wonder that these animated features are grittier and more adult oriented. If you’re a Batman fan, you ‘ll want to add this to your collection.
Look for Justice League: Gods and Monsters by Bruce Timm coming out this summer.
BATMAN VS. ROBIN – ***1/2 (Out of 5 stars)
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
