The DC Animated Universe continues with another Batman title that also features Damian Wayne(aka Robin). The previous Batman centered film was Son of Batman, and that film got some hate. I didn't hate that film, but I do admit it was not on par with some of the recent DC animated films. The same can be said of Batman vs Robin. The film is fun with some great voice acting, and so many amazing action scenes, but the story with the Court of Owls is just not as good as it could have been. The Following is my review of Batman vs Robin.
This story was written by J.M. DeMatteis based on the comic book from Grant Morrison and Scott Snyder. DeMatteis has only previously wrote TV series for the DC animated department. For example Justice League and Batman: The Brave and the Bold. I'm not that knowledgeable on The Court of the Owls, but after watching the special features on the Blu-Ray for this film, it sounds like an interesting idea. Those ideas do not play out that well in this film. I am not claiming the story is bad, it certainly is not, but after recent DC animated efforts like The Flashpoint Paradox, War, and Throne of Atlantis, this film is easily a step down in terms of story. The film is still worth a watch, but not really for the story. I enjoy what the Court of Owls could bring in the future, but on this effort, their story isn't much interesting.
The film was directed by DC Animated regular, Jay Oliva. Oliva is known for directing other DC Animated films such as Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Parts 1 & 2, Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox, and Justice League: War. Oliva usually delivers top quality with the animated films he directs. The same can easily be said here. The animation looks fabulous, and the action scenes are wonderful to watch. The voice acting is once again an amazing aspect of the film. The stars of the film are Jason O'Mara(Batman) and Stuart Allan(Robin). Troy Baker, Kevin Conroy, Jeremy Sisto, and even Weird Al Yankovic. The talented voice actors have always seemed to work well together in these films, and the same can be said here. With the story of the film falling short, it is good to know that the action and the quality animation keeps our interest over the course of this eighty minute film. While it certainly is not up there with his recent works overall, this is still a worthy film to watch for comic book animated films.
The film was composed by Frederik Wiedmann. Wiedmann scored previous DC animated films such as Justice League: Throne of Atlantis, Son of Batman, and Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox. Wiedmann's effort once again is nothing short of great. It is original and he often brings something different to each one of his scores that I have heard. It adds a great deal of depth to the film as well. Wiedmann does a fantastic job in this area of the film, and cannot wait to hear his work on upcoming DC projects.
Overall, even though the story is not as good as it could have been, with quality animation, great acting, and a great score, this effort is not to be missed. I'm sure most will find it not up to the level on previous works from DC, but the film is still enjoyable, and makes you excited for their next film.
I will also be going over the Blu-Ray special features as well. This home video release has brought back the Audio Commentary from the creators of the film. The audio commentary is covered by Mike Carlin the creative director, Jay Oliva the director of the film, and James Tucker the supervising producer for the DC animated films and TV shows. These audio commentaries are a good insight into the making of the overall film, and these guys have all done one of these in the past, so they know what to talk about. This commentary is loaded with funny and informative information. A must listen for any fan. The film also features two featurettes. The first is "The Mythic Court of Owls" which just goes over the back story of the Court of Owls and how it is similar to the Illuminati and the Freemasons. This featurette runs at 32 minutes long. The second and final featurette is "The Talons of the Owls". This is just more back story on the many Talons over the course of generations and what they all do. This featurette runs at 14 minutes. There is also an inside look at the next DC animated film, Justice League: Gods & Monsters. Which runs at 11 minutes. There are also 4 TV episodes from various DC animated shows. This runs total at 88 minutes. Even if you don't find the story all that well made, the bonus content on the Blu-Ray is well worth the price, especially if you can track down a copy of the Steelbook, which features amazing artwork.
7/10
This story was written by J.M. DeMatteis based on the comic book from Grant Morrison and Scott Snyder. DeMatteis has only previously wrote TV series for the DC animated department. For example Justice League and Batman: The Brave and the Bold. I'm not that knowledgeable on The Court of the Owls, but after watching the special features on the Blu-Ray for this film, it sounds like an interesting idea. Those ideas do not play out that well in this film. I am not claiming the story is bad, it certainly is not, but after recent DC animated efforts like The Flashpoint Paradox, War, and Throne of Atlantis, this film is easily a step down in terms of story. The film is still worth a watch, but not really for the story. I enjoy what the Court of Owls could bring in the future, but on this effort, their story isn't much interesting.
The film was directed by DC Animated regular, Jay Oliva. Oliva is known for directing other DC Animated films such as Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Parts 1 & 2, Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox, and Justice League: War. Oliva usually delivers top quality with the animated films he directs. The same can easily be said here. The animation looks fabulous, and the action scenes are wonderful to watch. The voice acting is once again an amazing aspect of the film. The stars of the film are Jason O'Mara(Batman) and Stuart Allan(Robin). Troy Baker, Kevin Conroy, Jeremy Sisto, and even Weird Al Yankovic. The talented voice actors have always seemed to work well together in these films, and the same can be said here. With the story of the film falling short, it is good to know that the action and the quality animation keeps our interest over the course of this eighty minute film. While it certainly is not up there with his recent works overall, this is still a worthy film to watch for comic book animated films.
The film was composed by Frederik Wiedmann. Wiedmann scored previous DC animated films such as Justice League: Throne of Atlantis, Son of Batman, and Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox. Wiedmann's effort once again is nothing short of great. It is original and he often brings something different to each one of his scores that I have heard. It adds a great deal of depth to the film as well. Wiedmann does a fantastic job in this area of the film, and cannot wait to hear his work on upcoming DC projects.
Overall, even though the story is not as good as it could have been, with quality animation, great acting, and a great score, this effort is not to be missed. I'm sure most will find it not up to the level on previous works from DC, but the film is still enjoyable, and makes you excited for their next film.
I will also be going over the Blu-Ray special features as well. This home video release has brought back the Audio Commentary from the creators of the film. The audio commentary is covered by Mike Carlin the creative director, Jay Oliva the director of the film, and James Tucker the supervising producer for the DC animated films and TV shows. These audio commentaries are a good insight into the making of the overall film, and these guys have all done one of these in the past, so they know what to talk about. This commentary is loaded with funny and informative information. A must listen for any fan. The film also features two featurettes. The first is "The Mythic Court of Owls" which just goes over the back story of the Court of Owls and how it is similar to the Illuminati and the Freemasons. This featurette runs at 32 minutes long. The second and final featurette is "The Talons of the Owls". This is just more back story on the many Talons over the course of generations and what they all do. This featurette runs at 14 minutes. There is also an inside look at the next DC animated film, Justice League: Gods & Monsters. Which runs at 11 minutes. There are also 4 TV episodes from various DC animated shows. This runs total at 88 minutes. Even if you don't find the story all that well made, the bonus content on the Blu-Ray is well worth the price, especially if you can track down a copy of the Steelbook, which features amazing artwork.
7/10