Batman Vs Robin review

Genre: Adventure, Comic, Action, Animated, Sci-Fi, Science Fiction.
Starring: Stuart Allan, Troy Baker, Kevin Conroy, Trevor Devall, Robin Atkin Dowes, Griffin Gluck, Grey DeLisle-Griffin, Sean Maher, David McCallum, Jason O'Mara, Peter Onorati, Andrea Romano, Jeremy Sisto, "Weird Al" Yankovic.
Year Of Release: 2015
Certificate: 12A (UK) PG-13 (US)
Runtime: 76 Minutes
Director: Jay Oliva

Synopsis: "While Damian Wayne struggles to cope with Batman's no-killing rule, he soon starts to believe that his destiny lies within a secret society known as, The Court of Owls." IMDB

This is only the second animated film I have reviewed, still find it a bit weird reviewing them if I am honest, feels weird to not be talking about the same elements specifically the lack of acting you get to see and the fact it is all animated so the visual effects are on a different level in comparison to say Interstellar looks great and real, while the effects in animation are on par with the animation of the rest of the scenes if that makes sense to anybody but me? Ha.

Batman Vs Robin was directed by Jay Oliva a go to name in the DC animated universe working on the likes of "Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 2", "Batman: Assault On Arkham" and "Justice League: War". Yet again he delivers a thoroughly enjoyable animated film, cementing himself in the DC chair for a while I'd imagine. Teaming up with long time DC writer J. M. DeMatteis who has been working with DC characters since the early '90s, so what a great team to bring together for latest instalment in the franchise.

I was apprehensive at first when Jason O'Mara took over from Kevin Conroy, I mean Kev IS BATMAN, he has been a part of my life as Batman for as long as I can remember. However, O'Mara makes the role his own in a brilliant way, the rest of the cast performed well in their roles, especially Troy Baker as ever he gives a stellar performance. Plus there was a nice nod to the old with Kevin Conroy returning to voice Thomas Wayne, I personally didn't remember going into the film Conroy was returning, so hearing that familiar voice was a nice touch. There was a bit of a let down though, I was hyped to hear "Weird Al" Yankovic voicing Dollmaker, but he seemed to disappear before we even got to really appreciate his comedic style.

The animation is fluid and wonderful to watch,the actions scenes blended seamlessly into the more dramatic scenes, it was brilliant production. The scene may come across a bit gory to some, so if you're planning on watching with your children or allowing them to watch you want to check it out beforehand. The action is reminiscent of Son Of Batman in my opinion, feels like director Jay Oliva took inspiration from the success of that film and added his own elements to it. All the fight scenes are wonderfully executed especially the climatic scene in which we get to see the Bat-family take on some villains.

There is one MAJOR thing I believe they should have done differently and that is calling the film "Batman: The Court Of Owls", the title is a little bit misleading, the story centres mostly on the Court Of Owls. While having a lot to do with Batman and Robins relationship, it is heavy on the Court storyline, there is a fight scene between Batman and Robin, but the main story comes from the Court trying to run Gotham.

Overall, the film was a brilliant watch it really showcased the vast differing dynamics between Bruce and Damian's belief in what is true justice. In recent instalments the franchise of DC Universe Animated films have been pretty good the likes Son Of Batman (REVIEW HERE) and Superman Unbound stand out. I would say this is definitely up their with them. Another brilliant film in the DC Universe Animated series, DC are winning in the animated film world in my eyes, while Marvel are winning live action. It would take an awful lot for me to ever chance my mind on that.

7/10