Jay Olivia comes back to the animated universe of D.C. to make another animated masterpiece with Batman Vs Robin, continuing on from the Son Of Batman film, and set in the same universe as Justice League War and Throne Of Atlantis, Batman and Robin have teamed up again to continue fighting crimes. The film is as you would expect a dark and gritty affair with the tone similar to the previous instalment, this definitely builds on the universe and the chemistry between Batman and the young Robin is undeniably getting stronger. This is another animated film to add to the must watch list on the ever growing DC animated multiverse.
Starting out with an extremely dark scene with the doll-maker, a mysterious figure rips the heart out of the villain and challengers Robin mantra “Justice, Not Vengeance”. Batman and Robin must track down the heart pulling villain who leaves a feather behind as a clue. The film follows the comic book “Batman : The Court Of Owls” and incorporates Damian Wayne as the main subject. The film introduces Nightwing as a babysitter/trainer and explains the different Robin’s across the Batman universe (which was a nice touch).
Before this movie I had no idea what the court of owls was so I do not know how it compares to the comics. I can say from a movie point of view, seeing this other side of vigilante’s in Gotham, it was a great contrast to Batman and his lines of justice and what he will and won’t stand up for. The zombie like owl gang were a hoot (seriously the Owl humour just doesn’t get old!) and kept things interesting. That being said when the court come into it, it does feel a little bit rushed, but it is still effective and trying to get Robin away from Batman is explained well.
The fight scenes stand out as some of the best and well choreographed in animated film. Jay Olivia is at the top of his game directing this and proves once again just how incredible the D.C animated universe can be.
Batman Vs Robin is released on Blu Ray, Digital and DVD on April 14, 2015.