Despite what dedicated fans might say, "Batman & Robin" from 1997 is surprisingly the most enjoyable of the four Batman films released between 1989 and 1997. All these movies share a similar cartoonish feel; they were more playful than the 1960s television series but benefited from better costumes and a substantial budget. And "Batman & Robin" stands out as the most entertaining among them. While I generally prefer Christopher Nolan’s more grounded approach in “The Dark Knight” trilogy, I have to admit that this film is simply the most fun of the earlier installments. This is why I've never understood the praise heaped on Tim Burton's "Batman"—it looked visually impressive, but the story felt slow and drawn out. It’s clear that all four films embrace a lighthearted tone, so claims that Burton’s “Batman” or “Batman Returns” are more serious or realistic than Joel Schumacher’s "Batman Forever" and "Batman & Robin" don't hold up. I've watched them consecutively, and they each have the same colorful, unserious style. To appreciate these films, you need to accept the comic book world that the filmmakers created. If you do, they can be entertaining, somewhat serious superhero movies. Expecting a tone similar to "Batman Begins" or "The Dark Knight Rises" will only lead to disappointment. Considering all of this, “Batman & Robin” is my favorite. Here’s why: It features the best portrayal of Batman/Bruce Wayne with George Clooney. Although Val Kilmer had a more somber Bruce Wayne persona, Clooney simply embodies the character and brings charisma and entertainment from start to finish. The film also showcases a strong sense of family among those living at Wayne Manor; the warmth and friendship between Bruce, Dick/Robin (Chris O'Donnell), Alfred, and Barbara/Batgirl (Alicia Silverstone) is genuinely pleasant to watch. Then there’s Alicia Silverstone as Batgirl—enough said. Uma Thurman shines in her role as Poison Ivy. I typically don’t find tall, slender women particularly attractive; I prefer someone like Silverstone—but I have to admit that Uma completely embraces the exaggerated nature of Poison Ivy and is undeniably captivating. Arnold Schwarzenegger is also great as Mr. Freeze. You can always tell it's him when he speaks, but he's amusing with a fantastic look and costume. The film has heart; while Poison Ivy is truly evil and faces consequences, you feel sympathy for Freeze’s love for his wife and his desire to revive her. Batman recognizes the warmth beneath his icy exterior and sees a willingness to accept redemption and make amends. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, the bond between Bruce and Alfred, along with the others at Wayne Manor, is palpable. Finally, it's full of vibrant colors and silly, over-the-top action sequences; it’s just a fun movie if you’re in the mood for something that’s half-serious and half-campy. I also enjoy The Smashing Pumpkins song used during the end credits. The film has a running time of 2 hours, 5 minutes. GRADE: B+

Source on TMDB