Batman & Harley Quinn
DC Universe Original Movie
**Spoiler free**
This past Monday I got to attend the One-night-only screening of the brand new DC-animated movie Batman and Harley Quinn! I was so happy that I had tickets to see this premiere event, courtesy of Fathom Events.
Directed by Sam Liu, with a screenplay by James Krieg and the iconic Bruce Timm; “Batman and Harley Quinn” offers a sense of nostalgia and pays homage to the classic Batman: The Animated Series.
This super fun, adult-themed joy-ride features our beloved heroes Batman and Nightwing who turn to the mischievous anti villain Harley Quinn for her help in locating gal pal Poison Ivy. With an unlikely team-up to save humanity from turning into plant-hybrids, Harley joins forces with our dynamic duo.
Poison Ivy alongside ally Jason Woodrue aka The Floronic Man devise a plan to save the planet which can ultimately eliminate mankind.
After her release from prison and leaving her life of crime with the joker behind, Harley is currently working as a waitress at Super Babes, a super hero/villain themed restaurant (disguised as Harley Quinn). That is until she crosses paths with Dick Grayson (Nightwing), who recruits Harley in their search for Ivy.
The film features fantastic voice talents, including Batman regular Kevin Conroy. Even though I was extremely surprised that Arleen Sorkin nor Tara Strong came back to reprise the role, Melissa Rauch did a great job voicing Harl. Batman Animated: Loren Lester returns as Nightwing/Dick Grayson, and Paget Brewster joins as Poison Ivy/ Pamela Isley. Kevin Michael Richardson voices Floronic Man/Jason Woodrue.
So what worked?
The film is a homage to the classic animated Batman. The classic Batman animation style paired alongside a team of very talented voice actors makes for a good tribute. There is a fun party scene with familiar old school henchman with a musical number that was a good laugh. The film is filled with humor and had more of a comedic tone. The chemistry between Harley and Ivy felt true to the partners-in-crime, and even Batman had moments with a sense of humor.
I’m going to try to explain what didn’t work without giving any spoilers.
What didn’t work?
The ending was extremely abrupt and felt unresolved leaving the audience with questions. We finally get a major appearance that we waited for but it felt entirely pointless, even though this character should’ve had a major effect on the storyline. Batman felt more like a background character. It is definitely more of a Harley-driven film, which is fine but It could’ve used Batman more to his potential and more action. There are some forced jokes and filler scenes throughout the film, but nothing that takes away too much.
Final Rating: 7
Overall it is a Comedic Tribute to the animated series and definitely enjoyable. Our beloved anti villain Harley is fun, crazy and wild.
Knowing Harley and her escapades can she be trusted?? Watch and find out!
Batman and Harley Quinn released Aug. 15th on Digital HD courtesy of Warner Bros./Time Warner Inc., with a DVD, Blu-Ray and 4K Blu-Ray arriving on Aug. 29, 2017
- Rated PG-13 (for sexual content, language, violence and action, and for rude humor)
Courtesy of DC Comics /WB Animation
Screenplay by: Bruce Timm and James Krieg
Directed by: Sam Liu
Gotham Geek Girl 