Randy here-back from the movies again! Thanks to the folks at Fathom, I got to the just released Batman and Harley Quinn animated movie at one-night only theatrical screening before its release! Take a look:
“From an original story by animation icon Bruce Timm, comes an all-new DC Universe animated movie. Poison Ivy and Jason Woodrue (a.k.a. The Floronic Man) embark on an ecological quest to save the planet – and, unfortunately, eliminate most of humankind along the way. To save humanity, Batman and Nightwing are forced to enlist Harley Quinn to catch Poison Ivy, Harley’s BFF and frequent partner-in-crime. But Batman’s patience is put to the test by the unpredictable and untrustworthy Harley during the twists and turns the reluctant companions face during their bumpy road trip. “ I was a little thrown at first watching it, as it was plainly in the classic “Batman-The Animated Series” time frame (dig the classic Batmobile & Batwing). A little blood and death tells you that we aren’t in WB Kids land anymore. But then the wackiness (and naughtiness) ensues! But that was my expectation. I should have realized with the title of the film, there was going to be a back and forth in tone during the whole time. It did and it was a lot of fun! There’s plenty of action and fighting to go around, including a couple of great scenes of Harley fighting Nightwing early on, and later Poison Ivy. The wackiness comes from Harley, obviously, but sometimes just in the direction the film goes. There’s a point around mid to last third of the film that has Batman, Nightwing, and Harley going to probably one of the strangest settings in the animated series history. I’ll leave it for you to see for yourself, but it includes many cameos by characters I’d NEVER expect. And did I mention the musical number? Yeah- there’s TWO of them! As for naughtiness, there a few cuss words slung about. Plus, there’s Harley getting cozy with a restrained Nightwing (at Batman’s glare-“Yeah, like YOU never made out with any supervillains”) and encouraging a lusty crowd with her dancing. I’ll leave you to find out the rest…
I never get tired of Kevin Conroy returning as Batman. He brings so much to the table, and he continues to be one, if not THE definitive Batman of the past 25 years. Loren Lester also returns as Nightwing after a long absence. With him and Conroy, you get that old team feeling. Melissa Rauch does a stand up job as Harley, giving her a chance to go places the animated series never fully went. And she can belt out a tune just fine! Paget Brewster is also tops as Poison Ivy. The only thing I have to question is… why the change in the voice actors? Why not bring Arlene Sorkin and Diane Pershing to return as well as Conroy and Lester? Especially since the movie went great pains to set it in the B:TAS Universe. Again, nothing wrong with Rauch and Brewster’s work whatsoever, just… an odd choice. Overall, Batman and Harley Quinn is a fine and fun romp. WORTH PAYING: Full price… especially if you’re an old school B:TAS fan. WORTH MAKING TOYS: Pretty sure DC Direct has got you covered.
There is an early credit and end credits scene. Batman and Harley Quinn will be released August 15 on Digital HD and August 29 on Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray Deluxe Giftset, Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD. That’s it for now. Back to toy stuff soon! Be seeing you! RANDY