Batman and Robin (Adam West, Burt Ward) face four super villains that have a plan to take over the world. These super villains have a machine that dehydrates people and turns them into sand.
Director: Leslie H. Martinson
Cast: Adam West, Burt Ward, Lee Meriwether, Cesar Romero, Burgess Meredith, Frank Gorshin
MPAA Rating: N/A
Fun Fact: This was supposed to come out before the television series but, it came out in between season’s one and two.
Other than the serials in the 1940’s, this was the first feature length film that features Batman. It’s very strange to see Batman out in broad daylight most of the time. This was what people thought of Batman until Tim Burton’s version when it all came to being the Dark Knight again.
Honestly this version is one big comic book. The set pieces, especially the Batcave have that comic like feeling to it. In other areas, it’s bright and colorful and then of course the famous word pop ups represent comic book material. Now is the film trying to be a serious adaptation of the source material? Of course not, and that’s why this movie has the following that it does. It’s just a way to spend a bit and be entertained.
The performances are the major thing that drives this film. It’s camp at its finest so to speak. On one side, you have the hero’s in a more serious tone. Adam West and Burt Ward are acting like the detectives they should be delivering their lines in a way that comes off comical as well. On the other side, you have the villains. Their performances are over the top and comical that is a higher notch then West and Ward. Burgess Meredith and Cesar Romero are the best in their roles as the Penguin and Joker. Romero is the one that really brought on the famous Joker laugh that we know today.
Overall this version of Batman is just fun. It flows more like a comedy because you know it’s campy and not taking itself seriously. If you want to see comic like set pieces and outrageous performances, look at this one.
Verdict: Hit
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