If you think Batman is always a grim and serious hero, Batman and Harley Quinn will change your mind. This 2017 animated film leans heavily into comedy, driven by Harley Quinn. However, the blend of humor and Batman's darkness feels uneven, making it fun in some moments but potentially frustrating for hardcore Batman fans.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story begins when Poison Ivy teams up with Jason Woodrue, aka the Floronic Man, to destroy the world by releasing toxic spores that turn humans into plants. Batman and Nightwing need help from Harley Quinn, the Joker's ex-girlfriend who is trying to go straight but remains unpredictable and crazy. Their mission is to uncover Ivy's plan and stop it before the world is overrun by poisonous plants.
Performance and Characters
Kevin Conroy returns to voice Batman, reinforcing his classic portrayal, but Batman has less screen time than expected. Nightwing, voiced by Loren Lester, feels like a sidelined supporting character. The star of the show is Melissa Rauch as Harley Quinn; she captures the character's craziness and innocence well, though sometimes overacts. Paget Brewster does a good job as Poison Ivy but is given little to work with. The villain Jason Woodrue, voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson, is used more for comedy than as a threat.
Direction, Animation, and Music
Director Sam Liu, known for many DC animated films, brings a familiar style. The animation quality meets the standard of DC Universe Animated Original Movies, but the film's tone is confused between comedy and seriousness. The music is unremarkable but not bad. There are some action scenes, but they are not as thrilling as expected, with fights ending too quickly.
Editorial Analysis
One of the main problems with Batman and Harley Quinn is its attempt to be a full-on comedy, forcing Batman into situations that don't fit his personality. Making Harley the lead lightens the mood but reduces Batman to a supporting character in his own story. Additionally, the plot is thin and full of holes. While there are some funny moments, overall the film lacks depth and fails to balance comedy and darkness. It's suitable for fans who like Harley and want a light, mindless watch, but not for those expecting the intensity of traditional Batman stories.
Verdict
Batman and Harley Quinn is a film for those who want something lighthearted and enjoy Harley Quinn's character. But if you're a hardcore Batman fan who prefers dark and serious tones, this film may disappoint. It's a pleasant watch but not the best work of the DC Animated Universe.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Kevin Conroy's voice acting remains excellent
- +Harley Quinn has several funny moments
- +Only 74 minutes long, easy to watch
👎 Cons
- −Tone is confused between comedy and darkness
- −Batman is reduced to a supporting character
- −Thin plot with many holes
Top Cast
FAQ
No, it's an easy-to-understand animated film. Even without prior knowledge of the DC universe, you can follow along.
It contains inappropriate content such as strong language and mild suggestive scenes, so it's not recommended for young children.
This film focuses on comedy and puts Harley in the spotlight, while Batman has a smaller role and is less dark than in other stories.
