Batman and Robin MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 1/2 Content: -1/2

This fourth installment of the Batman saga continues the crimefighting exploits of Batman (George Clooney) and his daredevil partner Robin (Chris O'Donnell). This time there's a chill on the streets of Gotham because new villain, Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger), is bringing a cold front of crime with him. Also loose on the streets is the plant diva Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman), a vine-entwined beauty who plans world domination for plant life of all kinds. When these two villains strike a partnership, it takes an arsenal of weapons and many fierce battles to bring them down. The dynamic duo's only hope resides in their new-found partner, Batgirl (Alicia Silverstone). The intended teenage audience will find a feast for the eyes as director Joel Schumacher has outdone himself with all-new elaborate sets, outrageous costumes, and fantastic new gadgets such as Robin's new turbo-charged motorbike, the Redbird, and a re-designed Batmobile. BATMAN & ROBIN will surely be a boxoffice smash.

The only moral defect in this film is the villain Poison Ivy. She's a blatantly sensual character who's constantly making innuendoes about genitals, and blowing a dust into the air that causes men to become sexually aroused. She then uses their hormones against them to give them a kiss of death. Her behavior is not condoned, and she pays in the end, but her exploits are still very arousing. Poison Ivy also has a god complex. She makes several biblical references with a mocking tone, but this is never portrayed positively. Of course, there's a lot of violence, and the film is filled with stunt-filled fights between good guys and bad, but none of it is excessive or gory. However, Poison Ivy's eroticism will leave discriminating viewers in the cold.

Preview Reviewer: Jason Shepherd
Distributor: Warner Bros., 4000 Warner Blvd., Burbank, CA 91522