Podcast: Episode 8 - Batman & Robin was a SHOCK to leads Chris O'Donnell & Alicia Silverstone (Entertainment Weekly)

A pretty interesting article came out from Entertainment Weekly (link here) recently in which Chris O'Donnell and Alicia Silverstone, while promoting their new projects, looked back at the making and immediate aftermath of Batman & Robin.

Both are pretty honest about their experiences and the film's shortcomings. Silverstone's comments are more to do with the filming and getting in to the costumes. Both of which sound bewildering.

Chris O'Donnell's are more about the critical drubbing the film received. I've got to say as an actor it must be tough when a film is critically panned but you still have to go out and promote it like it's the best thing ever. O'Donnell sounds like he handled it well and has come to accept the film was still "fun to be a part of". I guess he ultimately found his feet in the NCIS: LA TV show and doesn't have to worry about past failures,

But it's sad to hear him say that Joel "was so heartbroken and kind of bummed out about it".

In this podcast episode Drew Griffin goes through the article (and comments) and gives us his thoughts on it all.

Podcast: Episode 7 - Batman & Robin is a Flawless Masterpiece

Yeah, we're up to episode 7 of the podcast now.

This one is a solo video of Drew reacting to Space Ice's funny and sarcastic video on Batman & Robin. Lots of fun points, bold claims, hilarious jabs, and plot holes explored. 

Enjoy!

Batman & Robin Merchandise Review - Ultimate Batman and Ultimate Robin figures from Kenner

I reviewed the (so-called) Ultimate Batman Forever figure from Kenner a few years back. It was a pretty large 15 inch action figure that had very limited movement and mostly served as a statue. Kenner, of course, made Ultimate figures for the Batman & Robin movie too - this time of both heroes.

The issues are mostly the same. The likeness is kind of wonky on both and they are posed dynamically. The cape is extremely see-through and the only moveable parts are the arms and waist. Still, they are kind of fun to put on a shelf and look great side by side. All in all, a non-essential purchase.

Podcast: Episode 6 - Batman & Robin Commentary

I'm back with Drew Griffin to this time talk through the 1997 Batman & Robin movie. So grab you copy and press play.

Don't expect a hate watch. We both see this movie as heavily flawed but it's far from the worst film ever made.

If you don't want to have youtube open while you watch, here's a link to the commentary as an mp3.

Batman & Robin Merchandise Review - Batmobile vehicle from Kenner

Finally getting around to reviewing this Batmobile from Kenner. It took me a little while because I purchased it on eBay without checking it was complete (rookie error). For years I was missing the missile on the front and given that's really the only play feature I thought I should wait until I found one.

Fast forward a few years and I now have a complete Batmobile. I wish I could say it was worth the wait but unfortunately this is a pretty disappointing vehicle. 

The car in the movie seems tailormade to make a toy out of but sadly Kenner fumbled the ball. The biggest issue being there's no light up feature - instead we have some very boring stickers. We don't even get a steering wheel! 

My theory is that Kenner put more effort into the Bathammer (which does light up) and chose to save some money on a Batmobile. I guess they figured more kids would be interested in the new vehicle and most might already own one of their old Batmobiles from the previous movies or Animated series.

News: McFarlane releasing 1:3 scale Clooney cowl

Just announced McFarlane are releasing a 1:3 scaled version of the George Clooney cowl. It should be approx 7 inches tall and comes connected to a small stand.

McFarlane have been making these mini cowls for a few years now (some at full scale). I haven't picked any up but will definitely be getting this. Should cost around £25-30.

Not sure on release date but the pre-orders start 2nd September.

Batman & Robin Merchandise Review - Deluxe Wing Blast Robin figure from Kenner

Slowly picking up the last few of the Batman & Robin figures from Kenner. Managed to snag this Deluxe Wing Blast Robin recently after a long search. It was a nightmare to find due to there also being a similarly named "Blast Wing" Batman figure in the line. 

Anyway, glad I got it as it's a really nice figure.

For starters there's some amazing artwork on the box of Chris O'Donnell wearing a photo realistice version of this suit.

The figure is in an appropriately snow themed blue and white version of the Nightwing suit. Like most of the line it's only two colours but the sculpting is great, lots of little details like the bird on his back.

He comes with a little scythe weapon (very similar to the Batgirl figure) and this really nifty back pack with spring out wings that reminds me of similar Batman figures from the animated series line.

There's also a missile that clips on to the backpack and fires. All in all, a really solid figure.