DCU: Batman and Harley Quinn

DCU: Batman and Harley Quinn is a 2017 animated superhero film that brings together iconic characters from the DC Universe in an engaging and entertaining narrative. The three main characters are Batman, who is voiced by the legendary Kevin Conroy, Harley Quinn, whose voice has been lent by Melissa Rauch, and Poison Ivy, brought to life by Paget Brewster. Directed by Sam Liu and produced by DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, the film is part of the DC Universe Animated Original Movies collection.

In this film, Batman, the Dark Knight of Gotham City, does not portray his usual solo role. Instead, he finds himself smack in the middle of a bizarre team-up where he needs to rely on none other than the trickster anti-heroine Harley Quinn, resulting in some unexpectedly comical moments. Likewise, for Harley Quinn lovers, this film is a departure from the regular criminally insane persona to show a more humane and vulnerable side of this immensely popular character.

The narrative of DCU: Batman and Harley Quinn starts revolving around Poison Ivy teaming up with Plant Master, a character with the power to control and manipulate plant life, leading to a dire threat to humanity. The duo is working on an ominous global plan that puts not only Gotham City but the entire world at risk. Promptly stepping onto the scene with his exceptional detective skills and gadgets, Batman detects and attempts to stop this catastrophic plan but realizes that stopping Poison Ivy is not a one-person job.

Given his history with Poison Ivy and her plant-based menaces, Batman decides that he needs an insider perspective, which leads him to Harley Quinn. Harley Quinn has been a close companion of Poison Ivy and could be instrumental in predicting and countering Poison Ivy's moves. Thus, an unlikely alliance is formed that promises a combination of action, comedy, drama, and suspense.

This offbeat team-up offers a fun, unique element to the movie, with the ever-dark and serious Batman thrown in among the flirty and chaotic energy of Harley Quinn. These interactions lead to quirky banter and entertaining scenes throughout the film, offering a fresh outlook on superhero collaborations against a common enemy.

Melissa Rauch's portrayal of Harley Quinn brings a unique touch to the character, giving her an unexpected voice that contrasts with her intense persona. Her performance adds a lot of humor and depth to the character, and her interaction with the ever-brilliant Kevin Conroy as Batman is a highlight of the movie. Meanwhile, Paget Brewster’s performance as Poison Ivy is impressive, as she successfully portrays a villainous lady who can manipulate plants but whose ultimate goal is to ensure a greener and more sustainable world.

The animation style is quite similar to the Batman Animated Series from the 90s, which adds a nostalgic element for long-time fans of the franchise. Complementing the animation is the stellar voice work by the cast members, which breathes life into these characters on screen. The film is full of great details, from the character designs to the backgrounds, combining to create a visually pleasing aesthetic.

Regarding the storytelling, the film presents complex characters with diverse motives, maintaining a fine balance between intensity and humor. While it is action-packed like typical superhero films, it also explores the human element of Harley Quinn’s spunky personality, and Poison Ivy's eco-conscious but extremist ideologies. The film tastefully juxtaposes saving the world with personal motivations, inviting viewers to delve into the psyche of the characters as their stories unfold.

In essence, DCU: Batman and Harley Quinn is a delightful mix of action, comedy, and drama featuring fan-favorite DC characters in a unique role configuration. It's a light-hearted yet thrilling departure from the usual grim and gritty Batman tales. It serves as an innovative addition to the DC animated movies showing a unexpectedly hilarious side of the Dark Knight. With riveting voice acting, intriguing character dynamics, bold animation style, and an enthralling plot, this is a film that Batman and Harley Quinn fans should not miss.