1# Uncle Alfred Designing the Batgirl Costume... - Batman & Robin (1997)
Its a well known fact that Alfred, the Wayne familys loyal and long suffering butler, has always been an integral part of the Batman franchise. He gives invaluable advice, tends to Bruces injuries, helps to maintain the Batmobile, ensures that the weapons and gadgets are in functional order and, in the Burton / Schumacher films, also has a hand in designing and making the heroes (and heroines) suits. Theres no problem with this in theory, but when the well mannered and gentile old fellow produces a figure hugging and risqué Batgirl outfit for his darling niece in
Batman & Robin (1997) questions have to be asked. Im definitely not accusing the writers or directors of hinting at anything; nor am I ignorant to the fact that much of the target audience for the film would have greatly enjoyed seeing
Alicia Silverstone in such an ensemble. However, why couldnt they have scripted this scene to allow Barbara to make her own suit? She has a pre-established back story of liking motorbikes, so why not film a scene showing her cutting up a set of leathers and producing an outfit that way? Its a small point I know, but it just doesnt feel right. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXHCxcSgzAY So that concludes my round up of the ten worst moments in the Batman film franchise. As you may have guessed by now it was incredibly difficult to pick holes in these films for a variety of reasons; not only are they based on comic books, meaning that they arent supposed to be realistic, but they also strike a delicate balance between drama and humour and make use of technology which is at once impossible but feasible. As a result I have only chosen those moments which I feel could have been improved in some way, as per my definition of the word worst. I am certain that many of you will disagree with my points, or generate some which I havent given priority - Christian Bales voice, for instance, is something I think works very well and adds to the character, while many others find it laughably incomprehensible and distracting. Still, if this article succeeds in nothing other than sparking up a discussion or debate then its done its job!