Batman Forever (1995)

Terrible compared to BB and Dark Knight

After seeing The recent Dark Knight on opening weekend, and seeing Batman Begins two years ago, I can't believe how terrible this one is just like Batman & Robin. Would not recommend it, even to diehard Batman fans. Sure they had one of the all time greatest actors, but Schumacher made them out to be way over the top. These last two movies are more like PG. July 24, 2008

Superior Acting Saves Otherwise Bad Film

After watching just the first few minutes of this film by Joel Schumacher, it immediately becomes clear that this is nothing like the original two movies...and not in a good way.

While the first two films were true to the interpretation of the Batman character as dark, brooding, and rather violent in nature (not at all like Superman, for example), Schumacher opts for a flashy, James Bond-like approach to the franchise, where every prop is equipped with flashing or glowing lights, bat-gadgets are used at a frenetic pace, and one-line quips are common fare. While good for a few shallow laughs, this approach to the Batman character marked the beginning of the end (until Christopher Nolan's "Batman Begins") for the Batman franchise. Essentially, Batman can only survive with a "good guy" interpretation for so long before he strays too far from his original character intent.

What makes this movie still a very watchable film, however, is the acting of Tommy Lee Jones as Two-Face and Jim Carrey as The Riddler. Though Two-Face's background is hardly touched on at all (a major mistake), he is still an interesting character, as Jones hams up his dual personality at every opportunity. The same goes for the insanely funny Jim Carrey...The Riddler's backstory exists but is rather dumb, but Carrey still provides a hilarious character out of almost nothing to work with.

Finally, the introduction of Robin onto the scene also works in this film, as an emotional backstory (essential for any Batman movie character) is included for him.

Overall, this film strays the Batman franchise down the wrong path, but ultimately ends up watchable due to its tremendous acting. If only the succeeding film could have been so lucky... July 23, 2008

There are good and bad.

ya this movie is'ntBatman Begins (Widescreen Edition) or even the other two films before it ya the villans crapy as they get two face not as cool as i thought and jim carrey you new he was gonna be to goofy so i think the best batman movie so far is The Dark Knight [Theatrical Release]. July 21, 2008

Should have been Tim Burton's trilogy with the Riddler

Tim Burton was still attached to direct a third Batman film with Michael Keaton returning as Batman. Robin Williams was supposed to play the Riddler and Rene Russo as the psychologist. Unfortunately, the idiotic Warner executives felt that Batman Returns was too "dark." It's supposed to be you morons! Instead, they wanted to make it more "family-oriented." Boring! That's why we have Disney films. Sadly, since Burton wasn't allowed to further his vision of the franchise, he dropped out and the dreadful Joel Schumacher was brought in which is why Batman became a flashy circus of errors. With Burton gone, Keaton also dropped out. Since they casted Val Kilmer, Rene Russo was also out because they wanted someone younger, enter Nicole Kidman. Robin Williams also declined the Riddler after hearing Burton was no longer director.

I'm pretty sure the Robin character was to be introduced however Tim Burton did say he only planned on using the Riddler as the main villain. Two-Face did not even come into play until Joel Schumacher came on board. I am not even a fan of Two-Face and felt with two new characters, Robin and the Riddler, it was not necessary to include Two-Face. It's overkill and there isn't enough screen time to develop all these characters properly. The main villains in the Batman franchise that have been the most popular are the Joker, Penguin, Catwoman and the Riddler. With three of these characters already introduced, the third Batman film should have only used the Riddler as Tim Burton intended with Robin Williams in the part. Jim Carrey irritates. Tommy Lee Jones was not any better. I like Val Kilmer but not as Batman. Michael Keaton and Rene Russo would have been great together. Chris O'Donnell would have been the only actor to keep from this mess. The cover should have had Batman, Robin and the Riddler on it.

It's too bad Tim Burton couldn't have done one more Batman with his dark and moody style I have come to appreciate very much. It would have made a terrific Batman trilogy. It's unfortunate studio bosses have to interfere so much rather than let a director continue his brilliant work. This is why we have Batman Begins. I won't even comment on the third sequel, Batman & Robin. But I will say this - Joel Schumacher's career should be over and the Warner exec's replaced by people with taste!

July 15, 2008

For those who hated the first two.

I liked this movie.
Was it too bright and too campy? Yes.
But at least it had an actor who could give the dark knight justice.
Kilmer destroys Keaton hands down.
Kidman destroys Pfeifer hands down.
Carry, genius.
Jones, brilliant.
Goofy, funny, memorable.
The best of the origial four.
Recommended. June 13, 2008

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