Batman Forever Movie Review

This second sequel considerably lightens up Tim Burton's dark vision. Joel Schumacher steps into the directing boots and delivers a kinder, gentler Caped Crusader. Val Kilmer takes over the cape and cowl, delivering an appropriately deadpan performance. Once again the villains overshadow the hero. An array of bad guys threaten Gotham City in this installment. Tommy Lee Jones shows up as the disfigured (apparently a more common danger in Gotham than elsewhere) “Two-Face” Harvey Dent. Jones’ outrageous performance is topped only by Jim Carrey as The Riddler. Chris O'Donnell joins the crime-fighting ranks as Robin, the Boy Wonder, whose quest for revenge for his parents’ death parallels Batman's own. Nicole Kidman arrives as psychologist Dr. Chase Meridian, who discovers the perfect subject in Batman/Bruce Wayne. The plot involves a spurned Wayne Industries employee, Edward Nygma (now The Riddler) and his attempt to increase his own intelligence by sucking dry the minds of the citizens of Gotham via a TV-top device. The sets are still awe inspiring, as are the stunts and impossible camera maneuvers. Not as deep as the first, but less muddled and more fun than the second, Batman Forever undoubtedly predicts the future of the franchise.

1995 (PG-13) 121m/C Val Kilmer, Tommy Lee Jones, Jim Carrey, Chris O'Donnell, Nicole Kidman, Drew Barrymore, Debi Mazar, Michael Gough, Pat Hingle; D: Joel Schumacher; W: Janet Scott Batchler, Akiva Goldsman, Lee Batchler; C: Stephen Goldblatt; M: Elliot Goldenthal. Blockbuster Entertainment Awards ‘96: Action Actress, Theatrical (Kidman); Nominations: Academy Awards ‘95: Best Cinematography, Best Sound; Golden Globe Awards ‘96: Best Song (“Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me”). VHS, LV WAR