Review of Batman Forever (1995) by Aiden A — 09 Aug 2014

Taking Batman back into pure camp, director Joel Schumacher leaves his mark on the series in other ways, including his fetishes for leather and anatomically-correct suits; a focus on bright, gaudy colors; and hardware. Still, I thought it was a step up from the second movie, and more fun. Your enjoyment of the movie depends, however, on your feelings about Jim Carrey. If you find him the least bit funny, then you might tolerate the movie. Otherwise, you'll hate it.

Tommy Lee Jones as Harvey Dent/Two Face is just the Joker with a different face, and he plays it the same way, without Jack Nicholson's humor or menace. More successful are Nicole Kidman as a Dr. Chase Meridian (even though her character is basically just male fantasy) and Chris O'Donnel as Robin. Val Kilmer makes a fine Batman but he really cannot replace Michael Keaton.

Ultimately this is a ridiculous movie, but if you like your Batman campy, then this is probably the highlight of the series of movies that began in 1989. It doesn't hold a candle to the camp joys of "Batman" from 1966.