Review of Batman Forever (1995) by Jonny B — 01 Aug 2012

Some fine performances and action sequences sadly aren't enough to justify that Joel Schumacher's Batman Forever can stand alongside Tim Burton's two predecessors.

Schumacher did however make some excellent casting choices, in particular the two main villains. Jim Carrey was delightful as The Riddler with his wit and swagger while counterpart Tommy Lee Jones proved a smart choice as Two Face despite a strangely 'Joker' like performance.

In the presence of Batman, Val Kilmer was particularly impressive also; Michael Keaton who he reprised the role from may have been better suited for the Dark Knight but Kilmer had enough in his performance.

Basically, Batman Forever's real let down is its lack of plot, emotion and atmosphere which was expertly shown in Tim Burton's films. Everything feels a little too stupid and unrealistic in comparison; there isn't a dark atmosphere which Burton proved was so effective. Also, with no emotion, not even when Dick Grayson (Chris O'Donnell)) has his family murdered my Two Face - it's too light hearted and feels heavily diluted.

Batman Forever in all honesty barely even has much of a plot; it revolves around Two Face (Tommy Lee Jones) and Riddler (Jim Carrey) running around Gotham causing chaos. As ever, the Caped Crusader (Kilmer) has his work cut out dealing with the two fiends whilst trying to console broken hearted Dick (O'Donnell) after his losses.

The city of Gotham now feels bland uninspired and more like a base of cops and robbers. It has no microcosms you can relate to, no engaging plots or sub-plots and Tommy Lee Jones who proves to be both fantastic and lacklustre as he appears confused as how to portray Two-Face.

Despite the flaws outnumbering the positives, Batman Forever is still worth the watch for some mindless action heroics and a solid cast which includes Jim Carrey and his delusional take on The Riddler.