Review of Batman Forever (1995) by Nick C — 24 Jul 2012

Some Batman fans would consider this a "beginning of the end" for the franchise. I would go as far to say that this is the most fun Batman film probably because of it's animated, comic book atmosphere. Yes, to me it felt like a comic book movie. Not Frank Miller's or Jeph Leob's versions who would later be used by Nolan in his films. This film might appear too kiddish but the reason behind that is Warner Bros. got several complaints from parents who deemed Batman Returns as too dark and depressing. I would say say the film's biggest flaw was Two-Face as he was more Joker-like and animated. Can't blame Tommy Lee Jones. I would have loved to see him play it more like the comic book, more straight then Jones would have been perfectly casted. Even people who didn't like the film liked Carrey's Riddler. Some might say it's Carrey being Carrey in some parts but I sort of got a darker vibe from him. I did like Kilmer's Bruce Wayne but I still think Keaton captured the mysterious side better. For those disappointed.

In this, I'd say to check out what was left out of the movie as you might find some new respect. People complain that the first four films paid more attention to the villains than Batman/Bruce Wayne. However this one showed signs delving into Bruce's world and some deleted footage shows even more. I guess WB or whoever wanted to rid anything serious or thought provocative and just make it a fun movie.