Review of Batman Forever (1995) by Daniel C — 15 Jan 2013

The Dark Knight must face-off against Harvey Two-Face and the Riddler while finding himself in the sights of Dr Chase Meridian and gains help from a circus performer.

I had completely forgotten how Batman Forever played out - except that Jim Carrey played the Riddler. The new direction becomes quite obvious early on amongst the mayhem in the opening scenes involving Two Face. Gotham has been turned into a colourful, animated world and this film appears to play out like a motion comic - couple that with music that harks back to the 60's TV series and any of the seriousness from the first two Batman movies is taken away.

Val Kilmer appears to do a decent job as Batman but not so convincing as Bruce Wayne, while Nicole Kidman actually does a half decent job as Chase Meridian. The two villains appear true enough to their TV show counterparts with Two Face already demented and crazy, once Riddler enters the scene, it can become a bit too much crazy!

The addition of Dick Grayson begins to crowd the cast ensemble and some scenes, including one in the laundry with Alfred appear out of place or unnecessary.

I'm honestly surprised that they decided to make a fourth installment after this one - or Batman Forever must have been just what everyone was after when this film was initially released...