Val Kilmer in ‘Batmen Forever’. Photo: Warner Bros.
Preview:
- ‘Batman Forever’ has low critic and audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes and is widely considered to be not good.
- The movie is better than people give it credit for, as it has some great performances from great actors.
- The action sequences are also quite entertaining.
‘Batman Forever’ is celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2025, so now is as good a time as any to revisit this classic and point out that it is not as bad as people say it is. The movie is certainly not perfect, by any means, but it has a lot of entertaining moments, unforgettable performances, and great action sequences.
Directed by Joel Schumacher, ‘Batman Forever’ stars Val Kilmer as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Chris O’Donnell as Dick Grayson/Robin, Tommy Lee Jones as Harvey Dent/Two-Face, and Jim Carrey as Edward Nygma/Riddler. The movie is the first of two Batman movies from the director; however, Val Kilmer did not return for the sequel, ‘Batman & Robin’, and George Clooney replaced him.
The film takes place in Gotham, featuring two of the most iconic DC villains, Two-Face and Riddler, as they plan to get revenge on Batman. At the same time, Gotham’s hero is struggling with his own identity as he contemplates if he wishes to be Batman forever or if he is ready to hang up the cowl. His love interest, Dr. Chase Meridian, played by Nicole Kidman, is who he turns to for guidance.
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‘Batman Forever’ Features Several Unforgettable Performances
Jim Carrey as the Riddler in ‘Batman Forever.’ Photo: Warner Bros.
When an actor plays a superhero, there can be a lot of pressure due to the fact that they have to play two different personas. Val Kilmer does a great job of portraying both Bruce Wayne and Batman, something that isn’t always easy to pull off. Each of them have their own unique mannerisms and personalities, making it believable not everyone around them would immediately know they are the same person. It is a shame that he did not have a good time making the movie, opting not to return, however George Clooney is a great Batman as well, so it was nice to get to see that.
Chris O’Donnell did return for ‘Batman & Robin’, thankfully. He delivers a good performance as Robin, even if he was a bit too old at the time to be believable as the character. This is not his fault, and he does what he can to make himself seem a little more immature and younger than he is, in an effort to make it work.
Tommy Lee Jones is decent as Two-Face, even if some of the writing and his performance is over-the-top. This character may be crazy and psychotic, but he isn’t supposed to be silly. One thing that is noticable during ‘Batman Forever’ is that he tends to re-flip his coin if he does not get the outcome he wants, which is not something the comic book version would do. He prefers everything to be left up to chance – not to say he wouldn’t rig it if he had to.
The standout performance in ‘Batman Forever’ is easily Jim Carrey. He is a character actor for the most part, which really shines in this film. Riddler is cartoonish and over-the-top, which is why Jim Carrey was the perfect choice to play him. This version of Riddler is smart and full of himself, but also more on the energetic and crazy side than we have seen in other movies (for example Paul Dano’s Riddler in ‘The Batman’). This Riddler really works for the story being told in ‘Batman Forever’ and is a more comic book accurate version of the character. A truly unforgettable Jim Carrey character.
There Are Great Action Sequences Sprinkled Throughout The Film
Chris O’Donnell as Robin in ‘Batman Forever’. Photo: Warner Bros.
What is a superhero movie without epic action sequences? Nothing.
‘Batman Forever’ thankfully delivers some great action scenes right from the start. There are heists, there are gangs, and of course, there are team-ups. All of these things together create some edge-of-your seat sequences that have you wondering if the good guys will make it out alive. If you don’t feel the stakes in a movie like this, it never really works. Of course, they do survive, but the villains are devious enough to have viewers curious if they will or not.
Allowing Two-Face and Riddler to team-up with one another creates a more dangerous situation for Batman and Robin, but also evens the playing field. These fight scenes are filled with cheesy one liners, but also include well done practical effects, something that is often missed in the industry nowadays.
Say What You Will, ‘Batman Forever’ Is Entertaining
(L to R) Tommy Lee Jones as Two-Face and Jim Carrey as the Riddler in ‘Batman Forever.’ Photo: Warner Bros.
‘Batman Forever’ might not be a perfect movie, but it is far from terrible. It is nrealy impossible to watch this film without laughing and having a good time. Sure, some of the performances are a bit over-the-top, but honestly, that is the point. This is a superhero movie that opted to lean more into the ridiculous and silly side of things, while still delivering some more grounded, epic action sequences.
‘Batman Forever’ is not a movie that takes itself too seriously. In fact, it almost never takes itself seriously, which is the fun of it all. It takes the quirkiness of the 1966 series and dials it up to eleven. If you want to simply have a good time watching a movie, now is the perfect time to revisit this one.
(L to R) Val Kilmer and Nicole Kidman in ‘Batmen Forever’. Photo: Warner Bros.