Batman Forever (1995)

After a 3 year hiatus Batman exploded back onto the big screen with a new
director and a new man wearing the cape and cowl. Val Kilmer took over as
the caped crusader under direction of Joel Schumacher. The film was a
completely different take on the Batman legend than both previous films by
Tim Burton. In this film Gotham city is much brighter and colorfull. It
has a much closer resemblance to the versions of the city seen in early
Batman comics. Humor was once again present in the movie, a factor that had
been absent since Adam West in 1966. Drastically redesigned costumes,
vehicles, and Batcave/Wayne Maynor sets were made for the movie. In
addition, Robin was added as a character. Batman no longer fought alone
against the villains, which in this movie were The Riddler, Jim Carrey,
and Two-Face, Tommy Lee Jones. The movie was a huge success and
strengthened the Batman movie franchise. Some people feel this is the
right blend of humor and darkness that should be in a Batman movie. Two
months after this film was released, plans for the next movie were under
way. In addition, a huge merchandising campaign was launched for this
movie. Everything under the sun had Batman on it.
Cast List:
Val Kilmer -- Batman/Bruce Wayne
Tommy Lee Jones -- Two-Face/Harvey Dent
Jim Carrey -- Riddler/Edward Nygma
Chris O'Donnell -- Robin/Dick Grayson
Nicole Kidman -- Dr. Chase Meridian
Michael Gough (I) -- Alfred Pennyworth
Pat Hingle -- Commissioner Gordon
Drew Barrymore -- Sugar
Debi Mazar -- Spice
Directed By: Joel Schumacher
Plot:
The theme of duality once again is the center of attention in this film as
it was in Batman Returns. Bruce must deal with the choice he has made to
be Batman, and it is a love interest that is causing problems again. Dr.
Chase Meridian, played with extreme sensuality by Nicole Kidman, is
attracted to both Batman and Bruce Wayne. When she finally choses Bruce,
he decides to give up being Batman.
Only after Chase and his new partner Robin are captured by The Riddler and
Two-Face does he realise that Batman is needed. Meanwhile, Edward Nygma
an inventor is obsessed with Bruce Wayne, and goes crazy after being
turned down by Bruce for help with his invention that beams t.v. signals
into the brain for 3D viewing. He vows to get revenge on Bruce Wayne by
becoming the Riddler. Using his invention, which he has found to have an
interesting side effect of transfering brain power from its users to
himself, he grows smarter and seeks the aid of Two-face. Harvey Dent was
the district attorney before being disfigured by a crime boss. He blames
Batman for his current state and wants to kill him. As Two-face he joins
the Riddler in order to kill Batman. In another plot twist, Two-Face
attacks the circus, where Dick Grayson and his family are performing.
Two-Face kills Dick's parents, and Bruce who witnesses the act, feels
sorry for him and take him in. Dick is consumed with wanting to kill
Two-Face and eventually controls his emotions to become Robin. Jim Carrey
was outstanding as The Ridler and rivaled Jack Nickolson's performance as
The Joker. Val Kilmer came across somewhat egotistical as Bruce Wayne but
was hauntingly dark as Batman. Michael Keaton still seemed better overall
in the role.
Pics:
Here are some pics from Kilmer's turn at Bat:
Val Kilmer as
Batman
Kilmer again as the
Bat
Kilmer in the
Batplane
Nicole Kidman as Chase
Meridian
Jim Carrey as The
Riddler
Carrey as The Riddler
with Jones as Two-Face
Jones as Two-Face with
Drew Barrymore as Sugar and Debi Mazar as Spice
The new
Batmobile
Jim Carrey makes his entrance as the
Riddler
Carrey once again as the Riddler, pondering on his
throne
A transforming experience for Edward
Information about this movie can be found at the Internet Movie Database
at:Batman
Forever(1995)
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