Batman Forever

Val Kilmer does not remember this role too fondly, it's not surprising. Only the visual effects and Nicole Kidman stand out. Joel Schumacher is a person without comic book imagination. Being just a skilled craftsman is not enough. And let’s not speak about the sequel. (13.10.2013)

Paradoxically, the far more derided Batman and Robin was a lot more fun – it was even more stupid, but it was somehow aware of that, and at times it was very cute in its own imbecility. Batman Forever has a better story and some sort of attempt at a darker Gotham signature, but most of it is unbearably boring and scattered in shabbily connected episodes. Kilmer is alright as Batman and Carrey and Jones are great actors, of course, but their uncontrolled creations can’t hold a candle to the uniqueness of Nicholson and Ledger, who were considerably better in the way they balanced their dark clowns (though they worked with far more sophisticated concepts and scenarios). I can’t understand how Schumacher, a director of several impressive hits, could fall so low. Batman’s poetics is not for everyone, it seems. 40% (07.02.2021)

The only thing that keeps this film borderline watchable is the great Carrey, otherwise, Schumacher messed up everything he could. The cast is horrible, the visuals are awful, the plot is awkward, the atmosphere is bland, and it's unworthy of Batman. Yet, when compared to the following episode, it is still within the limits of good taste. (24.01.2007)

Total imbecility. The film is drowning in neon opacity, assisted by blatant pap, which makes the already stupidly shot, edited, and acted action absolutely boring and confusing. Val Kilmer is an incredibly unappealing gut of an actor, the plot is clichéd, and the film doesn't even drip a milliliter of blood. The whole thing feels like a morning Hallmark production, and I can't understand how a schmuck like Schumacher could have made 8mm or Falling Down. Maybe the problem is his poor perception of comics, maybe I have a completely different take on film treatments of the subject. The unfortunate truth is that if it weren't for Tommy Lee Jones, who one still has to imagine isn't trying to emulate Nicholson's Joker, and a few good jokes (the shot of Batman's latex ass), it's a clear waste. (09.06.2004)

This was perfectly fine in its day. To this day, I still like to remind myself of the local variations of Val Kilmer's antagonists, because Batman Forever is simply cast unusually well in terms of the supporting roles. Tommy Lee Jones is excellent, Jim Carrey and Riddler are one and the same soul... and of course, the sexy Dr. Chase Meridian, played by the ethereal Nicole Kidman. Unfortunately, it goes downhill a bit with Chris O'Donnell, but Sugar and Spice are there, and so is good old Alfred Pennyworth. (03.02.2009)