To be fair to Lee's interpretation of Two Face and the multiple flips, Two Face in the comic Arkham Asylum was altering his choice system under a doctor's care, adding more choices by using a dice, and then finally and had made it to the I Ching and it's 32 options by the time Batman got there, so the system can be modified. This Two Face is more malicious and over the top, like a 60s version would have been. There's still a lot of Harvey Dent and his sense of justice in the comics Two Face. His warped version of justice is what makes him a tragic character. That what happened to him proves that there is no universal justice and that his arbitrary system is just as good. This movie has no room for that kind of subtlety. This version would compromise in that fashion to enact his plans. Also that Prince album is amazing. Maybe you had to grow up with it. Batdance is a classic.
I wonder why they didn’t bring back Billy Dee Williams for the role of Harvey Dent. I always found it confusing how the character would go from African American to a white actor considering “Forever” is a direct sequel to “Returns”. It feels like there wasn’t a concern with keeping continuity despite many other actors in the film reprising their role for the exception of Batman.
she has the same look of Kim Basinger on L.A. Confidential , but you are probably right even if I love when she has that long blonde curly hairstyle like in Thunderdays and Malice
Nicholas Joost totally agreed! Even as a youngster watching this I always thought she was hot as hell! I recently rewatched all of these movies besides B&R and I do feel like this movie is pretty solid. I would say 6/10, equal to the 3/5 given here.
This is my favorite Batman film because of the fact that they go into the psychological aspect of why Bruce is Batman. I liked how they referenced the first two films by saying him killing people just made the pain worse and worse until he decided he wanted to be a real hero. And how he felt that he was unhappy as Batman because his personal life was kind of empty. Plus the way they wove Robin's story into it was excellent as well
Batman Forever is also my favorite but from my point of view Kilmer’s Batman is not the same as Keaton’s, they may have the same butler and police commissioner but different universe
Forever sets out first and formost to entertain and does exactly that, despite (or maybe even because of) its many flaws. Returns was, like most of Burton's film, an style-no-substance expressionist work that is just here to satisfy Burton and no one else. Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman still gives me a hard-on, though...
Not everybody forever was GARBAGE Batman movie 89 was a 9 Batman returns was a 10 Batman forever was only good because of the soundtrack the music is the 10 I would give it
I didn't think Val Kilmer did that bad of job as Batman/Bruce Wayne I thought he actually had a good voice when he played as Batman it was deep & soothing almost similar to Kevin Conroy not entirely though
I just realized something. At the end of the movie, they never really gave the people of Gotham their intelligence back. Could it be that the reason Batman and Robin was so campy was because it took place in a Gotham that lost its intelligence? Also, cartridge games do have to load but it takes like a second with most games. Plus, they don't tell you about it. They do it silently whenever screen goes black. In Batman Forever's case, the game was a beat 'em up/platformer that had a fighting game worth of moves for each character. It had tons and tons of sprites to load for each screen.
I have to agree with this review. Despite the fact I don't think its as good as the Burton or Nolan films, I genuinely like this movie for what it is. I've seen the deleted scenes from this and I would definitely love to see a directors cut with those scenes. Jim Carrey is clearly having fun with this role and I really did like him as Riddler, but Tommy Lee Jones is awful as Two Face though. Funnily enough, I actually think he could have been ideal casting if he would have played it like Aaron Eckhart does.
To those who aren't fans of the theatrical cut, then here is the petition that someone created for a director's cut to be released for its 25th anniversary. You are all welcome to sign it, and spread the word out: www.change.org/p/warner-bros-to-warner-bros-release-the-director-s-cut-of-batman-forever-for-its-25th-anniversary. Thank you.
Mr Jones based his two face character off of his role in under siege.outside of the opening he really didn't carry the role that well.I think he was uncomfortable playing that character.
Batman (1989) - 10 / 10 Batman Returns (1992) - 10 / 10 Batman Mask of the Phantasm (1993) - 10 / 10 Batman Forever (1995) - 7.5 / 10 Batman & Robin (1997) - 1 / 10 Batman Begins (2005) - 7.5 / 10 The Dark Knight (2008) - 10 / 10 The Dark Knight Rises (2012) - 7.5 / 10
However silly it is at times, I really enjoy it. Admittedly, me seeing all the music videos for the movie on MTV and being exposed to the film at 7 years of age might have an effect. It is more climatic than Return, I feel a mix of Burtons darkness and aesthetics with the plot and action of Forever would produce a perfect movie
Born in 82 means I was of an age where Batman Forever was a huge deal for me when I saw it in Cinemas at age 12/13. I loved the score and a fun ride. As time passes, I find myself enjoying more than Batman Returns even.
Carl Wilson I was born in 1986 and remember going to Batman Forever with one of my cousins and parents for my 9th birthday and we became Batman Forever fans as young kids but will always be fan of first Batman in 1989.
5:10 - "He would never do that. He would flip it once and make his decision upon that result of the coin toss." I am a huge Batman fan, but how on Earth did I never think of that?? That is such a good point.
indeed. the whole point of two face's character is that he is of two minds: the honest law-abiding DA and the ruthless gangster. he doesn't deny either side since they are apart of who he is so lets the coin decide on important decisions and he will abide by the decision of the coin. jones' two-face is entirely psychotic since he kept flipping the coin to get the outcome he wants, which kills what makes the character interesting in the first place.
maxacorn That, and they also kill his character by having him laugh a lot. He's supposed to be a dark, tragic villain, and in this, he's loud and colorful.
There were some rare instances when Two-Face would flip again i.e. "2 outta 3" to get another choice. However they have probably retconned those stories by now.
It would of made for a much better Two-face had they of toned down the cackling and the flailing arms and the child-like nature of him and had him more resolved to being torn between the DA side and that utterly insane side. And not just some nut job who keeps flipping a coin until it gives him the results he wants. Now that isn't to say he shouldn't WANT an outcome. I could imagine this very intense moment with Harvey holding the gun between Bruce's eyes, his hand shaking because he wants to pull the trigger soooo bad, be he just can't. The coin said no, it made its decision and despite what he feels like doing... he has to abide by what the coin said. Something that small would add a lot more depth to the character, it could show everything from his struggle with right and wrong, his inability to make such calls for himself, and how it might come in handy to let a coin decide your fate... it also might come back to bite you in the ass.
Joe Grace They should have taken a more serious tone with Tommy Lee Jones. They should have Deputy Gerard from The Fugitve/US Marshals with Harvey Dent.
Great review. This was my favorite of the 90's era Batflicks. Thanks for giving it a fair shake, when most others are satisfied to lump it in with B&R.
I disagree. The Schumacher Batman films ARE the exact same movie. It's almost impossible to distinguish one from the other. There's absolutely no reason why Gotham has to look like a rockin' nightclub all the time. Ridiculous. Both flicks were the epitome of 'over-the-top cinema - that is until Bayformers came along.
@Brandon Brooks Batman Forever and B&R are made with the exact same ingredients. I think B&R ramps those ingredients up x 10, but they are still made with the same parts. That terrible dialogue, ugly colors, bad jokes, cringe worthy villains. So I agree B&R is much worse than Batman Forever. But both models are made with the same substandard parts and quality. You can say there are interesting ideas in BF. I'm fine with that. But in my opinion the execution is shit. The fact you have to preference Batman Forever with "It's not as bad as people thing" says it all. It obviously is as bad as most people think, you simply have a different opinion which is cool.
No, *Forever* is superior and was the closest we got to Batman's backstory until *Begins.* *Batman & Robin's* problem was the involvement of toy companies
I think Carrey's Riddler is prob my favorite version. Glover's animated series version was okay but it never interested me that much compared to Jim's. Val was a fine Batman, he deserved to do a more solid sequel. I love the score for this movie, it fits it well and makes the movie seem more epic. I agree about Kidman and Two Face though.
05:48 For the longest time, before seeing it again in HD, I thought the clear plastic bits were popcorn. Was asking why was there popcorn inside a blender.
I like how your Batman reviews end on the Zimmer score of The Dark Knight trilogy. It's definitely a score that grows on a Batman fan and combined with the colorful tone of Goldenthal and the gloomy fantastical score of Elfman, it defines Batman in all his aspects as adventurous, ominous, and heroic.
Hey Oliver. Thanks for encouraging me to watch this film. I had seeing the first two films but was a little cautious of facing boredom when watching the third movie after hearing how Batman and Robin turned out but after seeing the the third film it was exactly how you described. It wasn't as bad as everyone had complained about and I found it very enjoyable except for Tommy-lee Jones as Two-face. 😉
That's why I like your retrospectives. You put some things into clarity that I haven't considered. Your point about the director of Batman and Robin in comparison to Tim Burton was a really good point. I had no idea he had directed those films. Thumbs up for the informationalismz.
+Gavin Dixon Your comment makes no sense. You agree with the fact that Returns is better but then say you love Forever but then say Keaton for life? He wasn't even in Forever?
+mrfrogbutt1 While I disagree that Prince was horrible. That museum scene with prince in the background is gold. BUT the soundtrack for this was actualy preety good IMO. Seal, U2 etc it was better than the film
I like what they did with Batman Forever. Although they lightened it up a bit, it maintained the dark aspects of the Batman mythology. Val Kilmer played a more tragic Batman/Bruce Wayne. Jim Carey was brilliant as The Riddler. Two-Face is my favourite Batman villain, I always thought he was an interesting character and I liked Tommy Lee-Jones interpretation. The Aaron Eckhart incarnation was a more terrifying incarnation. The final scene was epic. The Dark Knight truly lives up to The Dark Knight. A truly great film. What made it such a great film was Heath Ledger's brilliant performance as The Joker. The acting was good. The pace was better and the writing was clever and brilliant. Christian Bale was the perfect darker Batman/Bruce Wayne. The acting in the scene which Batman interrogates The Joker was good. Aaron Eckhart was the perfect choice for Harvey Dent/Two-Face. Batman and Robin, I don't hate the film. It was good, but not as good as Batman Forever. I think they really got carried with Batman and Robin. They did it too much like the 60s TV show starring Adam West and they made it too silly and it lost the dark aspects of the Batman mythology. They could had done better with Batman and Robin.
been watching some of your reviews for the past few days, and i have to say that i love them all. i like your style of good audio/video of the actual movie, it doesnt sound like your deep throating the mic, you throw in talk about the soundtrack and reviews of the movie. keep up the good work man, you've earned my sub.
I loved this film back in 1995. I think it is a genuine underrated film. I give it four out of five. I think there are some great aspects to the film, notably Val Kilmer's Bruce Wayne, and his relationship with Michael Gough's Allred. Plus I also think Nicole Kidman is underrated in her performance, her delivery and performance are great considering she is Australian. On an aesthetic level, I loved the lighting and production design, however the effects work can at time look dated. In all, I found it a superior film to Batman Returns and Batman and Robin. I think it almost criminal that Val Kilmer only starred as Batman once, as he was perfect for the role at the time. Though I have really tried to erase the terrible memory of Batman and Robin from my mind, as I nearly walked out the cinema in disgust in protest at the criminal use of the characters, in its direct sequel (looking at you George Clooney).
"As bad as people make it out to be". That's weird, that's the first time I'm hearing that people refer to this as bad or horrible. Just okay or mediocre or a decent movie with some ho-hum or terrible parts. I've never seen anyone say it was just out and out bad though.
I really don't mind this movie however it's a case of idiot parents complaining about a brilliant film that wasn't for childern and ruining great franchises.
The thing is, many of the complaints that people have about the Schumacher movies were also present in the Burton movies. 1. Stunt casting A-list megastars into bad guy roles started with Jack Nicholson in the first Batman. It started to get really obnoxious in Batman Forever - Tommy Lee Jones shouldn't be anywhere near this movie and it was obvious he was cast because he was the most sought-after character actor after The Fugitive. 2. Starting with the Burton movies - Batman is a mostly passive actor in a narrative driven wholly by the stunt-cast villains. In other words, Batman has basically nothing to do in his own movie except react to whatever the bad guy does, and his behavior ranges between nonsensical and boring. 3. Cavalier disregard for the source material also started with Burton's films. In the Burton films, Batman murders people even more flagrantly than in BvS. 4. An overall approach that favors style over substance. In fact the differences between the films are mostly stylistic. None of the movie have good screenplays - the plot of 1989 Batman is seriously weak and oddly structured, and the plot of Batman Returns somehow makes even less sense.
Parents in the 90s were fucking retarded. The 80s parents, when they actually were being parents and not simply letting cable TV do their parenting for them, were not very bright either. E.T. is a kid friendly family movie and now Junior wants more cuddly aliens, lets rent him The Thing, and then complain to the studio when he gets nightmares.
Val Kilmer has played the best Batman in my opinion. His voice is the closest thing to Kevin Conroy that we've gotten, it sounds like he's talking in his normal voice rather than altering it like every other actor, I also especially love how he still talks in Batman voice when he isn't in costume(This shows that he IS Batman, not Bruce Wayne. That Bruce Wayne is the false identity). To top it all off, he has had the best fighting style, using actual kicks, flips and gadgets.
Alex Rodriguez Bob originated the idea, and was co-creator along with writer Bill Finger. I do think its way past time, for both to be credited on adaptations.
Moviefan2k4 Bill Finger created the whole idea and look of the character, he just had Bob Kane draw him. Kane deserves very little credit. Bill Finger is the one who should be getting all the praise.
Alex Rodriguez Kane said he pitched Batman to Bill, and DC has backed up that claim. Besides, its like arguing over who should get more credit for Superman: Siegel or Shuster.
I like your reviewing style. You view the movie based on its own merits instead of just ranting and raving like many other reviewers. You also put the movie in context based on the time it was released. Great stuff Olly. You and Captain Logan are some of the best reviewers on TH-cam.
I say this not just because he's no longer with us but I entirely agree with you about Schumacher. Totally underrated director. Lost Boys, Phone Booth and Phantom are all really solid movies. The two Batman movies unfairly tarred him with the wrong brush. And here's the thing - he actually apologised for B&R. Humility is something else which is appealing. Definitely a guy I would have liked to have had a drink with to pick his brain. And any issues I have with this movie are not directorial ones. Batman Forever LOOKS amazing.
I think the main problems of this movie stem from its plot and the portrayals of Chase Meridian and Two Face. I liked Val as Bruce/Batman and Carrey is honestly still my favorite villain of all 4 in this series.
Wrong. Burton films are way better. This one is ok at times and then too campy with over the top acting and butt shots and slip sounds. I saw this as a kid and thought this.
I know I will get a lot of hate for this, but I actually love this movie. It's my favorite Batman film OUTSIDE of the Nolanverse and DCEU. We owned this on VHS which is why I was able to see it multiple times (while the Burton films I only manage to catch when they showed it on our local TV stations late at night). I've watched this movie so much, I've memorized the dialogue. LOL!
I have and always will love this film. It holds a special place in my heart. I was 6 when it came out and I was finally old enough to see a Batman film on the big screen, my life revolved around this movie back in 95. Sure, it has its issues, no doubt about that. But as a solid piece of entertainment, it continues to put a smile on my face, even being a hardcore comic book fan, I can overlook a lot of the errors in the characterization. Great review, Olly as always!
I adore Batman 66 tv series, Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Forever, Batman animated series. I think an extended cut of Batman forever would be awsome.
Batman forever was my real experience with Batman, yes I knew of Tim Burton's Batman and I had seen those films. Batman forever was " my Batman ". Plus I was obsessed with Jim Carey and I love Val Kilmer and think he should've won for best supporting actor in Tombstone. I believe that Batman Forever was Batman being a figure trying to be secretive in a world that already knew who Batman was. His car, his costume reflected, his coming to grips with this. Maybe my nostalgia of the film has me defending it. But Batman Forever is a evolution of Batman.
I like this review but I don't like the argument that the Tim Burton movies are weak because they pushed bat man into the background with the villains pulling focus, the whole point of bat man is that he is in the shadows and dark, mysterious. The villains are flamboyant and stick out so it fits the characters for bat man to not be in the forfront
i honestly think that this movie works better as both a film and a batman adaptation. i feel like schumacher actually gets the character of batman and i like what he did with robin. wrapping grayson, todd, and drake in a burrito. only thing i don't like (which is a problem with the original 4 as a whole) commisioner gordon is useless and incompetent, and the fact that two-face is portrayed the way he is. but other than that, i love this movie
WOW you have such a talent for creating movie trailers for so so movies that make them seem EPIC!!!!!! The studios should hire you to edit trailers for them seriously!!!!
I literally can't watch this movie.. Jim Carey's performance is unbearable and the tone is too goofy.. I enjoy Batman Returns dark and serious tone far more..
Me too...enjoyed it as a kid but it's downright unwatchable for me now and none of it holds up...too goofy and Returns still seems much the better film overall.
Good review but I always think about something weird when I hear about or discuss this film with someone, and that is, I feel like there's an alternate reality somewhere where Tim Burton directed Batman Forever and Batman & Robin, Danny Elfman scored, Michael Keaton is Batman again and those films are absolute gems just like Batman 1989 and Batman Returns. I would love to go to that alternate reality just to see that because even if Michael Keaton didn't return to be Batman and Val Kilmer and George Clooney were directed by Tim Burton, it would have still been dark and absolutely awesome, and Jim Carrey, Tommy Lee Jones, Uma Thurman and Arnie in Batman & Robin would have been incredible with a lot of freedom but a more deep adult and dark feel to them all which is what those characters need just like in the comics. Such a shame that didn't happen with this reality's timeline =P
This is actually the best Batman story told on the big screen. Obviously you have to take into account all the deleted scenes but the flick holds up better than all the other films in the series all things considered.
This was a really good review! But I still prefer Tim Burton's vision of Batman. Val Kilmer was a good Batman and Bruce Wayne, but Michael Keaton was the better Batman, in my opinion.
@@jaystarsky7271 bro he was just stating his nostalgia and his opinion. Your opinion isn't law. It's just the general consensus, but it's not law. Chill out
my favourite batman movie. its what got me into batman in the first place so i owe it alot. and the riddler is my favourite charecter thanks to jim carrey. people may slam me for loving this film so much but i dont care :)
elcap22 It's the only one of the original four movies that actually attempts to delve into Bruce Wayne's psychology for why he became Batman. This kind of storyline, of course, would be fully perfected ten years later with Batman Begins.
Despite mixed reviews on Batman Forever. It felt like it was better than Batman and Robin. Comparison to both Batman Returns and Forever. Batman Returns - Darker storyline and characters. It was much darker, it felt like it was a depressing film which can be alienated to all ages. But I already it more aimed to adults similar with 1989’s Batman, 1992’s Batman Returns, 1995’s Batman Forever (Balanced), 2005’s Batman Begins, 2008’s The Dark Knight, and 2012’s The Dark Knight Rises. Batman Forever - Darker storyline and balanced characters. Interesting that the filmmakers tried to explore into Bruce Wayne becoming Batman in the deleted scenes of Batman Forever, but it is sad that it was cut. I feel like it was a great origin flashback for us (Audiences) to understand what struggles that Bruce Wayne is going through. Batman Begins did a similar thing, but wasn’t cut compared to 1995’s film and 2005’s film. I will say that 1995’s Batman Forever is an okay, but at least much better than 1997’s Batman and Robin.
I think that the Riddler and Two-Face could have been better if: the script was more in character they looked slightly different e.g: Giving Tommy Lee-Jones a black and white suit, and changing the colour and style of his make-up
I rather have a special place in my heart for this movie. It was the first Batman film I saw, and it's what introduced me to the Dark Knight. I personally don't think the acting out of the cast is bad. Could the villains have been much closer to their comic-book counterparts? Yes, they could have. But somehow, I can't help but enjoy Jim Carrey and Tommy Lee Jones's performances as Riddler and Two-Face respectively.
![ลองสุ่มไอโฟน 990 โกงมั้ย? [ โกงมั้ยครับ ep.101 ] | DOM](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/bfsWe0j492k/mqdefault.jpg)
![[MV] A leap of faith...ความเชื่อใจครั้งสุดท้าย (From "Petrichor the series")](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/U1piZH2CNXA/mqdefault.jpg)
Get the BATMAN Anthology boxset Blu-ray here goo.gl/QxKkix
Get the soundtrack to Batman Forever here goo.gl/S5uW9w
Fantastic Video!!! But one question, which song is that at the end? Sounds like it's from Batman Begins?
The Social Gamer
Which I agree seems out of place for a video on one of the more colorful 90s-Batman films.
The sound track of this movie also featured Smash It Up by The Damned as I recall.
To be fair to Lee's interpretation of Two Face and the multiple flips, Two Face in the comic Arkham Asylum was altering his choice system under a doctor's care, adding more choices by using a dice, and then finally and had made it to the I Ching and it's 32 options by the time Batman got there, so the system can be modified. This Two Face is more malicious and over the top, like a 60s version would have been. There's still a lot of Harvey Dent and his sense of justice in the comics Two Face. His warped version of justice is what makes him a tragic character. That what happened to him proves that there is no universal justice and that his arbitrary system is just as good. This movie has no room for that kind of subtlety. This version would compromise in that fashion to enact his plans.
Also that Prince album is amazing. Maybe you had to grow up with it. Batdance is a classic.
I wonder why they didn’t bring back Billy Dee Williams for the role of Harvey Dent.
I always found it confusing how the character would go from African American to a white actor considering “Forever” is a direct sequel to “Returns”.
It feels like there wasn’t a concern with keeping continuity despite many other actors in the film reprising their role for the exception of Batman.
McDonald's bailing on their Happy Meal deal with Batman Returns is a big reason Tim Burton was replaced.
Nicole Kidman's never looked hotter than she did in this film imo
she has the same look of Kim Basinger on L.A. Confidential , but you are probably right even if I love when she has that long blonde curly hairstyle like in Thunderdays and Malice
What about 'To Die For' ?
James Daniels oh yeah I forgot about that one , point taken
Nicholas Joost No arguments here man. She was hot as fuck
Nicholas Joost totally agreed! Even as a youngster watching this I always thought she was hot as hell! I recently rewatched all of these movies besides B&R and I do feel like this movie is pretty solid. I would say 6/10, equal to the 3/5 given here.
This is my favorite Batman film because of the fact that they go into the psychological aspect of why Bruce is Batman. I liked how they referenced the first two films by saying him killing people just made the pain worse and worse until he decided he wanted to be a real hero. And how he felt that he was unhappy as Batman because his personal life was kind of empty. Plus the way they wove Robin's story into it was excellent as well
Batman Forever is also my favorite but from my point of view Kilmer’s Batman is not the same as Keaton’s, they may have the same butler and police commissioner but different universe
This is one of the only movies I had as a kid on VHS... I probably watched this over 30 times lol.
How’s the inside of Arkham look after that origin story?
Wow I'm surprised many people think Forever is better than Returns!
Forever sets out first and formost to entertain and does exactly that, despite (or maybe even because of) its many flaws. Returns was, like most of Burton's film, an style-no-substance expressionist work that is just here to satisfy Burton and no one else.
Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman still gives me a hard-on, though...
I don't.
Schumachers' films are trash.
Not everybody forever was GARBAGE Batman movie 89 was a 9 Batman returns was a 10 Batman forever was only good because of the soundtrack the music is the 10 I would give it
Returns was way better
Because it is better than Returns lol
I didn't think Val Kilmer did that bad of job as Batman/Bruce Wayne
I thought he actually had a good voice when he played as Batman
it was deep & soothing
almost similar to Kevin Conroy not entirely though
This is Val Kilmer’s least interesting performance.
Pires Bronsan was a good James Bond but he had really poor scripts to work with...
Thank you very much for the super positive feedback!. I really appreciate it and thank you for subscribing!.
I just realized something. At the end of the movie, they never really gave the people of Gotham their intelligence back. Could it be that the reason Batman and Robin was so campy was because it took place in a Gotham that lost its intelligence?
Also, cartridge games do have to load but it takes like a second with most games. Plus, they don't tell you about it. They do it silently whenever screen goes black. In Batman Forever's case, the game was a beat 'em up/platformer that had a fighting game worth of moves for each character. It had tons and tons of sprites to load for each screen.
I like your theory. If only that made the movie more enjoyable.
BRILLIANT!
I enjoyed watching Batman Forever when I was younger & hell I still enjoy watching it time to time.
And another stupid dumb ass Tool speaks out
@@jaystarsky7271 LOL Get help you embarrassing man-child twatwaffle
I have to agree with this review. Despite the fact I don't think its as good as the Burton or Nolan films, I genuinely like this movie for what it is. I've seen the deleted scenes from this and I would definitely love to see a directors cut with those scenes. Jim Carrey is clearly having fun with this role and I really did like him as Riddler, but Tommy Lee Jones is awful as Two Face though. Funnily enough, I actually think he could have been ideal casting if he would have played it like Aaron Eckhart does.
To those who aren't fans of the theatrical cut, then here is the petition that someone created for a director's cut to be released for its 25th anniversary. You are all welcome to sign it, and spread the word out: www.change.org/p/warner-bros-to-warner-bros-release-the-director-s-cut-of-batman-forever-for-its-25th-anniversary. Thank you.
Another TOOL speaks
Mr Jones based his two face character off of his role in under siege.outside of the opening he really didn't carry the role that well.I think he was uncomfortable playing that character.
Especially in light of Joel Schumacher’s passing.
I have a soft spot for Batman Forever, it was the first Batman movie I saw in the theater!
I fell asleep whilst watching it!
Batman (1989) - 10 / 10
Batman Returns (1992) - 10 / 10
Batman Mask of the Phantasm (1993) - 10 / 10
Batman Forever (1995) - 7.5 / 10
Batman & Robin (1997) - 1 / 10
Batman Begins (2005) - 7.5 / 10
The Dark Knight (2008) - 10 / 10
The Dark Knight Rises (2012) - 7.5 / 10
I may be one of the few who likes “Batman Forever “. Rest In Peace Joel Schumacher.
Now we’ll never see the film the way he originally intended it.
Lots of people like Batman Forever, it's a good comic book movie.
UrbanAquarius I agree ☝️ 💯 percent with you!
However silly it is at times, I really enjoy it. Admittedly, me seeing all the music videos for the movie on MTV and being exposed to the film at 7 years of age might have an effect. It is more climatic than Return, I feel a mix of Burtons darkness and aesthetics with the plot and action of Forever would produce a perfect movie
Constantin Saramo that’s how I felt when I saw it.
This film has always been a guilty pleasure from my childhood. I occasionally like to just crack open some beer and and watch it
Born in 82 means I was of an age where Batman Forever was a huge deal for me when I saw it in Cinemas at age 12/13.
I loved the score and a fun ride. As time passes, I find myself enjoying more than Batman Returns even.
Carl Wilson I was born in 1986 and remember going to Batman Forever with one of my cousins and parents for my 9th birthday and we became Batman Forever fans as young kids but will always be fan of first Batman in 1989.
I have to say, I do like this movie. And your right, it does get a bad wrap because of Batman and Robin.
5:10 - "He would never do that. He would flip it once and make his decision upon that result of the coin toss."
I am a huge Batman fan, but how on Earth did I never think of that?? That is such a good point.
indeed. the whole point of two face's character is that he is of two minds: the honest law-abiding DA and the ruthless gangster. he doesn't deny either side since they are apart of who he is so lets the coin decide on important decisions and he will abide by the decision of the coin. jones' two-face is entirely psychotic since he kept flipping the coin to get the outcome he wants, which kills what makes the character interesting in the first place.
maxacorn
That, and they also kill his character by having him laugh a lot. He's supposed to be a dark, tragic villain, and in this, he's loud and colorful.
There were some rare instances when Two-Face would flip again i.e. "2 outta 3" to get another choice. However they have probably retconned those stories by now.
It would of made for a much better Two-face had they of toned down the cackling and the flailing arms and the child-like nature of him and had him more resolved to being torn between the DA side and that utterly insane side. And not just some nut job who keeps flipping a coin until it gives him the results he wants.
Now that isn't to say he shouldn't WANT an outcome. I could imagine this very intense moment with Harvey holding the gun between Bruce's eyes, his hand shaking because he wants to pull the trigger soooo bad, be he just can't. The coin said no, it made its decision and despite what he feels like doing... he has to abide by what the coin said.
Something that small would add a lot more depth to the character, it could show everything from his struggle with right and wrong, his inability to make such calls for himself, and how it might come in handy to let a coin decide your fate... it also might come back to bite you in the ass.
Joe Grace
They should have taken a more serious tone with Tommy Lee Jones.
They should have Deputy Gerard from The Fugitve/US Marshals with Harvey Dent.
your introductory and closing trailer/montages make these movies look SO cool!! like so seriously bloody awesome! excellent work
Great review. This was my favorite of the 90's era Batflicks. Thanks for giving it a fair shake, when most others are satisfied to lump it in with B&R.
hey man i love your reviews but the prince batman albums amazing
C Hawk
Thank you!!!!!
"awful Prince album"
HEY NOW - it had some good tracks (I still like Trust)
Electric Chair and The Future
Vicki Waiting had always been a favourite of mine. Party man is great too. Not an awful album but each to their own.
Nothing brings me back to 1995 quite as diligently as Batman Forever. I guess that is why it's my favorite of the original four.
No way this movie was better than Batman Returns.
Hey don't disrespect the prince album, it kicked ass for the time and still sounds great.
+Mark T yea I love that album. it has some great tracks on there
For sure. Doing a soundtrack album all by himself. RIP Prince
A signed Prince album is worth 3-4000$ !
Prince was a legend, but his music didn't suit the movie one bit.
Still my favorite Prince album.
I disagree. The Schumacher Batman films ARE the exact same movie. It's almost impossible to distinguish one from the other. There's absolutely no reason why Gotham has to look like a rockin' nightclub all the time. Ridiculous. Both flicks were the epitome of 'over-the-top cinema - that is until Bayformers came along.
Absolutely. Nailed it.
Batman & Robin is unwatchable. Batman Forever is not.
@Brandon Brooks Batman Forever and B&R are made with the exact same ingredients. I think B&R ramps those ingredients up x 10, but they are still made with the same parts. That terrible dialogue, ugly colors, bad jokes, cringe worthy villains.
So I agree B&R is much worse than Batman Forever. But both models are made with the same substandard parts and quality.
You can say there are interesting ideas in BF. I'm fine with that. But in my opinion the execution is shit. The fact you have to preference Batman Forever with "It's not as bad as people thing" says it all. It obviously is as bad as most people think, you simply have a different opinion which is cool.
Nah. Forever was way less camp.
No, *Forever* is superior and was the closest we got to Batman's backstory until *Begins.* *Batman & Robin's* problem was the involvement of toy companies
I think Carrey's Riddler is prob my favorite version. Glover's animated series version was okay but it never interested me that much compared to Jim's. Val was a fine Batman, he deserved to do a more solid sequel.
I love the score for this movie, it fits it well and makes the movie seem more epic. I agree about Kidman and Two Face though.
05:48 For the longest time, before seeing it again in HD, I thought the clear plastic bits were popcorn. Was asking why was there popcorn inside a blender.
haha
I like how your Batman reviews end on the Zimmer score of The Dark Knight trilogy. It's definitely a score that grows on a Batman fan and combined with the colorful tone of Goldenthal and the gloomy fantastical score of Elfman, it defines Batman in all his aspects as adventurous, ominous, and heroic.
7:39 Did he just call Prince's soundtrack awful?
Cheers for the comments. I agree with you its a guilty pleasure. its just classic mid 90s summer action.
@6:55 he maybe accidentally foreshadowed the live action version of THE TICK, where the side character was "BatManuel"
I unapologetically absolutely love this movie
As a kid Dr Chase was a major crush of mine, definitely didn't forget her XD
Hey Oliver. Thanks for encouraging me to watch this film. I had seeing the first two films but was a little cautious of facing boredom when watching the third movie after hearing how Batman and Robin turned out but after seeing the the third film it was exactly how you described. It wasn't as bad as everyone had complained about and I found it very enjoyable except for Tommy-lee Jones as Two-face. 😉
That's why I like your retrospectives. You put some things into clarity that I haven't considered. Your point about the director of Batman and Robin in comparison to Tim Burton was a really good point. I had no idea he had directed those films. Thumbs up for the informationalismz.
How anyone could think this film is superior to Batman Returns is staggering.
I know right borderline insulting I love batman forever... Keaton for life.
+Gavin Dixon Your comment makes no sense. You agree with the fact that Returns is better but then say you love Forever but then say Keaton for life? He wasn't even in Forever?
Nathan Snyder Batman Forever doesnt have amazing characters like Catwoman or Max Shreck.
Returns was too dark. Forever is better.
if it included the deleted scenes I think would certainly be better than Returns. Returns wasn't that great.
yeah its from the Dark Knight Rises mate. I will be reviewing Karate Kid Part 3 next.
haha " That montage at the end was beast lol ". Quote of the day! :)
Oliver,
Now that Joel Schumacher has died, does this mean that there’s no chance of seeing the film the way he originally intended it?
The PRINCE soundtracks is fucking awesome and WAY better than the soundtrack to this awful film.
+mrfrogbutt1 While I disagree that Prince was horrible. That museum scene with prince in the background is gold. BUT the soundtrack for this was actualy preety good IMO. Seal, U2 etc it was better than the film
I watch Batman Forever from time to time because of 90s nostalgia.
This is my favorite Batman movie
(7:40) I actually like that Prince album, lol.
your Montage at the end really helps highlight the strong points of the story. the dark knight score was a nice touch to bring out that vibe.
Tommy Lee Jones was playing Two Face like he was the Joker it felt like to me
I think that was a studio decision. Even the riddler behave in a very comedic way. Instead of been similar of the animated series counterpart
Batman Forever and The Dark Knight are the best Batman films ever!
I like what they did with Batman Forever. Although they lightened it up a bit, it maintained the dark aspects of the Batman mythology. Val Kilmer played a more tragic Batman/Bruce Wayne. Jim Carey was brilliant as The Riddler. Two-Face is my favourite Batman villain, I always thought he was an interesting character and I liked Tommy Lee-Jones interpretation. The Aaron Eckhart incarnation was a more terrifying incarnation. The final scene was epic. The Dark Knight truly lives up to The Dark Knight. A truly great film. What made it such a great film was Heath Ledger's brilliant performance as The Joker. The acting was good. The pace was better and the writing was clever and brilliant. Christian Bale was the perfect darker Batman/Bruce Wayne. The acting in the scene which Batman interrogates The Joker was good. Aaron Eckhart was the perfect choice for Harvey Dent/Two-Face. Batman and Robin, I don't hate the film. It was good, but not as good as Batman Forever. I think they really got carried with Batman and Robin. They did it too much like the 60s TV show starring Adam West and they made it too silly and it lost the dark aspects of the Batman mythology. They could had done better with Batman and Robin.
That Batman prince album is killer. Whatcha talking about ?
been watching some of your reviews for the past few days, and i have to say that i love them all. i like your style of good audio/video of the actual movie, it doesnt sound like your deep throating the mic, you throw in talk about the soundtrack and reviews of the movie. keep up the good work man, you've earned my sub.
I love how you "zimmered" the last part if your review (which I think is excellent). Even though I like this film, the DK score improves it no end :-)
yeah the use of the Zimmer music worked out well and you see...you want to watch it again!. My job is done!. lol
I loved this film back in 1995. I think it is a genuine underrated film. I give it four out of five. I think there are some great aspects to the film, notably Val Kilmer's Bruce Wayne, and his relationship with Michael Gough's Allred. Plus I also think Nicole Kidman is underrated in her performance, her delivery and performance are great considering she is Australian. On an aesthetic level, I loved the lighting and production design, however the effects work can at time look dated.
In all, I found it a superior film to Batman Returns and Batman and Robin. I think it almost criminal that Val Kilmer only starred as Batman once, as he was perfect for the role at the time. Though I have really tried to erase the terrible memory of Batman and Robin from my mind, as I nearly walked out the cinema in disgust in protest at the criminal use of the characters, in its direct sequel (looking at you George Clooney).
Cheers mate!
"As bad as people make it out to be". That's weird, that's the first time I'm hearing that people refer to this as bad or horrible. Just okay or mediocre or a decent movie with some ho-hum or terrible parts. I've never seen anyone say it was just out and out bad though.
Thanks a lot buddy!.
I really don't mind this movie however it's a case of idiot parents complaining about a brilliant film that wasn't for childern and ruining great franchises.
Parents also complained about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) and then we got Secret of the Ooze...
Too right. That first TMNT movie holds up perfectly.
Sebastian Fitzpatrick I really feel if it went a little more serious and had a better script it would be great
The thing is, many of the complaints that people have about the Schumacher movies were also present in the Burton movies.
1. Stunt casting A-list megastars into bad guy roles started with Jack Nicholson in the first Batman. It started to get really obnoxious in Batman Forever - Tommy Lee Jones shouldn't be anywhere near this movie and it was obvious he was cast because he was the most sought-after character actor after The Fugitive.
2. Starting with the Burton movies - Batman is a mostly passive actor in a narrative driven wholly by the stunt-cast villains. In other words, Batman has basically nothing to do in his own movie except react to whatever the bad guy does, and his behavior ranges between nonsensical and boring.
3. Cavalier disregard for the source material also started with Burton's films. In the Burton films, Batman murders people even more flagrantly than in BvS.
4. An overall approach that favors style over substance. In fact the differences between the films are mostly stylistic. None of the movie have good screenplays - the plot of 1989 Batman is seriously weak and oddly structured, and the plot of Batman Returns somehow makes even less sense.
Parents in the 90s were fucking retarded. The 80s parents, when they actually were being parents and not simply letting cable TV do their parenting for them, were not very bright either. E.T. is a kid friendly family movie and now Junior wants more cuddly aliens, lets rent him The Thing, and then complain to the studio when he gets nightmares.
I like this movie cause it’s not as dark as Batman returns and not as bad as Batman and robin
batman returns was better more darker
In Batman #398 (1986), Two-Face actually does flip the coin a few times until he gets what he wants...
Val Kilmer has played the best Batman in my opinion. His voice is the closest thing to Kevin Conroy that we've gotten, it sounds like he's talking in his normal voice rather than altering it like every other actor, I also especially love how he still talks in Batman voice when he isn't in costume(This shows that he IS Batman, not Bruce Wayne. That Bruce Wayne is the false identity). To top it all off, he has had the best fighting style, using actual kicks, flips and gadgets.
Alex Rodriguez When Bob Kane was alive, he said Val was his fave Bruce Wayne, and Keaton was his fave Batman.
Alex Rodriguez
Bob originated the idea, and was co-creator along with writer Bill Finger. I do think its way past time, for both to be credited on adaptations.
Moviefan2k4 Bill Finger created the whole idea and look of the character, he just had Bob Kane draw him. Kane deserves very little credit. Bill Finger is the one who should be getting all the praise.
Alex Rodriguez
Kane said he pitched Batman to Bill, and DC has backed up that claim. Besides, its like arguing over who should get more credit for Superman: Siegel or Shuster.
Moviefan2k4 Yeah, but the fact is that Bob Kane took all the credit.
I like your reviewing style. You view the movie based on its own merits instead of just ranting and raving like many other reviewers. You also put the movie in context based on the time it was released. Great stuff Olly. You and Captain Logan are some of the best reviewers on TH-cam.
Damn, the Zimmer's score works really well with this movie.
DrLynch2009 Zimmer's score works with anything Batman
I say this not just because he's no longer with us but I entirely agree with you about Schumacher. Totally underrated director. Lost Boys, Phone Booth and Phantom are all really solid movies.
The two Batman movies unfairly tarred him with the wrong brush. And here's the thing - he actually apologised for B&R. Humility is something else which is appealing. Definitely a guy I would have liked to have had a drink with to pick his brain. And any issues I have with this movie are not directorial ones. Batman Forever LOOKS amazing.
I think the main problems of this movie stem from its plot and the portrayals of Chase Meridian and Two Face. I liked Val as Bruce/Batman and Carrey is honestly still my favorite villain of all 4 in this series.
I think if the bombastic portrayal of Gotham and Two Face were toned down, this would've been a WAY better film
This is the best of the original trilogy, and certainly the most fun of the whole series.
I agree, Batman forever is defiantly the best of the best of the original batman quadrilagy.
Daniel Symons Original ? Adam West was in A Batman movie...how is this in any way original ??
CrusaderKarl you're not all that bright, are you?
no. batman 1989 is the best. this is second place.
Wrong. Burton films are way better. This one is ok at times and then too campy with over the top acting and butt shots and slip sounds. I saw this as a kid and thought this.
I know I will get a lot of hate for this, but I actually love this movie. It's my favorite Batman film OUTSIDE of the Nolanverse and DCEU. We owned this on VHS which is why I was able to see it multiple times (while the Burton films I only manage to catch when they showed it on our local TV stations late at night). I've watched this movie so much, I've memorized the dialogue. LOL!
I'd love to have seen a Billy Dee Williams Two-Face.
So would Billy Dee Williams himself. Now, in the limited series “Batman ‘89,” we’ll finally be able to see that.
I have and always will love this film. It holds a special place in my heart. I was 6 when it came out and I was finally old enough to see a Batman film on the big screen, my life revolved around this movie back in 95. Sure, it has its issues, no doubt about that. But as a solid piece of entertainment, it continues to put a smile on my face, even being a hardcore comic book fan, I can overlook a lot of the errors in the characterization. Great review, Olly as always!
Sorry I think Carrey did a good Riddler.
You've convinced me to buy BATMAN FOREVER on Blu-ray after last owning this on VHS.
I adore Batman 66 tv series, Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Forever, Batman animated series. I think an extended cut of Batman forever would be awsome.
Batman forever is cool movie and fun movie. I not bad but i give it a 7.6/10 . Jim Carrey Steal the show .
not awful but was a bit cheesy for my tast but not as bad as the next one
and phantom of the opera was shit sorry
+Venice Mackay i dont care about that movie
Carrey was the only redeeming thing in the movie in my book.
Learn how to put words in order shit for brains
Forever was good man, I enjoyed it when I saw it at the cinema.
Honestly I liked this one more than Returns.
Your a stupid Tool
You’re a stupid tool. This is how that sentence should look.
I agree if I’m being honest
I found this to be way more enjoyable than Returns
Batman forever was my real experience with Batman, yes I knew of Tim Burton's Batman and I had seen those films. Batman forever was " my Batman ". Plus I was obsessed with Jim Carey and I love Val Kilmer and think he should've won for best supporting actor in Tombstone.
I believe that Batman Forever was Batman being a figure trying to be secretive in a world that already knew who Batman was.
His car, his costume reflected, his coming to grips with this.
Maybe my nostalgia of the film has me defending it.
But Batman Forever is a evolution of Batman.
"Batman Forever" is my favorite of the original four, and my second fave overall after "Batman Begins".
Loved this movie when it came out and I still do! Soundtrack slaps!
The prince soundtrack was amazing. Wtf are you talking about?
I like this review but I don't like the argument that the Tim Burton movies are weak because they pushed bat man into the background with the villains pulling focus, the whole point of bat man is that he is in the shadows and dark, mysterious. The villains are flamboyant and stick out so it fits the characters for bat man to not be in the forfront
i honestly think that this movie works better as both a film and a batman adaptation. i feel like schumacher actually gets the character of batman and i like what he did with robin. wrapping grayson, todd, and drake in a burrito. only thing i don't like (which is a problem with the original 4 as a whole) commisioner gordon is useless and incompetent, and the fact that two-face is portrayed the way he is. but other than that, i love this movie
I enjoyed the scenes in the film where Batman shows off his escapabilty which is also touched on in the animated series
Michael Keaton is still a good Bruce Wayne!
Mr. GRD Good ? no u mean greatt
WOW you have such a talent for creating movie trailers for so so movies that make them seem EPIC!!!!!! The studios should hire you to edit trailers for them seriously!!!!
I literally can't watch this movie.. Jim Carey's performance is unbearable and the tone is too goofy.. I enjoy Batman Returns dark and serious tone far more..
dbreiden83080 i tot agree!
So, you never like Jim Carrey huh?
Me too...enjoyed it as a kid but it's downright unwatchable for me now and none of it holds up...too goofy and Returns still seems much the better film overall.
Honestly, this one isn't too bad.
I agree with this review wholeheartedly.
Good review but I always think about something weird when I hear about or discuss this film with someone, and that is, I feel like there's an alternate reality somewhere where Tim Burton directed Batman Forever and Batman & Robin, Danny Elfman scored, Michael Keaton is Batman again and those films are absolute gems just like Batman 1989 and Batman Returns.
I would love to go to that alternate reality just to see that because even if Michael Keaton didn't return to be Batman and Val Kilmer and George Clooney were directed by Tim Burton, it would have still been dark and absolutely awesome, and Jim Carrey, Tommy Lee Jones, Uma Thurman and Arnie in Batman & Robin would have been incredible with a lot of freedom but a more deep adult and dark feel to them all which is what those characters need just like in the comics.
Such a shame that didn't happen with this reality's timeline =P
This is actually the best Batman story told on the big screen. Obviously you have to take into account all the deleted scenes but the flick holds up better than all the other films in the series all things considered.
This was a really good review! But I still prefer Tim Burton's vision of Batman. Val Kilmer was a good Batman and Bruce Wayne, but Michael Keaton was the better Batman, in my opinion.
I saw batman forever in the theaters twice back then,its my favorite batman of all time
i do enjoy this movie and i feel i have to defend it becuase i grew up with this and the 1989 films that made me like batman as a kid
Okay Dip Shit. Defend it all you want. But both Batman forever and Batman and Robin suck. Always will.
@@jaystarsky7271 bro he was just stating his nostalgia and his opinion. Your opinion isn't law. It's just the general consensus, but it's not law. Chill out
My Favourite Batman movie! Awesome review And the montage at the end is Spectacular! Well done 😮
my favourite batman movie. its what got me into batman in the first place so i owe it alot. and the riddler is my favourite charecter thanks to jim carrey. people may slam me for loving this film so much but i dont care :)
Another TOOL speaking folks
Your a complete Dumb ASS
And by your picture you got up. And your dumb ass hair colored. You are nothing but a zero Dumb Shit for Brains.
Tool
Dumb ASS
Hi Justin, yeah I will be covering Batman Returns in the next month or so. Cheers for the great feedback.
I went on my first ever date to this movie. She dumped me cos she liked my mate Richard. But that’s probably not entirely Schumacher’s fault ...
XD
Please tell me you called him Dick Grayson from that point on.
Just enjoyed this over lunch at my desk. Can't wait for Batman & Robin. Oliver, you are such an intelligent, dignified, magical man!
I actually think this one is the best of the Burton/Schumacher films
elcap22 what does this have to do with defiance?
Dan King ?????
elcap22 you said defiantly
elcap22
It's the only one of the original four movies that actually attempts to delve into Bruce Wayne's psychology for why he became Batman. This kind of storyline, of course, would be fully perfected ten years later with Batman Begins.
Dan King I meant to say, "definitely," I said defiantly.
It's a habit.
Despite mixed reviews on Batman Forever. It felt like it was better than Batman and Robin. Comparison to both Batman Returns and Forever.
Batman Returns - Darker storyline and characters. It was much darker, it felt like it was a depressing film which can be alienated to all ages. But I already it more aimed to adults similar with 1989’s Batman, 1992’s Batman Returns, 1995’s Batman Forever (Balanced), 2005’s Batman Begins, 2008’s The Dark Knight, and 2012’s The Dark Knight Rises.
Batman Forever - Darker storyline and balanced characters. Interesting that the filmmakers tried to explore into Bruce Wayne becoming Batman in the deleted scenes of Batman Forever, but it is sad that it was cut. I feel like it was a great origin flashback for us (Audiences) to understand what struggles that Bruce Wayne is going through. Batman Begins did a similar thing, but wasn’t cut compared to 1995’s film and 2005’s film.
I will say that 1995’s Batman Forever is an okay, but at least much better than 1997’s Batman and Robin.
I think that the Riddler and Two-Face could have been better if:
the script was more in character
they looked slightly different e.g: Giving Tommy Lee-Jones a black and white suit, and changing the colour and style of his make-up
Seeing them on screen together, they're basically the joker
+SuperTomServo indeed.
+Eamonn Deane now that ipwould have been awesome!
I rather have a special place in my heart for this movie. It was the first Batman film I saw, and it's what introduced me to the Dark Knight. I personally don't think the acting out of the cast is bad. Could the villains have been much closer to their comic-book counterparts? Yes, they could have. But somehow, I can't help but enjoy Jim Carrey and Tommy Lee Jones's performances as Riddler and Two-Face respectively.
I think the Bat suit in Forever looks way better than the Burton one.
But the Dark knight version is the best looking.
I like the Batman Begins suit more than the Dark Knight one, though I like the Dark Knight cowl more.