A sudden plummet downwards in quality...

The Batman franchise was clouded in uncertainty when director Tim Burton gracefully stepped away from helming the third instalment. Due to loyalty and creative issues, Michael Keaton also opted not to return as Bruce Wayne/Batman. Instead, a new creative team was brought into the picture. Leading this creative team was director Joel Schumacher. At first glance this could seem like an intelligent idea to employ the talents of Schumacher considering his past movies (these include The Lost Boys to Flatliners). With a director in place, it was then time to find someone to fill the vacated cape. Once again, a seemingly fantastic decision was made when Batman's outfit was donned by actor Val Kilmer. On top of this, Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey were brought on as Batman's adversaries - portraying Two-Face and The Riddler, respectively. Then throw in superstar Nicole Kidman, and have actor Michael Gough returning as Batman's loyal butler. What could possibly go wrong, right? Unfortunately, it seems a lot can go wrong.

It seems Batman Forever abandons the artistic approach adopted by visionary Tim Burton. Instead, a new creative team have given everything a makeover. One of the biggest insults is also abandoning Burton's method of creating a blockbuster crossed with a masterpiece. The original Batman was filled with stylish action in the form of a popcorn summer flick, and on top of this it was also a masterpiece of the highest order (and one of my favourite films of all time). Batman Returns continued this very effective approach. With Batman Forever we're presented with nothing to bring it out of the "brainless over-the-top action" category. As an alternative, this film submerges its plot in the abundance of campy stylised action.

Even worse is that the director can't handle action with any degree of style. Apparently with the recent Hollywood obsession, the studio demanded utilisation of the MTV quick-cut approach to the action. As a result the action is unfortunately difficult to follow. The visuals that were once magnificent to behold instead resemble something from Blade Runner or some other science fiction production. Gotham City no longer looks unique at all. Burton's neo-gothic vision of Gotham City is sorely missed. Batman Forever is almost an extended toy commercial that looks impressive, but cannot match Burton's mix of style and substance. In hindsight, it's a warning of what was to follow: the train wreck that became Batman & Robin.

This instalment in the Batman franchise finds Bruce Wayne/Batman (Kilmer) facing off with two menacing villains. Harvey Dent (Jones) was in a terrible accident for which he blames Batman, and is looking to get revenge. He returns as Two-Face. Dr. Edward Nygma (Carrey) is a technical wizard who's jealous of Bruce Wayne's success. He adopts the alter ego of The Riddler. Meanwhile, a young acrobat named Dick Grayson (O'Donnell) witnesses his family plummet to their death, and he's alone in the world. Dick takes a warming to Bruce Wayne and his butler Alfred (Gough). As Two-Face and The Riddler scheme nothing but evil for the future of Gotham City, Batman must again rise to the challenge to defend his home. This time, he is joined by Dick who takes the alter persona of Robin.

Like I said, Batman Forever is not a masterpiece. It's a summer flick, and with the heavy use of stylised special effects it keeps reminding the audience of this. Although sometimes impressive in terms of special effects and stunt-work (the close combat fights are awesome), it seems everything is now hyperbolic and exaggerated, with most of the action quite dumb and made just to sell popcorn. Throw in a few incredibly dumb characters, and voila. Val Kilmer is a decent Batman. He can't match Keaton, but Kilmer's portrayal has its strong points. Tommy Lee Jones pulls off a decent performance. Typically, he's pretty impressive but not perfect. Jim Carrey steals the show in every scene in which he features. He's the most impressive member of the cast. You'll also find Nicole Kidman who gives it everything she has, but the script is the unfortunate downfall.

All in all, I'm vastly disappointed with the result of Batman Forever. Despite colourful visuals, everything seems to be toned down for marketing purposes. The filmmakers were looking to make merchandise instead of making a worthy Batman adventure. The special effects are far too over-the-top this time as well. The action may look impressive, but this is not the Batman standard previously set by Tim Burton. Does it work? Not really, but it'll certainly keep you entertained and Jim Carrey provides a few laughs. In a nutshell: this is a shameless action flick with a dumb concept that could easily be employed for a James Bond movie. This is a campy flick that hasn't aged well. Followed by Batman & Robin.

5.4/10