When Batman Returns failed to meet expectations from fans and Warner Brothers, executives thought that Batman needed a major overall. Both Tim Burton and Michael Keaton left the franchise due to the new family-kid friendly approach to Batman. Surprisingly, Burton would serve as producer for this film. Warner Brothers hired Joel Schumacher known for such films as Lost Boys, Falling Down, Flatliners, and The Client to direct Batman Forever. The first draft of the script was written by Janet and Lee Batchler. However, Schumacher would add another writer to the project, who would be known as almost killing the Batman franchise - Akiva Goldsman. Lines like "It's the car right.... Chicks love the car" were from Goldsman.
One thing that plagued Batman Forever and Batman & Robin was the Bat-nipples and butt shots. Why would Warner Brothers let this happen? You don't see so much of this in Batman Forever, but Batman & Robin is filled with this garbage. Plus, Alfred made the Batman and Robin suits. Does he have a thing for nipples?
On my eighth birthday, my parents took me to see Batman Forever with my older brother. At the time I loved it. I thought the visuals were eye candy to the eye, and the story was much easier to understand. I am 25 now and things have changed. I didn't notice the Bat-nipples or the over the top dialogue. However, Batman Forever is a guilty pleasure to me - I still have fond memories of it since it was a part of my childhood.
My favorite character in the piece was Chase Meridian played by Nicole Kidman. I still think she was the classest woman to ever be in a Batman film. Ms Kidman puts Katie Holmes and Maggie Gyllenhaal to shame. The character of Chase was created by Janet Batchler. The scenes between her and Batman/Bruce are great. They add a romantic spark to a film that may have different messages. For example, I think Batman was more into Robin in the next film than Elle Macpherson.
Instead of using Billy Dee Williams for the role of Two-Face, Schumacher hired Tommy Lee Jones to play the part. At the time, I was not familiar with the Two-Face character. Tommy Lee Jones was my introduction to Harvey Two-Face. I still enjoy his performance, even though he really overacted. He was a basically a Joker clone.
I was a big fan of the Riddler, due to the animated series. I thought Jim Carrey was a good Riddler, but he basically ripped off Frank Gorshin's version. What's with the Riddler's look at the end of the movie, when he confronts Batman. He looks like Elton John with that silver outfit.
Val Kilmer was the new Batman in this film. Kilmer works well in this vision of Batman. However, he is no Michael Keaton. I was happy to find out that Kilmer was left-handed like me. At least there was one Batman who was a lefty. My favorite Batmobile was the one in the Tim Burton movies. I also liked this new Batmobile. One of my favorite scenes is when the Batmobile latches on top of the roof while fire is abrupting from the crashing of Two-Face and his henchmen's cars.
Schumacher had problems filming with Kilmer, whom he described as "childish and impossible", reporting that he fought with various crewmen, and refused to speak to Schumacher during two weeks after the director told him to stop behaving in a rude way. Schumacher also mentioned Tommy Lee Jones as a source of trouble: "Jim Carrey was a gentleman, and Tommy Lee was threatened by him. I'm tired of defending overpaid, overprivileged actors. I pray I don't work with them again."
I have never been a fan of the Robin character. I really thought he was the weakest part of the Schumacher films. He is tolerable in this film. Chris O'Donnell was too old to play Robin. He should have played Nightwing. I thought the Robin suit in Batman Forever was close to suit worn by Tim Drake's in the comics. Akiva Goldsman even added a line taken from the 60's Batman TV show - Holy rusted metal Batman! Everytime I hear that line I cringe.
If you don't like Batman Forever, you should read the novel from Alan Grant. It is completely different from the movie. Robin is much younger. Harvey Dent works with Batman before becoming Two-Face. His escape from Arkham is even more violent than the clip shown in the deleted scenes on the DVD. If you thought Batman Forever had the most potential to be the best Batman film but missed its mark, this novel is for you. You won't regret reading it!
I give Batman Forever a 3 out of 5 stars.