Flashback Friday: Batman Forever
Now The Real Game Begins
Overview
The 90’s sure where an interesting time for comic books films. Within 10 years we saw a death of the old style, only to have seeds being sown for it’s eventually rebirth. Hell, there’s only a three year difference between the release of Batman Forever (1995) and Blade (1998). The latter which is considered the start of what would eventually become the MCU.
But we aren’t here to talk about Blade. That film is actually good. This one, well...it’s something alright. A film that flirts between brilliance and absurdity like a manic pixie dream girl on her way to fix another loser.
Story
Let’s be clear here. There is a good story buried in here. What we have seen of the deleted scenes certainly shows a clear intent (#releasetheschumachercut). It’s just to bad what works is buried under so much fluff. Each major character has their own arc.
Batman is wresting with his dual identities.
Two Face wants to kill Batman.
Robin wants to kill Two Face.
Riddler wants to suck the brains out of humanity, like some sort of intellectual vampire (The Riddler must certainly be a redditor then).
As for Dr. Chase Meridian…well, she just wants have sex with Batman.
As you can see these motivations are rather simplistic. But honestly, in broad strokes they kinda work. The simplicity of the plot gives it a certain purity. It does what it needs to do but doesn’t get in the away. Allowing you to just soak in the atmosphere of it all.
3/5 Stars
Speaking of which…
Visuals
Here’s where the movie truly shines. From start to finish, the film is frantic frenzy of manic neon. Watching it really shows you that they don’t make films like this anymore. Made during a time when CG was becoming more common but hadn’t yet fully taken over. Practicality was the name of the game. Real sets, real costumes, and real effects.
CG was of course used. But it was used more as I feel it should. To add to a scene rather than replace it entirely. It’s the reason why the original Jurassic Park still holds while the Prequel Trilogy feels dated as hell.
It’s something I feel we have lost touch with as time marched on. While as unrealistic as they come, the visuals make this film feel more real than anything else coming out now.
5/5 Stars
Audio
While not as in your face good as the visuals. Everything that enters your ears is of decent quality. Mixing is good, effects land (the ones that aren’t straight out of Looney Toons that is), just everything works good. The real glaring issue is the films tendency to venture into the realm of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck.
Some of the effects sound ripped straight from a cartoon. So much so that I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if they were. It distracts from the action on screen on only serves to take you out of the movie you are watching. So yeah...not a fan.
The only thing that saves me fully trashing this section is the soundtrack. Which is top tier. Songs such Kiss From A Rose are still bangers to this day. Getting frequent play on many peoples lists (Myself included. Probably listened to it at least once writing this)
3/5 Stars
Fun Factor
The other element that saves this film from mediocrity. As much as I have previously derided the sudden bouts of silliness, when mixed in with the more serious tones of the film. It makes for a rather potent film. In my opinion the worst thing a film can ever do is be boring. This movie is many things. Boring is defiantly not one of them.
That being said, as much as I enjoy how bonkers this film can be. It can go to far at times. Jim Carry puts in an energized performance but there are several instances where he takes it to far. The destruction of the Batcave is chief among them.
I wish I could give this section five starts but the many times where it just misses the marks prevents me from doing so. The Room this is not.
4/5 Stars
In Brief
While not the total disaster some people claim it to be. It is far from a masterpiece. Overall it’s a fun but flawed watch. Certainly a film you can revisit every so often.
Story: 3/5
Visuals: 5/5
Audio: 3/5
Fun Factor: 4/5
Overall: 3.75/5
What are your thoughts on this movie? Is it the best/worst thing ever? Or are you just rather meh on the whole thing. Let me know in the comments!
If you have any old pieces of media you’d like me to take a look at, please let me know.
-Nick