Batman Forever

Poor Val Kilmer was taken to the cleaners by the critics for this one and to this day I have no idea why. As the film focuses much more on Bruce Wayne than the actual Batman, Kilmer adds a nice dimension to the character bringing a brooding sense of charm and sophistication to the table actor Michael Keaton could never have achieved. Tommy Lee Jones is excellent as the demented Harvey Dent-Tow Face and Chris O'Donnell is perfect as Robin. Nicole Kidman, who I think is the most beautiful woman in the world, is fantastic in the role of Dr. Chase Meridian, exibiting a charged sexuality unseen in any of the other Batman films. Who doesn't work in this film is Jim Carrey. As the Riddler one can be forgiven for thinking Carrey a natural choice but his personality rapes Enigma of any depth or effect. Not sure if he is to blame or director Joel Schumacher, in the end it doesn't matter, the portrayal fails and sticks out like a sore thumb. I'm happy to say this is where Schumacher's failures end. His use of lighting and colour is the best in the series and his ability to set up effective shots and angles is truly masterful. Drew Barrymore and Debi Mazar are wonderful as Sugar and Spice and Hammer horror veteran Michael Gough as Alfred is fabulous as always. Ed Begley Jr. and Rene Auberjonois have cameos and it's always great to see comedian Scream Queen Ria Coyne getting some work. All in all a seriously fun way to spend a couple of hours.