10 Reasons Batman Forever Is Better Than Any Other Batman Movie
Tin hats at the ready...
After the Bat-fever of the late '80s and early '90s, it was expected that the next in the Bat series would follow the same tone as previously established.
A sulky Keaton, dark foreboding architecture and the all round signature Burton/ Elfman creepiness throughout.
What we all got was something, different. So far removed from the previous two films that many were baffled, most furious. Because of this initial reaction, Batman Forever has unfairly been remembered as mis-step in the superhero genre sitting firmly next to Batman and Robin.
If the time is taken to give it a chance however, a very strong case can be made for why Batman forever is the pinnacle of Bat Cinema.
What worked in the late '80s for Burton was never going to translate well to '90s culture and Joel Schumacher stepped up to deliver a wholly different experience that although wasn't appreciated at the time, stands up better as a movie in its own right as than any other outing before or since.
From over the top villains, spectacular sidekicks and Glorious gadgets, here are the 10 reasons why, for some, Batman Forever will forever be, the greatest Batman movie of all time.
10. It's A Perfect Snapshot Of '90s Cinema
During the mid '90s, anybody visiting the cinema demanded a very specific type of movie, especially when it came to anything that swung towards the action genre.
Films such as Goldeneye, Hackers and Johnny Mnenomic were all released in 1995 and all used a tried and tested '90s formula for success.
Any action flick needed to have a handsome leading man and a gorgeous leading lady for the posters, cool gadgets, car chases and ridiculously over the top antagonists who chewed up the scenario whenever they were on screen. Batman Forever had it all in spades.
At the time, it seemed films like this were a dime-a-dozen, which may have contributed to the middling critical reception of Batman Forever when it came out. It wasn't entirely bad by any means, but it was also nothing spectacular either. With so many similar choices when making a movie viewing decision, it was difficult for what was seen as a formulaic movie to really stand out.
With a re-watch however, this entry in the Batman franchise can really be enjoyed for what it is, a shining example of how to do '90s cinema right. Sure it wasn't what was expected, but it was certainly what worked at the time. By hitting every part of the formula, it's the Bat movie that best represents the enjoyment of a big budget cinema experience in your own home.
No other can recapture that feeling of dank seats and warm popcorn.