10 Overlooked Positives Of Batman Forever

6. The Flashback Sequences

Warner Bros. Pictures

In addition to the action, one of the ways in which Batman Forever (marginally) improves upon its predecessors is in its approach to Bruce Wayne and his tragic past. Burton's movies both featured flashbacks and references to the death of Thomas and Martha Wayne, but Schumacher tries to dig a little deeper in his exploration of Batman's psyche. Doctor Chase Meridian might be a pretty terrible psychiatrist (Doctor of stating the obvious, if her rooftop deconstruction of Two-Face is anything to go by) but at least the film tries in its pondering on duality and the nature of revenge. Again, that all fritters away once Robin suits up and they head off to Riddler Island, but it's the thought that counts.

Even better, the dream sequences and surprisingly touching flashback sequences make no reference to the Joker murdering Bruce's parents. Which is entirely as it should be.

Contributor
Contributor

A film critic and professional writer of over ten years, Joel Harley has a deep and abiding love of all things horror, Batman and Nicolas Cage. He can be found writing online and in print, all over the Internet and in especially good bookstores.