Batman Forever - 1995

“Baby, I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grey.”

The swooning words to Seal’s mega-hit song from the “Batman Forever” soundtrack most likely refers to the relationship between Batman/Bruce Wayne and Dr. Chase Meridian, and definitely NOT the working relationship between actors Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey. So the legend goes, the crusty Oscar winner did not sanction Mr. Carrey’s buffoonery.

Despite stories of onset turmoil thanks to Jones and Val Kilmer (taking the cape and cowl from Michael Keaton), “Batman Forever” was a box office sensation in 1995, thanks in large part to Carrey’s mid-9os superstardom. The quip-filled script and decidedly lighter touch from director Joel Schumacher was also a welcome relief to studio execs who thought Tim Burton’s gloomy, grimy (and brilliant) “Batman Returns” from 1992 was way too dark for superhero-obsessed kiddos.

It wasn’t just the box office. The soundtrack sold millions, McDonald’s sold amazing glassware, and the studio felt so good they let Schumacher go even crazier with the 1997 sequel, “Batman & Robin.” Yeesh.

So is “Batman Forever” anything substantial besides a corny 90s relic? Yes and no. The movie has some incredible production design, and, despite a few too many quips, the manic energy of Carrey suits this version of The Riddler just fine. And, wowza, Nicole Kidman is super horny for Batman in this movie. Bruce Wayne though? Eh, he’s just okay.

It’s Jones’ Two-Face that sticks out like a half-scarred thumb. Clearly the dude wanted to be the Top Villain in the movie, and that meant going as BIG as Jim Carrey. Big mistake, Sam Gerard.

Old Millennials Remember Batman Forever

Old Millennials hosts Tyler and Angela discuss showing their very baffled kids “Batman Forever” for the first time, as well as the entire family’s confusion over the age of Chris O’Donnell’s Dick Grayson (aka Robin). Bruce Wayne takes him in so as to avoid paperwork at Gotham Child Services, but Dick Grayson is obviously 30 YEARS OLD.

They also discuss bat-nipples (of course), the incompetence of Commissioner Gordon and Alfred’s lackadaisical approach to Wayne Manor security. Plus we have a rundown of our favorite terrible lines, from “My life’s an open book, do you read?” to “Wanna take a ride in my love machine, BAEBAE?!” But we will defend a few other lines, like, say, “That’s never going to heal if you don’t stop picking” and “Holy rusted metal, Batman!” Because the ground… it’s metal… it’s full of holes…

Also discussed on this episode of Old Millennials Remember Movies

Chip N’ Dale Rescue Rangers (2022)
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022)
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022)
Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)
The Lost City (2022)
Clifford the Big Red Dog (2021)
Moon Knight (2022 TV series)
Good Girls (TV series)
The Avengers (2012)

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