Batman Forever

In Batman Forever, Bruce Wayne is haunted by the childhood trauma of his parents' murder, a memory that resurfaces when he confronts the villainous duo of Harvey Dent (now Two-Face) and Edward Nygma (the Riddler). Nygma, a former Wayne Enterprises employee, uses a mind-sucking device to create a television-based scheme to learn Batman's identity. Meanwhile, Bruce falls for psychologist Dr. Chase Meridian, and he takes in a young circus acrobat, Dick Grayson, whose family was killed by Two-Face. Grayson becomes Robin, and together they defeat the villains. The cast includes Val Kilmer, Tommy Lee Jones, Jim Carrey, Nicole Kidman, and Chris O'Donnell, with Michael Gough reprising his role as Alfred Pennyworth.

Director Joel Schumacher, who replaced Tim Burton, deliberately moved away from the dark, gothic aesthetic of the previous films, opting for a neon-lit, high-camp visual style inspired by the 1960s Batman television series. The production used extensive CGI for the first time in the franchise, including the Batmobile's transformation and the Riddler's lair. Val Kilmer took over the role from Michael Keaton, who left due to creative differences. The film's tone was criticized for its overt commercialism, with product placements and a toyetic design, but it was a box office success. The film received two Academy Award nominations for sound and visual effects.

Batman Forever received mixed reviews upon release; critics praised the performances of Carrey and Jones but criticized the film's tonal inconsistency and over-reliance on spectacle. Roger Ebert gave it a positive review, noting its energy, while others lamented the loss of Burton's brooding atmosphere. The film's success led to a sequel, Batman & Robin (1997), which was widely panned and prompted a franchise reboot. In later years, Batman Forever has been re-evaluated as a transitional work that influenced the lighter, more colorful superhero films of the late 1990s. The film's soundtrack, featuring U2's "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me," was also a commercial hit.

Several notable details surround Batman Forever. The film's script was originally titled "Batman II" and went through multiple drafts, including one by Sam Hamm that featured the Riddler and Robin. Robin's costume was designed to include a prominent codpiece, a detail that became a point of parody. The film's Batmobile, the "Batmobile Forever," was designed by Tim Flattery and featured a jet-engine-like rear. The Riddler's lair was built on a soundstage at Warner Bros. and included a giant brain-shaped computer. Additionally, the film's deleted scenes, including a cameo by Marlon Wayans as Robin (who was cast but cut), have been released in later home video editions. The film's visual effects team used early digital compositing to create the Bat-Signal and the destruction of the Riddler's lair.

Two-Face

A Batman villain, formerly District Attorney Harvey Dent, who becomes a criminal with a split personality after acid disfigures half his face.

Riddler

A Batman villain, Edward Nygma, who leaves riddles and puzzles as clues to his crimes.

Robin

Batman's sidekick, here Dick Grayson, a circus acrobat who becomes a crime fighter after his family is killed.