The Joel Schumacher-helmed Batman movies: some folks would say “the less said about them, the better…” Neither film is exactly beloved, beyond connoisseurs of camp cinema anyway, though it would seem as though they’re consistently being reevaluated every time a new Batman film comes out. So why set up a Face Off between these two much-maligned sequels? Cause that’s the kind of thing we do around here — and besides, this writer hadn’t seen either movie in a very long time, so it would prove to be a rather interesting journey.
After Tim Burton vacated the director’s chair and moved into a producing role for the third installment, Warner Brothers brought in Joel Schumacher to take the reins on Batman Forever. Starring Val Kilmer as Bruce Wayne, Jim Carrey as the Riddler, Tommy Lee Jones as Two-Face, Nicole Kidman as Dr. Chase Meridian, and Chris O’Donnell as Dick Grayson aka Robin. It was a massive success even with the mixed reviews, but it was more than enough to greenlight a sequel — Batman & Robin. While O’Donnell returned as Robin, George Clooney took a crack at the cowl this time. The film also stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr. Freeze, Uma Thurman as Poison Ivy, and Alicia Silverstone as Batgirl.
Due to the unbearable campiness and more family-friendly approach, the film was widely panned and is the lowest-grossing live-action Batman film to date. It’s often cited as one of the worst films ever made. That being said, how do Batman Forever and Batman & Robin really hold up after over two decades of constant mockery and derision? And, perhaps more importantly, which is the “better” movie? We’re gonna find out in this edition of… FACE OFF. This episode of Face Off is written by Eric Walkuski, narrated by Shawn Knippelberg, and edited by Matthew Hacunda. But don’t let us have the final word — tell us in the comments which B-movie Bat flick is your pick! Batman Forever or Batman & Robin?