Hey! Hope you guys enjoy the video! It's probably my favorite video I've done (outside The Plumber of course). Stay safe. Stay creative. Much love. ❤ And please. #releasetheschumachercut.
9 minutes into the video and you've got me hooked and I really like the pacing, it feels just a little slower than your past work. 👍edit: 20 mins in and there's a few missteps some things that weren't necessary to bring up idc about certain directors with certain preferences working on movies, as long as the movie is good. and the big amount of cussing in some parts messes with what your trying to say just a lil bit. That's just my constructive criticism. Keep up the hard good work
Those generations kids are my generation’s parents and the only “total attack against kids” were the day they took them to see that Shane Dawson movie or those skip-it toys.
You know Alex is telling the absolute truth when he puts the masterpiece Scooby Doo 2- Monsters Unleashed as his third favorite film when he was little.
Always appreciated how much Schumacher's Gotham feels like really feels like it's own universe. You can barely tell where it's being filmed half the time. It's just over the top, colorful, and larger than life. And the characters reflect that. Very grounded emotions...in over the top situations. Props to any movie that can create a total escape like that while also feeling human. Also it's just flat out homoerotic with no fucks given. That's pretty brave for the time.
Gotta love the irony in Tommy Lee Jones hating Jim Carrey for his "Tomfoolery" and then becoming one of the worst parts of the film by trying to outshine him.
@Ryan Folsom Jones was just jealous of Carrey. His career didn’t take off as fast as Carrey’s, in fact no other movie star’s career took off as fast as Jim Carrey’s career. He’s so amazing and talented. That’s why TLJ was jealous. Everybody wishes they had half the talent Jim Carrey did
I absolutely adored this movie growing up, I get chills when he says “not because I have to be...now.....because I choose to be” But I feel like that line would carry so much more weight with those added scenes
I don't rmb who said this, but it was pointed out that if you look at all 4 of the 90s Batman films together, they actually form a complete character arc for Bruce (in spite of how different the Burton and Schumacher films are tonally) In Batman 89 Bruce is a socially inept weirdo who has basically nothing going for him in his life besides being Batman, a quest for vengeance so obsessive that this Batman never has a no-kill rule. At the end if the movie he kills Joker,the one responsible for him becoming Batman in the first place, but he still can't let go of his desire to go after every criminal out there In Batman Returns Bruce is basically at his lowest point ever, going out as Batman every day and killing every criminal he comes across. But then he meets Penguin and Catwoman, move people who like him, felt a need to right the wrongs of society and take revenge on those responsible. He sees something of himself in both of them, especially Selina. And here Bruce sees how both of these people were completely consumed by this and became total monsters, and seemingly lost themselves as a result. Hence Bruce desides off-screen between Returns and Forver that he will no longer kill, and that he will make an effort to let more people into his life. This is why Batman is so insistent on the no-kill rule in Forever: because this Batman, unlike others, knows from first-hand experience how killing will inevitably lead one down a dark path. And this is also why in Forever and Batman and Robin, Bruce becomes more sociable and even lets Robin and Batgirl into his family. He went from a reclusive loner in 89, to someone who was willing to be better. Mind you this is probably unintentional, but i find that it fits neatly regardless.
B&R also has Batman seeing Alfred as a father and does everything to try and save him. He goes from killing Joker to trying to save Selina, to stopping Robin from killing Harvey to saving Alfred.
Great breakdown man. Imagine if these films were more tonally consistent across the board and done today, It'd very much be praised. Funny enough, the character arc of Batman in these 4 films, is what Zack Snyder's Batman so desperately wants to be, and fails at.
Honestly, i never blamed Schumacher for Batman & Robin. I am confident he would have made a dark psychological Batman movie if he had been given a chance. But the studio screwed it up and his career was terribly damaged. It's Sad he didn't have a chance to redeem himself. Nevertheless a good filmmaker... R. I. P. Joel.
I agree. The scene where Dr. Freeze redeems himself is proof of it. Clooney showed Batman's compassionate side, Freeze showing joy when he realizes his wife is still alive... Arnold could have been a perfect Mr. Freeze but the studio had to fuck everything up.
The only problem I have with Jim Carreys performance as The Riddler is that it feels like he's trying to imitate Frank Gorshin without any of the menace
This is what YT is for. The raw passion here was wild-I’ve held a lot of these thoughts since my own childhood loving Schumacher’s Batman. Have always believed Kilmer is the best and I’ll DIE on this hill. Well done, fellow Schumacherian! 🦇🖤💛
This came at the perfect time for me. I was thirteen in 1995, and Nicole Kidman was a huge part of my life in that time... if you know what I mean. She is still and will probably always be the hottest woman in live-action Batman history.
@@Alhawaii1, I mean kids, like all other people, have different tastes and preferences and morals, but I was somewhere around 6 when it came out and I freaking loved it.
The most ironic thing in this whole story is how the movie itself is a representation of an Identity Crisis. It wants to be both a bright, zany and campy fun ride, while also being one of the best introspections on the mind of a broken man. The deleted scenes really show something that could be, the amazing cinematography combined with possibly the most complete film story of Batman/Bruce ever made. And yes, I love Kilmer as Batman/Bruce. More than just the already good social outcast that is Keaton's Bruce, Kilmer portrays that awkward, not-so-good emoting, split man struggling to find his genuine self while also providing by far the best voices for Bruce and Batman we've ever seen on live-action films (and I strongly stand by that). I have to genuinely thank you for this video, I'm not that big a fan of video essays but this addressed everything I've ever wanted about this movie.
The one thing about this movie, is how Batman seems so mystical and mysterious. Just the way he’s portrayed in this film makes him feel beyond human. I might be biased due to nostalgia, but if the deleted scenes were included it could’ve been a great film.
I didn't like this film until I took a an abnormal psychology class in high school, and seeing it through that lens really made me appreciate Batman Forever
This film was basically Batman trying to get redemption and closure from his haunting past that plagued him in the first two Tim Burton Batman films. From Joker killing his parents, him going insane and killing Joker out of vengeance, killing Penguin and then having a nasty break up with Catwoman. A lot of trauma and suffering happened to Bruce leading into Batman Forever. The guy went through hell...😞
@@cainbutler6291 Great take on this! Thank you. Let's include "Batman Forever" together with "Batman Returns" into a trilogy then. But I'd prefer to forget about "Batman and Robin". I still feel the raving maniac Two Face in Forever was undermotivated and overacted, though, to an extent that it spoils the whole movie; this kind of foreshadows the unlikely fast turn to mad amoral villainy by the hitherto very grounded idealistic character in "The Dark Knight", which again spoiled an otherwise very promising film.
@@elfsieben1450 yeah fuck Batman and Robin! But Batman Forever was still a passable sequel. Batman Forever probably should’ve been the last film in the series. If it was more darker and grittier like the first two films, it would’ve been a great conclusion to the Burton/Schumacher saga
@@cainbutler6291 Totally agree. On another note: The more complex psychology, darker and grittier themes of the original script would still have worked in Forever's visually more flamboyant style, because a contrast to the brooding colours in the Burton films would have driven home the point that by the end Bruce/Batman finally acknowledged that there are more colours to life than a black-and-white victim/perpetrator-dichotomy of guilt and punishment.
I can’t imagine being a kid and not liking Batman returns. That was always my favorite one when I was a kid, all the awesome costumes and set pieces were mind blowing.
That kid was clearly told what to say by either the interviewers or his parents. Can you imagine a kid saying a film was too violent or calling a film "an attack on kids?" That's not the type of things a kid would think to say themselves.
It was very crearly the kid was told what he needs to say lol Like can you imagine a kid who doesn't like "violence in movies"? Majority of them loves Looney Tunes or action films for a reason
I enjoyed some parts of the film as a kid, mostly the fight scenes, or de pinguins attacking the city, but in general I found the plot too convoluted and I didn't understand it at that time; and there are a lot of parts where characters are just talking (like the Penguin planning his election), or other atmospheric scenes that as a kid I felt them slow and boring(but now as an adult I can appreciate the detail). I wouldn't have said that I didn't like it, because I was used to getting over the "boring parts" in the movies. Btw, I remember back then not liking things that were too violent, there is a point where it feels disturbing (and for kinds, that threshold is much lower), but that wasn't the case with Batman Returns. The violence in that film are just explosions and punches, nothing too gory.
Batman Forever kicks ass I don’t care what anyone says. It’s criminally underrated and that’s not just nostalgia speaking. This video is so spot on thank you for standing up for this classic!
I suspect many people haven't even seen this film. It was as if he had never existed. If they talk about a good Batman, they remember Michael Kitton or Christian Bale, if they talk about a bad one - George Clooney. But Vel Kilmer is usually not remembered at all. In my opinion, if he is not the best Batman, he is definitely in the top three.
My honest opinion, Val Kilmer’s Batman Bruce Wayne, is an emotional, sad, passionate, and strong, like I feel his sadness and hurt, and uses this pain to make the passion to become the strong, and confident Batman. I like this Video’s take. George Clooney’s Batman is…. George Clooney imitating Adam West…. if the 90’s era Batman was more like the 60’s era Batman, the more cheesy moments, not the cool ones. I feel Mike Keaton is somewhere in the middle of Val & George.
@@greg1851 Dude deleted scenes doesn’t change the fact the movie is still mainly a corporate film. Maybe they had some interesting ideas but they didn’t go all the way with it. I think this movie is bad as Batman and Robin but people only give it a pass because their used to Jim Carrey doing stupid and childish stuff but can’t take Arnold doing in Batman and Robin.
@@petermj1098 You're wrong because synder cut justice league is being released. Its not just about deleted scenes . Its a completely different movie so yes it does change things a lot.
0:26 "I was very violent. It was a total attack against kids" 👏 Good job, Kid... you almost said your parent's words correctly that you rehearsed all night 🤣 love it!
The thing about the "McDonald's has toys for kids but this isn't a kid movie. It's violent" was said by the some of the same kids who later went to see LOTR, and thought that was epic. Go figure.
When I think of Gotham, the most vivid images I have are these neo-gothic-classiquesque giant statues amidst this green and pink and purple chaos Schumacher gave us. This is Gotham for me. No other take on the city gets even close to this.
I feel like this piece was made for me. I watched "Forever" religiously as a child and it's what got me into Batman. You had me at "Misunderstood Masterpiece," but this was an amazing 45 minute watch that flew by. Kudos to you, fantastic editing, and I really hope we see your name on the credits of some big stuff in the future.
I thought I was alone about my feeling about this film. Thank you for pointing out things better than I ever could have. What a movie and what a masterful video!
Yeah, my fav Batman, just because it's so surreal. IMO, Batman should not be too serious, in fact it should be just like 300 was. I don't like the Dark Knight just because it takes itself too seriously. I mean who tf would dress in latex to battle evil irl?
Jim Carrey gave it is best, but his version was poorly written. Also, Val Kilmer was not an amazing Batman, because he doesn’t have that dark brooding feel. As Bruce Wayne, he was actually good, being that billionaire playboy. Everything else though just didn’t work.
@@captainhowlerwilson508 bro batman doesnt and _shouldn’t_ have to be dark and brooding at all times, soem of the best batman moments in “batman animated” and the JL animated are when batman is being a nice guy, no brooding or dark in sight. also all of batman in the 1960s were wack and cartoony in that special way that only comics have
@@Mcwatt_the_Black_Witch I never said he should be like that at all times, I mean this version completely forgets that part about him. Even when he wasn't brooding and dark, he was a fearless leader alongside Superman who sometimes wasn't afraid to get pretty dirty.
I always forget that Val was a really talented actor. I think he had a string of flops that made people kind of forget about him...but he was still really good. Just less bankable.
If only Billy Dee Williams could’ve reprised his role as Dent with an origin of the Two-Face, this film would be perfect, imagine him playing up his double-crossing Lando character but actually becomes a swindling villain
I don't get what point you're trying to make...The kid's quote is the movie was, "this is an attack against kids." Plus Batman Returns was rated for kids and which is what all those were clips were complaining about. GTA was rated M and thus shouldnt' be played by kids and thus any kids playing it are doing so against the wishes of the creators.
Playing _San Andreas_ as a kid: “This is very violent and not child friendly at all” Proceeds to get 6 stars to have the *GODDAMN US ARMY* come after me
I played GTA 1 for the first time when I was 10 years old. It blew my mind. Why running around collecting coins or gems as a cute cartoon character when I could wreak heck on a city? GTA is as kid friendly as it gets! And it only got better!
Batman Forever was that movie I watched OVER AND OVER AGAIN as a kid. It was my favorite Batman movie. And I have spent the years since defending Val Kilmer's Batman, Jim Carrey's Riddler, and Joel Schumacher's colorful and creative direction. Glad to see these thoughts vindicated through your essay. Hopefully, more people will come around on the genius of Joel Schumacher because of it. It's just a shame it had to happen after his death. RIP The Legend.
Watching this made me smile so much, I've watched this movie over 300 times - literally. After school as a child every day I'd watch it on VHS tape - I knew every single line in the whole movie and I'd say each line along with the characters from start to finish. Now I'm 33 years old and you know what I still love this movie no matter what anyone says about it.
The best part of this video is clearly Alex saying, “My man” when Joel said Batman should not kill. This video convinced me that Val Kilmer did indeed bring something to the role of Bruce Wayne / Batman.
@@onlyone23kmHe didn't make Two Face freak out and start trying to snatch up every coin. All he was doing was confusing Two Face's method so he couldn't shoot them.
@you’re • biological • female • caregiver Tommy Lee Jones was a Terrible Twoface. He acted too much like the Joker. Twoface is supposed to be mild mannered and quiet. TLJ was just trying to outdo Jim Carrey because he was jealous of Jim and him becoming a huge star and the fact that his career took off faster than his career. I’m fact, Jim Carrey’s career took off faster than any other movie star’s career, even Tom Cruise’s
Thank you! I remembered how disappointed people were that Val Kilmer was replacing Michael Keaton, but his Batman voice was almost perfect. Not as good as the animated series, but maybe the best of all live action performances.
@@nsasupporter7557 I think he could have been a great Batman too. He looks as if Bruce a Wayne walked out the comics. He just got the wrong movie and direction. He would make a great old Bruce now.
@VALENTINEproductions I don't know about that. George Clooney was just George Clooney when he was Batman. He didn’t try to play Bruce Wayne or bring any unique charisma to the character like the other actors did. Like I said he was just George Clooney behind the mask.... “hi Freeze, I’m Batman.” SO LAME! Lol
People tend to forget that Batman forever was a huge and very popular and very much loved and well accepted Batman sequel upon its release and it was loved extraordinarily until they release of Batman and Robin at which point people began to rope Batman forever into the same bin with Batman and Robin and the true reputation of Batman forever was then lost forever.
this is true...while I liked returns personally way more forever was popular and made more money its was defintely a more fun for the family type of flick and the box office was indictive of that...but batman and robin was a bridge to far that killed batman for a good while
"I didn't want him to actually murder. Because I thought that Batman should be above that." Damn...Schumacher understood Batman way more than I ever gave him credit for. I'm sorry for hating on you Joel.
@@BobPantsSpongeSquare97 That is the misunderstanding of many of watching Snyder's Batman: Zack doesn't think Batman killing is okay AT ALL... THAT'S THE POINT. Batman is the VILLAIN of BvS, and because of Superman's existence & (ironically) humanity, he is SHOWN this in BLEAK detail.
@Greg Elchert If I were to ever get a chance to ask Mr. Jones a question, it would be to ask if the decision to try and top Jim Carry was a directorial choice, or an acting choice.
Hey, man. I watched Batman Forever today in the third day of my one-Batman-movie-a-day in preparation for the new one. I loved it, just as I always have. Then I came here to look for any reviews that didn’t seem likr the same hate filled ones we’ve always had, and I found yours. It made me cry a lot, we share many opinions and you brought up a lot of things I had never thought about. I just had an amazing and heartbreaking 48 minutes. Thank you.
Interesting how your professor’s mentor was Joel Schumacher, I laughed and smiled at the end when you introduced that, the way you built up to that when explaining how you got involved with film did that. It’s almost like you’re fated to be involved with film and that’s just simply incredible. Keep up the great work and follow and live your dreams. You have a lot of interesting insights with these video essays.
The way Gotham City looked in all four Batman films should've been the new look for Six Flags. The way they recreated the city looked so extravagantly beautiful, that it would rival Disney World.
32:08 Wow. That “Batman is my enemy.” So fucking good. Damn if only Schumacher got to put that version out. I love Forever but man what could have been.
@VALENTINEproductions you know that Tim Burton was originally going to direct Batman Forever? It was going to be called “Batman Continues.” Michael Keaton was gonna play Batman again, Marlon Wayans was gonna be Robin, Billy Dee Williams was gonna be Harvey Dent/Twoface, Robin Williams was gonna be Riddler and Rene Russo was be Nicole Kidman’s character. But McDonalds was so disgusted with Batman Returns and the Penguin puking up green slime that they told Warner Bros. that they couldn’t sell happy meal toys like that. So they asked Tim Burton to step down as director and Joel Schumacher took over and replaced the whole cast with Val Kilmer, Chris O’ Donnell, Jim Carrey, Tommy Lee Jones and Nicole Kidman. Did you know any of this?
This is awesome mate, I’m queer and autistic and I’ve never heard Batman Forever be explained in this way before, you’ve made me appreciate it on a whole new level. Never thought of it before as like an elevated reality coming out story about repressed trauma. Great work, man.
Val Kilmer is definitely the best Batman I’ve seen in live action. His performance reminds me a lot of myself. That feeling of helplessness and solitude. The feeling that, no matter how hard you try, you’ll never fit in with everyone else around you. You force yourself to put on a facade because it’s the only way people will ever talk to you. I think that’s why Batman has always been my favorite superhero since he feels the most human.
@BustBoy333 I respect your opinion, but I do not share it. Val Kilmer isn't really one of the worst Batmans, but he's not one of the best either. Robert Pattinson and Christian Bale did a better job playing Bruce Wayne and his motivations for being Batman than Val Kilmer, who was only a temporary replacement because Michael Keaton didn't want to return as Batman. I think that the reason why you don't like Christian Bale's Batman is because everyone likes it and you want to give your opinion against what the vast majority likes.
@@PhantomKLA1 he didn't want to return cause the direction it went and the script was terrible. Adding Robin is always a bad idea though they were planning on it anyway I just wish they weren't making it to get money from happy meals. They were mad cause returns "Was too dark."
My favorite movie is actually a Joel Schumacher movie. Flatliners. Years after it became my favorite movie I discovered that it released in Europe before the US on the day I was born. It's about a group of medical students who all have a fascination with death. They come up with a way to kill themselves in a controlled environment and then revive themselves. But as they come back they discover that they're haunted by their sins. It has themes of guilt and redemption and overcoming the desire to die which is something I personally connect with.
The ending to this video, oh my god! Absolutely beautiful, I wish people would stop calling Joel a bad filmmaker, just because you make one movie doesn’t mean you’re bad, if you made movies like Lost Boys and many more, than I think you’re a good director, not to mention that he seemed like a great guy irl, realizing that Batman and Robin wasn’t a great film and giving your boy Carl a chance! R.I.P. Joel Shcumacher, you were a very important part in my childhood and I will never stop watching your movies, nor will I forget you
Batman Returns was my favorite as a kid. What kind of kid would say "this is too violent for me". Dude, Mortal Kombat for example, was a hit with everyone at that time because of one thing, violence.
I think there was an atmosphere of being depressing and brooding and dark in an operatic sense. That really turned kids off, also the violence in Mortal Kombat is campy, gratuitous and flashy, the violence in Returns was also campy to an extent, but also grotesque and horrifying in how the violence and the brutality is portrayed.
Real insightful 13:35 and it just doesn’t stop from there. As a kid I watched this all the time on vhs. Now as an adult with your breakdown, I see the heartfelt internal conflict all the characters go through.
Joel Schumacher directed dark movies such as The Lost Boys, Flatliners and let's not forget the classic Falling Down. A movie with a darker tone then all the Batman films put together
Kilmer is a terrific actor. It’s too bad his personal life caused him to drop out of fame. Hopefully he can have a revival; similar ironically to Michael Keaton in real life.
@Steve Meyer unfortunately, portraying Batman was a very unpleasant experience for Kilmer, or so I understand. I heard that wearing the Batman suit was very uncomfortable for him and that he was unhappy that kids seemed to care more about the bat mobile than Batman himself that he was playing
Also Wow...dont tell me there isnt an unseen force that guides all things. When you post a vid like this telling of your life W Carl And Schumacher... and you doTHIS!...I'm seriously close to tears. you sir are a blessing.
Sucks when studios try to make everything so kid friendly. The argument of having toys for kids to a movie that isn’t for kids is completely pointless when you realize that Alien and Terminator had toys made of them. Also a kid can handle a lot more than people think.
Blame the snowflakes that got big mad that Returns was so dark. I have no idea what they were expecting, since it was a godamn Burton movie, not a kid's movie.
@Lunar YUP. Watchmen had a toy line, The Dark Knight had a toy line, Deadpool had a toy line...as Jon Peters said; "we need to sell fucking toys, because that is what these movies are about, selling fucking toys".
The 80s and early 90s were a different time lol. Most kids had their first taste of beer before the age of 12, You could watch all the R rated movies you wanted as long as you covered your eyes on the dirty parts. The world has been pussified lol
I just want to say that your video has massively changed my outlook on this movie. I never "hated" it exactly, but I just couldn't reconcile it with '89 and Returns. Now I can see it as a conclusion to a trilogy started in '89 (Batman and Robin doesn't deserve to be a part of it), and is wrapped up nicely and neatly by Forever. I really hope we get a Schumacher cut some day! Thanks for the great video!
This movie is so important to me. When I was a kid I had a horrible day at school and was soo miserable, so my mom took me to the video store, and we got Batman Forever. Just like that, a horrible day turned into an amazing one. So now I have a saying, whenever Im having a bad day I have to "Batman Forever" that day and change it to something good. Amazing video Alex as always
fuck me dude this is so excellent. i wasn’t prepared. i usually watch youtube essays while i do chores to occupy my mind but this is the first time one was so good i had to stop what i was doing, restart it, and watch it to the end. this is the first youtube essay i’ve ever seen that has drawn me in with the intensity that some films have. good job bro.
In my opinion, Batman Forever is the perfect mix between a modern version of German expressionism and the camp of the silver age comics. People pretty much only hated this movie because it wasn't the Batman they wanted to see, and because modern audiences prefer realism over extremely imaginative colorful worlds.
I never figured out why Batman Forever was called Batman Forever, the theatrical cut doesn't help you figure it out either but it was in the stuff that was cut out that you finally realize why it was always called Batman Forever and it makes this movie a lot more enjoyable, especially with everything Alex was talking about Riddler that I didn't think about, I am a defender of this take on Batman and I like it even more now, thanks Alex
I think at one point it was going to be called 'Batman Forever?' with the question mark, which kind of helps it not only link to the Riddlers symbol but also more strongly to Bruce's internal conflict.
Holy shit, this video is goddamn amazing. I feel the goddamn passion and amazing vision that you have and I can't help but smile, laugh and have fun watching this video and I love it. I love how your videos, your content shows the messages, the feelings,and the vision that that piece of art has. Thank you so much for this. It made my day and I fucking love it and all of your content. I hope you have a great day
I wasnt expecting to see a connection between HiTop and Schumaher... Every single person who worked with him mentions how much of a nice guy he was, and also an icon for the LGBT community. He was "out" 30 years ago, back when a man being gay wasnt something "cool", but something that could cost you your job, and Joel never tried to hide what he was. It pains me that he died being remembered only for Batman & Robin, which was probably the only truly bad movie he made, and he always accepted that, he didnt whine and say "the movie released wasnt my vision", he accepted full responsability, and asked his fellow Batman fans to forgive him. A true gentleman.
@@Jose-se9pu Schumacher was a wonderful film artist and I highly recommend anyone reading this jump into his filmography. Just ignore all of his films that have “Batman” in the title.
Honestly what is up with these many cuts of Batman and i’ve already heard and know about Return of Batman script i’ve seen in the definitive history of the Dark Knight book
This is the only Batman film pre-The Batman where he actually has character growth and develops as a person. Every other one is stuck in a state of arrested development.
I just watched a Schumacher interview not too long ago... the guy was absolutely brilliant and probably one of the purist good-hearted people to come out of Hollywood. I was flabbergasted. He didn’t deserve the sh*t he got for this movie. The studio told him they wanted something different. (Besides some of the best toys we had as a kid came from this movie!)
If he was still alive I’d tell him it wasn’t his fault every great director has a few stinkers in their filmography. And in another interview I saw he wanted to adapt Batman Year One and honestly Batman Year One made by the guy who made Falling Down and The Lost Boys sounds awesome!
@@tylerjames805 he did apologise for "Batman and Robin". He ssid he didn't intend to offend anyone and that he only wanted to entertain. He's a true film maker, unlike the ones today who blame the viewers with insulting labels for their own failure.
This movie is BEYOND iconic & I will forever defend it to anyone who says otherwise! This movie is a masterpiece within its own right! Jim Carrey's performance alone is utterly magical!
Right. I can't bring myself to watch Batman and Robin, and if I did it would only be to see Uma Thurman as Poison Ivy (oh lala) or Arnold's Mr. Freeze and his one-liners ("Chill!"). Batman Forever is probably the best of the previous series though. It doesn't take itself too seriously or too comedically, it's just in the middle for me at least.
True. Even without knowing there were deleted scenes, you can have a sense of vision and message that this film has in comparison to the ad-driven commercially-vomit-inducing that is the second one.
You know being a die-hard Burton fan, you sold me on this one. I remember watching this one multiple times and enjoying it as a standalone film. It was campy, outrageous, and just visually entertaining. It was everything that the Burton films weren't. It reminded me of the Adam West show on steroids. I would have loved to see Jim as the Joker, but his Riddler was pretty amazing. I think Tommy being more serious and sadistic would have balanced out Jim's over the top performance. But I really have more respect for this film after watching this. Too bad Batman and Robin was just a dumpster fire and couldn't follow up to this.
the final battle between Batman and Riddler is basically best film version of a video game boss fight ever. The lighting is spectacular and the overall vibe is perfect for a high stakes finale. The score also compliments the action so well there.
The thing I hate about this movie is the wildly inconsistent tone: it DOES have those moments of heart and character development that you mentioned... only to constantly undermine those beats of sincerity with ridiculous gags and performances. I’d very much like to see a version like the cut scenes have been described, but it might feel even more disjointed with all the silliness still intact. But while I don’t always agree, I absolutely respect your well-researched commentary here
The good thing tho is the undermining happens in different scenes and the characters that are serious, stay serious. Unike in modern marvel movies where deep scenes will be filled with cringey comedy or a supposed serious character will say or do something goofy at the wrong time
Check out the Virtual Workprint. It's the best version with the stuff put back in, and it cuts out some of the more annoying jokes. I just watched it and it's an awesome Batman film, closer to the Raimi Spider-Man movies in tone where there are goofy moments but it's well balanced with the drama.
There’s just something really appealing about it when your a kid. The shiny neon lights, the set design, the use of color and imagery and it’s just plain stupidly fun.
Yeah. I didn't love it as a kid, but Forever was always more easy to find than the Burton films, and not Dookie like Batman and Robin. Now, I actually enjoy it more than I thought I would, it's just a lot of fun
I think it is the other way around. For me, Returnd aged TERRIBLE ('89 still holds up, thanks to Jack), while Forever is still as fun as when I was 10.
I loved Batman Forever as a kid and always used to watch it on VHS. So many memories of this movie and nostalgia. Watching it now today, I see more problems with it but I would still give the movie a B-, 8/10 at best. Definitely the most underrated live action Batman film of all time and the most forgotten. It's really entertaining and really does feel like a comic book come to life. It's like 80% 60's Batman campiness but 20% Tim Burton darkness to it. Chris O' Donnell was a good Robin, Nicole Kidman was a interesting, sexy and good love interest for Bruce, Kilmer was truly underrated because he was actually a great Bruce Wayne👏 and a good Batman. However, Jim Carrey was the G.O.A.T of the film, with so much energy and charisma, which made him both a unique take on the character and made a amazing Riddler💯... Plus Seal's Kiss From A Rose is timelessly LEGENDARY🦇 I will always have a soft spot for this film...Forever🦇........... P.S..... #ReleaseTheSchumacherCut 🙏
I can never not come away from one of your videos without thinking “This man puts his heart, his entire being, into this video.” What a fantastic piece of art HiTop.
Robins early super hero experiences in the movie (riding bat vehicles, putting on the suit, etc...) also really lend to that idea of "its how a kid reading a comic book feels". His excitement in discovering this world is a powerful element of the film and an underrated aspect.
I'm watching this in a rain storm after my baseball game got suspended, and man, thank you for this. I'm 10 minutes in and this is everything that makes your channel and videos unique, creative and really f'in fun. Thank you HiTop.
I've pondered endlessly why Batman Forever was always my favorite of the four Batman movies from the 90s. You explained everything brilliantly and this video deserves to be praised.
I’ve always felt like Batman Forever was an underrated CBM. It has solid acting, great lighting, it’s humorous, some sequences were awesome, and it was very colorful. I’m happy that this video shows how this movie actually deserves more love than it gets. It’s entertaining, and I’m glad you bring up good points about why the movie’s misunderstood by the audiences!! Great video man!!
The Moral of the Story is that whenever DC tries to become more lighthearted due to backlash it always backfired. Back in the day it gave us Batman & Robin and More recently it gave us Suicide Squad (2016) and Justice League (2017)
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
Hey! Hope you guys enjoy the video! It's probably my favorite video I've done (outside The Plumber of course). Stay safe. Stay creative. Much love. ❤
And please. #releasetheschumachercut.
Dude you should do a #releasethewebbcut vid
This film is SO underrated. It may not be the best thing ever but it is WAY better then people give it credit for
9 minutes into the video and you've got me hooked and I really like the pacing, it feels just a little slower than your past work. 👍edit: 20 mins in and there's a few missteps some things that weren't necessary to bring up idc about certain directors with certain preferences working on movies, as long as the movie is good. and the big amount of cussing in some parts messes with what your trying to say just a lil bit. That's just my constructive criticism. Keep up the hard good work
TBH I don’t even care when you upload
Nothing will ever top "Batman does not kill" Video, IMO it changed my opinion on so many things, and still brings me to tears when i watch it.
"...A total attack againt kids."
What kind of 10 year old says that shit?
Probably a 10 year old who was being paid by overly sensitive adults who believe Dungeons & Dragons teaches you magic and how to summon demons.
@@curosaber like usual
It just goes to show how manipulative news media/corporate press has always been
@@davidbasset7557 Usually it was more the special interest groups, like Tipper Gore's gang and religious people.
This kid must be a future CNN reporter.
"A total attack against kids."
LOL what kid says something like that? They definitely overheard their parents complaining about the movie.
Exactly. It was complete BS.
Yeah his parents just coached him into memorizing that and he probably didn't even know what it meant
ohhhh definately or something the producers told him to say
Those generations kids are my generation’s parents and the only “total attack against kids” were the day they took them to see that Shane Dawson movie or those skip-it toys.
@@tamariomartin9080 true
You know Alex is telling the absolute truth when he puts the masterpiece Scooby Doo 2- Monsters Unleashed as his third favorite film when he was little.
i unironically love that movie, it's much better than it has any right to be
I actually love the first Scooby-Doo more.
That’s what I said!!!!!! 🤣🤣🤣
@@SDfan2002 Ew. 😂
@@TJUC123 What?
Always appreciated how much Schumacher's Gotham feels like really feels like it's own universe. You can barely tell where it's being filmed half the time. It's just over the top, colorful, and larger than life. And the characters reflect that. Very grounded emotions...in over the top situations. Props to any movie that can create a total escape like that while also feeling human. Also it's just flat out homoerotic with no fucks given. That's pretty brave for the time.
Val Kilmer is so underrated as Batman. His Batman gets overshadowed by the hate this film gets.
Agreed
He's fine but kinda forgettable
Agreed...tbh he was better than Keaton. Idgaf how rest of you feel
@@rashadjames8996 yes same...he reminds me of Christian bale
He's just kind of underrated in general, tbh.
Gotta love the irony in Tommy Lee Jones hating Jim Carrey for his "Tomfoolery" and then becoming one of the worst parts of the film by trying to outshine him.
🤣
What do you mean, "worst parts of the film"?!
Jim Carrey seems like an insufferable person. From what I remember Tommy Lee couldn’t stand Jim on set... not the role he was playing lol
@@TheLevitatingFleem Yeah, he's a method actor if I'm not mistaken, so I could see that.
@Ryan Folsom Jones was just jealous of Carrey. His career didn’t take off as fast as Carrey’s, in fact no other movie star’s career took off as fast as Jim Carrey’s career. He’s so amazing and talented. That’s why TLJ was jealous. Everybody wishes they had half the talent Jim Carrey did
"It was very violent, it was a total attack against kids"
That's not even close to how 10 year olds actually think
Exactly.
Obviously put up to it.
Yeah, that kid would have a seizure when Mortal Kombat came out. 😂
Yeah, scripts. Too bad Rated K on Nickelodeon wasnt still running at that point.
You could get away with making kids mouthpieces in the 90s
I absolutely adored this movie growing up, I get chills when he says “not because I have to be...now.....because I choose to be”
But I feel like that line would carry so much more weight with those added scenes
I don't rmb who said this, but it was pointed out that if you look at all 4 of the 90s Batman films together, they actually form a complete character arc for Bruce (in spite of how different the Burton and Schumacher films are tonally)
In Batman 89 Bruce is a socially inept weirdo who has basically nothing going for him in his life besides being Batman, a quest for vengeance so obsessive that this Batman never has a no-kill rule. At the end if the movie he kills Joker,the one responsible for him becoming Batman in the first place, but he still can't let go of his desire to go after every criminal out there
In Batman Returns Bruce is basically at his lowest point ever, going out as Batman every day and killing every criminal he comes across. But then he meets Penguin and Catwoman, move people who like him, felt a need to right the wrongs of society and take revenge on those responsible. He sees something of himself in both of them, especially Selina. And here Bruce sees how both of these people were completely consumed by this and became total monsters, and seemingly lost themselves as a result. Hence Bruce desides off-screen between Returns and Forver that he will no longer kill, and that he will make an effort to let more people into his life.
This is why Batman is so insistent on the no-kill rule in Forever: because this Batman, unlike others, knows from first-hand experience how killing will inevitably lead one down a dark path. And this is also why in Forever and Batman and Robin, Bruce becomes more sociable and even lets Robin and Batgirl into his family. He went from a reclusive loner in 89, to someone who was willing to be better.
Mind you this is probably unintentional, but i find that it fits neatly regardless.
Cut dialogue from the script says it was definitely at least partially intentional.
I was ur 69th like 😏
B&R also has Batman seeing Alfred as a father and does everything to try and save him. He goes from killing Joker to trying to save Selina, to stopping Robin from killing Harvey to saving Alfred.
You might be thinking of Linkara.
Great breakdown man. Imagine if these films were more tonally consistent across the board and done today, It'd very much be praised.
Funny enough, the character arc of Batman in these 4 films, is what Zack Snyder's Batman so desperately wants to be, and fails at.
Honestly, i never blamed Schumacher for Batman & Robin. I am confident he would have made a dark psychological Batman movie if he had been given a chance. But the studio screwed it up and his career was terribly damaged. It's Sad he didn't have a chance to redeem himself. Nevertheless a good filmmaker... R. I. P. Joel.
Read the Batman Forever book by Peter David. It has everything Joel wanted this movie to be. That really is Batman Forever
In my mind, Joel Schumacher redeemed himself with The Phantom Of The Opera.
Batman 5: Triumphant/Unchained would’ve been totally epic!
@@WimpyKelv12 indeed
I agree. The scene where Dr. Freeze redeems himself is proof of it. Clooney showed Batman's compassionate side, Freeze showing joy when he realizes his wife is still alive... Arnold could have been a perfect Mr. Freeze but the studio had to fuck everything up.
Jim Carey’s performance alone makes this movie such a joy to watch
I know right
Jim Carry plays himself
He’s a bit much I’m not gonna lie
The only problem I have with Jim Carreys performance as The Riddler is that it feels like he's trying to imitate Frank Gorshin without any of the menace
I disagree, I think its cringey and terrible lol
This is what YT is for. The raw passion here was wild-I’ve held a lot of these thoughts since my own childhood loving Schumacher’s Batman. Have always believed Kilmer is the best and I’ll DIE on this hill. Well done, fellow Schumacherian! 🦇🖤💛
Salute emoji
Val Kilmer should have done two Batman movies.
#COSIGN
Younger me: This is a cool story of Batman and Robin
Older Me: Hey Nicole Kidman!!!
I know man she's awesome
That was younger me and older me.
Robin origin story
Blonde chick horny for Batman
This must be a tamed film version Frank Miller All Star Batman & Robin vibes
I explicitly have a huge crush on her because of this movie
This came at the perfect time for me. I was thirteen in 1995, and Nicole Kidman was a huge part of my life in that time... if you know what I mean. She is still and will probably always be the hottest woman in live-action Batman history.
Those kids sound like they’re just repeating stuff they were told to say.
Exactly... I loved Batman returns as a kid... they were paid to act like they disliked the movie, probably by some anti violence organization
ya think?
They absolutely were
That's what I'm thinking why didn't they see Disney movie if they didn't want to see Batman.
@@Alhawaii1, I mean kids, like all other people, have different tastes and preferences and morals, but I was somewhere around 6 when it came out and I freaking loved it.
Me: "I need time to make dinner".
*Hitop films releases a video on Batman Forever*
Me: "... I'll get Drive Through."
"I'll cancel the pizza"
The most ironic thing in this whole story is how the movie itself is a representation of an Identity Crisis.
It wants to be both a bright, zany and campy fun ride, while also being one of the best introspections on the mind of a broken man.
The deleted scenes really show something that could be, the amazing cinematography combined with possibly the most complete film story of Batman/Bruce ever made.
And yes, I love Kilmer as Batman/Bruce. More than just the already good social outcast that is Keaton's Bruce, Kilmer portrays that awkward, not-so-good emoting, split man struggling to find his genuine self while also providing by far the best voices for Bruce and Batman we've ever seen on live-action films (and I strongly stand by that).
I have to genuinely thank you for this video, I'm not that big a fan of video essays but this addressed everything I've ever wanted about this movie.
The first real and honest take I’ve seen in these comments so far.
And I agree.
The one thing about this movie, is how Batman seems so mystical and mysterious. Just the way he’s portrayed in this film makes him feel beyond human. I might be biased due to nostalgia, but if the deleted scenes were included it could’ve been a great film.
I didn't like this film until I took a an abnormal psychology class in high school, and seeing it through that lens really made me appreciate Batman Forever
This film was basically Batman trying to get redemption and closure from his haunting past that plagued him in the first two Tim Burton Batman films. From Joker killing his parents, him going insane and killing Joker out of vengeance, killing Penguin and then having a nasty break up with Catwoman. A lot of trauma and suffering happened to Bruce leading into Batman Forever. The guy went through hell...😞
@@cainbutler6291
Great take on this!
Thank you.
Let's include "Batman Forever" together with "Batman Returns" into a trilogy then. But I'd prefer to forget about "Batman and Robin".
I still feel the raving maniac Two Face in Forever was undermotivated and overacted, though, to an extent that it spoils the whole movie; this kind of foreshadows the unlikely fast turn to mad amoral villainy by the hitherto very grounded idealistic character in "The Dark Knight", which again spoiled an otherwise very promising film.
@@elfsieben1450 yeah fuck Batman and Robin! But Batman Forever was still a passable sequel. Batman Forever probably should’ve been the last film in the series. If it was more darker and grittier like the first two films, it would’ve been a great conclusion to the Burton/Schumacher saga
@@cainbutler6291
Totally agree.
On another note:
The more complex psychology, darker and grittier themes of the original script would still have worked in Forever's visually more flamboyant style, because a contrast to the brooding colours in the Burton films would have driven home the point that by the end Bruce/Batman finally acknowledged that there are more colours to life than a black-and-white victim/perpetrator-dichotomy of guilt and punishment.
I can’t imagine being a kid and not liking Batman returns. That was always my favorite one when I was a kid, all the awesome costumes and set pieces were mind blowing.
That kid was clearly told what to say by either the interviewers or his parents. Can you imagine a kid saying a film was too violent or calling a film "an attack on kids?" That's not the type of things a kid would think to say themselves.
Visually it was amazing but I didn’t really like the burton films
I hated Returns as a kid, but now, as an adult, it's one of my favorites. To each their own
It was very crearly the kid was told what he needs to say lol
Like can you imagine a kid who doesn't like "violence in movies"? Majority of them loves Looney Tunes or action films for a reason
I enjoyed some parts of the film as a kid, mostly the fight scenes, or de pinguins attacking the city, but in general I found the plot too convoluted and I didn't understand it at that time; and there are a lot of parts where characters are just talking (like the Penguin planning his election), or other atmospheric scenes that as a kid I felt them slow and boring(but now as an adult I can appreciate the detail).
I wouldn't have said that I didn't like it, because I was used to getting over the "boring parts" in the movies.
Btw, I remember back then not liking things that were too violent, there is a point where it feels disturbing (and for kinds, that threshold is much lower), but that wasn't the case with Batman Returns. The violence in that film are just explosions and punches, nothing too gory.
Batman Forever kicks ass I don’t care what anyone says. It’s criminally underrated and that’s not just nostalgia speaking. This video is so spot on thank you for standing up for this classic!
I suspect many people haven't even seen this film. It was as if he had never existed. If they talk about a good Batman, they remember Michael Kitton or Christian Bale, if they talk about a bad one - George Clooney. But Vel Kilmer is usually not remembered at all. In my opinion, if he is not the best Batman, he is definitely in the top three.
Holy shit, this was so fucking good. Clearly so much heart and effort was put into this. Incredible job, I will now go and watch Batman Forever
Same
To be honest all his videos are awesome. Sometimes I don't agree with everything but damn he does quality videos
@@hokaturki121 oh for sure!
He convinced me
I just watched it after watching 3Cfilms review.
BANGER dude, absolute BANGERR
You’re Spider-Man he’s Batman 😂
ruclips.net/video/PkqV_nQVFzw/видео.html
Loved that Spider-Man TNAS video btw
agreed
1000th like
“This unseen, unwanted eccentric, self hating, genius, loner is obsessed with someone who doesn’t exist”- That is a extremely realistic statement
My honest opinion, Val Kilmer’s Batman Bruce Wayne, is an emotional, sad, passionate, and strong, like I feel his sadness and hurt, and uses this pain to make the passion to become the strong, and confident Batman.
I like this Video’s take.
George Clooney’s Batman is….
George Clooney imitating Adam West…. if the 90’s era Batman was more like the 60’s era Batman, the more cheesy moments, not the cool ones.
I feel Mike Keaton is somewhere in the middle of Val & George.
"Bruce needs Richard Grayson."
Thank you for that particular phrasing.
I loved that phrasing too
Richard Grayson just sounds better than Dick Grayson to me
I would love to hear "Bruce needs Dick" and I'd say "me too" lol
Better than Bruce needs Dick. 😉
I find it ironic that other Schumacher movies are actually dark yet his Batman movies aren’t
You didn't watch the video complete , right ?
I was expecting The Lost Boys meets 8mm meets Falling Down meets Phone Booth
The campiness was a studio mandated thing it seems like.
@@greg1851 Dude deleted scenes doesn’t change the fact the movie is still mainly a corporate film. Maybe they had some interesting ideas but they didn’t go all the way with it. I think this movie is bad as Batman and Robin but people only give it a pass because their used to Jim Carrey doing stupid and childish stuff but can’t take Arnold doing in Batman and Robin.
@@petermj1098 You're wrong because synder cut justice league is being released. Its not just about deleted scenes . Its a completely different movie so yes it does change things a lot.
Holy crap, the "It wasn't my fault..." part really hit me like truck.
If only that was kept in the movie.
Warner PIctures: "yeah, lets take that out of the movie...add Jim Carrey grabbing his balls"
0:26 "I was very violent. It was a total attack against kids" 👏 Good job, Kid... you almost said your parent's words correctly that you rehearsed all night 🤣 love it!
Jesus Christ this video made me want the Schumacher Cut. I didn’t even care before this video. The power you wield, Alex, is beyond compare
The thing about the "McDonald's has toys for kids but this isn't a kid movie. It's violent" was said by the some of the same kids who later went to see LOTR, and thought that was epic. Go figure.
those were the kids that reminded the teacher to pass out the homework
What it was was the parroting of their parent's opinions and talking points
It wasn’t as creepy as BR.
@@robhogate2312 yeah watching that boy talk clearly shows that he's just repeating what his parents coached him to say
@@BobPantsSpongeSquare97 Absolutely NO kid talks like that
When I think of Gotham, the most vivid images I have are these neo-gothic-classiquesque giant statues amidst this green and pink and purple chaos Schumacher gave us. This is Gotham for me. No other take on the city gets even close to this.
This Batman movie has a special place in my heart. I really love Val Kilmer as Batman.
Val Kilmer definitely had a great Batman voice
Yeah. His and Michael Keaton's are the closest to Kevin Conroy's IMO.
18:41
@@xenablossom4682 keaton sounds nothing like conroy.
Robert Pattinson might have been influenced by his voice because they are similar.
Nah...Val Kilmer was too short 😢 🤣😂 to be BATMAN!
I feel like this piece was made for me. I watched "Forever" religiously as a child and it's what got me into Batman.
You had me at "Misunderstood Masterpiece," but this was an amazing 45 minute watch that flew by. Kudos to you, fantastic editing, and I really hope we see your name on the credits of some big stuff in the future.
I thought I was alone about my feeling about this film. Thank you for pointing out things better than I ever could have. What a movie and what a masterful video!
I love this movie so much. I wish we could watch the Shumacher cut
Yeah, my fav Batman, just because it's so surreal. IMO, Batman should not be too serious, in fact it should be just like 300 was. I don't like the Dark Knight just because it takes itself too seriously. I mean who tf would dress in latex to battle evil irl?
Too many badguys and humor to sell happy meals and toys .
Val Kilmer was an amazing Batman. His voice was so perfect.
And Jim Carrey was the absolute perfect Riddler.
Jim Carrey gave it is best, but his version was poorly written. Also, Val Kilmer was not an amazing Batman, because he doesn’t have that dark brooding feel. As Bruce Wayne, he was actually good, being that billionaire playboy. Everything else though just didn’t work.
@@captainhowlerwilson508 bro batman doesnt and _shouldn’t_ have to be dark and brooding at all times, soem of the best batman moments in “batman animated” and the JL animated are when batman is being a nice guy, no brooding or dark in sight. also all of batman in the 1960s were wack and cartoony in that special way that only comics have
@@Mcwatt_the_Black_Witch I never said he should be like that at all times, I mean this version completely forgets that part about him. Even when he wasn't brooding and dark, he was a fearless leader alongside Superman who sometimes wasn't afraid to get pretty dirty.
I always forget that Val was a really talented actor. I think he had a string of flops that made people kind of forget about him...but he was still really good. Just less bankable.
he would have been better as a joker.
If only Billy Dee Williams could’ve reprised his role as Dent with an origin of the Two-Face, this film would be perfect, imagine him playing up his double-crossing Lando character but actually becomes a swindling villain
Technically he did in the lego Batman movie
That would've been great
@@moxie9695 with like, two lines
@@gbrogo7139 better than nothing I guess
Playing GTA as a kid....
"This isn't kid friendly"
Proceeds to go for 5 stars
I don't get what point you're trying to make...The kid's quote is the movie was, "this is an attack against kids." Plus Batman Returns was rated for kids and which is what all those were clips were complaining about. GTA was rated M and thus shouldnt' be played by kids and thus any kids playing it are doing so against the wishes of the creators.
@@Jaqen-HGhar my point is no kid says that lmfao.
Playing _San Andreas_ as a kid: “This is very violent and not child friendly at all”
Proceeds to get 6 stars to have the *GODDAMN US ARMY* come after me
He took the car no the OTHER car
I played GTA 1 for the first time when I was 10 years old. It blew my mind. Why running around collecting coins or gems as a cute cartoon character when I could wreak heck on a city? GTA is as kid friendly as it gets! And it only got better!
Batman Forever was that movie I watched OVER AND OVER AGAIN as a kid. It was my favorite Batman movie. And I have spent the years since defending Val Kilmer's Batman, Jim Carrey's Riddler, and Joel Schumacher's colorful and creative direction. Glad to see these thoughts vindicated through your essay. Hopefully, more people will come around on the genius of Joel Schumacher because of it. It's just a shame it had to happen after his death. RIP The Legend.
i like batman and robin a little bit more
Same here man, saw this movie when I was 6 in theaters. It brought me the most happiest moments of my childhood.
This movie was/is a kid's fever dream.
Same
Watching this made me smile so much, I've watched this movie over 300 times - literally. After school as a child every day I'd watch it on VHS tape - I knew every single line in the whole movie and I'd say each line along with the characters from start to finish. Now I'm 33 years old and you know what I still love this movie no matter what anyone says about it.
The best part of this video is clearly Alex saying, “My man” when Joel said Batman should not kill.
This video convinced me that Val Kilmer did indeed bring something to the role of Bruce Wayne / Batman.
Val’s Batman killed Two-Face, though.
@@onlyone23km not in the original script. Alex literally explains in the video that Joel didn’t want it.
@@onlyone23kmNot really. Spazzing out and falling to his doom was all on Two-Face.
@@JDoe-gf5oz because Batman threw a bunch of coins in the air while Two-Face was flipping his coin.
@@onlyone23kmHe didn't make Two Face freak out and start trying to snatch up every coin. All he was doing was confusing Two Face's method so he couldn't shoot them.
with such heavy themes of duality two face was literally the perfect villain, too bad it’s also the biggest problem in the film
Ignoring Two-Face's own duality, him being played straight while Riddler is nuts would also be great with the whole duality thing.
That's one of the many reasons I think this movie is no masterpiece at all, as this video suggests. That's not only hyperbolic, but false as well.
@you’re • biological • female • caregiver Tommy Lee Jones was a Terrible Twoface. He acted too much like the Joker. Twoface is supposed to be mild mannered and quiet. TLJ was just trying to outdo Jim Carrey because he was jealous of Jim and him becoming a huge star and the fact that his career took off faster than his career. I’m fact, Jim Carrey’s career took off faster than any other movie star’s career, even Tom Cruise’s
Val Kilmer is the closest to Kevin Conroy’s Batman voice. He’s underrated Bruce Wayne/Batman
Christian Bale was also the next Val Kilmer.
Both being 6'0", with brown hair, brown eyes, and they spoke with unrecognizable Bat-voices.
Thank you! I remembered how disappointed people were that Val Kilmer was replacing Michael Keaton, but his Batman voice was almost perfect. Not as good as the animated series, but maybe the best of all live action performances.
The only actor who was Bad as Batman was George Clooney
@@nsasupporter7557 I think he could have been a great Batman too. He looks as if Bruce a Wayne walked out the comics. He just got the wrong movie and direction. He would make a great old Bruce now.
@VALENTINEproductions I don't know about that. George Clooney was just George Clooney when he was Batman. He didn’t try to play Bruce Wayne or bring any unique charisma to the character like the other actors did. Like I said he was just George Clooney behind the mask.... “hi Freeze, I’m Batman.” SO LAME! Lol
People tend to forget that Batman forever was a huge and very popular and very much loved and well accepted Batman sequel upon its release and it was loved extraordinarily until they release of Batman and Robin at which point people began to rope Batman forever into the same bin with Batman and Robin and the true reputation of Batman forever was then lost forever.
this is true...while I liked returns personally way more forever was popular and made more money its was defintely a more fun for the family type of flick and the box office was indictive of that...but batman and robin was a bridge to far that killed batman for a good while
"I didn't want him to actually murder. Because I thought that Batman should be above that."
Damn...Schumacher understood Batman way more than I ever gave him credit for. I'm sorry for hating on you Joel.
And that's opposed to frat boi Zack Snyder who absolutely thinks Batman should kill, mainly because his bros thought it would be kewl and radical
Don’t hate Schumacher.... just hate the movie. Do a dive into his filmography. I would like to think you’ll be pleasantly surprised
@@BobPantsSpongeSquare97 That is the misunderstanding of many of watching Snyder's Batman: Zack doesn't think Batman killing is okay AT ALL... THAT'S THE POINT. Batman is the VILLAIN of BvS, and because of Superman's existence & (ironically) humanity, he is SHOWN this in BLEAK detail.
@@musicis1 I understand the point, but it was still just a shitty interpretation of the character.
@@Electro21964 Agree to disagree. I feel that they took the character to a place he had already been or was headed eventually
This man is swiftly roughing up my immeasurably smooth brain.
Lol
Ok
Shut up gen z
@@_baller ok boomer
@@chricyan778 ok bundle of sticks. keep consooming zoomer.
You can't out-mug Jim Carry. The man's got an extra joint in his jaw that grants him super-human mugging powers.
@Greg Elchert If I were to ever get a chance to ask Mr. Jones a question, it would be to ask if the decision to try and top Jim Carry was a directorial choice, or an acting choice.
Mog**
@Greg Elchert The man was a disgrace to the movie what makes it worst was he excellent when he wasn't camping it up.
Hey, man. I watched Batman Forever today in the third day of my one-Batman-movie-a-day in preparation for the new one. I loved it, just as I always have.
Then I came here to look for any reviews that didn’t seem likr the same hate filled ones we’ve always had, and I found yours.
It made me cry a lot, we share many opinions and you brought up a lot of things I had never thought about.
I just had an amazing and heartbreaking 48 minutes.
Thank you.
"Dark Knight in Shining Armor" was an underrated line in this video
Interesting how your professor’s mentor was Joel Schumacher, I laughed and smiled at the end when you introduced that, the way you built up to that when explaining how you got involved with film did that. It’s almost like you’re fated to be involved with film and that’s just simply incredible. Keep up the great work and follow and live your dreams. You have a lot of interesting insights with these video essays.
The way Gotham City looked in all four Batman films should've been the new look for Six Flags.
The way they recreated the city looked so extravagantly beautiful, that it would rival Disney World.
*I saw this masterpiece in theaters as a kid in 1995. I loved it then, I love it now.* 💯
I was 17 was ahead of its time when it came out. Made loads of money but went under the radar for how clever it was.
32:08 Wow. That “Batman is my enemy.” So fucking good. Damn if only Schumacher got to put that version out. I love Forever but man what could have been.
Fingers crossed we get the full Schumacher cut one day, Because those deliveries by Val Kilmer were incredible.
@VALENTINEproductions you know that Tim Burton was originally going to direct Batman Forever? It was going to be called “Batman Continues.” Michael Keaton was gonna play Batman again, Marlon Wayans was gonna be Robin, Billy Dee Williams was gonna be Harvey Dent/Twoface, Robin Williams was gonna be Riddler and Rene Russo was be Nicole Kidman’s character. But McDonalds was so disgusted with Batman Returns and the Penguin puking up green slime that they told Warner Bros. that they couldn’t sell happy meal toys like that. So they asked Tim Burton to step down as director and Joel Schumacher took over and replaced the whole cast with Val Kilmer, Chris O’ Donnell, Jim Carrey, Tommy Lee Jones and Nicole Kidman. Did you know any of this?
@@nsasupporter7557 Yes I know. Pretty old news.
That deleted scene with the giant bat flying at bruce was dope . They should've left that but it was too scary compared to the rest.
It was added in the soundtrack video "kiss by a rose"
@@jamespope7669 Directed by Joel.
Seriously, that looked wild
This is awesome mate, I’m queer and autistic and I’ve never heard Batman Forever be explained in this way before, you’ve made me appreciate it on a whole new level. Never thought of it before as like an elevated reality coming out story about repressed trauma. Great work, man.
Val Kilmer is definitely the best Batman I’ve seen in live action. His performance reminds me a lot of myself. That feeling of helplessness and solitude. The feeling that, no matter how hard you try, you’ll never fit in with everyone else around you. You force yourself to put on a facade because it’s the only way people will ever talk to you. I think that’s why Batman has always been my favorite superhero since he feels the most human.
@BustBoy333
I respect your opinion, but I do not share it.
Val Kilmer isn't really one of the worst Batmans, but he's not one of the best either.
Robert Pattinson and Christian Bale did a better job playing Bruce Wayne and his motivations for being Batman than Val Kilmer, who was only a temporary replacement because Michael Keaton didn't want to return as Batman.
I think that the reason why you don't like Christian Bale's Batman is because everyone likes it and you want to give your opinion against what the vast majority likes.
@@PhantomKLA1 he didn't want to return cause the direction it went and the script was terrible. Adding Robin is always a bad idea though they were planning on it anyway I just wish they weren't making it to get money from happy meals. They were mad cause returns "Was too dark."
@@PhantomKLA1 You assume much
@@PhantomKLA1 I was not a fan of Nolan Trilogy either
My favorite movie is actually a Joel Schumacher movie. Flatliners. Years after it became my favorite movie I discovered that it released in Europe before the US on the day I was born. It's about a group of medical students who all have a fascination with death. They come up with a way to kill themselves in a controlled environment and then revive themselves. But as they come back they discover that they're haunted by their sins. It has themes of guilt and redemption and overcoming the desire to die which is something I personally connect with.
Good movie
The ending to this video, oh my god! Absolutely beautiful, I wish people would stop calling Joel a bad filmmaker, just because you make one movie doesn’t mean you’re bad, if you made movies like Lost Boys and many more, than I think you’re a good director, not to mention that he seemed like a great guy irl, realizing that Batman and Robin wasn’t a great film and giving your boy Carl a chance! R.I.P. Joel Shcumacher, you were a very important part in my childhood and I will never stop watching your movies, nor will I forget you
Batman Returns was my favorite as a kid. What kind of kid would say "this is too violent for me". Dude, Mortal Kombat for example, was a hit with everyone at that time because of one thing, violence.
No one did... disgruntled soccer moms using the kids as a guise.
I think there was an atmosphere of being depressing and brooding and dark in an operatic sense. That really turned kids off, also the violence in Mortal Kombat is campy, gratuitous and flashy, the violence in Returns was also campy to an extent, but also grotesque and horrifying in how the violence and the brutality is portrayed.
Mortal Kombat movie SUCKED the critics was trying to blame someone so they picked Burton's Batman films jealousy if you ask me.
Real insightful 13:35 and it just doesn’t stop from there.
As a kid I watched this all the time on vhs. Now as an adult with your breakdown, I see the heartfelt internal conflict all the characters go through.
That ending at the end really got me, your professor sounds like a rad dude and so does Joel Schumacher.
I forgot that Schumacher passed away until I saw this video
“That ending at the end”
@@bobbyshewan4229 same
As opposed to the ending “at the beginning?”
"That ending at the end"
Joel Schumacher directed dark movies such as The Lost Boys, Flatliners and let's not forget the classic Falling Down. A movie with a darker tone then all the Batman films put together
Wait, HE did The Lost Boys? Dam...
@@MrSeals1000 Best vampire movie ever made. And it hasn't age a day
How About 8mm?
@ A Time to Kill is a brilliant film
also the movie number 23
Kilmer is a terrific actor. It’s too bad his personal life caused him to drop out of fame. Hopefully he can have a revival; similar ironically to Michael Keaton in real life.
@Steve Meyer unfortunately, portraying Batman was a very unpleasant experience for Kilmer, or so I understand. I heard that wearing the Batman suit was very uncomfortable for him and that he was unhappy that kids seemed to care more about the bat mobile than Batman himself that he was playing
I WISH we got more time with Kilmers Bruce Wayne
Sadly, the cancer which he recovered from precludes a revival: He can no longer speak past a whisper, and he has lost part of his jaw.
@@nicholastosoni707 that's sad but I'm glad he's recovering.
@@nicholastosoni707 At least it's good to hear he recovered, and seems happier than he was in the past.
Also Wow...dont tell me there isnt an unseen force that guides all things. When you post a vid like this telling of your life W Carl And Schumacher... and you doTHIS!...I'm seriously close to tears. you sir are a blessing.
Sucks when studios try to make everything so kid friendly. The argument of having toys for kids to a movie that isn’t for kids is completely pointless when you realize that Alien and Terminator had toys made of them. Also a kid can handle a lot more than people think.
Blame the snowflakes that got big mad that Returns was so dark. I have no idea what they were expecting, since it was a godamn Burton movie, not a kid's movie.
All comic book movies are made to sell toys...even fucking Logan had toys.
@Lunar YUP.
Watchmen had a toy line, The Dark Knight had a toy line, Deadpool had a toy line...as Jon Peters said; "we need to sell fucking toys, because that is what these movies are about, selling fucking toys".
The 80s and early 90s were a different time lol. Most kids had their first taste of beer before the age of 12, You could watch all the R rated movies you wanted as long as you covered your eyes on the dirty parts. The world has been pussified lol
You're kinda off base, but ok
The quality of editing is astounding when considering the sheer length of this video
"This unseen, unwanted eccentric, self hating, genius, loner"
literally how every redditor likes to think of themselves
Not even close to true. The other half hate someone else.
Me too.
@@rigelb9025 Yeah the Me too Movement Sucks
Literally fucking anything:*exists*
People with the self-awareness of a fucking housefly:IS THIS REDDIT?????????
@@JoeContext so true they talk mad sh*t about reddit when they're never on there
I just want to say that your video has massively changed my outlook on this movie. I never "hated" it exactly, but I just couldn't reconcile it with '89 and Returns. Now I can see it as a conclusion to a trilogy started in '89 (Batman and Robin doesn't deserve to be a part of it), and is wrapped up nicely and neatly by Forever. I really hope we get a Schumacher cut some day! Thanks for the great video!
This movie is so important to me. When I was a kid I had a horrible day at school and was soo miserable, so my mom took me to the video store, and we got Batman Forever. Just like that, a horrible day turned into an amazing one.
So now I have a saying, whenever Im having a bad day I have to "Batman Forever" that day and change it to something good.
Amazing video Alex as always
What happened that day?
Everybody that took huge dumps on Joel's movies always admit, he was the nicest man on the planet... Thanks to you I see why
Fun fact: Harvey Dent/Two-Face’s brief origin clip in this movie was 100% comic accurate. Look it up.
This is a masterpiece of a documentary. Every time i watched one of yours videos i can feel the love you put on, thank you so much.
fuck me dude this is so excellent. i wasn’t prepared. i usually watch youtube essays while i do chores to occupy my mind but this is the first time one was so good i had to stop what i was doing, restart it, and watch it to the end. this is the first youtube essay i’ve ever seen that has drawn me in with the intensity that some films have. good job bro.
In my opinion, Batman Forever is the perfect mix between a modern version of German expressionism and the camp of the silver age comics. People pretty much only hated this movie because it wasn't the Batman they wanted to see, and because modern audiences prefer realism over extremely imaginative colorful worlds.
@Kurapika Giovanna That’s the magic of different opinions. “Bad” is subjective.
Couldn’t have said it better.
@Kurapika Giovanna I think you’re thinking of Superman III and IV, because there’s no way in HELL this movie is as bad as those.
I never figured out why Batman Forever was called Batman Forever, the theatrical cut doesn't help you figure it out either but it was in the stuff that was cut out that you finally realize why it was always called Batman Forever and it makes this movie a lot more enjoyable, especially with everything Alex was talking about Riddler that I didn't think about, I am a defender of this take on Batman and I like it even more now, thanks Alex
YEEEEESSSSSSSS!!!
I think at one point it was going to be called 'Batman Forever?' with the question mark, which kind of helps it not only link to the Riddlers symbol but also more strongly to Bruce's internal conflict.
@@thegirlleastlikelyto that's kinda funny, people would've definitely made more fun of the movie if they had the question mark😅
I’m from Pittsburgh and that ending really hit me. Thank you. :)
The end was magnificent. R.I.P Joel
Holy shit, this video is goddamn amazing. I feel the goddamn passion and amazing vision that you have and I can't help but smile, laugh and have fun watching this video and I love it. I love how your videos, your content shows the messages, the feelings,and the vision that that piece of art has. Thank you so much for this. It made my day and I fucking love it and all of your content. I hope you have a great day
Thank you. Means a lot!
I wasnt expecting to see a connection between HiTop and Schumaher...
Every single person who worked with him mentions how much of a nice guy he was, and also an icon for the LGBT community.
He was "out" 30 years ago, back when a man being gay wasnt something "cool", but something that could cost you your job, and Joel never tried to hide what he was.
It pains me that he died being remembered only for Batman & Robin, which was probably the only truly bad movie he made, and he always accepted that, he didnt whine and say "the movie released wasnt my vision", he accepted full responsability, and asked his fellow Batman fans to forgive him.
A true gentleman.
@@Jose-se9pu Schumacher was a wonderful film artist and I highly recommend anyone reading this jump into his filmography. Just ignore all of his films that have “Batman” in the title.
@@saul2502 Batman Forever is great, though.
@@Jose-se9pu Theres nothing wrong with liking or loving bad movies, but, you’re just being silly if you wanna call it “great”.
#ReleaseTheSchumacherCut
Batman Forever, a misunderstood masterpiece.
@Paraone Ngatai #ReleaseTheWebbCut
@Paraone Ngatai both of them
Honestly what is up with these many cuts of Batman and i’ve already heard and know about Return of Batman script i’ve seen in the definitive history of the Dark Knight book
This is the only Batman film pre-The Batman where he actually has character growth and develops as a person. Every other one is stuck in a state of arrested development.
I just watched a Schumacher interview not too long ago... the guy was absolutely brilliant and probably one of the purist good-hearted people to come out of Hollywood. I was flabbergasted. He didn’t deserve the sh*t he got for this movie. The studio told him they wanted something different. (Besides some of the best toys we had as a kid came from this movie!)
If he was still alive I’d tell him it wasn’t his fault every great director has a few stinkers in their filmography. And in another interview I saw he wanted to adapt Batman Year One and honestly Batman Year One made by the guy who made Falling Down and The Lost Boys sounds awesome!
It wasn't this movie that got him crap it was the next one.
Yea its not his fault we got bat nipples. Burn the studios
@@tylerjames805 he did apologise for "Batman and Robin". He ssid he didn't intend to offend anyone and that he only wanted to entertain.
He's a true film maker, unlike the ones today who blame the viewers with insulting labels for their own failure.
@@boomstickcritique902 which one he did next?
This movie is BEYOND iconic & I will forever defend it to anyone who says otherwise! This movie is a masterpiece within its own right! Jim Carrey's performance alone is utterly magical!
Batman beyond
It always bugged me when people treated this movie like it was the same quality as Batman and Robin
Right. I can't bring myself to watch Batman and Robin, and if I did it would only be to see Uma Thurman as Poison Ivy (oh lala) or Arnold's Mr. Freeze and his one-liners ("Chill!").
Batman Forever is probably the best of the previous series though. It doesn't take itself too seriously or too comedically, it's just in the middle for me at least.
True. Even without knowing there were deleted scenes, you can have a sense of vision and message that this film has in comparison to the ad-driven commercially-vomit-inducing that is the second one.
Batman and robin was literally a comedy
@The A-Hole Gamer and Friends sorry, gotta disagree. As much as I loved Batman Forever, Batman 1989 was the best Batman movie. It’s a classic
@B L it was a toy commercial literally. They were trying to sell toys with that movie
You know being a die-hard Burton fan, you sold me on this one. I remember watching this one multiple times and enjoying it as a standalone film. It was campy, outrageous, and just visually entertaining. It was everything that the Burton films weren't. It reminded me of the Adam West show on steroids. I would have loved to see Jim as the Joker, but his Riddler was pretty amazing. I think Tommy being more serious and sadistic would have balanced out Jim's over the top performance. But I really have more respect for this film after watching this. Too bad Batman and Robin was just a dumpster fire and couldn't follow up to this.
If Burton casted a young Val Kilmer, who knows what could have happened. Problem was that he was comfortable with casting beetlejuice
the final battle between Batman and Riddler is basically best film version of a video game boss fight ever. The lighting is spectacular and the overall vibe is perfect for a high stakes finale. The score also compliments the action so well there.
The thing I hate about this movie is the wildly inconsistent tone: it DOES have those moments of heart and character development that you mentioned... only to constantly undermine those beats of sincerity with ridiculous gags and performances. I’d very much like to see a version like the cut scenes have been described, but it might feel even more disjointed with all the silliness still intact.
But while I don’t always agree, I absolutely respect your well-researched commentary here
The good thing tho is the undermining happens in different scenes and the characters that are serious, stay serious. Unike in modern marvel movies where deep scenes will be filled with cringey comedy or a supposed serious character will say or do something goofy at the wrong time
Check out the Virtual Workprint. It's the best version with the stuff put back in, and it cuts out some of the more annoying jokes. I just watched it and it's an awesome Batman film, closer to the Raimi Spider-Man movies in tone where there are goofy moments but it's well balanced with the drama.
As an adult I prefer the Burton films, but lets be honest, Forever was the one we all watched as kids.
Facts
There’s just something really appealing about it when your a kid. The shiny neon lights, the set design, the use of color and imagery and it’s just plain stupidly fun.
Batman Forever was the best marketed super hero movie ever. Way ahead of its time.
Yeah. I didn't love it as a kid, but Forever was always more easy to find than the Burton films, and not Dookie like Batman and Robin. Now, I actually enjoy it more than I thought I would, it's just a lot of fun
I think it is the other way around.
For me, Returnd aged TERRIBLE ('89 still holds up, thanks to Jack), while Forever is still as fun as when I was 10.
I loved Batman Forever as a kid and always used to watch it on VHS. So many memories of this movie and nostalgia. Watching it now today, I see more problems with it but I would still give the movie a B-, 8/10 at best. Definitely the most underrated live action Batman film of all time and the most forgotten. It's really entertaining and really does feel like a comic book come to life. It's like 80% 60's Batman campiness but 20% Tim Burton darkness to it. Chris O' Donnell was a good Robin, Nicole Kidman was a interesting, sexy and good love interest for Bruce, Kilmer was truly underrated because he was actually a great Bruce Wayne👏 and a good Batman. However, Jim Carrey was the G.O.A.T of the film, with so much energy and charisma, which made him both a unique take on the character and made a amazing Riddler💯... Plus Seal's Kiss From A Rose is timelessly LEGENDARY🦇 I will always have a soft spot for this film...Forever🦇........... P.S..... #ReleaseTheSchumacherCut 🙏
There's a lot of loud opinions without explaining why one has that opinion, out there. This was fire. Much respect to you.
I can never not come away from one of your videos without thinking “This man puts his heart, his entire being, into this video.” What a fantastic piece of art HiTop.
That ending though, #SHEESH 😭
Wow. With that ending, the title "Forever" sounds more like a sentence than the glorious timelessness of the character
Yeah, the cut definitely makes the title better.
Robins early super hero experiences in the movie (riding bat vehicles, putting on the suit, etc...) also really lend to that idea of "its how a kid reading a comic book feels". His excitement in discovering this world is a powerful element of the film and an underrated aspect.
I'm watching this in a rain storm after my baseball game got suspended, and man, thank you for this. I'm 10 minutes in and this is everything that makes your channel and videos unique, creative and really f'in fun. Thank you HiTop.
This movie was much deeper than anyone gives them credit for
Batman forever is the perfect mix of adam west campyness, and that dark tone of the previous movies
yup
There were no dark tones in Batman Forever.
@@christopherpeay3750 Yes there are. It’s mix of dark tone. Batman & Robin is full camp lighter film.
@@christopherpeay3750 if we ever get the “Schumacher Cut” you’ll see, just how dark it could have been...?
Absolutely not. It was too campy
I've pondered endlessly why Batman Forever was always my favorite of the four Batman movies from the 90s. You explained everything brilliantly and this video deserves to be praised.
It was pretty much the perfect summer blockbuster for the time.
I’ve always felt like Batman Forever was an underrated CBM. It has solid acting, great lighting, it’s humorous, some sequences were awesome, and it was very colorful. I’m happy that this video shows how this movie actually deserves more love than it gets. It’s entertaining, and I’m glad you bring up good points about why the movie’s misunderstood by the audiences!! Great video man!!
The Moral of the Story is that whenever DC tries to become more lighthearted due to backlash it always backfired. Back in the day it gave us Batman & Robin and More recently it gave us Suicide Squad (2016) and Justice League (2017)