COURAGE NOW, TRUTH ALWAYS…

The third Batman film saw Tim Burton handing over directing duties to Joel Schumacher who brought some light into this franchise.

It became more kiddie-oriented, the dialogue had more laughs and the colors became so bright they made one think of the 1960s TV series.

There was too much of everything; Nicole Kidman’s love interest never registered, Tommy Lee Jones’s villain was too over-the-top (Jack Nicholson as the Joker must have been an inspiration) and we could have done without the teen angst of young Robin. Jim Carrey, though, is a perfect Riddler. 

1995-U.S. 121 min. Color. Directed by Joel Schumacher. Song: “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me” (performed by U2). Cast: Val Kilmer (Bruce Wayne/Batman), Tommy Lee Jones (Harvey Dent/Harvey Two-Face), Jim Carrey (Edward Nygma/The Riddler), Nicole Kidman, Chris O’Donnell, Michael Gough, Pat Hingle, Drew Barrymore, Ed Begley, Jr.,… En Vogue, Jon Favreau. Cameo: Patrick Leahy. 

Trivia: Co-produced by Tim Burton. John McTiernan was considered for directing duties. Ethan Hawke, William Baldwin and Ralph Fiennes were considered for the part of Batman; Robin Williams as the Riddler; and Leonardo DiCaprio as Robin. Followed by Batman & Robin (1997).

Quote: “I hope they can find the little black box.” (Carrey, after shooting down the Batplane)