In the bustling city of film podcasts, Fear and Loathing in Cinema sets itself apart with its irreverent blend of pop culture critique, nostalgic deep-dives, and a razor-sharp, at times almost uncomfortably candid, dissection of cinematic relics that were once scorned but now, with the benefit of time, seem worthy of a second look. Hosted by a group of unpredictable yet undeniably insightful voices; Bryan Kluger, a media director with a sharp sense of irony of offensive things; Dan Moran, a lawyer who brings an often absurd legal perspective of the film industry and Kevin Costner; Preston Barta, a film critic with a taste for the heart-warmingly obscure branch of cinema; and Chelsea Nicole, a culture critic who digs into the nuances of social dynamics and horror; Fear and Loathing in Cinema Podcast thrives in that rare space between sincere analysis and gut-busting humor.
In Episode #108 of Fear and Loathing in Cinema, the gang takes a silly, yet poignant look into BATMAN: FOREVER (1995), the blockbuster third installment in the Batman franchise that was directed by Joel Schumacher, known for his work on The Lost Boys and Falling Down. The film stars Val Kilmer as Batman, Tommy Lee Jones as Two-Face, Jim Carrey as The Riddler, and Nicole Kidman as the love interest. Batman is protecting Gotham from a few villains that are trying to suck the brain waves from its citizens in this pulp visualized sequel in the ’90s.
This Week’s Highlights:
As always, the hosts of this podcast stray far from the beaten path, sidetracking in ways that somehow feel more entertaining than the very movie they’ve gathered to dissect. The absurdities that unfold become a crucial part of the show’s charm, its conversational energy the perfect counterpart to the movie under scrutiny. Among the many bizarre diversions in this week’s discussion:
- Whatt are your thoughts on the SNL 50 specials?
- Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively were at the live broadcast and they’ve gotten some heat.
- What do we think about Matt Damon in Nolan’s Odyssey playing Odysseus?
- A Goonies Sequel is happening with Spielberg and Columbus.
- Conclave has hit $100 million at the box office.
- Do we like that movies are coming to home video so fast or should they marinate in the theater for longer?
- Denis Villenevue is shooting Dune Messiah this June.
And, of course, the gang winds up pondering the most ridiculous hypothetical of all: If you could ask Batman one question, what question would you ask him? If that’s not a moment of podcast gold, I’m not sure what is.
Movie Analysis: Batman: Forever (1995)
In 1995, Warner Bros. sought to recalibrate the Batman franchise, shifting course after Tim Burton’s darkly atmospheric, gothic explorations in Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992). Burton’s vision, while rich with a sense of brooding menace, had grown increasingly eccentric, and the studio, aware of the need to court a broader audience, sought a lighter touch; one that embraced a more vibrant and flamboyant tone. Enter Batman Forever, directed by Joel Schumacher, the film marked a distinct tonal departure from its predecessors.
As for Val Kilmer’s portrayal of Batman, the public reception was a curious one. In 1995, his take on Bruce Wayne was often criticized for its lack of depth, offering a more aloof and emotionally detached figure than the tormented souls of previous portrayals. Kilmer, a fine actor in his own right, was arguably a bit too much of an enigma for the role, leaving behind a trail of uncertainty and half-finished moments. Today, in 2025, his portrayal is more often viewed through a lens of nostalgia. Kilmer’s Batman, while uneven, holds an unmistakable charm, one that captures the character’s internal struggle more subtly than his louder successors.
And of course, the infamous Bat-nipples. An enduring symbol of Batman Forever’s campy excess, the presence of anatomical detail on the Dark Knight’s suit remains a curious artifact of the film’s time. Was it a daring artistic choice? A moment of unintentional satire? Whatever the intent, the decision to place nipples on the Batsuit has since become one of the film’s most talked-about quirks. Does it matter? In retrospect, the Bat-nipples symbolize the film’s commitment to excess, its flamboyance, its desire to embody an exaggerated comic-book fantasy.
The gang also revels in the silliest, most ridiculous aspects of the film:
- There are tons of cameos (Ed Bagley Jr, Jon Favreau, Debra Mazar, Drew Barrymore, En Vogue, Don the Dragon Wilson)
- What are the similarities to other Batman films?
- How great are Alfred and Chris O’Donnell?
- Does this film have one of the best soundtracks?
- Is there more than meets the eye to Batman: Forever?
At the end of the day, the gang’s reflections on Batman: Forever are as unexpected, vivacious, and amusing as the film itself; an over-the-top, wild ride through the visual shifts of a movie that still manages to be energetically entertaining, thrilling, and ripe with silly comedy and sexiness. But for fans of Fear and Loathing in Cinema, it’s the direction of the conversation that makes this episode truly unforgettable.
The real joy, however, is in the way these hosts study how Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey give nuanced performances in this comic book film.
Overall, it’s a conversation about what we love, why we love it, and how we can reframe the old to fit into our new context. And when all is said and done, this crew might just convince you to watch Batman: Forever and give it another shot; or at the very least, you’ll leave with a new perspective on what a murderous comedy movie can be in time for the sequel.
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Thank you for listening.
WRITTEN BY: BRYAN KLUGER
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