Way back when in the summer of 1995, I rarely did more than watch basketball, play video games and obsess over all things Batman. So yeah, thirty years later, now on the brink of 40… literally nothing has changed. What made the summer of 1995 all the more exciting though was the fact that we were getting another live action Batman film. Holy sweet god damn was never pumped. I mean, I was bouncing off the walls in anticipation of the Dark Knight’s next cinematic adventure.
When you’re nine years old, three years feels like a life time. I really believe that before 20, it’s like living in dog years. Three years or literally an effing eternity had passed since the glorious “Batman Returns” horrified and mesmerized me and I was ready for more Batman!
‘Batman Forever’ and More
Despite my manic excitement, one thing felt weird about this upcoming sure to be classic. Michael Keaton was not donning the cowl; in his place though, Val Kilmer. Now I don’t know this, but I feel like Kilmer’s casting may have been similar to the idea of Daniel Craig being cast as Bond. With his blonde hair and leading man good looks, he didn’t exactly scream Bruce Wayne. But man. Thirty years later, I hold” Batman Forever”—and Kilmer—in the highest of regards. Haters will hate, but Kilmer’s one-off as The Batman stands as my favorite Batman film of my youth. And between the toys, the promotional McDonald glass mugs, and the banging soundtrack, it’s pure effing gold!
Hearing Val Kilmer passing away on Tuesday, April 1, really breaks my heart. Yeah he’s one of my favorite Batmen… but he also leaves a legacy of some truly fantastic work. To celebrate the legacy of this wonderful actor, here are five Val Kilmer must-watch films (in addition to “Batman Forever”… obviously).
1. ‘Heat’ (1995; Dir. Michael Mann)
You’ve got DeNiro. You’ve got Pacino. And yet Val steals the show in this Michael Mann classic also from 1995. Despite noted for its two leading heavyweights, Kilmer’s performance of a tortured career criminal will break your heart.
2. ‘Real Genius’ (1985; Dir. Martha Coolidge)
You love the ’80s? I love the ’80s. This classic comedy would always be a must grab at Reel Deel videos back in the day. A young Kilmer steals the show on this hilarious throwback comedy.
3. ‘True Romance’ (1993; Dir. Tony Scott)
Any reason to watch this amazing film, right? While Kilmer is mostly unseen as Clarence’s mentor, Elvis, his few moments and monologues round this absolutely stacked film from the mind of Mr. Tarantino.
4. ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’ (205; Dir. Shane Black)
If you haven’t seen this brilliant film starring Kilmer and Robert Downey Jr., you need to stop what you’re doing and watch right now. This dark comedy thriller from Shane Black shows off Kilmer in one of the finest performances of his storied career.
5. ‘Top Gun’ (1986; Dir. Tony Scott)
I shouldn’t have to explain why you should want to rewatch this classic in the wake of Kilmer’s untimely passing. Among the best movies of the ’80s just for the sake of ’80s glory, everyone loves “Top Gun.” And everyone loves Val Kilmer. Here’s to one of the best to ever do it!
Editor’s note: Have a favorite Val Kilmer film that we forgot? Drop us a message and let us know. The Movie Buff offers its deepest condolences to Val Kilmer’s family and friends.
