MOVIES . . . "BATMAN FOREVER"

It now seems that every movie is a sequel, as writers pick over hit films and try to incorporate the successful elements into their own projects. The first two Batman movies were wonderful exceptions to this rule. Sadly, however, the third one is not. Granted, "Batman Forever" looks fresh, with a new director, new set design and a new actor -- Val Kilmer -- portraying the Caped Crusader. ButTIME critic Richard Corlisssays director Joel Schumacher forgot to give the movie life -- "the energizing spirit of wit and passion that makes scenes work and characters breathe." Despite dueling star turns from villains Jim Carrey and Tommy Lee Jones, "Batman Forever" is little more than a series of set pieces with no forward momentum.