“Batman” and “Lost Boys”: 4 Popular Joel Schumacher Movies to Watch and Remember Him By

A report from CNN was among the first to confirm the news through the director's representative. Joel Schumacher is perhaps best known for his Batman films. "Batman Forever' in 1995 starred Val Kilmer. On the other hand, 1997's "Batman & Robin" featured George Clooney as the Caped Crusader. In an interview with Vice in 2017, Schumacher said sorry to the fans. "I want to apologize to every fan that was disappointed because I think I owe them that," Schumacher said.

The early Dark Knight movies aside, the openly gay director has helmed many timeless popular movies. He is also known as having an eye for talent. His skill is best seen in his all-star lineups for 1985's "St. Elmo's Fire" and "Lost Boys." In celebration of his works, here are four popular movies to remember director Joel Schumacher by:

"Flatliners" (1990)

This 1990 sci-fi supernatural horror is a testament to Joel Schumacher's directing versatility. "Flatliners" starred Kiefer Sutherland, Kevin Bacon, and Julia Roberts. The psychological suspense is from five medical students trying to learn what happens after death.

"Flatliners" was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Sound Editing. It later grossed $61.5 million in the US alone. Film critic Roger Ebert noted the popular movie as an "original, intelligent thriller." Ebert added that it is "well-directed by Joel Schumacher." However, he called out the "plot manipulation that is unworthy of the brilliance of its theme."

"The Lost Boys" (1987)

One of Joel Schumacher's signature works, "The Lost Boys" features an ensemble cast. It starred Corey Haim, Kiefer Sutherland, Corey Feldman, Alex Winter, and Jamison Newlander, among others.

This popular movie, whose title references the band of boys in Peter Pan, opened at #2 during its first weekend. It was also critically and commercially successful. Mythographer A. Asbjørn Jøn noted "The Lost Boys'" contribution to shifting the portrayal of vampires.

"St. Elmo's Fire" (1985)

Another landmark film from the mind of Joel Schumacher is a coming-of-age-film. "St. Elmo's Fire" depicts life after university. It illustrates the grim realities of adulthood. The popular movie also boasts a great ensemble that includes Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, and Demi Moore. While it was critically panned, it was a box office success. "St. Elmo's Fire" grossed $37.8 million against its $10 million budget.

It featured Lowe as a saxophone player and a stereotypical "frat boy." As an adult, Lowe's role became a reluctant husband and father. On the other hand, Demi Moore portrayed Jules Van Patten. She is the film's former party girl turned international banker. Lastly, David Foster wrote the soundtrack for this film.

"Batman Forever" (1995)

"Batman Forever is the film that started it all. In the 2017 Vice interview, Schumacher admitted: "I just know that I'll always go down over the nipples on Batman starting with Batman Forever." 

The popular movie was still praised as a brave move on Joel Schumacher's part. He departed from Tim Burton's previous darker take on the Caped Crusader.

Still, film critic James Bernardinelli praised the film. He found it "lighter, brighter, funnier, faster-paced, and a whole lot more colorful than before." Though fans remain divided over the infamous Bat-nipples, the film is now considered a classic. In terms of sales, "Batman Forever" broke Jurassic Park's previous record for the highest opening weekend gross sales.

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