BATMAN - KEATON TAKES TIME OUT FOR FAMILY AND ROMANCE

Former BATMAN star MICHAEL KEATON is staging a Hollywood comeback in a new horror film after taking time out to romance "a European woman" and build houses.

The movie star made a conscious decision to devote more time for his family and leisure pursuits, and took a two-year break.

He says, "There are a lot of things to do in life... I was just living life and doing the things I wanted to do. I wish I could make some really interesting story up but I don't have one, like I went off and joined a monastery.

"I've been around my horses and my dogs but more so. I'm in a relationship with a woman in Europe and I like being in Europe so I spent time there and built a couple of houses.

"I fished in New Zealand and South America. My mother is getting older and not feeling very well. My family is important to me and I spend a lot of time with my family. My kid is in his late years of his teens and a lot of time parents think they can check out, but I don't think you ever check out."