A Review of “The Batman (2022)”

 

The Batman is no doubt one of my favourite superheroes. After the slightly disappointing utilization of Batman in the DCEU, we get another interpretation of Batman from director Matt Reeves. The premise is “When the Riddler, a sadistic serial killer, begins murdering key political figures in Gotham, Batman is forced to investigate the city’s hidden corruption and question his family’s involvement”. So does the film deliver an excellent take on Batman or is it another disappointing utilization?

The biggest thing I appreciate about this film is that IT IS a fresh and new take on Batman. One of the iconic titles of Batman is that he is the “World’s greatest detective” but we never see that get explored in any of the previous Batman movies. Matt Reeves focuses on this aspect of Batman throughout with him using his smarts to solve the mystery. Instead of this being the generic superhero movie, it instead feels more like a detective, noir, thriller and I love that. The story itself is very engaging and I love watching Batman try to unravel the mystery. It is also a very grounded and more realistic take on the character. It never feels like Batman is superhuman or using gadgets that are too futuristic. For example, the Batmobile is not a super over the top military tank-like in The Dark Knight trilogy or the DCEU. It’s just a muscle car with a giant engine and it is still awesome nonetheless. It helps bring you into the world and also really makes the audience feel like Batman could get hurt in these fights.

The cinematography in The Batman is gorgeous. There are so many shots in this film that make the city of Gotham feel alive. It is the best looking Batman movie so far. On that note, I love the interpretation of Gotham in this film. It is dark and grim which illustrates how much of a hell hole Gotham is. Despite that, the city still feels alive at times and there are moments where Gotham can still look beautiful which shows worth in Batman protecting Gotham. The music is scored by Michael Giacchino and it is phenomenal. The music score he made elevates every scene and fits the story being told. He also made a new theme for Batman and it might become one of the most iconic Batman theme songs because it is THAT GOOD! There isn’t a lot of action sequences in this film but when there are, it is pretty good. They’re not going to blow you away like the Batman v Superman (2016) warehouse sequence but they are still fun nonetheless. Although, there is a very awesome car chase sequence and it might be one of the best I’ve seen in a Batman film ever.

Robert Pattinson is awesome as the titular character Batman. The way Robert moves and the way he talks as Batman is just a sight to behold. He actually makes me believe that criminals would be scared of him. I also love that his Batman is flawed and makes mistakes. I also appreciate that he does go through character development with him learning a massive lesson by the end. Colin Farrell is also great as the Penguin. Props to the makeup artist as he looks unrecognizable as the character. Praise must also be given to Colin himself as the way he speaks just works for the character and it doesn’t sound like how he does in any previous movies. Additionally, Paul Dano as Riddler is exceptional casting. The Riddler as a character is incredibly goofy but Paul Dano manages to make him feel genuinely creepy and smart. The Riddler feels like a worthy adversary to Batman in this film. The rest of the cast also do a great job. Andy Serkis isn’t in the film much as Alfred but I love this more fatherly take on him. Jeffrey Wright gives a more buddy cop take as Gordon with his friendship with Batman being a highlight in the film. Zoë Kravitz gives a more emotional take as Selina. John Turturro makes Carmine Falcone feel dangerous.

However, I was a little disappointed by how “Bruce Wayne” was in the film. What makes Batman great is that Bruce Wayne is a different persona from Batman. Bruce Wayne acts like a playboy and party-goer while Batman is the broody vigilante. Unfortunately, there is no difference between Bruce and Batman in this film. Batman is broody and so is Bruce Wayne which is a shame as I think this is a great aspect of the character. I get why they went in this direction as in the film Bruce only wants to be Batman. Still, I would’ve liked to see Robert give two different performances for these personas instead of just one broody performance. I also have an issue with the relationship between the two characters which feels very unearned and sudden. Not going to spoil it but you can probably guess who.

Overall, this is the best Batman movie since The Dark Knight (2008). Matt Reeves delivers a terrific Batman movie. It is a gripping detective thriller that is no doubt one of the most gorgeous superhero movies to date. Furthermore, a stellar cast that all give remarkable performances, an amazing music score by Michael Giacchino and enjoyable action sequences. The Batman is still one of the best to be done in live-action and I am glad to see that there are directors who can still give us something new with Batman. Can’t wait for the future of this Batman franchise!