The Batman

It’s a movie that comic fans and superhero fanatics have been in anticipation for since the first trailer. The Batman has now been on the big screen for more than a week and it’s on track to have a major turnout at the box office. This isn’t a surprise, as superhero movies have been in demand more than ever since Marvel began with Iron Man. Batman is a different character though, and is almost less of a superhero than he is a ‘vigilante’. Still, the wait is over, and if anyone is still on the fence then maybe this will help.

The Batman movie that comic fans and superhero fanatics have been in anticipation for since the first trailer.

It’s the same song and dance: Bruce Wayne becomes ‘Batman’ following the murder of his parents during his youth. Although, The Batman tends to approach this subject in a way that hasn’t been explored onscreen before. This is a year two Batman, where it is asserted that Batman has already been roaming the streets of Gotham on his mission of ‘vengeance’ before the viewers join the story. This is a wrathful Batman/Bruce Wayne. He’s not interested in being a hero and has yet to truly come to terms with what his purpose is as the Batman. As he continues his crusade, a series of murders by a man who calls himself the Riddler draws his attention, and Batman is lured into a dangerous game.

Knee jerk reactions: The cinematography is stunning, the casting was unexpected in some places but worked out nevertheless, the acting was solid, and Matt Reeves’ directing amplified all of it. The shots had so much color, and the scope of the entire picture was ambitious. All of the actors show out. Colin Farrell is unidentifiable as Penguin in physical appearance, voice, and attitude. Pattinson brings a stillness to Batman that comes with a cunning frame of mind, and a reclusive disposition in that of Bruce Wayne that’s sure to evolve in future sequels. Paul Dano is an absolute highlight Reel as the Riddler. His take on the character is synonymous with real life serial killers, and the way he executes the big reveal towards the end could only have been performed by a seasoned veteran with numerous prominent roles under their belt. Reeves took part in not only the directing of the movie but also in the writers’ room. It’s for this reason Reeves is deserving of credit, as much of the movie came from him before a single frame was shot.

Reeves’ vision for the movie seems to stem from more recent source material, but regardless, he’s made a Batman film that rivals others. It’s dark and ominous like Tim Burton’s universe, but real and relatable in the way that Chris Nolan’s films were. He brought the best of both worlds in The Batman and though there will be a burning desire to make comparisons, it’s best to watch this one without trying. Make sure to see The Batman before its theatrical run completes, as the cinema experience for this is like no other.