AT THE MOVIES

by Isy Jordan

The Batman
Director: Matt Reeves
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Zoe Kravitz, Jeffrey Wright, Colin Farrell, Paul Dano, and more.


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.

We've had how many Batmans now? Up to this movie, personally, my favorite had been Michael Keaton from the Tim Burton films. But, it was probably an hour into The Batman when I realized that this take was different. And as a fan of the comics, I mean that in a good way.

This version of Bruce Wayne was younger and forming. Unlike popular Batman villain Joker, this version of the dark hero didn't have "damaged" tattooed on his forehead. But damaged he was. Pattinson played the emerging hero like he didn't deserve to be there. In his hands, the orphaned son of wealthy political parents was moody and introspective.

There's a villain terrorizing Gotham and Batman seems to be his target. As Pattinson navigates the mystery, we see a Penguin who hasn't yet come into his own (weirdly played by Colin Farrell going through a Leto phase) and a riddler who I expected would disappoint me until we got to meet him.

There's a strange side story arc with Catwoman (Kravitz) that was loosely tied to the main narrative but honestly, the main movie would have been fine (and shorter) without it. It felt more incidental than necessary.

The acting was good. The mood and tone of the film very much reminded me of The Crow. The action sequences and fight choreography were surprisingly good with a note of realism that I appreciated.

The main thing that impressed me, however, was the fact that the line between Bruce Wayne and his alter ego was blurred. Pattinson played a Bruce Wayne who really wasn't Bruce Wayne. In this story, he hadn't been interested in being Bruce Wayne or even trying for some time. Playing such a well-known character so tormented and self-pitying really changed him up, made him something new. If there is a sequel? Sign me up.

At three hours long, the movie still held my interest. It's rated PG-13 for violence and disturbing images and theming. Fans of DC, the DCEU, and all comics will absolutely love this film. Those who enjoy a dark mystery will like it as well.

Isy