The Batman was a dark, gritty detective film portraying Batman differently. The film focuses more on Batman than Bruce Wayne, a recluse in the city. Robert Pattinson nailed all aspects of his performance, along with a great villain cast. Even though the almost three-hour film did feel a tad long, I was fixed to my seat trying to figure out the mystery.
You can’t have a great mystery without great villains. The Riddler delivered. He always looked to be one step ahead of Batman throughout the film. Who would be the Riddler’s next victim as the mob city corruption unraveled kept me glued to my seat. Each killing was cruel, with different methods to corrupt city officials all in Carmine Falcone’s pocket. Carmine Falcone’s right-hand man, The Penguin, also provided an intimidating villain presence. I enjoyed the car chase scene, where the Penguin was outrunning Batman in his more grounded batmobile.
Most of Batman’s equipment in this movie was more grounded than in previous films. The gadgets and gear were a welcome change, and the change made Batman seem more vulnerable yet still intimidating. The strobe light fight scene in the mob club was probably my favorite action scene, and the choreography was well done.
We meet Selina Kyle, Catwoman, who has a crucial role in the film at the club. The cat and mouse game between her and Batman is the type of Catwoman I like to see in the movie. With her motives and aligning with Batman when it benefits her.
I would have preferred to have Alfred more involved than he was in the film. After being in the hospital, he didn’t play much of a role except talking to Bruce about his father, whom Carmine Falcone influenced. Batman’s relationship with the police did feel off. One second he is escaping the police station, while the next, he is working with them feels weird. Jeffrey Wright played a great James Gordan, but the amount of influence he had on his fellow police also didn’t feel quite right, but not enough to take away from the film.
Overall, The Batman is an excellent addition to the Batman films library. The movie shows the detective side of Batman and is much more gruesome. The cast, heroes, and villains do a great job in their roles, and I look forward to the sequel, especially with the end of the film easter egg.