Review – ‘The Batman’ Is a Rollercoaster of Thrills and Twists
The Batman is the recent entry from the live-action DC Cinematic Universe. Unlike previous movies (except for Joker), this version of Batman doesn’t take place in the same universe as the likes of The Suicide Squad, Wonder Woman and Man of Steel. It’s directed by Matt Reeves with a script by Matt and Peter Craig. Furthermore, it stars Robert Pattinson, Zoe Kravitz, Colin Farrell, Jeffrey Wright, Paul Dano and Andy Serkis.
Take a look at the trailer below:
The Batman takes place during Bruce Wayne’s second year as the Caped Crusader. A serial killer calling himself the Riddler is killing politicians. As Batman delves deeper into the mystery, he joins forces with Lieutenant James Gordon and Selina Kyle. However, not everything he finds is going to be good. Some of it might even shake his world, as well as others around him.
Unlike other Batman movies, there’s less focus on the action and more on the investigating. That’s not to say there’s no action. When the fighting starts it’s hard to look away. There’s a particular scene in the third act that’s one of the best action sequences in a Batman movie. The focus on the investigation shows a side to Batman we rarely see in live-action: the world’s greatest detective.
There’s a lot to unpack in the movie but I’ll start with the title character. Batman is a character who is no stranger to live-action adaptations. Through the years many actors have taken on the role. Robert Pattinson is the newest actor to take up the mantle. He’s quickly becoming my favorite portrayal and there are lots of reasons why. He embodies the harshness of Batman while subtly showing a softer side. His Bruce Wayne is rough around the edges but it’s a work in progress. From what happens in the movie, I’m guessing the Bruce of the comics is on his way.
Meanwhile, Zoe Kravitz portrays Selina Kyle, aka Catwoman. From the minute she was cast I couldn’t wait to see what she was like. Fortunately, I was right and she was amazing. In fact, she’s my favorite live-action portrayal of the character. She literally looks like she’s ripped from the comics, especially the Tom King run. I can’t wait to see more from her.
The Batman has a lot more to unpack. Colin Farrell is unrecognisable as the Penguin and is getting a series on HBO Max. It’ll be interesting to see where it goes with him. Paul Dano gives a chilling and unsettling performance as the Riddler. He’s a mix between Jigsaw, the Zodiac Killer and other real-life serial killers. In the end, the Riddler holds up a mirror to Bruce and shows how different their lives could be if it wasn’t for the latter’s inheritance.
Moreover, the mixture of cinematography, score, editing, direction and acting gels to create an eclectic atmosphere. If there’s a comic book movie that takes risks, it’s The Batman. What’s more, these risks pay off to give a Batman movie that’s never been seen before.
