The Batman

If anyone has seen this blog, they may remember my family is very big into superheroes; none bigger than the Caped Crusader himself. There was no way we could miss a chance to see the latest Dark Knight adventure. We knew going into the film it was probably going to be dark, but what actually happened completely blew my families mind. Possible spoilers ahead. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

Despite fighting crime for two years Batman/Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson), has the criminals and citizens of Gotham terrified. The only people Bruce trusts are Alfred (Andy Serkis), although they have a strained relationship and Lieutenant James Gordan (Jeffrey Wright), the only police officer Batman sees as incorruptible. On Halloween night the mayor of Gotham is gruesomely murdered by a man calling himself The Riddler (Paul Dano), and he leaves a message for Batman indicating more to come. Batman’s search soon takes him to the Iceberg Lounge run by Oswald Cobblepot/Penguin (Colin Farrell), the right hand of mob boss Carmine Falcone (John Turturro). He also becomes enamored with Selina Kyle/Catwoman (Zoë Kravitz) a waitress at the club, and cat burglar. Batman brings Selina on the case after her roommate disappears, but she seems to know more than she is letting on. As Riddler continues killing more political figures and sending messages to Batman, Bruce must figure out Riddler’s endgame; but it may destroy him in the process.

I know many have been calling this the best Batman movie since The Dark Knight; I cannot say for certain if I would put it that high, but it was pretty darn close. I was very pleasantly surprised by Pattinson’s performance as both Bruce and Batman. Many may still think of him as Edward from Twilight, but for me he has easily grown out of that role. Pattinson not only nailed Bruce’s reclusiveness but the darkness fans know and love about Batman. There was also a refreshing touch of inexperience from Batman; we have to remember this Batman hasn’t been doing it for as long as some of the other on-screen Batmen. Kravitz was stunning as the cat who captures money and hearts. She captures the sexiness and sassiness fans enjoy about Catwoman, but also shows Selina’s vulnerability. I know a report came out on how Kravitz wanted to audition for the same role for The Dark Knight Rises and believes she was turned down because of her skin. I do not agree anyone should loose a role for something such as race, but I believe fate stepped in to say “not yet.” Kravitz and Pattinson’s chemistry was great, but I felt there was a dynamic missing compared to other showings of Batman and Catwoman; however should both return for sequels it may change my opinion.

Wright has been an actor I’ve admired for some time, and my admiration continued as he played Gordon to perfection. Serkis’s portrayal as Alfred was different than previous film adaptations; more grittier with life wearing down on him, but still trying to protect Bruce. Anyone who said they recognized Colin Farrell immediately as Penguin was probably lying, but that only added more to his performance. However for me the standout for The Batman was Paul Dano as the Riddler. I have seen Dano act in other films as a creepy person, but this was perhaps his most scariest role yet. Riddler has been one of those comic book villains people don’t take seriously, but can be one of the most dangerous. I wouldn’t have called film adaptations of Riddler psychotic, with Corey Michael Smith’s television portrayal on Gotham being an exception, but Dano made Riddler one of the most scariest villains I’ve seen in a live action Batman film; can I also say any bad guy who has an affinity for opera makes them even more creepier.

Besides the cast the atmosphere of The Batman felt very dark; its Gotham I didn’t expect anything less. The cinematography was brilliant and the score added perfect elements to the scenes. Of course I cannot forget about the Batmobile. I really enjoyed how much it looked like a DeLorean, and the car chase scenes had me on the edge of my seat. It has been reported sequels are on the way as well as a couple television series. Time will tell if the sequels will live up to how great this film is. The Batman is perhaps one of the best Batman films (animated included) I’ve seen in the past decade, and I would strongly recommend it for anyone. Enjoy your trip on a very dark journey.