The newest iteration of the caped crusader was released to theaters March 4, courtesy of award winning director Matt Reeves. Aptly named “The Batman,” the film takes the iconic titular character into a new, darker direction as he protects the city of Gotham. Among the many career-defining performances in the film, former “Twilight” star, Robert Pattinson, delivers a gutsy, memorable performance as the Batman (Bruce Wayne).
Much of the opening focuses on illuminating the cities’ dark slums, as viewers are immersed into a world of corruption and into Gotham’s oft-rainy, shadowy streets. The story sheds light on Bruce Wayne and his relationship with his father’s towering legacy. Throughout the film, Bruce evolves, as he tries to inspire positive change.
From the dangerously gripping soundtrack composed by the highly decorated Michael Giacchino to the mind-blowing cinematography of Oscar nominee Greig Fraser, the movie is nothing short of a triumph. Whether it be a car chase in the iconic Batmobile or a brawl with crooked thugs in the Gotham slums, Reeves delivers many memorable scenes and jaw-dropping action sequences. However, unlike many of its counterparts, “The Batman” does not rely on world-endangering threats or elaborate villains to keep viewers interested. The film delivers a much more grounded, visceral experience, while also showcasing Bruce Wayne’s oft-forgotten detective skills as he races against time to stop the mysterious killer.
Length is the most common gripe from critics, though it’s only really noticeable upon the second rewatch. The film runs for roughly three hours, so plan accordingly and make sure to hit the bathroom beforehand.
The movie opted to skip the played-out origin story, instead dropping in on the titular character after two years on the job. As tensions build in the city, the reclusive Bruce Wayne finds himself reflecting on the impact of his vigilante work, for better or worse. Along the way, familiar characters such as Selina Kyle (Zoe Kravitz), James Gordon (Jeffrey Wright) and Alfred Pennyworth (Andy Serkis) aid Bruce on his path to rediscovery. In his way stands crime bosses such as the Penguin (Colin Farrell) and Carmine Falcone (John Turturro), as well as crooked cops and, of course, the Riddler (Paul Dano), the mysterious killer.
“I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. It was unlike anything I’ve ever seen… the characters all brought unique elements to the big screen; my only complaint is that we didn’t really see enough Alfred,” junior Irad Zilbermann said.
Reeves’ vision has been met with critical and commercial praise, netting an 88% audience score from Rotten Tomatoes and grossing a whopping $254 million; this has enabled it to become the second-highest-grossing film of 2022 so far, behind only Marvel’s “Spider-Man: No Way Home.”
Amidst a comic superhero genre evolving towards space battles and magical gauntlets, “The Batman” is a breath of fresh air.
