Just when you thought they’ve run out of ideas to make an original stand-alone Batman film, Matt Reeves, Robert Pattinson and company swoop in to save the day. The Batman is atmospheric, Gothic, gritty, grimy, violent, thought provoking, and irresistibly thrilling. I’m so happy to say that we finally delve deep into the detective aspect of Batman, as he and James Gordon try to solve the sadistic puzzles laid out by the Riddler. Pattinson brings so many layers to his performance as Batman/Bruce Wayne, ranging from brooding dread to subtle splotches of compassion. This is very much Frank Miller’s Year One Batman smack dab in the midst of the growing pains of his vigilante career. We really get to go into his fractured psychology like never before. Speaking of Year One, Zoë Kravitz does an excellent job as Selina Kyle/Catwoman, exuding seductive sexiness, killer acrobatics, and the moral ambiguity that the character is known for in the comics. Colin Farrell’s Penguin is now my favorite live action portrayal of Oswald Cobblepot, as he completely embraces the exuberantly eccentric gangster side of the character, chewing up every scene he’s in. Paul Dano’s Riddler is the perfect amalgamation of the zodiac killer mixed with classic Riddler characteristics, and I must say that I appreciate the horror like approach to the usually more silly villain. This film’s tone and atmosphere feels like it’s straight out of the Arkham games, as Gotham looks so fittingly gross, rainy, rundown, crime ridden, and yucky. The social commentary embedded within the story could’ve easily pandered to the woke mob, but instead it smartly takes aim at being a metaphor for exposing ALL the corrupt elitist politicians and criminals in our modern society. The action sequences are utterly exhilarating, whether it’s the adrenaline pumping Batmobile chases or the many brutal hand to hand combat scenes Batman has. Combining elements from comics like Zero Year, Year One, The Long Halloween, Earth One, Dark Knight, Dark City, Matt Reeves’ The Batman is truly the neo-noir detective horror thriller I’ve always wanted to see in a stand-alone Batman film. 🦇
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