Reflections on The Batman
Batman’s back. And this time, the world is orange.
Because The Batman is still so new, and because not everyone feels great heading into theaters given how COVID has reappeared to cause mayhem so frequently it might as well be escaping from Arkham Asylum, I’ve decided to forego a full a review on the film and just list some major Pros and Cons for anyone on the fence about seeing it in theaters versus waiting for streaming.
Pros:
-The cast is dynamite, particularly Robert Pattinson as Batman, who had a lot to live up to following Christian Bale’s work (minus the grunting voice). I know Ben Affleck also played Batman in the meanwhile (though I needed to be reminded), but there hasn’t been a solo Batman movie since 2012, and Pattinson holds down his role with aplomb.
-The film is a mystery film, which highlights Batman’s skills as “the world’s greatest detective.” This may seem like a no-brainer, but it makes a difference. Batman Begins was an origin story, The Dark Knight was a crime/mob story taken over by Batman and Joker, The Dark Knight Rises was A Tale of Two Cities meets “old man” Batman, and Batman vs. Superman was a mistake that should never be repeated. Batman was overdue for some real detective work.
-Compared to the other films, it has something new to say about Batman. From his first appearance on screen to the last, Batman is forced to confront what the point of his caped crusading actually is, and that development feels natural and important for our time.
-Gotham looks haunting.
-It’s cool to see a new Batman movie that works.
Cons:
-It’s really, really long. The film is nearly three hours, and you really need to clear your schedule.
-This one is not kid-friendly. It’s got violence and creepiness that will not be good for the squeamish. This isn’t an action movie. It’s a movie that has action, but that’s not its foremost goal. The investigation and mind games are going to leave most younger viewers feeling left out.
-Some of the monologues just don’t work in a setting as grounded as this one strives to be. A couple bits of dialogue have the same problem, but overall the dialogue is strong.
-Gotham looks haunting… for three hours.
-If you’re sick of super hero/vigilante movies, this one probably won’t change your mind.
And that’s my spoiler-free guidance on Matt Reeves’ The Batman. But as for the lingering riddle of what’s right for you… only you can solve that one.
I regret that conclusion, but don’t have anything better prepared. All apologies.