The Batman (2022) Movie Review

Synopsis:

A serial killer called The Riddler (Paul Dano) targets Gotham’s elite. Batman (Robert Pattinson) collaborates with GCPD officer Lt. James Gordon (Jeffrey Wright). Together, they must put an end to The Riddler’s schemes.

Review:

From 2005 to 2012, Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Trilogy redefined Batman as a character.

In 2022, Matt Reeves brought his version of the DC vigilante to audiences.

One difference between The Batman and The Dark Knight Trilogy lies in the visual style.

Take, for example, how Matt Reeves depicts Gotham City in this film.

From the opening sequence, Gotham has rain-soaked streets and neon city billboards. These convey the atmosphere in an instant.

These sequences are where this film’s visuals shine. Each shot of Gotham is well-shot, with vibrancy and precise camerawork.

The Batman highlights its action sequences through the same visual lens. As a result, these sequences provide many memorable shots.

Take where Batman chases The Penguin (Colin Farrell) using the Batmobile as an example.

This is the film’s most entertaining action scene. Its captivating visuals also bring the scene to life.

One of the instances where the visuals can falter is during the climactic action sequence in the film’s third act.

This scene lacks the atmospheric visuals of the other action sequences.

It instead has a generic grey filter (aside from the last few shots). Aside from this scene, though, most other visuals are first-rate.

As with any Batman film or a film in general, the characters help to push the story forward. In this film’s case, there are many.

With many Batman actors throughout the years, fans wondered how Robert Pattinson would portray the famed DC vigilante.

After the Twilight franchise, Pattinson’s reputation was at a low point. This film, though, demonstrates the actor’s abilities well.

Pattinson’s most consistent acting in this film is when the camera focuses on his eyes. Through his eyes alone, you can tell what emotions Batman is expressing.

There are times, though, that Pattinson’s dialogue is inaudible as both Batman and Bruce Wayne. This happens in many scenes of dialogue.

Take his conversation with Bruce’s guardian, Alfred Pennyworth (Andy Serkis).

This conversation relays vital information about Bruce’s parents.

As a whole, Pattinson and Serkis are good in this scene. Despite this, the quietness of their dialogue is difficult to comprehend.

Also, Serkis’s Alfred has little presence due to how little he is in the film.

For audiences who looked forward to Serkis’s portrayal of Alfred, there is not much to entice them in this film. Despite this, the portrayals of other characters are good.

These include Zoë Kravitz’s Selina Kyle, Colin Farrell’s The Penguin, and Paul Dano’s The Riddler.

Zoë Kravitz complements Pattinson’s Batman well in the film. This film also focuses on her criminal father, Carmine Falcone (John Turturro).

For context, this story takes inspiration from The Long Halloween graphic novel. This also reveals that Selina’s father is Falcone.

As a whole, Turturro’s role as Carmine Falcone is brief. Despite this, his portrayal of the mob boss is unnerving and intimidating.

Colin Farrell as The Penguin provides the most charismatic performance of all Batman’s rogues in this film.

Also, Farrell’s appearance in this film makes him unrecognizable. This is a testament to the film’s makeup department.

This film’s main antagonist, Paul Dano’s The Riddler, is a chilling presence. From the beginning, The Riddler is an unhinged individual.

This is evident when he hides in the shadows, murdering Gotham’s corrupt elite.

He also speaks with a menacing tone, highlighting the character’s demented nature. Later on in the film, The Riddler’s true face is soon revealed.

This reveal was intentional to show that The Riddler is a human wronged by society. Despite this, it takes away his intimidating aura.

This is evident in a conversation that he and Batman have at Arkham Asylum.

Dano’s menace soon disappears, turning him into a less interesting character.

Also, the plot’s pacing falters in the second half once The Riddler gets locked away in Arkham.

This half contains meandering dialogue and a rushed conclusion.

If the film had ended once The Riddler became incarcerated, it would have made for a more coherent story.

Michael Giacchino’s score is one of this film's more consistent elements. This is despite its problems with the pacing and story.

With his score, Giacchino manages to capture various character themes well throughout.

These include his signature horns for Batman and soft piano notes for Selina Kyle.

It’s a score that is sure to entertain fans of Giacchino, with many standout moments.

Conclusion:

As a whole, Matt Reeves’ The Batman is a good film with first-rate visuals.

It also has an entertaining score by Michael Giacchino. It also complements the action.

This film’s characters are also good, with consistent performances throughout.

Where the film encounters problems is in its second half. It lacks the strong world-building, characterization, and pacing of the first.

Also, it suffers from inaudible dialogue between characters at times.

This makes certain conversations difficult to comprehend, despite the good performances.

Regardless of its flaws, The Batman should provide most Batman and DC fans with a satisfying experience.

Sam’s Action Reaction score:

Characters - 7/10

Story - 6.5/10

Action - 7.5/10

Visuals - 8.5/10

Soundtrack - 8/10

Overall score: 7.5 out of 10