The Batman

Warner 2022, K-12, 2 h 55 Min

Sometimes it’s clear within the first few minutes that this is going to be an absolutely awesome movie adventure, where everything comes together brilliantly – ensemble, scenery, music etc.. That DC easily overshadows what Marvel had delivered recently (see Eternals). That the previous Batman actors can quietly enjoy their retirement, because Robert Pattinson sends them all packing anyway with this performance. Possibly his pivotal role, which finally has people forget THIS OTHER role completely. 3 hours of playing time do indeed pass quickly, as this film keeps you captivated until the very end. It makes the Tim Burton trilogy look like the childish 60s TV series, and the Nolan trilogy is in serious danger of being eclipsed. This film alone could do that, if it weren’t for Heath Ledger’s brilliant Joker …

The Batman is probably the closest thing to the classic comics, which find a 1:1 visual translation occasionally: Lighting effects, muted colors, extreme perspectives – and above all, the story focuses on Batman as a detective: tracking down criminals, teaming up with the police, painstakingly searching for clues – brain acrobatics instead of action acrobatics and/or exotic gimmicks. And yes, there are those too, but only as a means to an end, almost incidentally, as a logical consequence of the manhunt under the “less is more” flag. But “less” of action sequences does not mean less spectacular, on the contrary – a car chase that has someone like me, who hates those scenes on principle, feeling absolutely thrilled watching it.

I won’t tell you anything about the story – have fun figuring it out yourselves. Out of the great ensemble performance, I’d like to point out Zoë Kravitz as excellent Catwoman.

Now my only criticism: I just don’t understand why Colin Farrell’s facial features had to be so severely buried for the Penguin role – it’s impairing his performance. And I would have liked more scenes with Alfred (Andy Serkis).
Since my complaints are minimal – a well deserved 10/10.

Director
Matt Reeves
Script
Matt Reeves, Peter Craig, Bill Finger

Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman
Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle/Catwoman
Jeffrey Wright as Lt. James Gordon
Colin Farrell as Oz/Penguin
Paul Dano as The Riddler
John Turturro as Carmine Falcone
Andy Serkis as Alfred
Jayme Lawson as Bella Reál
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