Matt Reeves’ take on Batman is unique to say the least. Blending genres and styles to take the great detective to the next level. Taking a cue from the detective noir movies of the past we get to follow the caped crusader on his early journey as he faces his biggest foe, the Riddler, in his early journey of crime fighting.
It’s a dark and gritty film with dramatic pacing, not unlike that of the standalone Joker film. Robert Pattinson’s take on the bat is nuanced. A quiet, brooding, and angry Batman who speaks more through his eyes than with dialog. As Bruce Wayne he’s a shell of a man, steal dealing with the trauma of his past while he focuses seemingly only being the terror in the night.
Over the course of his investigation, he meets Selina Kyle, aka Catwoman, who Zoe Kravitz brought to life and is portrayed with just as nuance as Pattinsons’. She is not afraid to get her hands dirty and able to take care of herself in the face of trouble.
Paul Dano’s Riddler is not like any of the previously campy versions of the character on screen. He’s a diabolic psychopath whose goal is to bring to the light the unethical leaders of the city while simultaneously leading the Batman to solve his twisted scheme.
The Riddler is not the only villain Pattinson’s Batman faces. He also crosses paths with the Penguin played brilliantly by Colin Farrell. In Reeves universe he’s the right-hand man of mob boss Carmine Falcone played by a soft-spoken John Turturro.
While keeping itself grounded by limiting all the gadgets, the vehicles and all the other fun stuff usually associate with the Dark Knight, there are some interesting uses of his utilities and one epic car chase all highlighted by the incredibly moving score by Michael Giacchino. Edge of your chair moments are brought on by the powerful score, especially when Batman’s heavy footsteps are heard in the dark approaching like a lone desperado in a Western.
Ten out of Ten I will see The Batman again.
