The Batman

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⭐ 10.0/10

(Originally written by Joseph)

Is this a perfect movie worthy of a perfect score? Maybe not, but it does a ton of awesome stuff that as a Batman superfan i loved, and I'm in a generous mood so yeah, what the heck. Masterpiece.

I actually think my love of Batman has hurt my appreciation for a lot of Batmedia because I have developed very specific likes and dislikes. For me, Batman has to be dark, gritty, grounded, and more hardboiled detective than saviour from the apocalypse. He should speak few words, have few friends, and uphold an aura of mystery. Trust me when I say I was GRINNING during the ten minute intro. This is everything I have ever wanted for a Batman movie. I thought it would be a blockbuster with a few darker elements, but this is full blown noir. This is the greatest detective in the world working a case in the bleakest, most depraved city to exist. It has the rain, it has the voiceover, it has the slow, methodical movement. They nailed this atmosphere.

Everything about the aesthetic was perfect. Bruce is a billionaire, but he's in Gotham so his Batcave is dirty and grimy. His mansion looks like it hasn't been touched in 200 years. The fighting is brutal and crunchy (though definitely held back by a PG-13 rating). The clubs looked deplorable and godless. Then the music brings it all together perfectly being joyless and somber.

Aside from all of that, there is also, in my opinion, a really good actual movie in here. I know some people have criticized the character development, but I dunno, this is Batman. Everyone knows what motivates him. I thought there was pretty good characterization with Catwoman, the Penguin, and even the Riddler who I thought was truly disturbing and unfortunately believable. I thought the romance was laughable, but whatever. I think in most Batman movies, Batman is typically the least interesting character. That kinda holds true here, and they have a tough time balancing him being mysterious with also being, you know, the main character, but I thought they played him off the villains pretty well.

I thought the plot was great. Cool crime movie with lots of twists and turns, with just enough action to make it a superhero movie. It could be a touch difficult to follow, but detective movies are like that and I think it's normal to lose some things the first time watching. It's definitely not a movie you can be on your phone during.

I had an amazing time watching. This is my favorite interpretation of Batman, though out of respect for Heath Ledger I'd still probably rank it my second favorite batmovie. I'm really hoping they continue on in this universe, while praying they don't put him into a justice league he clearly wouldn't fit into. I feel like I have a lot more to say, but this review is already too long. TLDR: The Bat is BACK and I couldn't be happier.

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