On March 4, the Batman, after a long wait and delays, was released to theaters for viewers to watch. It follows the titular character, Batman (AKA Bruce Wayne), early in his stake of being the dark knight. It follows a sting of murders that seem to all be connected in some way, with larger threats looming in the horizon as Gotham City’s corruption shines on full display like the Bat Symbol in the night sky. The Batman provides fresh air for comic and movie fans alike, and seems to be one of the first live action Batmans to find ground footing on who Batman truly is and what he represents without the backdrop of the DC extended universe. 

Robert Pattinson ever since the Twilight Saga (2008-2012) has been met with sighs as he seems to forever be attached to that role by the non-believers of his true excellence as an actor. Pattinson, in the role of Batman, is stellar. He really sells the role of the broody, hiding in the shadows, seeking the justice type of character that Batman is. But, he also does something that not a lot of live action Batmans have been able to do. Convey emotion outside of anger and be vulnerable. There are certain points of the film, we see Batman at his lowest, and, thanks to Pattinson, he feels human which many filmmakers and writers forget about Batman. 

What is the biggest highlight of the film for me is how Batman is actually a detective in this film. If you grew up on the Batman comics or Batman: the Animated Series(1992), then you know that Batman is considered one of, if not the, greatest detective in the DC Universe. Sadly, many forms of media forget this. But, the Batman utilizes this as one of its strengths. We follow as Batman tries to figure out the mystery of the story and what will happen next. He is an actual detective. While watching the film, I myself was trying to figure out what would happen alongside Batman. You know a movie succeeds at a mystery plot line if the audience is engaged with it. 

Another great aspect of this film is how Batman interacts with other characters. While the chemistry between Catwoman (Zoë Kravitz) is lovely, how Batman interacts with Jim Gordan (Jeffery Wright) is a highlight. How they interact with each other in this buddy cop duo as Jim is the only police officer who is willing to deal with Batman’s broody self. It just showcases the blooming friendship between them in the beginning years of the Batman. 

Not only is the acting great, but the atmosphere of Gotham City itself. The setting of Gotham feels like a character. It really sells that this city has serious issues that the system is not addressing and most of the time is amplifying. The amazing cinematography of Greig Fraser only adds to the allure of Gotham. And the score by Michael Giacchino’s haunting score that matches each scene it is in. 

The overall message that this film sends is that Bruce Wayne is still learning how to be Batman. It shows the effect that being the caped crusader has done for the city of Gotham, good and bad. How he needs to find that balance of being someone to be feared and someone who people can look to for hope. Hope that maybe Gotham will become better. 

The only nitpick that I would have about the film is that I wish we had more dialogue between the main villain, the Riddler, and the Batman. While the cat and mouse game that they play is very entertaining, I wish we were to see more dialogue between them. 

Overall, I highly recommend this film. If you are a longtime fan of Batman, love mystery, an admirer of films, or just looking for something interesting to watch, this is for you. But, if you were expecting this film to involve the DCEU, or just don’t want to watch a nearly 3 hour long film then this one might not be it. You can only watch it in theaters and it is PG-13. Overall, this film gives a bright future for the Batman property, and I would rate it 4.5/5 stars. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐½☆