'The Batman': Less Superpowers, More Heroism

Here's another Batman superhero movie that naturally aims to be another hit but does not walk the conventional route. Matt Reeves' The Batman is less interested in the ‘super’ and ‘cool’ and is more focused in ‘heroism and justice’ and an intriguing detective drama, yet not devoid of visual appeal and Batman tricks.

Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

It is also that Batman movie that finally is more about Batman himself and Gotham city, and less about its villains who usually steal the spotlight. That even if it has both The Penguin, The Riddler, and other corrupt Gotham civilians, it managed to put Batman in its heart. Even his sidekicks Alfred (Andy Serkis) and Lt. James Gordon (Jeffrey Wright) have more airtime, especially the latter which fits the film's overall detective fun side. Catwoman's story arc also adds another layer to the film's overall drama without being out-of-place. Her relationship with Batman helps both Batman's investigation and Bruce Wayne's overall frame of mind.

Visually, this is also a standout from the usual slick Batman appearance. His batsuit doesn't look shiny or expensive. Instead it looks a little more metallic which again deviates from the typical costume we've seen before. Even the design of Gotham city looks grimy as hell and yet Greig Fraser's framing made it look arresting. The grainy appearance of the half-lit city from Batman's rooftop is just breathtaking. Michael Giacchino's score on the other hand is a little familiar compared to the rest of its technicalities. Its uncanniness with John Williams' The Imperial March is a little distracting.

In all of its positives, what's most respectable is it freed itself from the cheap and tired humor superhero movies tend to over infuse just to fit in a certain superhero movie trope. It is very serious. When it's not busy investigating Gotham's mysterious killings, most of the time it revolves around Gotham's politics and Bruce Wayne's trauma. Which perfectly fits Robert Pattinson’s appeal and performance. It's also about time a Batman movie puts its titular hero on the forefront instead of being outshined by its villains. It’s a Pattinson movie through and through and his turn is someone both fans, even his doubters, are probably going to appreciate. That's not to say the supporting characters are sidelined. Zoë Kravitz' face is perfect for Selina Kyle's seductive character and she brings depth and emotions apart from Catwoman's criminal ass-kicking skills. Jeffrey Wright and Andy Serkis as Batman's sidekicks are aces. While villains Paul Dano and Colin Farrell also delivered. Colin Farrell's airtime is just the right amount before he becomes overbearing.

Matt Reeves' The Batman is above serviceable overall. With its 3-hour running time, it rightfully accomplishes enough intrigue, drama, visual flair, action, and entertainment viewers may or may not be looking for. There is not much of a surprising factor but its above and beyond quality from its predecessors is enough to commend it.