| When it comes to reboots things are uncertain, it is either a breakthrough or a bomb. The mere term is like something people mostly won’t like to associate with an iconic film or series. ‘The Batman’ is no slouch in terms of a superhero film with Matt Reeves and Peter Craig put in the work to create a new take painting a new canvas.
There’s so many aspects of the previous Bat-films have been retold with a different take, but this one breaks that monotone and adds layers gritty and what could be considered a scarier Batman as the Bruce Wayne persona doesn’t pretend to be, but deals with his own mental health and trauma without even re-telling the story how he lost his parents at the back alley of a theatre as a young boy. The best part of it how grounded this world building that it is more of a crime noir-film with superhero elements. The opening just goes straight to the branded red logo taking over the big screen in bold letters and then straight to the Robert Pattison’s narration as how Gotham City has been drowning in fear and darkness. The usual feel how it gets you immersed in the same city with a new perspective. WARNING: Proceed with caution when reading this review as it might contain some minor plot point of the film that would be considered as a SPOILER. But in case you have seen the film or just want to read and don't care for this do read on... |
It was Riddler’s Paul Dano that steals the spotlight competing with Zoe Kravitz’s Selina Kyle despite appearing in the middle second half of the film. But really was deeply emotional is the love/hate relationship he has with Alfred Pennyworth (Andy Serkis) that defined their relationship. But the definition and trait that what made Batman interesting is the detective aspect that is the backbone of the overall narrative.
Jeffrey Wright’s take on Lieutenant Gordon was brotherly as buddy cop can be with the chemistry between Pattison’s The Batman that kept his rage in check. But what was impressive is how Colin Farrell performance and unfamiliar appearance as Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot, a polarizing personality from the Penguin, which was depicted in the graphic novels as well as a freakish orphan that Danny DeVito portrayed in the 1992 film.
Certainly, all the players were laid out in solving the murders of Gotham’s elite aching to a cat and mouse game in how the Riddler masterfully given our heroes a run for their money. The action sequence was superb not taking any punches. There are several Easter eggs and inspired from the comicbooks that you might find taken from ‘Batman Year One’ and ‘The Long Halloween’ not to forget how this Batman really was not just a costume, but defining how he deduce the clues though not just by himself with help from Gordon and Alfred.
For a story set in year 2 of his vigilantism Bruce has come so far with the technology he uses to decrypt some of Riddlers puzzling clues, and why The Batmobile is still a beastly machine that takes elements from the previous iteration based from various media aside from the comicbooks as not just how chicks dig the car. But as one of Batman’s tools that intimidate the baddies like how the Penguin’s Maserati has no chance in outrunning it that beautiful mess of a car chase.
The one thing that really sticks out in this film is not about the narrative or the performances of the actors, but the film’s run time of 176 minutes that felt like a slow grind despite the pace that needs you to be immersed in all that’s been happening. It was quite a grind that you’re part of it, which is well-worth the price of admission though it might not work in other films but this one made so much sense that you need to ride it out to see it through that this is not just about a story about The Batman, but Gotham City as a whole grounded in reality. Bruce Wayne is a broken man but what makes his character endearing is he still did not cross the line and vengeance is evolving.
Tragic, complex, and flawed defines The Batman, who never gave up on Gotham that basically is not just about the hero. But also the overall stories revolves with Gotham and that’s what makes this film stand out, and seeing it on the big screen is high recommended not just for longtime fans, but new viewers that are looking for something worth their time.
"The Batman" is now playing in cinemas since 2 March 2022 in the Philippines distributed by Warner Bros Pictures in this country. Its also showing in Australia & New Zealand also on 3 March 2022 distributed by Village Roadshow in Australia & New Zealand.
RATED: A-
NOTE: This film is still being screened publicly at Ayala Malls Circuit's Cinema in Circuit Makati, Philippines. This is reviewed with a personal opinion with minor spoilers not for you to agree or disagree about the views written by the author but to gain insight on his perspective about the film.
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