“The Batman,” a gripping superhero film, hit theaters on March 4, 2022. Directed by Matt Reeves, the movie belongs to the action, crime, and drama genres. Starring Robert Pattinson as the titular character, the film takes a darker and more nuanced approach to the iconic DC Comics hero. With a runtime of nearly three hours, this cinematic endeavor immerses viewers in a gritty Gotham City and provides a fresh perspective on the Caped Crusader’s struggles. Let’s dive into this review and explore the many layers of “The Batman.”
Table of Contents
2. Plot Summary
Set in a crime-ridden Gotham City, “The Batman” focuses on Bruce Wayne during his second year as the masked vigilante. He finds himself entangled in a cat-and-mouse game with a mysterious and cunning serial killer known as the Riddler. As Batman works alongside Lieutenant James Gordon and Selina Kyle (aka Catwoman), he uncovers a web of corruption that ties into his family’s past. The film blends detective noir with high-stakes action, creating a complex narrative that delves deep into Gotham’s dark underbelly. It’s a compelling story that keeps viewers guessing without giving away too much.
3. What’s Good?
“The Batman” excels in several areas, making it a standout superhero movie:
- Performances: Robert Pattinson delivers a haunting and layered performance as Batman, showcasing a mix of vulnerability, determination, and inner turmoil. Zoë Kravitz shines as Selina Kyle, bringing depth and charisma to her character. Paul Dano’s portrayal of the Riddler is chilling and unforgettable.
- Direction: Matt Reeves masterfully crafts a film that balances intense action with emotional storytelling. His vision for a darker Gotham feels authentic and compelling.
- Cinematography: Greig Fraser’s cinematography is a visual feast. The movie’s use of shadows, rain-soaked streets, and striking compositions enhances its noir aesthetic. Every frame feels deliberate and atmospheric.
- Music: Michael Giacchino’s score is both haunting and heroic. The use of deep orchestral tones underscores the film’s tension and adds a layer of emotional depth.
- World-Building: Gotham City is almost a character in itself. The detailed production design immerses audiences in a bleak, crime-infested world that feels alive and menacing.
- Themes: The film’s exploration of justice, vengeance, and corruption is thought-provoking. It’s more than just a superhero movie; it’s a reflection on societal issues.
4. Strengths and Weaknesses
“The Batman” has many strengths, but it’s not without its flaws.
Strengths:
- The storytelling is compelling, with a strong focus on Batman’s detective skills, which have often been sidelined in previous films.
- The characters are well-developed, and their relationships feel genuine.
- The action sequences are intense and grounded, avoiding over-the-top CGI.
Weaknesses:
- The movie’s pacing might feel slow for some viewers, especially during its quieter moments.
- At nearly three hours, the runtime could be a bit daunting for casual moviegoers.
- While Paul Dano’s Riddler is effective, his character’s motivations might seem overly convoluted to some.
5. Target Audience
“The Batman” is ideal for:
- Fans of darker, grittier superhero films.
- Viewers who enjoy detective stories and crime dramas.
- DC Comics enthusiasts who appreciate fresh takes on iconic characters.
This is not a typical popcorn superhero flick; it’s a slow-burn film that requires patience and appreciation for detail.
6. Box Office Details
The budget for “The Batman” was approximately INR 1,850 crores (USD 200 million). The film performed exceptionally well at the global box office, earning over INR 7,400 crores (USD 900 million) worldwide.
Day-Wise Earnings:
- Day 1 (India): INR 8 crores; Overseas: USD 57 million.
- Day 2 (India): INR 9.5 crores; Overseas: USD 50 million.
- Day 3 (India): INR 10 crores; Overseas: USD 45 million.
- Day 4 (India): INR 6 crores; Overseas: USD 30 million.
- Day 5 (India): INR 5 crores; Overseas: USD 25 million.
The movie’s steady performance highlights its strong word-of-mouth appeal and global fanbase.
7. Recommendation
“The Batman” is a bold and ambitious film that reinvents the iconic hero for a new generation. Its dark tone, stellar performances, and captivating visuals make it a must-watch for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a film that combines action with depth, “The Batman” is highly recommended.
Genres:
Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Rating:
7.665/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Robert Pattinson | Bruce Wayne / The Batman |
| Zoë Kravitz | Selina Kyle |
| Jeffrey Wright | Lt. James Gordon |
| Colin Farrell | Oz / The Penguin |
| Paul Dano | The Riddler |
| John Turturro | Carmine Falcone |
| Andy Serkis | Alfred |
| Peter Sarsgaard | District Attorney Gil Colson |
| Barry Keoghan | Unseen Arkham Prisoner |
| Jayme Lawson | Bella Reál |
| Gil Perez-Abraham | Officer Martinez |
| Peter McDonald | Kenzie |
| Con O’Neill | Chief Mackenzie Bock |
| Alex Ferns | Commissioner Pete Savage |
| Rupert Penry-Jones | Mayor Don Mitchell, Jr. |
| Kosha Engler | Mrs. Mitchell |
| Archie Barnes | Mitchell’s Son |
| Janine Harouni | Carla |
| Hana Hrzic | Annika |
| Joseph Walker | Young Riddler |
| Luke Roberts | Thomas Wayne |
| Oscar Novak | Young Bruce Wayne |
| Stella Stocker | Martha Wayne |
| Sandra Dickinson | Dory |
| Jack Bennett | Travis |
| Andre Nightingale | Ritchie |
| Richard James-Neale | Glen |
| Lorraine Tai | Cheri |
| Joseph Balderrama | Lead Detective |
| James Eeles | Another Officer |
| Angela Yeoh | Forensic Photographer |
| Leemore Marrett Jr. | Muscle Cop |
| Ezra Elliott | Tactical Medic |
| Itoya Osagiede | Hushed G.C.P.D. Detective |
| Stewart Alexander | FBI Leader |
| Adam Rojko Vega | SWAT (City Hall) |
| Heider Ali | Officer (City Hall) |
| Marcus Onilude | Traffic Cop (City Hall) |
| Elena Saurel | Detective on Phone |
| Ed Kear | Surly Cop |
| Sid Sagar | Digital Forensics Cop |
| Amanda Blake | Command Crisis Tech |
| Todd Boyce | Fire Marshall |
| Brandon Bassir | Young Officer |
| Will Austin | Traffic Cop |
| Chabris Napier-Lawrence | Cop (Mayor’s Memorial) |
| Douglas Russell | Bitter Nobody |
| Charlie Carver | The Twins |
| Max Carver | The Twins |
| Phil Aizlewood | Falcone Bodyguard |
| Mark Killeen | Vinnie |
| Philip Shaun McGuinness | Elevator Guard |
| Lorna Brown | Doctor |
| Elliot Warren | Train Gang Leader |
| Jay Lycurgo | Young Train Gang Member |
| Stefan Race | Train Gang Member #1 |
| Elijah Baker | Train Gang Member #2 |
| Craige Middleburg | Train Gang Member #3 |
| Akie Kotabe | Lone Train Passenger |
| Spike Fearn | Vandal |
| Urielle Klein-Mekongo | Cashier |
| Bronson Webb | Hooded Gunman |
| Madeleine Gray | Injured Woman |
| Ste Johnston | Paparazzi |
| Arthur Lee | Paparazzo |
| Parry Glasspool | Scared Drophead |
| Jordan Coulson | Man in Suit |
| Hadas Gold | Newscaster |
| Pat Battle | Newscaster |
| Bobby Cuza | Newscaster |
| Dean Meminger | Newscaster |
| Roma Torre | Newscaster |
| Mike Capozzola | Mediator |
| Amanda Hurwitz | Counterwoman |
| Joshua Eldridge-Smith | Patrol Cop |
| Daniel Rainford | Suspicious Man |
| Nathalie Armin | ATF Leader |
| Jose Palma | Command Post #1 |
| Kazeem Tosin Amore | Command Post #2 |
| Dave Simon | Police Chief Hanrahan (uncredited) |
| Rodrig Andrisan | Funeral VIP (uncredited) |
| Craig Douglas | Pallbearer (uncredited) |
How is Our Review?
Let us know if you liked our review of The Batman through the comment box, so that we can keep creating such content for you.
Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
