Nahid_15

There's something biblically beautiful about this film given the way everything ties up at the end. Prior to its release, everything Matt Reeves had promised about The Batman made me more and more enthusiastic about it and all the news and behind the scenes seemed to hold so much possibilities. But admittedly I was a bit scared about it at the same time. Well, Matt delivered on his promises, and I am grateful for that. The movie is absolutely astonishing in every aspect. Everything seemed like it was thought out and was as Matt intended it to be. It completely floored me.

Gotham has never before felt completely rundown. They really hammer home the point that Gotham is a hellhole on earth. People can't possibly survive in a place such as this - hence a true paradise for criminals. From its Gothic architecture, to its rain-soaked streets, and even its people, Gotham seems to have a character of its own. The cinematography is another thing that I couldn't get enough of. Throughout the experience, I was captivated by its beauty and became completely immersed in it. Scenes are lit in a certain way and especially the way the light falls on The Batman. Greig Fraser really outdid himself this time around. He contributed to the realization of this version of Batman and then some. Michael Giacchino as always does his job brilliantly. His music composition here really compliments the film. After they dropped the new Batman theme, before clicking on it, I wondered what could possibly be different. Once I did hear it though, I was like okay this is actually good, and it grew on me as I listened. I was curious to find out how it would play out in scenes. I have to admit, it blends in so seamlessly, whenever it is used.

One of the highlights of the movie for me is the relationship between Gordon and Batman. They are like true partners, both in the gutter fighting for the same thing. You can sense they both rely on each and have mutual respect. Homie goals! With Jeffrey Wright in the role you can't go wrong. The guy is brilliant and he plays Gordon wonderfully. His Gordon might be my favorite version of the character. Zoë Kravitz as Catwoman is something I wasn't initially sure of but she has sold me with her feline like walking, long nails, slyness, alluring quality that not only appears believable but also adds to the character that she portrays. I thought she and Alfred were the heart of the movie. That brings me to the character of Alfred played by Andy Serkis who is really good in the role. My only gripe with the movie lies with Alfred not having much screen time. My boy Colin Farrell steals every scene he's in. He completely disappears in the role of Penguin. Paul Dano's Riddler is surprisingly nothing like the Riddler we're used to. This time he's stripped off all of his silly and campy aspect. He is scary and sadistic to the point that I was creeped out several times while watching. I really liked what they did with Riddler here.

Robert Pattinson's Batman is vastly different from anything we've seen in live action. Pattinson portrays the character as a recluse, restrained, tethered to the trauma of his past, always brooding and discontented for not being able to do enough. Since he devotes most of his time to being "Vengeance", his night and day blur together. He has not yet been able to distinguish between Bruce Wayne and Batman. He rarely speaks in this film and appears to be constantly observing. As if he's on the outside looking in. Trying to connect with what has been lost. However, when he puts on the cowl and all, he exhibits fear like no other. It was thrilling to watch how his presence was being perceived by everyone around him. I also liked how at times, even Batman himself starts to question his purpose, whether he's fighting a losing battle. He has a whole arc and by the time the film ends he seems to have a grasp of what he needs to become for his city. I cannot stress enough how much I loved what Matt and Pattinson did with the character. They made this already deeply damaged character even more damaged and vulnerable. There's room left for more to do with the character.

I can't think of anything that bothered me much. I love that scenes are really drawn out and how it takes its time setting up the mood. I also love how Batman is investigating a case rather than just beating people up, and occasionally, he makes mistakes. Finally a film that gets the character right. Though I know many people have issues with the third act, I like how it all comes together and ends on a hopeful note. I think it's inescapable that it would be compared with the TDK trilogy, because let's be honest Nolan set the bar. How realistic comic book characters can be. However, it is foolish to disregard either filmmaker's efforts at bringing the characters we all love to life, just because you prefer one over the other. As for where I'd place The Batman, I'm still unsure. But for the time being, it's just beside The Dark Knight. One thing I'm sure of is that it is the perfect Batman film. It's the one we didn't know we needed, but the one we absolutely deserve. It proves yet again that comic book movies can be more than just entertainment.

"Why does it take a disaster for things to change?"

The whole time I could hear this ticking in the background. The tension, the urgency, and the time is running out and we aren't doing enough. We gotta do something. Something that would make us feel alive. Anything.

Andrew Garfield is such a brilliant actor. The film is incredible in general, but his performance is something else. I didn't know he could sing this well. The music is really good, the rythym even impelled me to dance at times. The film made me think about art and the struggles that come with it sometimes. I just felt so connected to the entire thing.

"It may feel impossible but sometimes you just have to take the first step, even before you're ready."

It's been a long since a good original Disney movie came out. It feels fresh and quite entertaining as well, despite being bogged down a few times. The characters are well constructed and you can sense a real conflict between them. With the gorgeous animation, the world it presents is really beautiful to look at. When it comes to action, and there are a few, I think it shines there as well. The sword fighting and hand to hand combats are impressive which kind of surprised me a bit, as I can't remember the last time when there's a sense of intensity in a fight sequence of a Disney animated movie. Well, the plot is nothing new. I mean, they've used every trope you could think of in the narrative, but that doesn't necessarily a bad thing if they're done right, and I think they've achieved just that quite efficiently. All around, it's a really good movie with enjoyable characters and appreciable coming from a studio that's immersed itself in taking the easiest route these days. Have fun in the Kingdom of Kumandra!