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The Batman - Review Thread

NeonGhost

uses 'M$' - What year is it? Not 2002.
I’m surprised I havnt seen anyone talk about this pair of characters in the movie

Tweedledee and tweedledum
 
D

Deleted member 1159

Unconfirmed Member
I thought it was pretty great. There was some cringe here and there, especially the rich white guy line, but it’s my style of Batman movie for sure. I’m glad the humor was left completely dry/deadpan. I thought the scenes got ample time to breath (perhaps too much), which I think is missing for so many modern movies. The score was excellent. Best part was the dark hallway being lit every time someone shot their gun.

I think I like it better than all the Nolan movies tbh
 

ManaByte

Member
I’m surprised I havnt seen anyone talk about this pair of characters in the movie

Tweedledee and tweedledum
Andy Samberg Yes GIF by The Lonely Island
 

SlimySnake

Flashless at the Golden Globes
I am not in love with the movie. I dont think it's better than TDK or Begins, but I am glad it exists. I am glad that despite all the issues WB has had lately with HBO max day and date releases, and the nasty politics behind Snydercut, they are still making movies like this and Dune that are essentially $200 million Dramas.

I LOVE that it is basically all shot on site. No green screen bs. I love that there are no quips. I love that it is basically a detective noir story first and a Batman movie second. I love how moody it is, and how it rains all the time. Even during chase scenes. I love that it is a real movie, and not the same fucking shit Marvel and yes even DC has been putting out the last few years. Scorcese cant shit on this even if he tried.

Maybe I will talk about its flaws and what it can do better next time, but whatever those flaws are, they are things we can discuss only because we are critiquing something more than just a forgettable summer blockbuster starring a man in a cape. And that is basically all I want from big budget movies nowadays.
 

Dark Star

Member
*SPOILER ALERT *

Overall I loved how dark/gritty this movie was. Seriously brooding with little comedy ... my cup of tea.

Also,
the batmobile chase scene
holy shit that thing was awesome to see used so well. That whole scene/score/soundtrack was epic.


things i didn't like:

nirvana's something in the way being played TWICE (I'm actually more impressed that they got the legal rights to use it in the film than the actual song being used to convey edginess/darkness. Just felt forced even though it's a pretty slick/timeless track)

catwoman's ugly mask was literally trash. what where they thinking? I wasn't a big fan of batman's mask either but at least it was made of bullet proof leather or whatever.

the romance between catwoman and batman felt forced and made no sense. She doesn't even know who the guy is, met him like two days ago, and she's making out with him? gross. But I liked the ending shot of them riding together and then splitting up in different directions, you finally feel that batman is a real human with normal human emotions and that was nice, so I'll give their "close" relationship some praise because it helps humanize the characters.

Overall I think that this movie will feel really dated in 10 years just looking at the heavy usage of current technology like instagram livestreams, iphones/smartphones, even facetime lol. People in 2033 are going to watch this and be like "oh yeah remember when we used to use that? lol"

things I did like:

it's very dark and gritty, and I like that. love it actually. I love the use of heavy rain throughout the movie. from the opening halloween scene to the end of the film in the murky wreckage water/flood. It such a serious movie with ZERO comedic relief (besides the riddler acting crazy), and I enjoy that. Comedy and batman is like water and oil, it doesn't mix (unless you like cartoons), and I'm glad they didn't try to make this appeal to the dumb MCU audience. This feels more like the spirit of Nolan's The Dark Knight.

The soundtrack was super loud and the bass hits were literally awesome. I loved how thunderously aggressive the sound/mix was, especially in the action/fighting scences, club scenes, etc. The score was really badass. whoever composed this deserves an award. the main theme is some Funeral March type shit.

the batmobile was fking BADASS. That chase scene was on par with Mad Max Fury Road. I really hope the batmobile gets more screen time in the sequel (hoping there will be one)

The riddler was such a psycho, I really enjoyed the actors performance, though it was quite over the top. I liked him in There Will be Blood as well. The joker actor did an OK job too, and I hope they flesh him out totally in the next film.

It was a very long film and I thought it was a little light on the action/fighting, but the actual detective stuff was implemented really well. I thought the action/fighting was very well choreographed at least. I felt so much tension, on the edge of my seat during many of the fight scenes.
 
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NeonGhost

uses 'M$' - What year is it? Not 2002.
1 thing idk how it made it into the film you can clearly see the blades on his gauntlets flopping around like flimsy rubber
 

Sosokrates

Report me if I continue to console war
I give it 8/10

It was an almost film noir, old school mob detective mystery movie.
Its starts off slow, but the story gets better throughout.
Great cast and acting.

My only criticisms is that there needs to a bit of backstory into this Batman, while there is quite a bit of insight into his character it feels like it could just be a guy.
Nolans films build up the bruce wayne character, so he doesn't feel like just a man but somthing more then just a man.
 

Sosokrates

Report me if I continue to console war
It’s Batman. If you don’t know his origin by now that’s your problem.
No. There still needs to be some character development, otherwise its just a guy in a suit. I mean on the Joker movie that whole film is character development, and even though he is just a man, he is also a believeable Joker.
 

IDKFA

I am Become Bilbo Baggins
Can anyone tell me if the rumours are true and the Court of Owls are set up for the sequel?
 

DKehoe

Gold Member
No. There still needs to be some character development, otherwise its just a guy in a suit. I mean on the Joker movie that whole film is character development, and even though he is just a man, he is also a believeable Joker.
But the whole point of his story in this is character development. He goes from just seeing himself as "vengeance" and his approach being using fear as a tool to seeing the path that can take someone down (with one of the Riddler copycats also declaring themselves to be vengeance) and instead realising that he can be more powerful as a symbol of hope.

This is a Batman that's still figuring out what it means to wear the suit. And we watch that process over the course of the film.
 

SafeOrAlone

Banned
I give it 8/10

It was an almost film noir, old school mob detective mystery movie.
Its starts off slow, but the story gets better throughout.
Great cast and acting.

My only criticisms is that there needs to a bit of backstory into this Batman, while there is quite a bit of insight into his character it feels like it could just be a guy.
Nolans films build up the bruce wayne character, so he doesn't feel like just a man but somthing more then just a man.
I think I understand what you’re getting at. It didn’t bother me but there is less of a build-up for the audience to see how this version of Batman got to where he’s at. It’s like hiring a new guy without seeing his resume, but he’s making a great first impression so you just roll with it.
 

NahaNago

Member
I give it 8/10

It was an almost film noir, old school mob detective mystery movie.
Its starts off slow, but the story gets better throughout.
Great cast and acting.

My only criticisms is that there needs to a bit of backstory into this Batman, while there is quite a bit of insight into his character it feels like it could just be a guy.
Nolans films build up the bruce wayne character, so he doesn't feel like just a man but somthing more then just a man.
Agreed that it could just be any private eye guy with a chip on his shoulder for this movie.

I'd give it a 8/10 as well for my more professional rating but a 6/10 because it just wasn't for me. I see what they was doing with the movie and it kept my attention throughout this movie to the fact that I'm shocked the movie was even 3 hours long but it just wasn't for me. Some of the fighting scenes looked good and it had some beautiful shots. I barely remember the music. The thing is though I was expecting something a little more over the top with a character walking around in a bat suit.

My biggest gripe is that the whole I'm this brooding angry person because my parents were killed just seems over the top when I think about how long it happened for him. He was a child when it happened. He has already gone through his traumatized teen years, went to college, and traveled the world in order to learn a bunch of things plus learning martial arts so I would expect for him to interact with all types of people including children. I was expecting more of a man on a mission and not some scarred inner turmoil person.

I have more issues with the movie but it would be spoilers.
 
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Pagusas

Elden Member
I loved 3/4 of it, felt cohesive and strong, but it’s last act feels completely disconnected from the rest of the film, like it was a different (much worse) movie. the art style, dialogue and action all get substantially worse in that final act. what happened?

also that opening monologue with the music…. soooo good
 
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Just got out of an IMAX showing, man what a blast! This is definitely up there with The Dark Knight for me, looking forward to the sequel. The Batmobile scene alone was such a thrill!
 

SJRB

Gold Member
I find it hard to write down my thoughts without turning it into a 12-page essay, so I'll just go with a pro/cons list for now:

Pros
  • Intro gave me goosebumps. That was so cool
  • Batman is a detective more than he has ever been in any movie
  • Remarkably faithful to the comics in terms of characters and locations
  • Incredible atmosphere, Gotham is a gritty, sleazy, dirty and unsafe city
  • Teamwork with Gordon was top notch, really well done
  • Action scenes were tight
  • Batmobile introduction was insane
  • Finale was great [but kinda felt liked an act 3-b]
  • Cinematography was amazing

Cons
  • Runtime, unfortunately, was too long. The story wasn't interesting, intriguing or clever enough to warrant such a massive runtime
  • Slow burner with a lot of "downtime", making it actually rather boring at times
  • Some sideplots were a waste of time
  • The soundtrack was actually quite mediocre
  • The Bruce / Alfred conflict dynamic didn't work for me at all
  • Paul Dano was terrible, straight up. He wasn't menacing or creepy when he needed to be, in fact he was often kind of cringe-y. His excessive yelling was very annoying.

It's easily the best Batman movie ever made and a guaranteed great time for any Batman fan. You get more Batman than you've ever seen in any movie.
 

///PATRIOT

Banned
I loved 3/4 of it, felt cohesive and strong, but it’s last act feels completely disconnected from the rest of the film, like it was a different (much worse) movie. the art style, dialogue and action all get substantially worse in that final act. what happened?

also that opening monologue with the music…. soooo good
Blue haired arm pit writer thought the last act would be a great opportunity to teach you about social justice....
 

Sosokrates

Report me if I continue to console war
But the whole point of his story in this is character development. He goes from just seeing himself as "vengeance" and his approach being using fear as a tool to seeing the path that can take someone down (with one of the Riddler copycats also declaring themselves to be vengeance) and instead realising that he can be more powerful as a symbol of hope.

This is a Batman that's still figuring out what it means to wear the suit. And we watch that process over the course of the film.

And I think it would be better with a bit more. Chris Nolan did not do all the league of shadow stuff, flash backs and other chracter building for no reason.
I mean this is my only complaint and its not a huge complaint . Do you and others think its a perfect film?
 

Sosokrates

Report me if I continue to console war
I find it hard to write down my thoughts without turning it into a 12-page essay, so I'll just go with a pro/cons list for now:

Pros
  • Intro gave me goosebumps. That was so cool
  • Batman is a detective more than he has ever been in any movie
  • Remarkably faithful to the comics in terms of characters and locations
  • Incredible atmosphere, Gotham is a gritty, sleazy, dirty and unsafe city
  • Teamwork with Gordon was top notch, really well done
  • Action scenes were tight
  • Batmobile introduction was insane
  • Finale was great [but kinda felt liked an act 3-b]
  • Cinematography was amazing

Cons
  • Runtime, unfortunately, was too long. The story wasn't interesting, intriguing or clever enough to warrant such a massive runtime
  • Slow burner with a lot of "downtime", making it actually rather boring at times
  • Some sideplots were a waste of time
  • The soundtrack was actually quite mediocre
  • The Bruce / Alfred conflict dynamic didn't work for me at all
  • Paul Dano was terrible, straight up. He wasn't menacing or creepy when he needed to be, in fact he was often kind of cringe-y. His excessive yelling was very annoying.

It's easily the best Batman movie ever made and a guaranteed great time for any Batman fan. You get more Batman than you've ever seen in any movie.
I think the Dark Knight is the best Batman movie.
I was thinking which is the best plot between TB and DK. I have to give it to the DK while TB seems a bit more fleshed out I would not say its the more complex or better storty then the DK. I think the DK just does not waste time and is better at telling the story.
 

DKehoe

Gold Member
And I think it would be better with a bit more. Chris Nolan did not do all the league of shadow stuff, flash backs and other chracter building for no reason.
I mean this is my only complaint and its not a huge complaint . Do you and others think its a perfect film?
I guess I'm just not sure what you're looking for? We have it established that he's this rich guy, clearly working through issues from the death of his parents years ago and is filled with a lot of rage. We get a sense of his relationship with Alfred and Gordon. I'm not sure if we needed long exposition scenes.

I liked it but I wouldn't say it was a perfect film no.
 

sol_bad

Member
Agreed that it could just be any private eye guy with a chip on his shoulder for this movie.

I'd give it a 8/10 as well for my more professional rating but a 6/10 because it just wasn't for me. I see what they was doing with the movie and it kept my attention throughout this movie to the fact that I'm shocked the movie was even 3 hours long but it just wasn't for me. Some of the fighting scenes looked good and it had some beautiful shots. I barely remember the music. The thing is though I was expecting something a little more over the top with a character walking around in a bat suit.

My biggest gripe is that the whole I'm this brooding angry person because my parents were killed just seems over the top when I think about how long it happened for him. He was a child when it happened. He has already gone through his traumatized teen years, went to college, and traveled the world in order to learn a bunch of things plus learning martial arts so I would expect for him to interact with all types of people including children. I was expecting more of a man on a mission and not some scarred inner turmoil person.

I have more issues with the movie but it would be spoilers.

This would be your criticism for every Batman movie then?
 

Sosokrates

Report me if I continue to console war
I guess I'm just not sure what you're looking for? We have it established that he's this rich guy, clearly working through issues from the death of his parents years ago and is filled with a lot of rage. We get a sense of his relationship with Alfred and Gordon. I'm not sure if we needed long exposition scenes.

I liked it but I wouldn't say it was a perfect film no.
A further elaboration on why he is doing what hes doing, the monologues do something, but as other posters have said he could be just any rich guy vilgilante and the film would still work. Maybe how he became a master martial artist able tobtake on several men, basically what nolan did.
 

Pagusas

Elden Member
curious about something;

at the end when batman injects himself with something that got him back on his feet to save cat woman, was that just an adrenaline thing, or was it a possible hint at the chemicals that will will create Bane.
 

NahaNago

Member
This would be your criticism for every Batman movie then?
I'd have to rewatch the older Batman movies to see if I would have that criticism for every Batman movie since I haven't seen most of the movies since they released in theaters. I do understand that the main reason he becomes Batman is because of his parents but at the same time he has spent all of this time learning and I would think growing and he is also one of the smartest men in the world so I would think he would analyze not only his enemies but also himself.
 

NeonGhost

uses 'M$' - What year is it? Not 2002.
curious about something;

at the end when batman injects himself with something that got him back on his feet to save cat woman, was that just an adrenaline thing, or was it a possible hint at the chemicals that will will create Bane.
I had that thought also it almost looked like his eyes were a different color for a few seconds
 

SJRB

Gold Member
curious about something;

at the end when batman injects himself with something that got him back on his feet to save cat woman, was that just an adrenaline thing, or was it a possible hint at the chemicals that will will create Bane.

There's no way Batman would randomly inject himself with Venom. He of all people knows how dangerous it is.
 

Sub_Level

wants to fuck an Asian grill.
That Batmobile starting up... so awesome.

That scene and the Riddler interrogation scene, you could hear a pin drop in the theatre. Everyone was just silent.

edit: well not so much in the batmobile scene cuz of the high sound but you know what I mean
 
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BaneIsPain

Member
I’m pretty pleased with the movie. It met my expectation. Detective style zodiac chase inspiration is something else than typical batman movies. But yeah, alfred seems little to no chemistry with batman.

I wish they'll go for courts of owl or hush with this batman detective in the future.
 

ManaByte

Member
That scene and the Riddler interrogation scene, you could hear a pin drop in the theatre. Everyone was just silent.

edit: well not so much in the batmobile scene cuz of the high sound but you know what I mean
I loved how they made the Batmobile as scary as Batman.
 

DKehoe

Gold Member
A further elaboration on why he is doing what hes doing, the monologues do something, but as other posters have said he could be just any rich guy vilgilante and the film would still work. Maybe how he became a master martial artist able tobtake on several men, basically what nolan did.
With Batman Begins the training stuff then factors into the later plot. In this one we know he's good at appearing out of nowhere and beating the shit out of people because we see him do exactly that. Would a montage of him traveling the world and learning from different experts that we'd never see again really add to this story?
 

Pagusas

Elden Member
I’m pretty pleased with the movie. It met my expectation. Detective style zodiac chase inspiration is something else than typical batman movies. But yeah, alfred seems little to no chemistry with batman.

I wish they'll go for courts of owl or hush with this batman detective in the future.
it is kinda crazy how we had a 3 hour film and Bruce and Alfred have what, 3 tiny scenes together? it felt like it had no time to build, but also it had 3 hours…. I can think of several areas I would have cut from this film and several I would have added.

honestly I would have reworked the entire last 1/3rd of the film to line riddlers plan up with something involving arkham.

Also why was the riddler expecting Batman to have known his plan? I keep thinking about this and other than the carpet tool, what could possibly have pointed to that end game?

Also, I think I watched it correct and the Riddler Does NOT know Bruce is batman, right? he was just ranting about never getting Bruce Wayne. But if that’s the case why did the “for Batman” card say “go to hell” on it? so confused by that, but i’m sure I just may have missed something
 
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IDKFA

I am Become Bilbo Baggins
No there’s no direct acknowledgment that they exist

Damn. I thought with the hints in the trailers and the cast practically giving it away in a recent variety video that the court would have been at least teased for a sequel.

Disappointed.
 

Sosokrates

Report me if I continue to console war
With Batman Begins the training stuff then factors into the later plot. In this one we know he's good at appearing out of nowhere and beating the shit out of people because we see him do exactly that. Would a montage of him traveling the world and learning from different experts that we'd never see again really add to this story?

I think they could of done a bit more to build the character of "Batman".
And the chracter building in nolans films was more then just a montage of world travel, there are many things which could of been done to build the character of Batman.
I think we should agree to disagree because it really is an artistic preference, theres no right or wrong way, so arguing about it is pointless.
 

WoJ

Member
Just got back from seeing this. First hour was great. It dragged the remaining 2/3s. I didn't hate it, but I'll wait until I can stream the sequel rather than pay for it at the theater.

The final act felt really messy. Pretty much from when
they caught Falcone until the end didn't vibe well with me.
 
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