This is a film I had high expectations for, purely based off the trailers, early word of mouth and the reviews. It was a brilliantly crafted film, with almost all element being perfect. There were a few flaws however that stopped it from being perfect, ultimately still not surpassing The Dark Knight (nor Begins or Rises in my eyes).
Whilst that's not exactly a bad thing, as it's one of the greatest trilogies ever, some would argue the greatest. Yet, the praise did make it seem like it was on par, even surpassed TDK.
For the positives, there's not much to say. It was an all round nice combination: performances, writing, set pieces. The music and cinematography were brilliant. Robert Pattenson was excellent and one of the best Batman's yet. Matt Reeves direction was bold and original, bravo.
- Pattenson was a great, emotionally deep Batman. His voice was perfect and the suit quickly grew on me. He felt scary and like a true force to criminals. The opening moment with the dark alleys were perfect.
- The cast and characters were all great. I especially liked Gordon, who managed to impress me and hold his own (Oldman's portrayal in TDK trilogy being a favourite element of the films personally). Farrell as the Penguin was bloody awesome!
- the aesthetic of the film - the neo-nor rain soaked, dark, neon lit clubs, etc locations were perfect.
- The score was a classic Batman style theme. Loved it. Whilst there are many great Batman tracks, TDK's trilogy Zimmer score is iconic and perfect, yet feels very isolated and exclusive to that Batman. This score and main theme however felt like the perfect definitive and universal Batman theme. Bravo Giacchino.
- The story and writing (I have a few issues, later), was for the most part awesome. I loved the detective work. I love that it felt realistic and slow and like an actual journey. An actual case to be cracked.
- I loved the world and backstories. The atmosphere was perfect but the sought of history they added, crime, politics, legacy etc really worked well.
I'll summarise my scrambled thoughts on the cons in more detail, as that's a bit more specific and it's more interesting (and you'll see the specific praises in most other reviews - and rightfully so!).
- The soundtrack, whilst brilliant and one of the highlights, I do feel was *overused*. There was near no moments of silence or peace or breathing room.
- Furthermore, the use of "Something In the Way" whilst awesome for the trailer, and ultimately still very cool, I personally didn't really think it fit Batman. Guardians of the Galaxy, Iron Man, etc. CB films can use "songs" well, but I feel Batman is one where it just doesn't suit and should stick to the OST.
- The length. I LOVE long films. I love slow burns. I love detective films. I loved the first 2/3's. But this film dragged. Not in a way that "I'm bored", it was still very entertaining. Yet I felt from story point it dragged and should've concluded much sooner.
- The third act. What happened hear? The action, the combat etc was all great. But the stakes dropped and so did the intruige. Multiple Riddlers/goons or copycats? It just felt like the end of Joker rehashed. People rising up against the rich and being bitter so resorting to violence. The stakes and intruige just dropped. It was more of "how long till he clears out these faceless goons" rather than anything interesting. Not too mention Riddler sought of devolved into a manbaby like child and lost all mystery and threat.
- The Batman lore/mythology. For all the talk of this being strictly to it's comic roots - which it did well mostly, it was not entirely true. Not to say it didn't but the critiques to all prior Batman films apply here. He literally aims a gun that shoots a goon the same way Batman does in BVS. He could've given up on Penguin yet didn't and ultimately they had a full truck and car pile up in which multiple innocents died...and nothing is ever said or mentioned of that again? No different Batman in TDK using the Tumbler to crush that truck (which mind you at least had a criminal in it, not an innocent).
- The film is a slow burn, brilliantly written and executed, yet the let down is it urges patience and attention...for little pay off. I mean the Falcolne twist was nice but not mind shattering and for all the riddles the film was fairly, I'm not sure on the word, basic? They largely spoon fed all the information and nothing was exactly subtle. The third act could've really used a twist (other than the mass goon following, which was lacklustre and unoriginal). The film just felt a little frustrating. It could've ended with the arrest of the Riddler and it'd have been great. It dragged for no real reason. Batman is shot...and recovers! Batman is electrocuted and dramatically falls...and recovers! It was just a little anti-climatic.
- The whole plot was nice, the script was awesome. But the plot point of "rich bad" is a bit overdone and not at all interesting.
- The Batman "token" elements weren't there. Some will praise this, but it felt very jarring for me personally. Alfred was wasted, we hardly saw any Bruce Wayne moments despite the huge run time. He was basically Batman the whole time. We hardly saw his manor/house, they really used Arkham in an anti-climatic way, the batcave was lifeless.
- Also the narration was odd. It came and just...disappeared? Like it was a refreshing take. The journal was interesting but ultimatelty, like a lot of things, managed to feel wasted in a near 3 hour run time.
Overall, the film was AWESOME. The review may seem negative, but that's just me trying to be brutally honest and not to get caught up in the hype. I loved the detective element, the Se7en style inspiration and Pattenson (and the cast) was awesome. The cinematography was amazing, as was the score. I look forward to more from this franchise. Matt Reeves has done brilliantly. That said, a few elements stop it from being a full on masterpiece. That said, it's only the first entry, it could get way, way better!
Final Score: 8.5/10
Favourite Performance: Robert Pattenson
Favourite Set Piece: opening introduction of Batman
Favourite Quote: "It's not just a signal, it's a warning."
Recommended?: Yes!