The Batman

I went last night to see the newest Batman movie titled "The Batman" starring Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne or Batman. It had been hyped up and after being incredibly impressed with Joaquin Phoenix's performance in "Joker" I had to see "The Batman" movie to see how it would measure up. I was very excited to get to go the movie theater. I usually don't go anymore because it tends to be expensive and because I'm a smoker. There are not many movies that are put out that can keep my attention without a cigarette for 2 or 3 hours. I also don't have my own car at this time so traveling is a bit of a hassle. I got a ride and met with my friends (other comic fans who teach me a lot about comics) and we were all excited about seeing the film. I got my popcorn and soda, and was treated to the movie, and we sat down to watch. I enjoyed the viewing and out of 5 stars, I'd give it 4, but that's being really kind. I actually felt somewhat disappointed as I was leaving the theater. I wanted so much more from Pattinson and Kravitz. They weren't bad, they were good, but I can't say they were great. Maybe Kilmer and Keaton had it right when they played Batman flat. The little bit of depth that Pattinson contributed to Batman still wasn't enough. He looked good in the suit and his eyes were very expressive, but it wasn't enough. Maybe there is no way to give Batman the life that the villains get to express. Batman's best emotive line in this film was "I am vengeance." Which we already saw in the trailer. Besides that there was no significant dialogue or emotion-packed monologue. I found that a bit depressing.

The best acting performance and the most enchanting character came from Collin Farrell as Penguin. His make-up artist was truly gifted, and his performance was perfection. Pattinson did well as Batman, although I thought that the overdone exchanges between him and Alfred were unnecessary. Every Batman fan already knows about that relationship, and I found that redundancy boring.

Zoe Kravitz brought something new to the Catwoman character. She brought a sense of depth and sensitivity that has not been seen in Catwoman so far. Still, that is not the Catwoman I was hoping for. Her body is sexy, but Zoe played it off as reluctant. As though she wasn't happy or comfortable being Catwoman. It was difficult to cheer for her.

The Riddler, played by Paul Dano was fascinating. I had always thought Jim Carey's Riddler was the best; but I think Paul Dano's performance is equally as good. He matched the impact and impression like Phoenix did following Ledger's Joker. Well done.

The music was also well done, foreboding where it needed to be, and tender in the right places. I think the editors were weak. The movie went on for almost three hours and it doesn't deserve that much time. They could have wrapped it up in two hours. I don't know whether to blame the director or whoever chose the editor. Three hours was much too long for what they were presenting. I didn't even watch the ending because at the last half hour I was too bored to sit there anymore. Sad, but true.

If you're a Batman fan, you've got to see it to make up your own mind. I think the best jokers have been Nicholson, Ledger, and Phoenix. I think the best Riddlers are Carey and Dano. The best Penguins are Farrell and Devito. And in my opinion there is only one best Catwoman, Michelle Pfieffer. I really think it's sad for any woman to take on the Catwoman after Pfieffer's performance. It always disappoints me.

Finally, I could never give a 5 star rating to a Batman movie that gave such a short glimpse of the Batmobile. Seriously, less explosions and more Batmobile would have been much more interesting to watch.