2022's The Batman was a film that I really didn't care for. I was so upset by the film that I didn't act as rationally or fair as I should have. I wanted to describe why the film didn't work for me in the most respectful way that I can.
I want to make it clear that if you like the film, that's not a bad thing. In fact, if you had a great time watching the film, I'm glad that you had fun. My intention isn't to force or pressure people to dislike the film as much as I do. My intention also isn't to mock anybody who worked on the film. I may not like Matt Reeves as a director or Robert Pattinson as an actor, but I don't dislike them as people. I care about all people, and I don't encourage people to insult others for films that they dislike.
My problems with the film:
Robert Pattinson's Bruce Wayne is too similar to his Batman. Batman is often a brooding character, but that aspect of him isn't supposed to be present when he's Bruce Wayne. He often pretends to be a spoiled playboy to disguise his true identity. Granted, this film takes place early in Batman's career. However, versions of Batman who were just starting out, like Batman: Year One and Batman Begins, were already succeeding at disguising themselves. Since this film's Bruce Wayne is intense and brooding it's hard to see Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne.
Bruce Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth don't have as close of a bond as usual. In addition to being a butler, Alfred typically serves as a loving father-figure to Bruce. However, in the film, Bruce and Alfred's relationship doesn't feel as close and tender as usual. The fact that Bruce still looks like he's brooding while visiting Alfred in the hospital doesn't help.
Commissioner Gordon feels too much like a pushover. Commissioner Gordon is usually a strong authority figure that is loving but can firmly stand his ground. In this film, he acts more cowardly, and he seems to need Batman for everything. Also, at one point, Batman punches Gordon and Gordon doesn't do anything about it.
Catwoman isn't as witty and compelling as usual. She's typically a character that blurs the line between villain and hero. This leads to her having a mischievous, unpredictable charm. However, in this film, Catwoman lacks the playfulness and fun of other versions of the character. She and Batman lack the strong chemistry that they normally have. Also, the scene of Bruce watching her change was unnecessarily creepy.
The new take on Riddler doesn't appeal to me. Riddler is one of my favorite villains, because of how entertaining and charming he is. Turning Riddler into a serial killer who is motivated by revenge, rather than a battle of wits with Batman wasn't a change, for the better. Batman has fought serial killers before, such as Victor Zsasz, so I wish that they had used somebody other than Riddler if they wanted a serial killer.
This film's Carmine Falcone lacks the compelling complexity that he has in the comics. In the comics, Carmine acts like a ruthless mob boss towards his enemies, but he legitimately loves his family. This film removes his redeeming qualities and makes him more one-dimensionally evil. Also, Carmine flirting with his daughter was another unnecessarily creepy addition to the film.
Overall, this film doesn't have the aspects of Batman that I love. If the film did or didn't work for you, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
I want to make it clear that if you like the film, that's not a bad thing. In fact, if you had a great time watching the film, I'm glad that you had fun. My intention isn't to force or pressure people to dislike the film as much as I do. My intention also isn't to mock anybody who worked on the film. I may not like Matt Reeves as a director or Robert Pattinson as an actor, but I don't dislike them as people. I care about all people, and I don't encourage people to insult others for films that they dislike.
My problems with the film:
Robert Pattinson's Bruce Wayne is too similar to his Batman. Batman is often a brooding character, but that aspect of him isn't supposed to be present when he's Bruce Wayne. He often pretends to be a spoiled playboy to disguise his true identity. Granted, this film takes place early in Batman's career. However, versions of Batman who were just starting out, like Batman: Year One and Batman Begins, were already succeeding at disguising themselves. Since this film's Bruce Wayne is intense and brooding it's hard to see Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne.
Bruce Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth don't have as close of a bond as usual. In addition to being a butler, Alfred typically serves as a loving father-figure to Bruce. However, in the film, Bruce and Alfred's relationship doesn't feel as close and tender as usual. The fact that Bruce still looks like he's brooding while visiting Alfred in the hospital doesn't help.
Commissioner Gordon feels too much like a pushover. Commissioner Gordon is usually a strong authority figure that is loving but can firmly stand his ground. In this film, he acts more cowardly, and he seems to need Batman for everything. Also, at one point, Batman punches Gordon and Gordon doesn't do anything about it.
Catwoman isn't as witty and compelling as usual. She's typically a character that blurs the line between villain and hero. This leads to her having a mischievous, unpredictable charm. However, in this film, Catwoman lacks the playfulness and fun of other versions of the character. She and Batman lack the strong chemistry that they normally have. Also, the scene of Bruce watching her change was unnecessarily creepy.
The new take on Riddler doesn't appeal to me. Riddler is one of my favorite villains, because of how entertaining and charming he is. Turning Riddler into a serial killer who is motivated by revenge, rather than a battle of wits with Batman wasn't a change, for the better. Batman has fought serial killers before, such as Victor Zsasz, so I wish that they had used somebody other than Riddler if they wanted a serial killer.
This film's Carmine Falcone lacks the compelling complexity that he has in the comics. In the comics, Carmine acts like a ruthless mob boss towards his enemies, but he legitimately loves his family. This film removes his redeeming qualities and makes him more one-dimensionally evil. Also, Carmine flirting with his daughter was another unnecessarily creepy addition to the film.
Overall, this film doesn't have the aspects of Batman that I love. If the film did or didn't work for you, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.