*(This Review contains SPOILERS)*
The main things that stand up are the actors, plot and Film duration. Don't really trust the actors chosen for Batman, Gordon, Catwoman, Pinguin and Riddler. But I heard great things about the Colin Farrell as the Pinguin and about Robert Pattinson as the Batman. Now there's the possibility that some important Batman origins and plots were changed. Also, the methods or ways that drive Batman might not be accurate or at least good enough. Finally, the costume, specifically the Cowl/Mask design looks pretty bad. The more I see it the less I like it. Can't really take Batman seriously when je looks like that.---
Now that I seen the movie I can give my honest opinion. The first thing is to clarify once and for all what I already knew before watching it. This movie is definitely NOT A MASTERPIECE. Not in any sense, nor in Plot, Script, Dialogue, Editing, Acting, Soundtrack etc. It had many significant flaws. BUT also I was wrong, it wasn't as bad as I expected. It was a Good, descent movie with a lot of potential to improve even more. I will give my rating at the end but now I will get into the details.
The start of the movie seem ok. It had that atmosphere and dark tone to the city. The camera shots, suspense and mysterious tone was great. Then we heard Batman narrating his own story. That might give it more emphasis to what he relates but I believe that, in a live action film, just feels weird. At least I believe it wasn't needed it. Not to mention the voice. Doesn't sound that serious it actually sounds sad or tired. But maybe it was because of the character development or the current mood but I feel it had to sound more serious or intimidating. Still for the narrative part it could fit the moment but not for other scenes. Especially when interacting with criminals or threats. The voice needed another tone to differentiate from Narrating, Talking and Fighting but it sounded the same. Now the mask or Cowl. Not only the face opening too much but the tightness in the head and the small thin horns looked ridiculous almost like the Atomic Ant. But as the movie progress you do start to get used to it. It is even acceptable at least when standing and talking but not during combat. During combat the Cowl distracts a lot from the moment. Also, the eye shadow was unnecessary but ok, every Batman used it. But not during the movie. They didn't acknowledge that they used it. It was something for behind the scenes that added extra effects on the scenes. There was really no need to show him applying make up or using mess up eye shadow when he is not on costume.
Now the characters, locations, and references are pretty good. They use Iceberg Lounge, Gotham Square Garden, Police Station, Streets, Dinner, Train, among other comic accurate places. Then there is the Penguin. I heard so much about how good Colin Farrell did as the Penguin. But honestly there wasn't much to said about the Penguin. He was more of a side character. Probably the greatest part of the Penguin was the "El Rata Alada" part. It was pretty funny. But there was a problem with the Penguin. The prosthetic makeup didn't looked too professional. It look like he had a cheap prosthetic mask on the face or was placed improperly. Moving on to Catwoman, I believe Zoe Kravitz did a great job as Catwoman. She had the personality and skills as the character demanded. Maybe at first she seem a bit nice but as the movie progress she was toughen up. Also, there was a comedy side between Batman and Catwoman. It's fun for Catwoman, it suits her character personality but not on Batman. Batman doesn't make jokes or try to be funny like that. Now that I seen some of Gordon, Alfred, Riddler and Bruce I like it. Gordon is great. He was one of the actors I wasn't sure of it would suit the Gordon character. But he also did great. The though scenes and even the light comedy they gave him. Jeffrey Wright was another Actor that did his character great. Same with Alfred it was amazing, perfect for the character. Even do he didn't appear much Andy Serkis also did a great Alfred. Riddler was also great. Paul Dano did a great Riddler. Also, had some doubts about him. But didn't gave it much thought because I thought he was going to be a side character. But turns out he was one of the main vaillains. The mysteries, riddles, crazyness and planning was great. The other one Falcone was different. They gave Falcone a different presence and I believe they could have chosen another actor. I believe thebFalcone actor didn't fit the character. John Turturro did his part well but I feel they needed another type of actor to show more cruelty or more mob boss likeness. Bruce seemed ok, not much to see but good. Actually like Pattinson as Bruce Wayne. Still needs some improvements in both actor and character but it could improve in future films. Being this the first movie and judging its the beginning of Batman this has potential. Many things could improve or be fixed on a sequel.
The Thomas Wayne hidden agendas were interesting to explore. The possibility of pure corruption or necessity to defend his family. Plus the Martha Wayne's connection to Arkhan Asylum was a nice touch because some versions of Batman does show that.
The Gotham Square Garden scene with the flood and shootings looked nice. The tension built and the action was great. During the final fight scene the location, number of enemies and fights were very well made. But again a close range shotgun blast hurt him more than an even closer range explosion? And the need of drug to power him up when he was down? I understand this is an earlier Batman. So many of the mistakes or inconsistencies are justify by him being new to all the vigilante work. But then again as a 2 year vigilante he already has too many gadgets. In general, this movie started with a big hit and with a lot of potential to improve. Now if this is an earlier Batman a sequel or even a 3rd movie could learn from this movie to improve their small details. As a young Batman the sequel could take lot of different paths. They could bring another actor for a mature version of this Batman. Or keep Robert Pattinson but make sure he prepares more for the role. Physically and in studying more the character. Not just Batman and Bruce Wayne but anything related to Gotham City.
Finally, Im surprised. This was a massive production but it had small editing problems that should have been fixed. Also, some relaistic or logical stuff that wasn't credible. Some CGI, SFX, some logic from the scenes were confusing and inaccurate. The street scenes had some random soundtracks. Some did fit with the situation but others didn't. Some soundtrack didn't even enter on time for what was happening. Then the bomb scene was confusing. The bomb was placed on the cop head and Batman was just next to him with open Cowl and blast just push him with no serious damage? He was just unconscious for a few moments but it was a bomb. A bomb could do serious damage except it didn't did anything and he was right in front of him. But again a close range shotgun blast on the chest hurt him more than an even closer range explosion near the face and the whole body? That was interesting. Then need of a drug to power him up? That definitely wasn't needed. Gordon could have come to the rescue. Unless it might be use later for Scarecrow or other villains. Also, the gliding scene CGI was poorly done. When he open the gliding suit and glided down, the CGI looked pretty bad. They showed the "Batmobile" but was just an upgraded car but it's a nice start. Could be improved later. But that leads to the Concrete Cylinder? Not sure if it was made of Cement or maybe I was wrong and it was plastic. But Batman destroying a concrete cylinder with his Batmobile didn't looked good. The car would have been destroyed. The "El Rata Alada"? That was very funny. Probably the funniest part of the whole film. Not sure if it was an actual film error or meant like that. But it didn't look good. Bad translation lead to a clue? Think it was on purpose because they acknowledged it in a scene but could have been handled differently. Still it was funny.
The Catwoman being related to Falcone wasn't necessary. They should have found another kind of connection. It felt too force just to find a justification to connect the plot. But don't know if that comes from some comic version or if it was just invented on spot. The last thing was the film duration. Two hours was just perfect leaving you with wanting more content. But when they gave us the 3rd hour it felt too much. Some things from the last hours were interesting and needed but not everything. The final jail conversation was indeed interesting leaving you wondering what will be their approach on that character. From the little they gave us, sounded interesting but we will see.
Ok, thats the general and superficial aspects I noticed from the movie. Now overall I like most of the action scenes. They looked fluent and exciting. The movie shots were Great, lightning in the streets and scenes in darkness were nice. Most actors did Great with their characters and saw many pleasant surprises. The plot was great, I think they showed 1 main villain since the beginning and started to reveal another that was hidden and involved in everything. Movie does leave wanting to see were will they go from here. I think the sequel is confirmed so it should be better, that's the only way it will work. Overall I think it was a Good movie.
Rating: 7.0
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