Cindy Prascik's Review of The Batman

 

My dear reader(s) and fellow Batfans, today I bring you a review of Matt Reeves' The Batman.

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing plot-related that isn't evident in the trailers. Emo!

Batman faces off with Survivalist!Riddler in a bid for Gotham's very survival. 

Snarky synopsis aside, The Batman is a great Batman movie, and, yes, a great movie without the Bat-qualifier. I'm going to try not to let this get *too* long, but Batman is one of my most beloved characters, so...buckle up. 

The Batman is a dark film, and I mean in every way. It's never daytime. It never stops raining. There is no levity in dialogue or in action. Neither Bruce Wayne nor Wayne Manor enjoys much screen time; the film is wholly centered in Batman, the Batcave, and other similarly gloomy locales. When seen outside the cape and cowl, Bruce Wayne remains shrouded in darkness, both literally and figuratively. 

The Batman showcases a younger Bruce Wayne, ably portrayed by Robert Pattinson, but one who shares the physical exhaustion and world-weariness of his older predecessor (Ben Affleck). While many if not most Batman movies make a point of showing Batman's physical scars (he is, after all, only human, with no real "super powers"), this one also focuses on his mental scars: his torment, his jadedness, and even his vulnerability. Pattinson is the perfect actor for this role in this film. Even lacking Affleck's physical bulk, his Batman is dark and properly menacing. He is magnificent. 

A younger Bruce Wayne means a younger Alfred, personified in this outing by Lord of the Rings alum Andy Serkis. Serkis is a man of many faces, and this is hardly a stretch of his considerable talent, but his Alfred somehow seems less imperative than previous incarnations of the character. Zoe Kravitz is a little flat as Serena Kyle, definitely missing the spark of some others who have worn the catsuit. Colin Farrell, Paul Dano, and John Turturro are serviceable if unexceptional baddies. Finally, of course I found fault with Jeffrey Wright's Commissioner Gordon, not because I have anything against Jeffrey Wright (on the contrary, I'm a fan), but because he's not Gary Oldman and that's just a cross borne by all of us who aren't Gary Oldman. If only the whole world could be Gary Oldman. But I digress........ 

The Batman features a new Batman, but it is careful to avoid repeating the Batman origins story. It adds layers to Bruce Wayne's history without asking the audience to relive the pearls. Again. The plot is more detective thriller than superhero tale, with new twists built around familiar characters. At nearly three hours long, the film could use a trim, but I never felt the length, never checked the clock, and I'd go so far as to say it absolutely needs at least two and a half hours to bring its story from beginning to end properly. (That's 30 minutes' indulgence over what I'd normally allow!) 

The Batman has a few moments that struck me funny, mostly things that too closely mirror specific moments in The Dark Knight, and one scene that was so Blues Brothers-esque I almost laughed out loud. The narration is hokey early on, but gets less so as the movie progresses. There's plenty of action, yet The Batman is mercifully lacking the endless fight and chase scenes that plague most films of the genre. Michael Giacchino's exceptional score pairs poorly with certain scenes, making the music so melodramatic as to seem almost silly at times (or maybe that's vice-versa). Kudos to hair and makeup--turning Colin Farrell, the planet's most attractive human, into something ugly is no small feat! 

Following middling critical and audience reception for the Batfleck movies, many would call The Batman a redemption for DC in general and for Batman in particular. I'm enough of a Batfan that I'd argue the point (despite the mediocre films, Affleck remains my all-time favorite Batman), but I'll happily take this as a vote in DC's favor from the court of general opinion. 

The Batman clocks in at a whopping 176 minutes and is rated PG13 for "strong, violent, and disturbing content, drug content, strong language, and some suggestive material." 

Anyone who says it's as good as or better than The Dark Knight is delusional or blowing smoke (it's not even close), but The Batman is a great, fresh take on an oft-resurrected character, and I look forward to seeing where this Bat flies. Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Batman gets eight. 

Until next time...

MOVIE REVIEW: THE BATMAN

 

Batman ventures into Gotham City's underworld when a sadistic killer leaves behind a trail of cryptic clues. As the evidence begins to lead closer to home and the scale of the perpetrator's plans become clear, he must forge new relationships, unmask the culprit and bring justice to the abuse of power and corruption that has long plagued the metropolis.

Director: Matt Reeves

Cast: Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Paul Dano, Jeffrey Wright, John Turturro, Peter Sarsgaard, Andy Serkis, Colin Farrell

Release Date: March 4, 2022

Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Superhero

Rated PG-13 for strong violent and disturbing content, drug content, strong language, and some suggestive material

Runtime: 2h 55m

Review:

Matt Reeves' The Batman is a mash up of inspirations which results in a gritty noir detective thriller that takes the character back to his pulpy roots.  Reeves draws inspiration from excellent Batman graphic novels like The Long Halloween and Hush while also pulling cinematic inspiration from Se7en, Zodiac and Christopher Nolan's run.  The end result is a moody, atmospheric mystery that's as self serious as they come.  This take on the character focuses more on his deduction skills, even though there are a handful of action set pieces, which gives the film a more meticulous and methodical pace as the story unfolds.  Its the type of story that takes its time to reveal itself as we follow the characters down the rabbit hole.  Robert Pattinson, playing a much younger version of the character, brings the intensity and a simmering uncontrolled rage which hasn't been focused.  Pattinson gives us glimpses of the more unhinged aspects of the character as we see a character still finding his way, it's an impressive take on the character.  Jeffrey Wright, whose never been more earnest, works well onscreen with Pattinson which makes their interactions and relationship feels authentic.  Colin Farrell's take on The Penguin is one of the few character in the that feels like he's having fun with him providing a few moments of levity in the film.  Zoë Kravitz turn as Selina Kyle/Catwoman is excellent but underutilized since the script has her appear and disappear throughout the film.  Paul Dano and John Turturro play their characters a bit too over the top in comparison to the rest of the cast, its not jarring per say but noticeable.  Dano's character in particular would have been better served with a more subtle, understated and cerebral turn.  Overall, you have to appreciate Reeves holding the moody horror vibe for nearly three hours but it can become oppressive in spots which makes the case that some edits could have made this entry a sleeker more streamlined affair.  There are also portions of the final act that feel less like homages with scenes and sequences being lifted from other films almost verbatim which comes off as lazy.  Issues aside, The Batman is an impressive take on the character from a different lens which works on a different level than previous iterations. 

B+

MOVIE REVIEW: JACKIE

In the immediate aftermath of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, his wife Jacqueline Kennedy (Natalie Portman) deals with her immense grief while making plans for his funeral procession. Confiding in her close friend and secretary Nancy Tuckerman (Greta Gerwig), as well as her brother-in-law Robert Kennedy (Peter Sarsgaard), Jackie tries to care for her young family as a bereaved nation watches on. Pablo Larrain directed this nonlinear biopic. ~ Daniel Gelb, Rovi

 Director: Pablo Larrain 

Cast: Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard, Greta Gerwig, Billy Crudup, Beth Grant.

Release Date: Dec 02, 2016

Rated for R some Language and Brief Strong Violence

Runtime: 1 hr. 39 min.

Genres: Documentary

Review:

Pablo Larrain’s fascinating biopic about Jackie Kennedy is an incredibly power piece of filmmaking.  It’s a disorienting movie that takes you through the throws of grief on a personal level.  Natalie Portman is pitch perfect as the titular first lady.  It’s a deeply layered performance throughout.  Portman is able to go through so many psychological levels with impressive ease.  It’s a multilayered performance covers everything from grief, public persona and legacy building all rolled into one.  Larrain’s film isn’t your typical biopic in that it’s also concerned with myth making and how history can be created or skewed.  It’s a dense bit of story telling filled with excellent performances all around.

A

MOVIE REVIEW: LOVELACE

The life of one of the most infamous women in early '70s America gets a dramatization in this offbeat period biopic from co-directors Jeffrey Friedman and Robert Epstein. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

Director: Jeffrey Friedman, Robert Epstein

Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Peter Sarsgaard, Sharon Stone, Robert Patrick, Wes Bentley.

Release Date: Aug 09, 2013

Rated R for strong sexual content, nudity, language, drug use and some domestic violence.

Runtime: 1 hr. 33 min.

Genres: Drama

Review:

Lovelace boast an excellent cast and provocative subject matter. Unfortunately, the film’s direction and script takes the path of least resistance. The first half plays out like a love letter to the 70s while the second half screams made for TV Lifetime movie. Long time documentary filmmakers, Jeffrey Friedman and Robert Epstein, can’t find a proper tone for the film so they just split it up, giving us 2 versions of the same events. It might have worked if the script wasn’t so simplistic and clichéd. The characters are all broadly drawn with the titular character relegated to a victim for the better part and then short changing her transformation into a house wife and activist. There’s a better film in there somewhere but the people behind the camera can’t find it, it’s a shame because the cast is excellent. Amanda Seyfriend is excellent in the lead role. Seyfriend shows she’s got the range to show the character’s naivety, fear and strength. Peter Sarsgaard is equally tuned in throughout delivering a sleazy portrayal which just oozes through the screen even as the character gets more and more clichéd. The supporting cast is made up of interesting well known actors putting in strong performance in limited capacities; Sharon Stone Chris Noth and Bobby Cannavale are noteworthy. Sadly, Lovelace just can’t overcome its glaring issues with the script and direction.

C-

MOVIE REVIEW: GREEN LANTERN

IN THEATERS

GREEN LANTERN



A test pilot embraces his destiny as a cosmic superhero in Casino Ropyale director Martin Campbell's adaptation of the popular DC Comics series. Ever since he saw his fearless father perish in a tragic aviation mishap, all Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds) could think about was flying -- it was the only thing the brash, cocky, and irresponsible test pilot ever truly excelled at. Little did he realize he was destined for something much bigger. Somewhere out in space, a powerful force of evil known as Parallax is spreading fear and destruction; the only hope for defeating Parallax is the Green Lantern Corps, a group of intergalactic warriors powered by the force of will. When legendary Green Lantern Abin Sur (Temuera Morrison) is sent hurtling toward planet Earth after a deadly encounter with Parallax, his ring chooses Hal to continue the fight. The ring spirits our hero away to the Green Lantern’s home planet of Oa for training. The first human ever to receive the honor of becoming a Green Lantern, Hal is viewed with scorn by the league’s leader, Sinestro (Mark Strong), who trains him alongside the hulking Kilowog (voice of Michael Clarke Duncan). Later, on planet Earth, frail scientist Hector Hammond (Peter Sarsgaard) becomes infected with Parallax’s evil while performing an autopsy on Abin Sur, and uses his newfound powers to stake claim on Carol Ferris (Blake Lively), Hal’s lifelong friend and fellow test pilot. When Hal learns that Parallax plans to consume all life on Earth to gain the energy needed to conquer Oa, he begins looking inward for the courage to defeat the malevolent force and embrace his destiny as a super-powered peacekeeper. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Martin Campbell

Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Tim Robbins, Jay O. Sanders

Release Date: Jun 17, 2011

Rated Pg-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action violence

Runtime: 1 hr. 45 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure

Review:

Green Lantern is a film that feels bloated from the start. A fool’s errand gone wild, the budget was reported to have ballooned to 300 million dollars +, like blob like the primary villain in the film. Martin Campbell tries his best to steer the ship in an enjoy fashion but is left with just the most basic of comic book movie tropes and clichés. As a result, everything feels incredibly familiar and unexciting. It’s an inert film that rarely thrills or excites. Ryan Reynolds tries his best to give life to a character that’s so poorly written that he’s an enigma throughout. Reynolds does deliver his usual charm and wit when the script allows him to actually breathe which is incredibly rare. He never gets a good footing and the character kind of just movies along because he has to but not out of a natural sense of evolution. Blake Lively carries all the emotional weight of an invisible barbell. Her lines are delivered in the same wooden fashion throughout, not that there’s much she could do with a terribly underwritten and archaic female character. Peter Sarsgaard fairs no better as he’s handed an incredibly underwhelming role which serves no purpose in the long run other than run a tired dual daddy issues subplot into the ground. Mark Strong’s Sinestro is far and away the most fascinating and intriguing character, sadly he’s in the film for a criminally shortly amount of time. Tim Robbins and Angela Bassett suffer through some of the most embarrassing paycheck roles in recent memory. Their casting is a perfect example of how mishandled the entire enterprise is. The film stumbles and drags as it reaches its climax which feels more like an afterthought. Green Lantern works best when it’s in space, the FX are impressive and the characters there are far more interesting than their human counterparts, sadly most of the film takes place on generic comic book Earth.

D+

Bluray quality; Video is surprisingly poor for a film this new; Sound is excellent but hardly makes up for the poor qualities of the visuals.

I was hand-selected to be a member of Blu-ray Elite, a beta program from Warner Home Video which has graciously sent me this free Blu-ray disc.

Final [Trailer] Green Lantern

The final trailer for Green Lantern is out and it does contain some new scenes along with a more cohesive idea of the plot.

Trimmed down significantly is the Ryan Reynolds’s smart ass segments which highlighted the first few clips released.

What we get is a much better idea of the villain, general plot and a few passing glances of Oa and The Guardians.

Looks more like the space adventure I’d hope for in any Lantern flick.

This and Thor were the 2 comic movies I thought had the greatest chance to be sucked into an bottomless Velveeta cheese vortex.

Thor’s reviews have been strong and this one looks like it’s trending in the right direction…..

[Trailer] Green Lantern via Wonder Con

Well this looks a lot better than the original trailer. I've always enjoyed the space police aspect of the Lantern stories and it's great to see some of that highlighted in the footage....

Green Lantern Trailer

MOVIE REVIEW: KNIGHT AND DAY

IN THEATERS

KNIGHT AND DAY



A fugitive couple (Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz) wages a war between truth and trust while speeding across the globe in an attempt to avoid capture by a determined federal agent (Peter Sarsgaard). Paul Dano, Viola Davis, Olivier Martinez, Maggie Grace, and Marc Blucas co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Director: James Mangold

Cast: Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Peter Sarsgaard, Paul Dano, Viola Davis, Olivier Martinez, Maggie Grace

Release Date: Jun 23, 2010

Rated: brief strong language and sequences of action violence

Runtime: 2 hr. 10 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure, Comedy, Comedy

Review:

Silly, predictable and occasionally fun Knight and Day is exactly what it looks like, nothing and nothing less. A thinly veiled plot which only serves to move Cruise and Diaz from one set piece to another so madcap action can ensue. James Mangold shoots his stars as such and it’s light and fluffy with never an ounce of weight or depth. Mangold takes full advantage of the budget with beautiful locales all the while using his general “splosion” money well. Cruise is light hearted and fun, pretty much doing his Ethan Hunt character from Mission Impossible throughout. Cameron Diaz does her usual tomboy but I’m cute deal, something she has down pat, and smiles her Joker smile shrieking intermittently. She’s not as grating as she could have been so that’s always a positive considering what’s required of the role. The strange thing here is that Cruise and Diaz are strangely disconnected throughout as if they are both doing their own thing and the only reason we know they like each other is because the film tells us so. The supporting cast is pretty just going through the motions doing what’s required of their paper thin characters. In the end, it’s Cruise and Diaz showcase; if you enjoy them you’ll enjoy this overlong predictable film.

C