DC’s “The Batman” released on March 4, 2022 and is the first standalone Batman movie since 2012’s “The Dark Knight Rises.” The film was directed by Matt Reeves, who also directed the “Cloverfield” trilogy and the “Planet of the Apes” reboot. The film’s cast includes Robert Pattinson as Batman, Zoe Kravitz as Selina Kyle/Catwoman, Paul Dano as the Riddler, Jeffrey Wright as James Gordon and Colin Farrell as the Penguin. 

The cast all does a phenomenal job with their portrayals of their respective characters, but Robert Pattinson and Paul Dano stick out the most. Pattinson does an excellent job at portraying a Batman that is relatively new to crime fighting, as well as embracing the menacing, brooding Batman fans are used to. His performance also highlights the detective aspect of the character, which isn’t a side of Batman that is portrayed in live action often and is a welcome inclusion that makes Pattinson’s Batman stick out from the rest. The detective aspect of Batman is seen all throughout the movie as the Riddler leaves riddles for Batman to figure out and think outside the box in order to take down the Riddler. Dano’s performance as the Riddler is unlike any we’ve seen before as the character is a sadistic psychopath with malicious intent. Past performances of the Riddler paint him as a bit of a goofy character, and although Dano’s portrayal can be seen as goofy at times, his interpretation is a lot more frightening.  

The film does a good job of establishing the world of Batman, and each of its characters within Gotham City. The movie shows the early years of the relationship between James Gordon and Batman and shows how their relationship started. Jeffrey Wright does a good job as a reliable, trustworthy ally to Batman. The relationship between Batman and Catwoman is also a pivotal focus point in the movie, and the actors portraying the characters do a good job at displaying their unique and playful dynamic on screen. Zoe Kravitz does an amazing job at portraying Catwoman and highlights her personality and physicality well, which helps make her performance possibly the best interpretation of the character. For those who don’t know, this isn’t Zoe Kravitz’s first time as Catwoman as she also played the character in 2017’s “The Lego Batman Movie,” but she definitely stands out in her live action debut. Another familiar Batman villain is seen in the movie – the Penguin, played by Colin Farrell. Farrell’s performance is a good adaptation of the character and although he isn’t the main villain, his presence is noticed, and Farrell does a good job at showing off the greedy arrogant side of the Penguin.  

Matt Reeves shot the movie very well as certain shots in the movie feel like they were taken right out of a comic book and help add to the movie’s grand scope and enjoyment. The action sequences are another highlight and help demonstrate the action-packed side of Batman that fans enjoy. Matt Reeves did the Batman character justice with this film and the movie is one that can be enjoyed by old and new Batman fans alike.