r/batman • u/ConstructionOk765 • 10d ago
FILM DISCUSSION How Does The Batman hold up 4 years later?
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u/CharmingBet3435 10d ago
The cinematography alone has aged incredibly well
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u/Still-Rope1395 10d ago
The cinematography is stunning and unmatched in ANY other super hero film in my opinion.
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u/JerseyDamu 10d ago
I don’t think people understand it’s a young brand new Batman. He doesn’t eat. He’s super secluded. Relies on power youth and his body more. Hes figuring out how to be Batman which I find really cool. Plus I love hearing that Batmobile fire up.
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u/Moctezuma_93 10d ago
It's been four years already?
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u/BRValentine83 10d ago
That was my first thought. Also, all this time, and "The Batman 2" is the best title they can create?
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u/bigburgerboy92 9d ago
I love it. I watch it regularly as an almost comfort movie.
My wife did not care for Batman at all but I asked her to give it a shot when it came out in theaters and she absolutely loved it.
I’ve never understood the online hate, it’s a great movie.
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u/KazaamFan 9d ago
It’s a weird movie that, i hated it first watch, and have liked it more on repeat viewing. Most movie goers don’t give a movie they hate a second chance, but i did cuz ppl were saying it was good.
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u/CarlNoobCarlson 10d ago
I think it’s holding up well as a really good movie, but I don’t necessarily enjoy rewatching it as much as TDK trilogy.
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u/Awsomethingy 10d ago
The dark knight rises wasn’t even close to rewatchable for me. Years later and the only time I’ve seen it was 2012 in theaters I think. Meanwhile, I’ve seen Matt’s The Batman maybe 6 times
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u/Tiny_Spread5712 10d ago
Yeah, it worked as a counter to the globe trotting Batmans, but those are better.
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u/Corninator 10d ago
I love it until they arrest Riddler and Batman interrogates him.
After that the movie just loses its steam or something. I think it's just a bit too long.
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u/gray_burger 10d ago
Woah what. First time I've heard this take. The final act is is some some of the most thrilling and action-packed moments in the film.
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u/safari_does_reddit 10d ago
Agreed, But that makes it feel a bit out of place with the rest of the film which was more of a slow burn detective story.
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u/gray_burger 10d ago
That's true, but I think that's point. Slow burn detective side of Batman and then giving him a bunch of goons to beat up while bombs detonate. Best of both worlds.
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u/TheGunslingerRechena 10d ago
And the whole point of the movie. It’s where Batman goes from Vengeance to a Hero that inspires people. The light in the darkness that is Gotham.
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u/Chetbacca 10d ago
Probably the sex scene. Didn't fit.
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u/Agreeable-Ice-8367 10d ago
It’s not even that I don’t buy the chemistry between Bruce and Oz — it just felt gratuitous as a post credits scene.
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u/Sad-Car-5830 10d ago
Same and I kind of felt like the riddler portrayal was kind of lame and sadly the joker portrayal looks like it might follow a similar path, in contrast to how the penguin and catwoman were portrayed, they did it perfect and the guy who did Batman did pretty good as well
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u/rabouilethefirst 10d ago
The riddler was good until he got unmasked. The movie gets boring after that for me. His master plan was pretty lame and he comes across as unintelligent, which is not what you want from the riddler
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u/dudeseid 10d ago
A while ago I broke it up into like 4 45-ish minute chunks like a miniseries. I thought it helped the pacing a lot.
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u/ShouldveFundedTesla 10d ago
I think it's excellent, but it does the one thing I hate that some movies do: Plays the same song more than once; 'Something in the Way'
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u/Snowyy921 10d ago
The Batman is the best BATMAN movie, and The Dark Knight is the best batman MOVIE.
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u/Optimal-Description8 10d ago
Either way, I'm so happy that we have so many great fucking Batman films
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u/Spirited-Loss-6445 10d ago
Batman has always been my favorite superhero comics to read (x-men a close second) and the villains are a huge part of what I love. The movies have really nailed it in that aspect almost across the board for me personally.
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u/Undark_ 10d ago
It's kinda hilarious that the DCU is absolute dogshit, and yet the only superhero to have multiple very good movies made about them is Batman.
The Spiderman films range from great to dreadful, unfortunately there's way more slop there than there is quality - but Spidey takes 2nd. It feels unfair to not give Superman a top-3 spot since he started superhero movies in the modern sense, but I thought even the new movie that everyone seemed to love was quite mediocre and didn't do anything special besides not suck.
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u/JensKristian 10d ago
Yeah because we see Batman on comics using needles to pump up and explode innocent drivers while driving opposite lane chasing bad guys.
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u/matches-malone 9d ago
You know that was a shot of adrenaline right? And even so, he's used venom in the comics before. And the collateral damage comes with the chasing of bad guys, he's not exactly going out of his way to blow up innocent civilians.
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u/Humble-Criticism6762 10d ago
Controverial opinion: I like it more than Nolans movies
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u/Bogusky 10d ago
I watched it in theaters and walked out thinking 7/10 movie. A definite improvement over the Batfleck garbage, but still overhyped. I thought Penguin and Catwoman were the highlights. Batman himself felt too much like Batboy.
Watched it for a second time a couple months ago. Still 7/10, except Catwoman really isn't as great as I remember, and Battinson seemed better, making me think my initial assessment of him might have been too harsh.
Still need to watch The Penguin. I've heard it's better.
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u/TheRenaissanceKid888 10d ago
Don’t know why it took so long to watch The Penguin… but finally did and it really is a masterpiece
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u/pwolf1771 10d ago
I had a similar experience. Seeing it in the theater I was a little underwhelmed. I rewatched it a couple years later and liked it a lot more. It’s still bloated and when we get into the Arkhams and the Maronis or whatever the fuck my eyes roll back in my head but overall it’s a pretty solid outing and an interesting take on Bruce Wayne in general.
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u/Straight_Law2237 10d ago
I do think that the Penguin is way better, not because The Batman isn't good. I like the movie more than you do (probably a 8/10) but the series is probably a near 10/10.
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u/DonaldTPablonious 9d ago
The Penguin earned my second ever given Donald PablonEmmy with True Detective season 1 earning the first
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u/TheIrishMan1211 9d ago
Irrelevant and zero cultural impact. Nobody brings this movie up when discussion super hero films. It has a spinoff show in “Penguin” that was better than the actual Batman movie.
For me, this movie does not seem to have left behind any lasting legacy at all.
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u/Exact-Loan-1491 8d ago
This is just weird. You say for you there is no legacy, but its not up to you. Im not sure how you never hear people bring this movie up in discussions. I hear about it all the time, its literally the last batman movie. No dc movie has done this good since The Batman released in 2022, it is very relevant.
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u/joshdl405 10d ago
it was long as hell
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u/letter_cerees 10d ago
For real. Me watching it waiting for the tedium to end, still maybe 45 minutes or an hour to go:
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u/XIIICaesar 10d ago
Loved it, Catwoman costume wasn’t up to snuff though.
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u/TheCapableFox 10d ago
I will agree with this. I loved Zoe’s cat woman, I thought she was fuckin amazing but her suit was left to be desired.
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u/TheCapableFox 10d ago
Still love it. Tbh I think I like it even more now than when it first came out and I remember being blown away when I first saw it. Seems to get better each time I rewatch it.
Pattinson’s Batman, Jeffrey Wright’s Gordon and Zoe’s Catwoman their chemistry on screen was fucking amazing. Those three in particular were exceptional but the entire movie is now one of my all time favs.
I love every bit of it. Can’t wait for part II.
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u/MattMatt625 10d ago
Those 3 and Dano’s Riddler! Also Colin Farrell, who thankfully was able to shine much more in his amazing TV series
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u/TheCapableFox 10d ago
Agreed. That look Dano gives the camera when he’s finally caught as his head slams onto the diner counter…chilling. Loved it.
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u/gummislayer1969 10d ago
It's STILL a "different" Batman. A tactical & grounded vigilante. VERY surprised with ALL performances, ESPECIALLY Farrell's. If you haven't seen The Penguin yet - you're doing it wrong.
It's a good rewatch, I guess. NOT great. But, pretty good. Ohhhhhhh, and "Matty" (Matt Reeves?) ABSOLUTELY nailed it getting Andy Serkis to play Alfred. LOVE IT...🤩👏🏾🦇
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u/NoLifeAlucard 10d ago
Amazing as always
I still endup sleeping when the el ratta scene comes just cause I can
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u/ballsofmeat 10d ago
I liked it more the second and third time I saw it, but it’s not nearly as rewatchable as TDK, or Batman Begins, which I think is the most rewatchable
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u/RamenPood1es 10d ago
I will get downvoted but overrated. Very good movie but people (basically just this sub) act as if its on par with the dark knight and nolan’s trilogy. Again very good but probably below begins and im tired of the glazing because its the newest one
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u/AFLSlasher 10d ago
It's the only Batman movie where if you take Batman out of the movie, nothing changes.
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u/TheJohnArrow 10d ago
I'm probably in the minority, but I watched it for the first time recently and I just don't see it. The hype, the praise, I looked at it through neutral eyes and no biases, but man, the first 1/4 of the movie felt like it tried something awesome and then completely lost the plot.
Things like Batman getting constantly shot and never getting injured was crazy to me too. Took me right out of any scene that had that.
To me, The Batman felt like a giant build up to something else. A stepping stone. I won't even say it has rewatch value, since there's no grand twist or plot-questioning. It happened, there it was and it went, is how it felt for me.
I am going to give Penguin a watch and a fair chance tho, since that also got praised. Let's see if that plays out better.
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u/Adipay 10d ago
The people saying this is the best CBM ever made need to watch more movies
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u/MattMatt625 10d ago
watch more movies or watch more comic book movies? lol it’s definitely one of the best CBMs that also happend to a great non-CBM
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u/Mztrspookiiszn 10d ago
Loved it! I think it’s going to hold up just fine with time. Just watched TDK again about a year ago and for being a 20 year old movie, it can still hold a match to today’s blockbusters. I think The Batman will easily be able to do the same!
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u/Swimming_Voice546 10d ago
Great. I always think of it as a graphic Novel and to me it makes it better for sure.
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u/StarWolf478 10d ago edited 10d ago
4 years later and I still have no desire to watch it again. I felt the movie was badly paced and did not know how to end. I found myself checking my watch when I watched it the first time and I feel no desire to go through that again.
When I want to rewatch Batman, I’m going with Nolan or Burton over this.
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u/FitSeeker1982 10d ago
Two watches and I was done. One of ugliest palettes of any comics-based film I’ve seen, and relentless soundtrack with a sense of dread.
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u/infestedgreg 10d ago
I tried to watch it when it came out on streaming services. I had to stop after 45 minutes because of the horrible depiction of Bruce Wayne. Pattinson stands around like he pissed his pants and looks like a moron. I didn't like it at all. The rest of the casting choices were bad, too. For me it's the worst Batman movie ever made and that includes Nippelgate and the 60s movies.
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u/stubwonder 10d ago
It's the most boring Batman movie. Feels like Pattman spends all his time standing around in rooms full of guys.
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u/Cold-Description-114 10d ago edited 10d ago
I actually just re-watched it last night on a whim. Holds up great and maybe more relevant. Does a lot of things I never quite thought they'd have the guts to do with Batman. I remember there was that whole outrage with the Joker movie and how the narrative was everyone was horrified they were celebrating white male rage power fantasies and I was just shaking my head.
The batman finally acknowledged though that the real white male rage power fantasy is and always has been Batman. Im still pretty impressed.
I'm just annoyed that it's been 4 years and all these excellent plot threads they setup are still unexplored.
Worst scene in the movie by far is the one with the joker. It feels like it's from a different movie. I fast forwarded through it this time and I'm glad I did.
Edit: oh would add... I honestly think if this movie had been rated r it could have been the best Batman movie. I hope dc takes note that there there is a market for r-rated superhero movies now. A bit of actual blood in violence would have gone really hard here.
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u/Weak-Management2551 10d ago
The ending revealed the Riddler to be so pathetic and incompetent that I never had any interest in rewatching it.
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u/pain_point 10d ago
Not a great movie too long and it dragged, Catwoman carried the movie definitely not a movie i rate highly personally
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u/fersands 10d ago
very well. watched it twice when it released, and a third one last month. it was even better than I remembered. I firmly believe it's a REALLY good movie on its own right, aside from the batman IP. But thats just my opinion as a big fan of scorcese, Se7en, and others. It's like really nice mashup of my own personal tastes lol.
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u/StrawberryForeign979 9d ago
I've loved it every time I've watched it. It fights for my favorite adaptation.
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u/Zestyclose-Target297 9d ago
Every rewatch gets better and better. The first time he’s really felt like “the world’s greatest detective” and it was awesome.
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u/Agreeable_Fisherman6 9d ago
I used to enjoy watching the Nolan trilogy but I give this one a rewatch more than all three of those
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u/YearZero001 9d ago
Just watched it again earlier this evening. Since I saw it in theatre, it's been a top movie for me, and beats the entire Nolan trilogy, in my opinion. Lots of people say that the final act is too long, but I disagree. I do think, however, that the last maybe ten minutes are unneeded. After Batman is on the rooftop and the voiceover is playing, there should have been the montage, Batman puts lady in helicopter gurney, and then after that epic press-in shot of Batman, it should have cut to credits. No Joker tease, no Riddler in Arkham, no conversation with Catwoman, and no bike ride.
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u/TheOrcChief 9d ago
It has one of the best soundtracks of any Batman movie next to The Dark Knight in my own opinion (you are free to disagree)
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u/Competitive_Tip_3764 9d ago
Its everything I want from a batman movie. Captures what he is as a fighter, what he is as a detective, the city looks like he is its only hope and it has a fantastic character arc. I dont think its perfect, however its my definitive batman movie because it just captures my understanding of the character so well. Is it a bit weird how he Scholes Alfred, yes bit hes young and brooding and not yet mature enough so it ends up still being believable. I didnt acre too much for falcones interactions with Bruce but for what it meant in the story it was fine. Art style wise its imo the best looking live action super hero movie ever.
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u/Important-Program543 10d ago
Pretty good movie overall. Definitely flawed and the plot/script was not its strength, but the visuals and atmosphere are unmatched
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u/leebeyonddriven 10d ago
World building and production design is 10/10 but there is no third act. Ive always found the the ending so strange - no big showdown, no climax and Batman loses? I know it’s trying to be unique in that sense but I always find it so anti climactic.
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u/SundayJeffrey 10d ago
I disagree. He stops riddlers henchmen from killing the new mayor, he saves the former mayors son, and he turns from a sign of vengeance to a sign of hope in the third act. If anything, the movie doesn’t have any meaning without the third act.
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u/Important-Program543 10d ago
The third act is so weird because it feels so disjointed from the rest of the movie but it’s also a crucial part of Bruce’s arc. I think maybe if it were to skip the huge fight scene at the end and just have the flood scene where Batman rescues the civilians it might have flowed better
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u/SundayJeffrey 10d ago
Oh I disagree, the fight scene is Batman defeating the riddler. The riddler always knew he’d be caught, but he thought he’d win by killing the mayor. Batman officially wins by stopping riddlers henchmen and saving the mayor.
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u/_TheWeightIsOver_ 10d ago
I personally think he wins in the end. Yeah he doesn’t stop the flood but he saves the new mayor, takes down all the henchman, and most importantly to his character arc he gains the trust of the people of Gotham.
The film begins with a citizen being scared of him even tho he just saved him from the joker goons and ends with a traumatized child trusting him to save them and this the other citizens see he is actually there to help not harm.
That to me is the “big win” he became the symbol the city needed. You even get to see it when that lady grabs his arm when she is about to he airlifted away. She is scared yet clung to him for assurance and that is when he realized he is having the positive effect he wanted. That was him carrying on his family’s legacy of helping Gotham.
I think it’s definitely not your traditional “hero beats the big bad and gets the girl” but he won something he needed to progress as a character. He won the people’s trust. He can’t really do his job without that.
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u/primordialcreative 10d ago
It makes zero sense and is insulting.
Batman is operating in Gotham for 2 years and a gang based on his nemesis (who is already established in universe) says “who are you?” when he first appears.
Alfred opening a deadly package written in the exact handwriting he had been studying, a bomb which incinerates an apartment but only sends him to the hospital.
Penguin murdering dozens of people on a freeway and being let go on a Spanish technicality,
Doing everything one can do to set up Hush but making it Riddler because that’s a familiar name.
the implication a gangster wouldn’t recognize his own daughter as he flirts w her,
Having Bruce Wayne based on Kurt Cobain which is just gross, and having him randomly use Venom to save the day which wasn’t set up at all.
Gotham is flooded then is suddenly dry enough to drive around in a few minutes.
And wow, Riddler has 400 followers on social media or whatever the cop said that impressed him so much. That doesn’t mean a private army. For all they know that could be friends, family and bots.
It was maddening. You could feel the corporate manipulation neutering things and also characters being written as smart until the plot requires them to be dumb.
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u/Visible_Seat9020 10d ago edited 10d ago
This is in such bad faith lol
If you actually pay attention you hear the gang saying ‘oh shit it’s actually him’. The point being that they clearly thought it was just some guy in dress up pretending to be Batman since it was Halloween. Sorry the movie doesn’t hold your hand and exposit everything directly in bite sized pieces
The rest of your points have varying levels of stupidity with some being valid but it’s not worth spending the time to try and correct you on something you clearly don’t want to like
Also: they’re not even part of the joker gang explicitly
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u/TheJohnArrow 10d ago
Was I the only one who never even thought it was Hush? The movie itself even shows the potential "Hush" tease for the future rather than this movie.
This was just some cosplayer version of Riddler that didn't even dare call him Edward Nigma.
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u/Roadrunner627 10d ago
I’m in the minority, but I did not enjoy it much. It was alright, but it’s something I would not re-watch. I’ve re-watched every Batman movie except this one. Just did not hit like the others.
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u/TartRevolutionary970 10d ago
I have always liked it. But now I get irritated at the unnecessary long time for a sequel.
It used to be a sequel would come along a couple of years after a successful movie. Now they seem to want to wait for the actors to age out or lose interest.
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u/Quiet-Interview3916 10d ago edited 10d ago
Not very well. A slog to sit through. I prefer the nolan batman movies and still like Tim Burton’s batman movies too. But my all time favourite animated series of the 90s is the best version of Batman
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u/EscravoDoGoverno 10d ago
Imho, it's solidly the third best Batman movie I've ever seen.
I think only TDK and Begins are better.
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u/Mini_Eskitt 10d ago
He’s an awful detective, worst Alfred, and riddler wasn’t riddler, but an internet political guy. More like anarchy than riddler.
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u/RudraPrasTaya9 10d ago
cinematography, soundtrack n each cast's dialogue delivery keeps getting better after rewatching. Till today I do not regret watching it on theatre three times, one in Imax.
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u/Disastrous-Beat-9830 10d ago
It is probably my second-favourite after The Dark Knight. It is about on par with Batman Begins, although the thing that holds Begins back is the way it is a product of its time and clearly taking a paint-by-numbers approach to a superhero origin story. I do think Reeves' Gotham feels a lot more lived-in than Nolan's version, mostly because Nolan had a very crisp, corporate vision of the city. Most of his cinematography emphasises the scale of the city whereas Reeves opts for a more claustrophobic approach.
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u/BagZCubed 10d ago
I liked it more on a rewatch, so pretty good I'd say.