Insane Chemistry with Kravitz and Pattinson Propels The Batman

On Halloween, Gotham City Mayor Don Mitchell Jr. is murdered by a serial killer. Billionaire Bruce Wayne, who has operated for two years as the vigilante Batman, investigates these slayings alongside the Gotham City Police Department (GCPD) with Lieutenant James Gordon.  Gordon discovers the Riddler has not only committed these crimes, but leaves a message for Batman.  At this point, everyone works in tandem to discover why the Riddler is toying with the masked marauder and how it all ties into his string of violently executed murders. All of this occurs twenty years to the day, Bruce Wayne’s family was murdered.

Directed and written by Matt Reeves, Batman is a little darker and grittier than before and perfectly presented by brooding Robert Pattinson.  Pattinson’s presence coupled with the alluringly, sensual  Zoë Kravitz, sizzles their chemistry off the charts where she matches him on every level, especially in their big fight scenes.. Paul Dano has an unnerving portrayal of The Riddler that will have you on the edge of your seat, proving that he always has his finger on the pulse of his characters from the inside out.  One of his most poignant , chilling scenes involves jail and ‘Ave Maria playing in the background.  Jeffrey Wright, inhabiting the role of Lieutenant Gordon, is always stellar, as is Peter Sarsgaard and John Turturro (whose chilling mob boss portrayal is everything).

Even though the pacing is painfully slow at the start, when it kicks it it soars with fantastic stunt work and some cool technical adds like camera contact lenses.  Themes permeating throughout that line up with where we are in the world like urban renewal, discord between politicians ranging from election policies drops (drugs).  Reeves also addresses why we wear masks.  Are we hiding out of fear?  Do we not want to be seen as out authentic selves?  Do we want out identity hidden for political or person reasons? However, the message that resonates the loudest is that vengeance won’t change the past slightly reminding audiences of our recent mishap shaped around the failed attempt to take over our nation’s capitol.

Overall, if you are a fan of this franchise, you will be elated and left salivating for more.  Luckily, you no longer have to wait as the film is currently available to stream on HBO Max, available to buy or rent, as well as online via YouTube, Vudu or Apple TV+.