I went and saw The Batman (2022) at the movies this afternoon. I thought it was a great film as it kept me completely entertained, when considering the movie runs for 176 minutes is quite a feat. It has the right balance between Batman as a detective and fighting people to try and undo the Riddler's dastardly scheme.
Robert Pattinson is very credible in the role of Batman and in the few scenes he has as Bruce Wayne. Zoe Kravitz give a great performance as Selina Kyle/Catwoman. Paul Dano nails it as a very creepy and unhinged Riddler. Jeffrey Wright plays a very good Captain Jim Gordon (the movie is set before he becomes Commissioner, as Batman has only been operating for 2 years). John Turturro is sublime as Crime Boss Carmine Falcone, he gets the right balance between charm and menace, and Colin Farrell was very good as Oswald Cobblepott/Penguin. I thought Andy Serkis's Alfred was a little underwhelming, but he was not given much to work with (let alone screen time).
The Riddler's plot (without giving much away) centres on exposing the lies/corruption behind those in power. The trail even goes to the Wayne family door. It has twists and turns which you don't see coming, and a few redd herrings which when you learn the truth all make logical sense.
Michael Giacchino did the score, and he nailed it. It is very differet to that created by Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard for the Nolan trilogy of films. Giacchino's theme for Batman is just a few simple piano chords, but boy does it really convey strength, power and menace in it.
Personally, I'd give it an 8/10.
