The teaser trailers, posters, - all of the marketing in general of one of the most iconic characters in comic book pop culture have lived up to the hype! Matt Reeves and his team have pulled off an immaculate iteration of The Dark Knight. It is my opinion that this film will possibly go down as one of the greatest comic book films of all time when it is said and done.

The Batman follows Robert Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne two years into his stint as ‘Vengeance’. Wayne journals everything he does as the ‘Batman’. His desire is to change Gotham and the audience sees that Wayne feels as if he needs to do more. Of course, a comic movie is nothing without its antagonist - Insert The Riddler (Paul Dano) - a complex and vile villain looking to expose a hidden truth of Gotham and it’s criminal underworld. He takes out some of the most important people in the city, and it’s up to Batman to stop him. The question is, can he?

There are multiple subplots woven into the tapestry that is The Batman. Of course, Thomas and Martha Wayne’s murder. Also, Catwoman (Zoe Kravitz), a determined woman that will do whatever it takes to get what she wants. Then there’s Carmine Falcone (John Turturro) and Penguin (Colin Farrell), two men trying to keep their operation going amidst the chaos ensuing within Gotham.

The film is visually stunning. It showcases a Gothic-esque ode along with a brilliant score from Michael Giacchino to accompany Greg Fraser’s masterful cinematography – “Something In The Way” by Nirvana being integrated into the film’s music just creates an eerily nostalgic feeling. There are several images that give an adrenaline rush just based off of how they’re shot. These elements elevate the film to heights that no other Batman film has reached yet.

Reeves and Peter Craig give us a slow-paced script that dazzlingly builds on top of itself every step of the way. It is anxiety inducing in several ways - by the time we get to the third act the anxiousness is eating you alive. When the film concludes, you are left craving more of this Bat-verse Reeves has created. He leaves you anticipating more of the stories he’s got to tell about Gotham and it’s Dark Knight.

Robert Pattinson is easily my favorite Batman/Bruce Wayne. He’s not an emotionless statue that just changes his voice to accompany his character. He cares and loves deeply. In addition, Kravitz delivers in ways unimaginable as Selina Kyle. She entices the viewer each time she’s onscreen. The onscreen chemistry between Turturro and Farrell make for an exciting mobster team. They play the part very well. The talented Jeffrey Wright is an amazing Jim Gordon and I hope we continue to see more of him as Reeves continues building in this world.

There are most definitely more standout cast members, but Pattinson steals the show. Reeves stated that he based his Batman on Nirvana lead man Kurt Cobain. He made Bruce Wayne an adrenaline junkie and it shows every time Batman takes to the streets. He’s an addict for danger and a great detective. It’s a wonderful way to interpret a character as complex as Bruce Wayne.

As a DC fan, I am more than satisfied. This was an amazing solo superhero film. We have been spoiled so much as fans of comics, and this only adds to that. We are in for more surprises I believe. Reeves spills Easter Eggs and little hints at what’s to come in The Batman. He’s a great director who’s inherited a great franchise.

Rating - 10/10