by Katt Birdsell, Reporter
Does a broody vampire turn into a broody bat? Are they still trying to convince us that sexual chemistry exists because of a prolonged look and a kiss? Is the emo/goth vibe from the early 90’s using Nirvana on the soundtrack and make-up from The Crow alive and well? Do lazy writers still utilize the MacGuffin tactic? Is it good to see Paul Dano back at work? Is it annoying to see a modern movie be so out of date? The Batman answers all of these questions with a resounding “yes.”
In contrast to previous versions, The Batman explores a more detective-like storytelling element. A high-profile murder introduces a masked character with an online presence who demands “a rat” be “brought to the light.” The criminal has obviously done his homework and airs personal Wayne family history that makes connections between the family and organized crime. While Commissioner Gordon and Batman work together to identify the next target, Bruce Wayne is also on his own mission to unveil family truths. The murders continue and, in classic Riddler style, there is a riddle left for Batman at every crime scene. Despite Commissioner Gordon and Batman working together, the rest of the police force has a strong distrust of Batman and ridicule his involvement in the different cases. Batman is frequently told to leave crime scenes so has to rely on his contact lenses that record everything he sees. He reviews the footage in the Batcave and faithful Alfred helps decipher clues. As the murders escalate, we are introduced to familiar characters: Catwoman, Carmine Falcone, and The Penguin who each play a part in the growing conspiracy The Riddler is sharing on his online channel.
As much as I tried to pay attention to different elements of the film (the noir style, the constant close-ups, the plot, etc.) I kept getting caught up in the thoughts of how recklessly and tactlessly this movie handled current events and mind-sets. Sure, it’s “just a movie” but it’s not the kind of movie we need right now. Situations portrayed hit too close to home and cause more desensitization to the reality we live in without a masked vigilante. Although origin stories for “bad guys” have started trending, this was not the time to try and humanize a psychopathic terrorist. The movie makes implications that the common person in Gotham City sides with The Riddler’s views regarding wealth distribution and accountability for the rich. That in and of itself is fine. However, the citizens don’t seem to have an issue with The Riddler’s murderous tactics. The commentary of media vs. entertainment vs. truth vs. opinion leads to enough support that, when The Riddler unveils his plan for the next move, supporters show up dressed like him with assault rifles in an arena full of innocent people. The messages in the movie only continue to decline. Artists who have the clout and platform to create something like this need to consider their influence and do their best not to further perpetuate and support negative stereotypes, dangerous social lines, and mental health stigmas. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying everything has to be peaches and crème or even “woke” but there was a better way to go about all of this.
Even without the in-between-the-lines commentary, the movie is not well written, and the plot is muddled. The writers tried too hard to have everything connect which just turned things into being too coincidental. Clues, leads, and information are given up too easily and basic daily logistics are ignored which breaks the suspension of disbelief.
The cast lacks chemistry which isn’t hard to believe when you consider the writing. There’s an obligatory “romance” because what’s a movie without the hope of sex? Even without sexual tension (or lack thereof), there isn’t a backstory on relationships between relevant characters. There aren’t explanations or demonstrations of why characters are loyal to each other, they just are– and to an extreme extent but the actors didn’t stop and ask that age-old question, “What’s my motivation here?” The redeeming performance was Paul Dano, but he couldn’t shoulder the rest of the cast. Even then, we only “see him” in the third act. Until he is unmasked, the videos left by The Riddler could’ve been any angry person with an Instagram account.
This movie was disappointing in so many regards that it took a long time to figure out where to start and how to express what was wrong. It is an illustration of the industry wanting to make money and underestimating the audience’s intelligence. You can have a detective-action-superhero-fun movie that’s still smart and relevant, but this movie did not seize that opportunity.
ComicsOnline gives The Batman a disappointing 1.5 out of 5 reboots.
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