This was my most anticipated movie for a long time and I'm glad I was able to watch it.
I have a feeling I need 2nd or 3rd watch before I can confidently say my opinions. But for the first rewatch, it's a great movie. It has something for everyone, but also strengths that other Batman movie even other cbm/movie doesn't. It's not without flaws either. The technical aspects are all amazing, besides some editing or VFX in some scenes. It flows really well and it has a purpose and story to tell. It's engaging and propelling. The mystery is good and compelling enough. Three hours flew past by with a good score as company. Feels like Long Halloween come alive. Like Gotham what i really want.
Performance is great all around.
I feel cheated that they released all scenes with Bruce in trailer and tv spots (since Bruce only appears in those) but this isn't Bruce's movie, this is THE Batman movie. Rob's doing a good job as Batman, he's unlike previous ones, so sometimes I'm taken aback but he's pulled out a detective and fighter Batman effectively. He looks bigger and calmer than I expected him to be despite being a vengeance. A lot of it is in his subtlety, so I need more rewatch to catch what I missed. As Bruce, he's like what Rob said, a weirdo. Feel different, but not really fleshed out so I don't think I can comment much. Will be the 2nd movie become THE Bruce Wayne movie then? I wish. But I notice how in some scenes he exudes that awkward-virgin boy persona when he was with Zoe. Which is a nice touch.
Zoe is amazing. She's naturally sexy and badass. She just embodies Selina. Penguin is funnily awesome, I want his show now lol. And Riddler OMG Paul Dano!! He's insane, he stole the two scenes he's in with his baby face and creepy smiles. I feel robbed that he does not appear that much, da**. The interrogation scene was my favorite. Gordon is funny and relatable. Love him. I really like Falcone too, he's stolen the scene he's in. Sadly, Alfred very much feels like a cameo especially considering his screen time to the 3-h time. F*** I guess I just want more from all of them. In short, in my opinion, they successfully bring out something different than previous actor's before.
Now to the story.
From the first scene with Bruce who narrates really well (his voice is the best one for me, period) and being the Batman with vengeance as the sole purpose. Yes, the main story is a detective murder mystery which is the focus in the first two acts, and the third act with the 'now we're doing superhero movie' arc basically. Which is kinda different.
I read some complaints about the third act so this is my own thoughts after i watch it. Maybe yes, it'll gonna feel like there's no build-up to the final act or no real stakes for Batman/the citizens and lower the intensity and a bit anti-climactic --like some people already did feel-- but in my opinion, it doesn't need to. I think what Matt Reeves intended isn't to create some 'superhero save the day or its over' tension but more like a realization. (Oh, i just realized something related in funeral scene to end scene, that's good! I would check it again to make sure)
And so when he narrates again at the end, his point of view and purpose is different from the first one. He changed. Reeves wants to connect the entire story, including the Riddler's plan and his goons, to Batman's arc. To me, yeah the detective batman that is fleshed out in most of the story is far more interesting than superhero batman, but we're getting both in this movie. How could I ask more? Scratch that, I'm glad about that decision.
Thinking about it more and after reading some others' thoughts, I love it more. Does it feel like TDK's third act? Maybe. For some, it's one of the weaknesses but for others, it is not. Same with this one. I do think, it tied up the story nicely.
The 3rd act in cbm mostly contains those tropes but with a bigger stake, so it feels more euphoric in the end or something like that. This feels like that too, just without much tension that seems so high throughout the story. That makes difference and I understand why there's a problem with it. Idk, everyone has a different opinion. But what Batman did in 3rd act is one of my favorite Batman moments ever.
Fighting scenes are really good, though it's not the main selling point. He's fighting like brawler. He's still made mistakes and hurt. Car chase scene is thrilling. One of my favorite moment too. Chemistry between Selina and Batman is good but idk I feel like I need more to see, because it's not focused on romance that much (more like attractions).
I write too long, but if I should write shorter I will say: Matt Reeves understood the assignment. He delivered with his style and purpose. So is everyone.
I think this gonna be a movie where you will like it the more you think about it (that's what I feel) but also upon rewatch.
Additional thoughts. Do I compare it to previous Batman movies before? The answer was yes. But I realize that it's natural, but also doesn't matter since I love them for enough different reason.
Love it. (So far I give it 8.8/10)
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