Director Matt Reeves’ “The Batman”, starring Robert Pattinson as the titular caped crusader, is one of the best superhero films ever made. While many harbored doubts about this new adaptation, comparing it to the beloved Christopher Nolan-directed “The Dark Knight” trilogy or expressing anger at Pattinson’s casting, “The Batman” instantly dispels these criticisms and proves itself as one of the best superhero movies to date, perfectly balancing the dark nature of the character with true heroism.

“The Batman” centers around the titular hero and his allies trying to solve a string of murders of high-profile Gothamites done by a cryptic murderer known as “The Riddler,” but he ends up uncovering more than he bargained for in the process. While “The Batman” is an incredibly long movie, it really doesn’t feel that way, as Batman and his biggest ally, Police Lieutenant James Gordon, are constantly progressing in their hunt for The Riddler, keeping the story from getting boring. Without spoiling anything, potential viewers should know before going to see it that it is not similar to most superhero or Batman films that they have seen. Reeves’ 3 hour detective epic is far more akin to acclaimed director David Fincher’s 1995 crime classic “Seven” or the Blade Runner series than it is to “The Dark Knight.” It is as realistic and gritty as superhero movies can get, choosing to focus on brutal serial killings over the bombastic terrorist plans of Christopher Nolan’s trilogy. There are several Riddler scenes that are brutal, graphic, and discomforting for even the most hardcore viewers to watch. Additionally, Pattinson’s Batman is far different than previous iterations- he is more silent and mentally damaged than he is suave and charming. However, the film serves as a great character study on Batman himself, and is one of the most loyal adaptations of his character to date.

“The Batman” has a distinct feel and look in Reeves’ direction that is rare amongst superhero films, and even most movies in general. Much of the story takes place in dimly lit, beautifully dreary Gotham nighttime landscape filled with a constant downpour of rain, somewhat like the cyberpunk world of the Blade Runner series. Pattinson menacingly prowls the night as Batman, with fancy new gadgets, a muscled-up Batmobile, some eerie eye makeup and one of the most haunting Batman themes to date, composed by the great Michael Giacchino. The music adds to the dreary, haunting tone of the movie perfectly, and makes every scene with Batman epic to watch. The action and fight choreography are the best they have ever been in a superhero film, as Reeves pairs Batman’s brutal fighting style with static, full-view shots. The cinematography is also a standout, with yet again some of the best that superhero movies have had. Reeves’ direction allows for far more visual creativity, as he often places the haunting silhouette of Batman in front of the rainy Gotham night sky.

The cast, additionally, is a huge standout for this film. All of the criticism directed at Pattinson was dispelled, showing himself off as a dark, brooding, violent and yet surprisingly emotionally tender Batman/Bruce Wayne. He portrays the caped crusader as a far more imposing and unstable character, while still keeping the core values of bravery and protecting the innocent that make the character who he is. Colin Farrell and John Turturro deliver standout performances as The Penguin and mob boss Carmine Falcone respectively, working well as villains for the film, with Farrell especially disappearing into his role. Zoe Kravitz is outstanding as Catwoman/Selina Kyle, and her chemistry with Pattinson’s Batman is on point. While many pointed at Andy Serkis as Alfred as a strange casting, Serkis proves himself to be worth the choice in this film, as he perfectly portrays the fatherly and tender relationship he shares with Bruce. However, the true standout of the cast is 100% Paul Dano, who delivers a haunting and yet creepily realistic portrayal of The Riddler, the main villain of the story. Dano feels like an actual serial killer and psychopath in the role, rather than the bombastic villains of past Batman films.

“The Batman” has instantly drawn comparisons to Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy starring Christian Bale as Batman, specifically “The Dark Knight.” While it is pointless to compare such different films, it is worth noting that “The Batman” is just as innovative, bold, and impactful as “The Dark Knight,” which is regarded by many as the best superhero movie and one of the best films of all time. “The Batman” once again cements the caped crusader as one of the greatest superheroes in movies while challenging genre tropes and reflecting our reality in a hauntingly emotional way, ultimately making it the best superhero film in a long time.

Grade: A+