The Batman has been considered a reboot of the Batman film franchise.
Starring Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne / Batman alongside Zoë Kravitz, Paul Dano, Jeffrey Wright, John Turturro, Peter Sarsgaard, Andy Serkis, with an unrecognisable Colin Farrell as Penguin.
Set after two years of fighting crime, the film sees Batman uncover corruption in Gotham City while pursuing the Riddler (Dano), a serial killer who targets Gotham's elite. Full marks for the portrayal of the Riddler. Never have I seen the Riddler in such a terrifying take. In previous Batman films, this villain has always been a bit lame in previous films.
Jim Carrey was a bit of a lunatic in previous Batman & Robin whilst Frank Gorshin was super camp in the camp 1966 film. So many bad outfits in the 1966 film.
Critics praised the performances, cinematography, direction, visual style, action sequences, and story, though some criticized the length. And you all know I hate a long film, this film, just under 3 hours.
It is intended to launch a Batman shared universe, with two sequels planned and three spin-off television series in development for HBO Max.
What do those sequels look like. Well, The Batman is intended to be the first of a new Batman film trilogy. Pattinson and Reeves expressed interest in introducing Robin and featuring the Court of Owls, Calendar Man, and Mr. Freeze as villains in a sequel.
The Spin-off series
1. Gotham City Police Department series - The series was intended to expand on the universe of the film and its exploration of Gotham City corruption. During the DC FanDome event in August, the series was revealed to be set during Batman's first year of crime-fighting, from the perspective of a corrupt GCPD officer.
2. Penguin series - By September 2021, HBO Max was developing a spin-off series focused on the Penguin. Farrell had been approached about reprising his role from the film, though no deal had been made. Farrell signed on to reprise his role in December, also serving as an executive producer.
Arkham Asylum series - In March 2022, Reeves confirmed that a third spin-off revolving around Arkham Asylum was in development. Explaining both the Penguin and Arkham Asylum shows, Reeves told The Toronto Sun, "We are talking and thinking about the next movie, but to be honest with you, at the moment, I really want the audience to connect with this. And I really believe they will because I think Rob is an incredible Batman."
So there is a lot more Batman on the way with sequels, spin offs and HBO Max getting a pile more programming on the way.
I really enjoyed Kravitz as Catwoman, whilst I had no expectations for Robert Pattinson taking over Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne AKA the Batman. I also loved the Riddler in this film. He actually was scary.
This was maybe the best film I have seen in 2022 thus far. It's been a rather random year for films thus far. So this gets a solid AF 4 stars.
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