The anticipation for The Batman is sky-high as the film's release inches closer. Directed by Matt Reeves, the upcoming DC film will introduce a brand-new take on The Dark Knight, portrayed by Robert Pattinson. The Batman is set to explore Bruce Wayne's second year as Gotham's protector, with the film doing a deep dive into the character's detective roots amidst the city's crime-infested roots.
In the film, Pattinson will be joined by characters straight from Batman's rogue's gallery, which includes Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle, Colin Farrell as Penguin, and Paul Dano as the main villain, Riddler. Plot details of The Batman are still being kept under wraps, but the detective angle combined with the impressive fight sequences seen thus far in official footage should boost the hype for its upcoming release.
Now, initial reactions from critics have arrived, giving fans a preview of what to expect in the movie.
The Batman First Reactions Officially Arrive
Ahead of the film's March 4 release, the press shared its first reactions to Robert Pattinson's The Batman on social media.
Comicbook's Chris Killian shared that The Batman is "like a living, breathing graphic novel come to life," saying that it's grounded in realism like Christopher Nolan's films:
"#TheBatman is like a living, breathing graphic novel come to life.
It’s grounded in realism like the Nolan films yet drenched with a neo-noir pulp that captures the comic book vibe of Batman better than anything since the animated series. Matt Reeves understands Bats."described
Fandango's Erik Davis The Batman as a "ferocious detective drama punctuated by moments of incredibly visceral action:"
"I've seen #TheBatman and it is a ferocious detective drama punctuated by moments of incredibly visceral action. Matt Reeves' direction is dark, deep, intense & flooded w/ instantly iconic imagery. A live-action BATMAN movie unlike any we've seen. Brilliant & badass. BIG recommend."
Comicbook's Brandon Davis praised The Batman director Matt Reeves, saying that he "mashes several Batman stories into a raw, real take for an epic detective noir:"
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"#TheBatman is a visceral, good movie. Matt Reeves mashes several Batman stories into a raw, real take for an epic detective noir. An impressive, lengthy cinematic journey.Brilliant visuals. Repetitive, revolving door of locations. Tremendous music from Michael Giacchino."
Collider's Steven Weintraub admitted that he "absolutely loved" the movie while also praising cinematographer Greig Fraser, Michael Giacchino's score, and James Chinlund's production design:
"absolutely **loved** @mattreevesLA #TheBatman. Reeves has crafted an amazing film that happens to star Batman. The filmmaking on display from all departments is brilliant. @GreigFraser_dp cinematographer + @m_giacchino score + James Chinlund’s production design is superb."
The Wrap's Umberto Gonzales boldly claimed that Reeves finally gave fans "the most comic-accurate portrayal of the Dark Knight Detective:"
Matt Reeves #TheBatman FINALLY gives us the most comic accurate portrayal of the DARK KNIGHT DETECTIVE in film. The movie to me is an homage to the great Batman writers like Denny O'Neil, Frank Miller, and Jeph Loeb. Pattinson did the homework and delivered. #TheBatmanMovie."
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Most Critics Love The Batman
The first wave of reactions to The Batman is mostly positive, and this should serve as a good sign for fans who are eager to watch the film in theaters.
Based on the reactions, it seems that the film's detective aspect is the one that takes the spotlight the most alongside the combined might of the cast's stellar performance and the film's production prowess. The fact that several comments claimed that The Batman is the best Batman film of all time should also generate more anticipation as the film's release inches closer.
The Batman director Matt Reeves previously shared that he and Warner Bros "have started talking about another movie," and these reactions essentially supported that quote. If anything, this means that Warner Bros. is confident about the film's success, and a sequel could eventually be confirmed in the weeks after its release.
The Batman is set to premiere in theaters on March 4, 2022.