5 Reasons Why You Need To Buy The Batman

There is no denying that the character of 'Batman' is one of the most recognisable figures in popular culture. You can show anyone around the world a picture of the caped crusader, and they would recognise him instantly. He has transcended his comic book origins and has become a staple in both film and television, with numerous actors putting on the cape and cal over the course of 50 years. Including: Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christina Bale, Ben Affleck, the voice of Kevin Conroy and now Robert Pattinson in the latest entry of the long-running franchise. Pattinson stars as both Bruce Wayne and his dark, vigilante persona 'The Batman', in Matt Reeves' 'The Batman'. Reeves has spent the last 15 years of his career, building a solid resume of thrillers and quality blockbuster entertainment. His resume includes 2008s 'Cloverfield' and the Dawn and War of The Planet of The Apes respectively.  The man knows how to blend deep themes, with personal tragedy highlighting the human condition in its most vulnerable state, so naturally it made perfect sense for him to direct a Batman film. So today, let's take a look at this latest big-screen outing with the caped crusader. These are the five reasons why this new adaptation is simply amazing! Here, we go! 

Robert Pattinson as the caped crusader - A staple of Matt Reeves filmography thus far, are grounded and realistic portrayals of his characters. Robert Pattinson feels like damaged goods here in his portrayal of both Bruce Wayne and The Batman. He is still working out the kinks of the role of Batman, only taking on the mantle over the past two years. He isn't battle worn yet, but still carries the weight of his tragic past. Pattinson's damaged and deep performance here adds multiple layers to the character, giving the audience something to latch onto, whilst also showing the depth of this character. He is fantastic here and ranks among one of, if not my favorite portrayal as the masked vigilante. I can't wait to see Pattinson in the role again for the confirmed sequel, hitting the big-screen in 2025. 

The supporting cast of characters - Keeping in theme with the performances, one of the strongest elements here is the supporting cast. We have some of the best portrayals of the characters from the Batman mythos here. Zoe Kravitz plays Selina Kyle aka Catwoman, and she is amazing. Her performance is vulnerable and tragic, whilst also showcasing her determination. Colin Farrell as Oswald Cobblepot aka The Penguin is unrecognisable. He completely disappears into the character. Not only in appearance but with his performance as well. He is menacing and we are seeing the rise of a crime lord. Paul Dano as the Riddler is truly terrifying. The film's introduction to this character is burnt into my memory forever. Andy Serkis is also great, as a younger Alfred. He seems a little worn as well and holds the heavy weight of not saving the lives of Thomas and Martha Wayne (Bruce's parents) and John Turturro as Carmine Falcone was also fantastic. It was great to see him in a big blockbuster film again. Overall, the supporting cast is fantastic, and I can't wait to see many of these characters return in future sequels. 

The worldbuilding - A staple in all Batman adaptations is the world it creates. Gotham is a full, fleshed out city here. It has lore, it feels dark, grim and taken directly out of the comic books. We have corruption in Gotham police force, the seedy underbelly in the crime world, and an established rogues gallery with The Joker already behind bars from a previous adventure in Batman's first 2 years on the job. Matt Reeves spends time establishing a lived in world here and I appreciate the level of detail he goes to, to establish it. Easily one of the best Batman world's we have seen on the big-screen. 

The action set-pieces - Matt Reeves has a knack for action set-pieces. The way he puts them together is utterly incredible, the attention to detail here is incredible. Matt Reeves blends CGI with practical effects and amazing stunt work together seamlessly, creating some of the most cinematic, realistic and well-rounded action set -pieces in recent years. A car chase sequence between the Penguin and The Batman, featuring the new amazing batmobile, ranks among one of the most riveting, tense and well put together car chases I have ever seen. These sequences look incredible on 4K UHD as well, another reason to pick it up on physical media. 

The music - Behind every great Batman movie, is an amazing score. We have seen the likes of Hans Zimmer score 'The Dark Knight Trilogy' and of course the memorable Danny Elfman scores from Tim Burton's 'Batman' and 'Batman Returns'. Now, Michael Giacchino (The planet of the apes trilogy and the rebooted JJ Abrams Star Trek trilogy) takes aim with his pulsating and memorable score from 'The Batman'. The score is dark, epic and tragic all at once. I love the blend of percussion and tones with re-worked 1990s grunge, with a memorable cover of Nirvana's 'Something in The Way' by Samuel Kim. It's just fantastic and one of the best parts of the latest entry in 'The Batman'. 

'The Batman' is truly amazing and transcends the super hero/comic book genre, asserting itself as a fantastic film. Smart, terrifically acted, gorgeously directed and topped off with an amazing score. This film is well worth your time and if you haven't checked it out, you need to and if you have, you need to watch it again and again.  The Batman is out now on DVD, Blu-Ray and 4K UHD. You won't want to miss this one. Head on over to your local Sanity or online to pick up your copy today. Christopher Pattison wrote this blog post for Sanity.

Buy The Batman on DVD, Blu-ray & 4K UHD here!

Christopher Pattison wrote this blog post for Sanity. See more from Chris here