"The Batman", unlike previous adaptations of the superhero, is more similar to the noir crime vigilante of the 1950s. It is an action, crime drama with mystery directed by Matt Reeves, who is known for "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" (2014), "Let Me In" (2010) and "Cloverfield" (2008).   

The official teaser trailer for "The Batman" was first released at the DC FanDome event on August 23, 2020. The teaser trailer was released hours later on Youtube, although the film was only released in theaters on March 1, 2022. 

Initial backlash

Initially, Ben Affleck was going to play Batman and direct the film, but in January 2017, he announced that he'd be stepping down as the director and the role. Where he revealed that he felt it was time for someone else to take the part of the caped crusader. 

On May 31, 2019, it was revealed that Robert Pattison would take the role of Bruce Wayne. The decision was met with backlash from some Batman fans, to the point there was a change.org petition to reverse the decision. 

The backlash, however, soon died down as the fans were able to see the decision in a better light after the movie's teaser trailer was released on August 23, 2020. 

Synopsis and cast

When the Riddler (Paul Dano) begins murdering key political figures in Gotham City, Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson) is forced to investigate the city's hidden corruption that leads to his family's involvement. 

Bruce Wayne has been the Batman for two years for this movie, and with the help of Lieutenant James Gordon (Jeffrey Wright), he tries to solve the Riddler's cryptic puzzles. 

Along the way, he encounters Catwoman (Zoe Kravitz), The Penguin (Colin Farrell) and several other members of Gotham organized crime society underground.

Starring as the Batman, Robert Pattinson's most prominent role is as Edward Cullen from Stephanie Mayer's "Twilight" Saga, first released in 2008. Pattison's other notable roles include Cedric Diggory from "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" (2005) and Connie Nikas from "Good Time" (2017). 

His castmate Zoe Kravitz is known for her role in "Mad Max: Fury Road" (2015) as Toast the Knowing, Bonnie Carlson in the TV series "Big Little Lies" and the voice of Mary Jane from "Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse". 

Positive reviews

Barring the short-lived backlash, the audience's response to The Batman has been nothing but positive. It received a fresh 85 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an 88 percent audience score.

"The Batman" ranks among the Dark Knight's bleakest and most thrillingly ambitious live-action outings, with critics saying it is a grim, gritty, and gripping super-noir. Audience members generally agree that it's quite a lengthy film, but it's only a niggle compared to its terrific cinematography as well as sound and color. Overall, "The Batman" is a grounded, solid take of the iconic superhero after Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight" trilogy.