The Batman (2022) overall was a well-thought-out movie. The main actors Robert Patterson(Batman), Zoë Kravitz(Catwoman), and Paul Dano(Riddler) played each character phenomenally well. The average rating of the movie is around 82.75%, so overall the majority of people can say the movie was enjoyable. However, what are the flaws of this movie? Does it tie into the original comics at all? Does it introduce something new into the DC universe?

FROM HERE ON, THERE WILL BE SPOILERS!

The synopsis of the film reads “Batman ventures into Gotham City’s underworld when a sadistic killer leaves behind a trail of cryptic clues. As the evidence begins to lead closer to home and the scale of the perpetrator’s plans becomes clear, he must forge new relationships, unmask the culprit and bring justice to the abuse of power and corruption that has long plagued the metropolis”. This is pretty accurate to the movie as Batman, with the help of Catwoman and Gordon (Jeffery Wright), solves the twisted mystery the Riddler is trying to tell. This story deals with topics such as government corruption, violence, and suffrage of people in Gotham City. The entire story is about unraveling public figures such as Don Mitchell, the mayor of Gotham, who “lies still” when Batman finds him. The purpose of his death is to expose how he lies to keep the corruption in Gotham a secret, the very corruption Batman is shown throughout the movie. There is a lot of violence, but the violence isn’t without purpose. Of course, what the Riddler had done was…extreme…to say the least, but to him, these people needed to pay. And Riddler wasn’t selfish, he wanted the people of Gotham to take a stand as he did. So was Riddler in the wrong? That is the question the viewer is plagued with as more and more is exposed. The suffrage in Gotham is more minor, but it is a recurring theme with Catwoman, who is Gotham’s anti-hero. Catwoman does what she does to find her roommate, Annika Koslov(Hana Hrzic), who is killed by Penguin(Colin Farrell). Catwoman also lives in poverty surrounded by cats, which is her only comfort during the movie.
The movie also gave fan service to those who read the comics, which is always great! Staying true to the source always gives a treat to those huge fans of the series. An example of a unique easter egg would be the “I am vengeance” line at the end of the thug fight. This line originally comes from “Batman: The Animated Series” At the end of the storyline, Batman’s able to overcome his fears, and in the process, end the pep talk with, “I am vengeance! I am the night! I am Batman!” This means this movie must come after this pep talk, which is a cool little note.
In conclusion, the movie is overall a spectacular piece of fanwork and a tribute to its fans and themes. They handle the themes it presents in a raw and eye-opening manner, while also being able to balance transitions and timing with its emotional beats. It also gives the fan a treat for being involved in the series by putting in loads of easter eggs, some that aren’t named here, to give the viewer a nice nod to the original.