The Batman

[CessnaDriver]

I grew up with the Adams/O'Neil era and I don't ever remember it being specifically stated that "Batman doesn't kill". It was a comic book like most all others, none of the super heroes did any killing really, not intentionally anyway. When did this whole "Batman code" start, because I don't remember it ever actually even being a thing.

Comics were for kids so the killing was no longer allowed as that came under scrutiny, he had to stop, Comics Code Authority probably sealed it later, and it just got to be part of the characters development well incorporated by the eighties, he would not use a gun, he would not kill. And this works because he is acting outside the law and is tolerated because he doesn’t kill, no guns means he has to be extremely trained and disciplined. And perhaps the gun would make it too easy for him to cross that line, he can’t become like those that take lives. It just works. He starts killing Gordon can’t work with him anymore.

 

[Cephus]

Comics were for kids so the killing was no longer allowed as that came under scrutiny, he had to stop, Comics Code Authority probably sealed it later, and it just got to be part of the characters development well incorporated by the eighties, he would not use a gun, he would not kill. And this works because he is acting outside the law and is tolerated because he doesn’t kill, no guns means he has to be extremely trained and disciplined. And perhaps the gun would make it too easy for him to cross that line, he can’t become like those that take lives. It just works. He starts killing Gordon can’t work with him anymore.

Of course, in the very first issue of Batman in 1939, he not only carried a gun but he killed someone. He did that a lot in the early issues, it being permitted because "he had no choice" and the villain was too dangerous to allow to remain alive. More recently, he's killed plenty in the comics. He killed Darkseid with a gun in Final Crisis in 2008, although Darkseid simultaneously kills Batman.

 

[CessnaDriver]

Of course, in the very first issue of Batman in 1939, he not only carried a gun but he killed someone. He did that a lot in the early issues, it being permitted because "he had no choice" and the villain was too dangerous to allow to remain alive. More recently, he's killed plenty in the comics. He killed Darkseid with a gun in Final Crisis in 2008, although Darkseid simultaneously kills Batman.

Sure, in the beginning and we can say it was cancelled from societal pressure. And later some writers find ways to go there for special occasions I guess. And the films have either treated the killing with indifference or making a rather big deal of breaking his one rule. There are so many flavors of Batman now there is the right one for everyone I guess, it’s personal preference.

 

[JoeG]

Just got back from seeing it. Absolutely incredible! Definitely my favorite Batman movie now. Pattinson was great, the whole cast was great.

 

[HeartBlade]

I think its Batman choosing to not kill that makes him interesting and thus "Batman." Whether it be his reasoning, its a firm rule that Batman follows and it what makes him different from other heroes in action movies.

And I do think the fact that Batman doesnt kill adds to his complexity. Its very easy to argue why Batman should kill certain villains like the Joker or Penguin but Batman isnt an idiot and the reason he states he doesnt does raise interesting questions about his character and ideals. Is it ok for him to be judge, jury, and executioner; especially when he himself is also breaking the law as a vigilante?

Even when Begins Batman "let" Ras die instead of saving him brought fans up questioning what the "real" Batman would do in that situation which was always interesting to me. Bale-Batman letting Ras die is very different from the Arkham games Batman that went out of his way to try to save a Ras falling to his death (who then still tried to kill Batman by stabbing himself to try and hit Batman with the blade).

 

[Malibu139]

Now that I think about it a couple of the scenes from the trailer were reminiscent of/similar to Se7en. (may have been mentioned already?, if so sorry)
I am into it.

Saw it tonight.For me it was very much like this^^
And I am in for “ David Finchers Batman”
My interest was sorta going the wrong way as more trailers came out, but this movie was fantastic. Pattinsons Batman was great, Bruce Wayne…. It’s different but i got used to it .

For such a long movie it didn’t feel like it. It kept my interest the whole time. My one nit pic was the car chase was a little long…. but…. more batmobile.

 

[Psab keel]

To my shame I have yet to see Mask of the Phantasm. I wanted to see it when it came out but I never got a chance to get to the theater. Being an avid lover of the Animated Series I really have to cross that one off my list.

I really hope I get to see The Batman in the theater this weekend.

 

[HMSwolfe]

To my shame I have yet to see Mask of the Phantasm. I wanted to see it when it came out but I never got a chance to get to the theater. Being an avid lover of the Animated Series I really have to cross that one off my list.

I really hope I get to see The Batman in the theater this weekend.

Oh man, get on seeing Phantasm, like, now! I still can’t believe that they were making it for television and several months into the animation process were told it was going to be theatrical, which meant adapting everything they’d already animated from 4:3 to 16:9.

I also just got out of the Batman. So, so good.

 

[CessnaDriver]

To my shame I have yet to see Mask of the Phantasm. I wanted to see it when it came out but I never got a chance to get to the theater. Being an avid lover of the Animated Series I really have to cross that one off my list.

I really hope I get to see The Batman in the theater this weekend.

Mask of the Phantasm is without doubt in my mind the purest form of the character on the big screen to date. A pity the animated team didn't get to make more theatrical releases. It possibly may hold that status for the rest of my life, I rather accept I probably will not get what I hope for the character on the big screen live action.

 

[JamesM242]

I saw it last night, and will be going to see it again on Monday. I think it is fantastic - I was engrossed from the first scene. It has a very dark, noir, Se7en vibe for sure!

I caught at least one sweet easteregg homage to the 1966 TV show.

PS - And thanks for posting about Mask of the Phantasm - I will try to catch that this weekend.

 

[JLeezy23]

Seen it at the 2nd showing today (thursday) and as usual at my theater there was 15 people tops (excellent location to still get that classic theater experience!) Oh man i was so engaged the entire time i forgot to start my consession snacks! Great detective mystery with a badaas version of Riddler, I loved how we see the engine parts laying around and then get a reveal of the Batmobile (squeeeee!!!) Gonna watch all online reviews and easteregg videos later today. And, that epi-pen adrenaline thingy, reminded me of some other green enhancer fluid another Bat character uses might've been foreshadowing or a simple callback/easter egg.

 

[Cappy]

Kind of on the fence about seeing this one.
Heard at three hours the movie drags. Riddler is portrayed as a serial killer and there is
a noticeable lack of chemistry between Bruce Wayne/Batman and Selina Kyle/Catwoman.
Pattinsons portrayal is not as well rounded as it should be. Kind of one dimensional.
Mostly due to the script. Also there is a un mistakeable white privilege message that come thru.
Keep in mind this is from critics. Any thoughts from those that have seen it ?.

 

[Pikezer1337]

Kind of on the fence about seeing this one.
Heard at three hours the movie drags. Riddler is portrayed as a serial killer and there is
a noticeable lack of chemistry between Bruce Wayne/Batman and Selina Kyle/Catwoman.
Pattinsons portrayal is not as well rounded as it should be. Kind of one dimensional.
Mostly due to the script. Also there is a un mistakeable white privilege message that come thru.
Keep in mind this is from critics. Any thoughts from those that have seen it ?.

I don't think it necessarily drags, I do think the ending could have been tightened up though.

Hmm idk, I've read the exact opposite for the relationship between Batman and Catwomen. I thought their chemistry was fine

Pattinson is really good. I didn't care much for his Bruce but he's not in it much tbh and I don't think it's fleshed out yet. His Batman is fantastic.

Lol there's literally one line about the privileged and rich. If critics get so bent out on just that then perhaps they need to self reflect

 

[CessnaDriver]

Kind of on the fence about seeing this one.
Heard at three hours the movie drags. Riddler is portrayed as a serial killer and there is
a noticeable lack of chemistry between Bruce Wayne/Batman and Selina Kyle/Catwoman.
Pattinsons portrayal is not as well rounded as it should be. Kind of one dimensional.
Mostly due to the script. Also there is a un mistakeable white privilege message that come thru.
Keep in mind this is from critics. Any thoughts from those that have seen it ?.

The Riddler as serial killer thing is another serious problem I have.

 

[ghostryder]

 

[Ned Figglehorn]

Saw it last night and thought it was fantastic! The soundtrack was incredible, the cinematography was excellent! I was on board with Pattinson since the day they announced it and he did an amazing job! Probably one of the best Batman films to come out it the last 2 decades, An incredibly close second to The Dark Knight for me.

 

[rocketeer25]

Saw it last night and it was great! Going in I had serious reservations about the tone of the movie and the casting to be honest. But it all works! There are a few nitpicks... The story is very good even at 3 hours... but I'd say the last riddle and last set scene could have been tightened up a bit. I really like this version of noir Batman, but on the flip side didn't care for emo Bruce Wayne. Still, over all a very well done film that should kick off a couple of sequels.

Spoiler!

Spoiler

Funny you should post that Dr Manhattan meme. As soon as I heard the first bit of Pattinson's narration, I leaned over to my buddy and told him how much that reminded me of Rorschach in Watchmen

 

[ScourgiousJinx]

It's different for Batman but that's part of the reason I enjoyed it so much. If you're looking for Adam West, Michael Keaton or Christian Bale, you won't find them here. Less obnoxious cliches in a superhero movie is always great. I loved the horror aspects of the film. Generally everyone performed well (especially Farrell, Serkis and Turturro), it was beautifully shot, great music, well written story, mostly non cliche dialogue, very exciting & kept my interest throughout.

 

[Pepperbone]

If critics get so bent out on just that then perhaps they need to self reflect

There aren't a lot of critics left. But there is a lot of conceited wannabes looking for social media hits.

 

[Psab keel]

Film critics (as a profession) are mostly bought and sold for access so their opinion means very little anymore.