“The Batman” out of the gate, my reaction is wow! Robert Pattinson’s “Batman” has a gothic look and brooding attitude, fighting crime in a rainy, dark, gritty Gotham City. Co-writer and director Matt Reeves frames the caped crusader as a lone wolf who hunts, and at times he’s the one being hunted. He’s dark, depressed, and angry, like many living in the same dark city. A significant character change for the past—he’s more reclusive, socially distant, and could not pass as Bruce Wayne. The anarchy around him is his primary focus.
This brooding Batman is aware that his war on crime is failing. The police are somewhat helpless as the criminals have the upper hand in Gotham City. And speaking of criminals, The Penguin (played by Colin Farrell of “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”) is barely recognizable. Carmine Falcone (played by John Turturro of “The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3”), the undercover mob boss and friend of the Wayne family, is not Batman’s main problem in this story. Here, he’s being manipulated and mentally tortured by the murderer, The Riddler, played unnervingly by Paul Dano.
The bright light in the three-hour movie is the progressive relationship between ‘The Batman’ and Catwoman played purr-fectly by Zoë Kraviz; their instant chemistry is highly effective in their push-pull connection. Kraviz brings a breath of fresh air to the screen and a reprieve for our brooding hero; together, they are the movie’s heart. I so enjoyed watching their performances, and I look forward to the next chapter.
The Bottom-line: I’m way in 3 and ½ stars out of 4. See it at the IMAX as the visual effects are stunning, the film has an artsy and deary tone. One of my favorite ‘Batman’ movies so far!
Cast:
Robert Pattinson plays Batman/Bruce Wayne
Zoë Kravitz plays Catwoman/Selina Kyle
Paul Dano plays The Riddler/Edward Nashton
Jeffrey Wright plays Lieutenant James “Jim” Gordon
Colin Farrell plays The Penguin/Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot
John Turturro plays Carmine Falcone
Andy Serkis plays Alfred Pennyworth
Peter Sarsgaard plays Gil Colson
Jayme Lawson plays Bella Reál
Alex Ferns plays Commissioner Pete Savage
Rupert Penry-Jones plays Mayor Don Mitchell Jr.
Charlie and Max Carver play The Twins
Director: Matt Reeves
Screenplay: Matt Reeves, Peter Craig
Run Time: 3 Hours
Sarah Knight Adamson@ March 12, 2022
The Adam Project stars Ryan Reynolds in a science fiction movie playing on Netflix. Reynolds plays Adam Reed living in the year 2050, is a time-traveling fighter pilot that crashes near his boyhood home in 2022. While there, he discovers his 12-year-old self, played by Walker Scobell, who helps him on his mission to save the world.
Time travel can be intriguing and entertaining, just as “Back to the Future,” and here we have an incredible cast, Jennifer Garner as Reynolds, mom and Mark Ruffalo as his Dad, and Catherine Keener as the villain. As the film does have humorous moments, the main problem with the film is Keener’s dual scenes. They are over-the-top disastrous in portraying a bitter older self and her younger self. Utilizing deepfake technology, Keener’s face is altered (very badly) to represent her younger self. Cringeworthy, to say the least, she’s acrimonious for no apparent reason other than her power hasn’t brought her the bliss she has finally achieved.
The delightful scenes between both older and younger Adam are the film’s crux, providing a pleasant viewing experience for families. Reynolds is a natural when comedy is involved, and viewing him in this unique sci-fi role is a treat.
Cast:
Ryan Reynolds
Jennifer Garner
Young Adam, played by Walker Scobell
Zoe Saldana
Mark Ruffalo
Jennifer Garner
Catherine Keener
Director:
Shawn Levy known for “Free Guy” and producer and has director of multiple episodes of the hit series “Stranger Things.”
Screenplay:
Jonathan Trooper
T.S. Nowlin
Jennifer Flackett
Mark Levin
Run Time: 1 Hour 42 minutes
Sarah Knight Adamson@ March 12, 2022
