Nearly a century ago, Batman was introduced as a superhero, yet, through comics, television series, and films, Batman has remained present in our lives. The latest film, ‘The Batman’ (2022, was less than memorable and generally disappointed loyal followers and newcomers alike. So, is it time for Batman to retire?
During the Easter break, I watched ‘The Batman.’ A typical script, the law is insufficient, and the popular superhero endeavours to exact justice throughout Gotham City. On the surface, Bruce Wayne (Batman’s alter ego) is a deserving beneficiary of his deceased parents’ wealth; however, as the three-hour long film drags on, his dark and vengeful traits are also revealed. Despondent viewers are left wishing to recapture their time – I certainly felt it was a waste of my Thursday afternoon.
“That film was more of the same Hollywood storyline with nothing new, creative, or interesting. I really, really wanted to go home,” comments a mature viewer, Kurt. “I only watched it a few weeks ago, and I already forgot it, as opposed to the ‘Dark Knight Trilogy’ that I watched years ago and still remember.”
Amauri, a young viewer, while stating it was entertaining, thought some parts were “stretched out.”
Indeed, some scenes were quite extended – why was there so much rain! Furthermore, the storyline recounting other Batman films, and, frankly, other Hollywood scripts was unimaginative and uninspiring. The Batman comics were original, so were the series and films that followed, but this dismal remake would almost leave one wondering, is time for DC to abandon Batman?
Batman films depict Batman as a fearsome vigilante fighting for justice where the city cannot. It may appear juvenile at face value, but its appeal in attracting and retaining loyal fans across a range of ages is indicative of a level of success in commanding its audience. Hannah, another young view believes that the film was “drawn out” in parts, but this did not detract from the film’s “likeability.”
“Watching another Batman film would depend on the film itself,” declares Amauri. I would like to watch another, but the last one was really boring.
Kurt concurs, “I would never want to watch another like that, but I loved the ‘Trilogy’ and would definitely watch a Batman movie with original content.”
Why was there such poor execution of this Batman film? Previous films entailed deeper plots and dealt with complex social and moral issues, such as the inner conflict of being a ‘superhero’ or ‘good person.’ There was sufficient time to thrash out these issues through allegory, for instance, in the film, but this was not accomplished.
Still, ‘The Batman’ is not completely devoid of positive attributes. Serious political issues are dealt with. Like the antagonist, the Riddler, issues of the disgruntled in any society may contain validity, but there are more productive means of articulating problems than committing criminal acts against others. The Riddler tells Batman, “You’re part of this too.’’
Surely, ‘The Batman’ is overrated. Still, a loyalty to Batman is not fortuitous; viewers enjoy the escapism it facilitates. However, when even the most avid fans are left underwhelmed and disconcerted, it begs the question, ‘Will Warner Bros be able to command new audience and continue its success, or will it see a further deterioration in its content and, ultimately, its viewership?’
