The reviews forThe Batmanare officially in, and they are as strong as fans hoped. The movie is Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, with an 87% approval rating, the franchise’s highest since 2012’sThe Dark Knight Rises.
The positive reviews forThe Batmancome as a relief, as the track record between Rotten Tomatoes and DC movies is largely hit or miss. For every film that’s praised, likeJames Gunn’sThe Suicide Squad, there’s one that’s panned, likeBatman v Superman. But this isn’t the case today, and this score should take some pressure offThe Batman’s release.
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Critics generally likeThe Batmanfor its breathtaking atmosphere, compelling performances, and unique tone. The most ecstatic critics are calling it the finestBatmanfilm to date, and most of them at least agree it’s a worthysuccessor to Christopher Nolan’sDark Knighttrilogy. Some critics though are not getting behind its tone and length, but that’s ok.The Batmanis not going to be everyone’s taste, and the fact it’s trying something different at all is only a positive. The Rotten Tomatoes consensus reads: “A grim, gritty, and gripping super-noir,The Batmanranks among the Dark Knight’s bleakest – and most thrillingly ambitious – live-action outings.”
The Rotten Tomatoes track record forBatmanmovies is an interesting one. Whilethe 1989 Tim BurtonBatmanfilmis considered a classic, its 72% on Rotten Tomatoes would suggest otherwise. Even Roger Ebert, largely considered the best movie critic in history, didn’t understand it at all and called it “a depressing experience.” Sometimes movies are just ahead of their time.
It’s important to remember that Rotten Tomatoes doesn’t really matter. Everyone has tastes that disagree with the consensus, it’s inevitable. The website even has a podcast titled “Rotten Tomatoes Is Wrong,” where they discuss the merits of controversial scores, so they’re aware of their flaws. But the one great function the site has is publicity. If something gets great reviews, people will see it for that reason alone. IfThe Batmanfinds more fans from this rating, that’s its own victory.
The one aspect that remains to be seen are the audience reactions. Will fans embrace this new version with open arms? Or will it be as divisive andcontroversial asBatman v Superman? Fans will make up their minds very soon, and this’ll be a very fun movie to talk about for the coming months.
The Batmanreleases in theaters on March 4th, 2022.
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