“The Batman” is probably the best Batman movie ever made. “The Dark Knight” might be a better film overall, and the older, campy movies might be more nostalgic, but “The Batman” succeeded in telling a Batman story better than any other. It feels like a comic book writer for Batman decided to become a script writer. The movie feels like a live action comic book like no other movie before it. The lighting is simply beautiful, with awe inspiring shots that give the movie a uniquely beautiful look. The cinematography is top notch, with some shots looking like they are straight out of the pages of a comic book. Gotham as a city is beautifully dirty; for the first time it really feels like the bottom of the barren city it is in the comics.

There is a reason I’ve pointed out how similar this movie is to the comics. It’s because this is a true Batman story. It does its own thing to differentiate itself from other Batman stories, but if someone read the plot out to me and told me it was a storyline from the comic books, I would believe you. It truly explores Batman’s character and even gives him an ark. Many live-action Batman films often overlook his character and just uses him to punch bad guys, which is why it’s so ironic that he starts the movie as a night vigilante just brutally beating the tar out of criminals, seeing himself as nothing more than an agent of vengeance here to send criminals to the hospital, to the end of the movie, where he is saving lives, inspiring others, and being a true hero.

It is also the first time Batman has had the ability to use his detective skills in live action. World’s Greatest Detective isn’t just a title for show. The villain of this movie is a surprising one to say the least. The Riddler isn’t exactly a very intimidating villain, being a weirdo in a green suit spouting riddles, but this movie portrays him as a very intimidating, intelligent, psychopath who can challenge Batman’s intellect. And the contrast from the Riddler and Bruce Wayne is simply genius. Something that’s never really been explored before, the contrast between a billionaire orphan and an orphan with absolutely nothing. It gives the Riddler a personal connection to both Batman and Bruce Wayne that makes him a compelling villain. The movie balances a healthy amount of villains, as well, throwing both the Penguin and Falcone in the mix as well. The Penguin brings in that bit of comic book silliness and fun that such a dark movie might desperately need but feel above, and Falcone serves his role well.

Every actor involved in this movie does an amazing job in their respective roles. I wasn’t sure how I felt about Robert Pattison in the role of Batman, but he is simply incredible. Even when he isn’t saying anything at all you can tell simply from his body language what he is thinking at the time. He also brings a lot of emotion into the role, both as Bruce Wayne and Batman.

The cinematography is simply incredible, with cinematographer Grieg Fraser shooting some amazing shots. The use of color also gives this movie a unique look compared to other Batman movies simply being dark and black. Gotham is littered with neon lights, making it look more like the comics. The use of red in the promotional material also is used in the movie itself in one of its best scenes. The fight scenes are also amazing, each one feeling unique from one another, partially thanks to the amazing use of light to differentiate each fight, from a dark subway system, to a rave, and even pure darkness illuminated only by gunfire. This may not be the greatest film in the Dark Knight’s career, but it is the most loyal to his comic book origins and has easily become my favorite Batman movie ever.