10 Ways ‘The Batman’ Aged Poorly (& 10 Ways It Aged Masterfully)

When ‘The Batman’ hit theaters, it promised a fresh, gritty take on Gotham’s Dark Knight, with Robert Pattinson stepping into the cape and cowl. Director Matt Reeves aimed for a noir-drenched detective story, and at the time, many praised its moody visuals and intense atmosphere.

Yet, a few years later, the film’s shine has faded. Some choices that seemed bold in 2022 now feel off, and their flaws stand out more clearly. On the other hand, some things are better with every rewatch. Here are 10 ways ‘The Batman’ hasn’t held up as well as expected, and 10 ways the movie aged like wine.

Bad: Overlong Runtime Drags the Pace

At nearly three hours, ‘The Batman’ feels bloated with scenes that linger too long. The slow-burn detective plot, while ambitious, often stalls with extended brooding moments that sap momentum.

Modern audiences lean toward tighter storytelling, like in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’, where pacing keeps viewers hooked. I find the lengthy runtime makes revisiting ‘The Batman’ a chore, as it struggles to justify every minute.

Bad: Riddler’s Incel Vibe Feels Dated

Paul Dano’s Riddler, styled as a creepy online radical, leaned into a trendy ‘incel’ archetype that felt edgy in 2022. Now, this characterization comes off as a shallow stereotype, lacking the depth of villains like Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker in ‘Joker’ (2019).

The Riddler’s motivations, tied to internet conspiracies, feel less menacing and more like a time capsule of early 2020s fears. I think a more timeless villain would’ve aged better.

Bad: Bruce Wayne Barely Exists

Robert Pattinson’s Batman is intense, but his Bruce Wayne is a ghost, barely distinct from the caped crusader. The film skips exploring Bruce’s dual life, making him a one-note emo recluse.

In contrast, ‘Batman Begins’ gave Christian Bale’s Bruce a rich public persona. I feel this lack of balance weakens Pattinson’s character, leaving little to connect with beyond the mask.

Bad: Noir Aesthetic Overpowers Clarity

The film’s dark, rainy Gotham looks stunning but often muddies the action. Key scenes are so dimly lit that it’s hard to follow what’s happening, frustrating viewers on rewatch.

While noir is core to Batman, ‘The Dark Knight’ balanced style with clear storytelling. I find ‘The Batman’ sacrifices too much for its gloomy vibe, making it less engaging over time.

Bad: Catwoman’s Romance Feels Forced

Zoë Kravitz’s Selina Kyle is magnetic, but her romance with Batman feels tacked on, lacking emotional buildup. Their chemistry fizzles rather than sparks, making their bond unconvincing.

Compared to the slow-burn connection in ‘Wonder Woman’, this rushed subplot falls flat. I think the film would’ve worked better focusing on Selina’s independent arc.

Bad: Supporting Characters Lack Depth

Characters like Alfred (Andy Serkis) and Gordon (Jeffrey Wright) are compelling but get little to do. Their roles feel like set dressing, with minimal growth or impact on the story.

In ‘The Dark Knight Rises’, supporting players had clear arcs. I find ‘The Batman’ underuses its strong cast, making the world feel less alive on rewatch.

Bad: Plot Twists Lack Impact

The Riddler’s grand scheme, tied to Gotham’s corruption, aims for shock but lands predictably. The reveal about the Wayne family feels like a recycled trope from older Batman stories.

Films like ‘Se7en’ deliver twists that hit harder. I think ‘The Batman’ needed fresher surprises to stay memorable.

Bad: Action Scenes Feel Repetitive

The fight sequences, while gritty, lean heavily on similar dark, brutal brawls. There’s little variety, making them blend together by the film’s end.

‘John Wick’ keeps action fresh with creative choreography. I find ‘The Batman’ lacks that spark, making its fights less thrilling over time.

Bad: Gotham’s World Feels Hollow

Gotham in ‘The Batman’ looks great but lacks a lived-in feel. Beyond the main cast, the city’s citizens and culture feel like background noise, not a real place.

‘The Dark Knight’ made Gotham a character with depth. I think this shallow world-building makes ‘The Batman’ less immersive on repeat viewings.

Bad: Overreliance on Mood Over Story

The film banks heavily on its brooding tone, but the story often feels secondary to the atmosphere. This focus leaves plot holes and weak motivations that stand out more now.

‘Blade Runner 2049’ balances mood and narrative better. I feel ‘The Batman’ leans too hard on vibes, making it less satisfying years later.

Good: A Gritty, Noir-Inspired World

‘The Batman’ stands out for its commitment to a noir aesthetic, creating a Gotham City that is both visually stunning and deeply atmospheric. The constant rain, shadowy streets, and neon-lit nights give the film a distinct and immersive quality. This choice makes Gotham feel like a living, breathing character in the story—a decaying city that is central to the film’s plot.

The dark and gritty tone is more than just a style; it reflects the movie’s core themes of corruption and decay. The look of the film mirrors the moral ambiguity of its characters, where the lines between hero and villain are often blurred. This approach grounds the story in a harsh reality, making Batman’s struggle feel more desperate and personal.

Good: A Focus on Detective Work

Unlike many previous Batman films, this movie emphasizes Batman’s skills as a detective. The story is structured as a crime thriller, with Batman following clues left by the Riddler to solve a series of murders. This focus on investigation brings a key element of the comic book character to the forefront, something often overlooked in past adaptations.

This detective-driven narrative allows for a slower, more methodical pace. Instead of constant action, the film builds suspense through its central mystery. This approach gives the story a different kind of intensity, grounded in psychological tension rather than spectacle.

Good: Robert Pattinson’s Intense Performance

Robert Pattinson brings a unique intensity to the role of Bruce Wayne. His Batman is young, inexperienced, and fueled by a raw rage. This version of the character is a recluse who is more comfortable in the Batsuit than as the billionaire Bruce Wayne, a departure from previous portrayals.

Pattinson’s performance captures the psychological toll of being Batman. He portrays a character who is still figuring out his purpose, struggling with the line between vengeance and justice. This nuanced take adds a layer of vulnerability to the hero, making his journey more compelling.

Good: A Terrifying and Relevant Riddler

Paul Dano’s portrayal of the Riddler is genuinely unsettling. This version of the classic villain is reimagined as a modern-day serial killer, using social media and cryptic puzzles to spread fear. His performance is both chilling and captivating, creating a villain who feels like a real threat.

Inspired by real-life figures like the Zodiac Killer, this Riddler is a far cry from the campy interpretations of the past. He is a dark reflection of Batman, another orphan seeking to expose the city’s corruption, but through terrifying means. This dynamic creates a compelling conflict that drives the film’s narrative.

Good: Grounded and Brutal Action

The action sequences in ‘The Batman’ are visceral and grounded. The fights are not slick and polished but rather clumsy and brutal, highlighting Batman’s inexperience and desperation. Each punch and kick feels impactful, adding to the film’s realistic tone.

One of the most memorable sequences is the Batmobile chase, a thrilling scene that is both chaotic and expertly crafted. The raw power of the muscle car-inspired Batmobile is on full display as it tears through the rainy streets of Gotham. These action scenes serve the story, showcasing Batman’s relentless determination.

Good: A Stunning Visual Style

The cinematography in ‘The Batman’ is a major reason for its lasting impact. The film’s visual language is carefully crafted, with every shot contributing to the overall mood and tone. The use of shadow and light creates a world that is both beautiful and oppressive.

Cinematographer Greig Fraser’s work gives the film a distinct look that separates it from other superhero movies. The tight framing and shallow depth of field create a sense of claustrophobia, trapping the audience in Gotham’s suffocating environment. This visual storytelling enhances the narrative, making the city’s decay palpable.

Good: An Immersive Soundscape

The sound design and musical score of ‘The Batman’ are essential to its immersive experience. Composer Michael Giacchino’s score is both powerful and haunting, with a memorable theme that captures the film’s dark tone. The music builds dread and enhances the emotional stakes of the story.

The sound design is equally impressive, from the roar of the Batmobile to the unsettling quiet of a crime scene. The sounds of Gotham—the constant rain, the distant sirens—create a rich and textured world. This auditory experience draws the viewer deeper into the film’s atmosphere.

Good: A Fully Realized Gotham City

The version of Gotham City in this film is one of the most fully realized depictions to date. It is a city plagued by crime and corruption, where hope is in short supply. This setting is more than just a backdrop; it is a fundamental part of the story, shaping the characters and their actions.

This Gotham feels lived-in and dangerous, from the grimy streets to the corrupt institutions that run it. The film explores the city’s social fabric, touching on themes of class inequality and systemic failure. This detailed world-building makes the stakes of Batman’s mission feel all the more urgent.

Good: Strong Supporting Cast

‘The Batman’ features a strong ensemble of supporting characters who each play a crucial role in the story. Zoë Kravitz delivers a captivating performance as Selina Kyle, bringing a fierce and complex energy to the character. Her chemistry with Pattinson adds another layer to the film.

Jeffrey Wright’s James Gordon is a weary but honest cop, serving as Batman’s key ally within the corrupt police force. Colin Farrell is unrecognizable and threatening as the Penguin, while Andy Serkis brings a sense of warmth and history to Alfred Pennyworth. Each actor contributes to the richness of the film’s world.

Good: A Hopeful Conclusion

Despite its dark and brooding tone, ‘The Batman’ ends on a note of hope. After spending most of the film driven by vengeance, Batman realizes he needs to become a symbol of hope for the people of Gotham. This character arc provides a satisfying and meaningful conclusion to the story.

This shift in purpose sets the stage for a new chapter in Batman’s journey. It moves him beyond his personal vendetta and toward a more heroic path. This hopeful ending leaves a lasting impression, suggesting that even in the darkest of cities, a single light can make a difference.

What’s your take on ‘The Batman’ today, or is there another superhero film you think has aged worse? Share your thoughts in the comments!