10 Things I Loved Most Rewatching The Batman For The 5th Time

Since 2022, I’ve made it my Halloween tradition to do an annual re-watch of The Batman, directed by Matt Reeves and starring Robert Pattinson as The Dark Knight. Including the initial trip to see it in theaters, that means I’ve seen the highly praised DC movie 5 times so far.

Having just watched the movie a few days ago, I firmly believe this first chapter in Reeves’ Gotham saga will continue to be a major staple of the comic book movie genre for years to come. As such, there are several elements I can’t help but love every time I re-watch The Batman.

Batman’s “Vengeance” Scene Is A True Gold Standard

Few superhero introductions hit harder than Batman’s subway fight, especially considering the entire monologue that precedes it and the various criminals across Gotham fearing the shadows on the off-chance Gotham’s Bat is waiting in one of them, ready to strike.

Likewise, the sound of Batman’s boots before his exit from the shadows is peak cinema, followed by his brutal beatdown of a group of thugs wearing clown-styled face paint.

“I’m Vengeance” becomes The Batman’s core thesis statement as it’s repeatedly brought up throughout the entire movie, right up until the film’s end when The Dark Knight realizes he must become more for Gotham than vengeance alone. Nevertheless, the entire scene is the perfect way to introduce audiences to this younger (and angrier) Dark Knight.

Robert Pattinson’s Batman Is The Movies’ Greatest Detective

Without a doubt, Robert Pattinson’s Batman perfectly exemplifies The Dark Knight’s classic moniker as “The World’s Greatest Detective”. I absolutely love seeing Batman noticing clues and evidence before the cops, as well as his overall analytical process while investigating the dark puzzle left for him by Paul Dano’s Riddler.

Bruce Wayne’s detective work is a key facet of Batman’s skills and expertise that hasn’t always received much of a spotlight when compared to past cinematic Caped Crusaders.

“Something In The Way” Never Gets Old

While it could have just been used in The Batman’s trailers, I 100% admire Matt Reeves’ decision to open and close the movie with Nirvana’s “Something in the Way”. The song became a cinematic theme in its own right, pairing beautifully with the score composed by Michael Giacchino.

Just like “Come and Get Your Love” for Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord or even more recently with “Punkrocker” for David Corenswet’s Superman, “Something In The Way” has since become synonymous with this version of Batman (and I think that’s so awesome).

Pattinson’s Younger Dark Knight Is Fascinating

Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne isn’t just starting like Christian Bale’s version in Batman Begins, nor is he a seasoned hero with decades of crime-fighting under his bat-belt like Ben Affleck’s Batman.

Instead, this Batman is a couple of years into his crusade. While his mission has been formed, it’s still fairly raw. The desire from Andy Serkis’ Alfred to have Bruce go out and be Bruce Wayne proves just how obsessed he is, initially not caring what happens to his family’s company. The playboy persona of “Bruce Wayne” doesn’t yet exist.

Likewise, this Batman makes mistakes, is reckless, and has yet to gain control of his inner darkness and anger. However, that’s exactly what makes him compelling, as becoming fully fleshed out Batman is still an ongoing process.

Wayne Tower/Batcave Is So Much Cooler Than The Manor

Forget Wayne Manor and the classic Batcave. Matt Reeves’ decision to set Bruce Wayne’s base of operations in a Gothic skyscraper at the center of Gotham City was genius.

Wayne Tower feels like an extension of Bruce himself: isolated above the city while feeling quite haunted with its dark colors and Gothic decor. It’s quite literally his very own belfry. The Batcave’s integration into the abandoned Wayne Terminus directly below the tower and connecting to Gotham’s subway system also gives the movie an additional layer of gritty realism.

The Batmobile’s Debut Still Gives Me Chills

No scene in The Batman is more epic than The Batmobile’s debut and subsequent chase after Colin Farrell’s Penguin.

Bringing an entire shootout to a standstill with the ignition of the modfied muscle car’s turbo-jet engine, the Batmobile’s first appearance in Matt Reeves’ Gotham saga is nothing short of iconic, easily rivaling similar cinematic Batmobile debuts like Bale’s Tumbler or Michael Keaton’s classic ’89 model.

While the entire car chase sequence is all kinds of intense with its numerous practical effects, my favorite moment if after the Batmobile jumps through the flames to flip over Pengun’s purple Maserati. The camera is left upside down, showing us Penguin’s POV as Pattinson’s Dark Knight slowly walks toward him. It never ceases to give the goosebumps.

Riddler Is Truly Bruce Wayne’s Dark Opposite

Paul Dano’s Riddler is a truly captivating cinematic Batman villain, and he would still have been even if Reeves hadn’t developed the darkly unique and tragic origins for Edward Nashton which both directly parallel and clash with Bruce Wayne’s own tragic past.

Paul Dano’s Riddler isn’t just a serial killer with a predilection for puzzles, he’s a twisted mirror of Bruce Wayne himself.

Both men are orphans shaped by Gotham’s corruption, both seek justice through fear, and both think they’re saving the city. However, Nashton makes the argument that his orphan past was far different and far more bleak compared to Bruce Wayne, who still had his family’s fortune.

The desire for vegeance is present in both men. The only difference is that Riddler’s vengenace is focused on all of Gotham and its lies, having zero interest in the innocent lifes caught in the crossfire in his grand plan to make the city pay.

With every rewatch, it becomes more and more evident that the movie isn’t just Batman vs. Riddler. It’s also Batman vs. what he could easily have become.

The Riddler NOT Knowing Batman’s Identity Is An Epic Twist

In the comics, The Riddler is one of the few foes who does eventually figure out that Batman and Bruce Wayne are one and the same. Keeping that in mind, Reeves masterfully toys with audience expectations after it’s revealed that Bruce Wayne was also one of Nashton’s many targets.

When the incarcerated Riddler repeats Bruce’s name during their conversation in Arkham, it sounds like he’s about to expose Batman. However, the surprise twist is that it was all a major red herring.

Remarkbly, Nashton doesn’t know nor care who Batman is, understanding that the cowl is the vigilante’s true face. He simply thinks Bruce Wayne escaped his/their retribution (believing himself and Batman to have been partners).

It’s a rare superhero movie twist built purely on a character’s established knowledge and actions in the comics, and then flipping it on its head. Rewatching the scene, Pattinson’s subtle reactions make the scene even better. To that end, it’s very much one of those cinematic moments you continue to appreciate every time you revisit it.

The Batman Is Wonderful Collage Of The Best Original Comics

While The Batman isn’t a direct adaptation of any one comic, it’s instead a wonderful collage that pays homage to several classic stories. Each influence is clear, yet the story feels entirely original at the same time.

The earlier setting in Batman’s career mirrors Year One, while the focus on organized crime and beginning on Halloween Night points to The Long Halloween, as do elements like Carmine Falcone being Selina Kyle’s father, and Catwoman herself scratching his face.

Even the entire twist regarding whether Riddler knows who Batman is or not connects to the Hush storyline, along with other potential nods like the murdered journalist (who threatened to expose Martha Wayne’s troubled medical history) being named Edward Elliot. He could be connected to Tommy Elliot aka Hush himself.

All of these parallels and more are incredible to see, speaking to a deep understanding of the source material on the part of Reeves while still making a unique tale all its own.

The Batman’s Ending Perfectly Sets Up An Epic Cinematic Future

After Gotham floods and Batman is shown rescuing survivors with a flare, the symbolism is crystal clear: vengeance has given way to something far more significant. He’s no longer just punishing Gotham’s criminal element. He’s also saving its innocents as a new beacon of hope and justice.

Combined with The Penguin being set up to take advantage of the power vacuum in his own 2024 series, and Riddler making friends with the Arkham inmate next door (Barry Keoghan’s Joker), the ending scenes of The Batman tease a world and saga that will only continue to evolve.

My annual rewatches will of course continue, though I truly can’t wait to see how The Batman – Part II pays off the first movie’s ending when it releases in 2027.