knight-26404

Had decent expectations as the original series is a classic (for me). This is a continuation but doesn't suffer from any particular issues usually seen when a production is revived after a long time. If anything, this revival exudes welcome nostalgia while fusing modern touches. Animation is solid and the action pieces are the highlights. Voice acting is just as awesome as it used to be (no irritating voice characterizations). Not to spoil anything but the characters are, as always, as real as could be to the original print comics. Am stoked and hope this series goes on for as long as it can. 9/10 from me for episode 1. Vinaka from Fiji.

Fans of Halloween may likely find "Ends" a low point. I've tried to be objective and while loving DGG's other works (PExpress...yes even Highness) maybe this one could've done with a bit more McBride eh. Loved Rohan in Hardy boys but his arc just didn't gel overall within this universe (it's hard to make movies or please anyone nowadays but it's not that hard to followup a good take like DGG's 2018 one). Laurie is still kickass but I've always rooted for Mike however I liked his "end"?. The isolation and fear concepts/techniques from the original 1 and 2 are still lacking, this is still an okay watch (for me, a bit better than Kills, seriously, respect to AMHall but his character/writing irritated the F out of me in Kills, still a fan though of DeadZone while JGreer's end hit me hard, hoped she'd be the torch bearer but not just AMatichak yet...she's got the appeal but JMCurtis is a legend one needs to build up to follow in due course as a performer..just my 02cents). I appreciated the hard work which went into the filming and overall decent and believable acting by all (yes even the supporting cast, WPatton was solid as ever) but the writing in this one, while layered, does come off as somewhat forced on film. Not a bad send off but not wow in any way. Some characters were irritating (maybe purposefully so, and got what was coming, then again murder is never the answer for decent folk, however Mike has never been decent or indecent...just the lack of goodness, well, that's it isn't it, as DrLoomis once said, "soulless". These takes, especially the 2018 one gave me hope (still love DGG's works, GeorgeWashington was fire) and I would still like to keep up hope that some day, a resurrection will happen (focused on cannon lore and the original 1 and 2's atmospheric style while keeping characters who fuel the love of Mike by fans...if they are to be killed viewers must want them offed to some degree..even if a very small degree). One can understand that maybe Laurie cannot return in future (Ms Curtis, you are one of my all time favorites but for me your best one was with Arnie, which I rewatch...no not like that, am no perv, just an Arnie fan also) but this was not how a legend like Ms Curtis should be sent off. If Mike has to end so be it but not with a whimper. I still have mixed feelings and will rewatch this maybe next year but for now, all I can muster is a good 6 stars.

Approaching this review holistically as my favorite Batman is Kevin Conroy (sorry live action movies) - my credentials - an average fan, have read most of the Detective and Batman comics, watched most the DC animated shows and movies as well as live action films and played all the Arkham games and also the Telltale series.

To avoid spoilers, just commenting on the actual acting more than plot.

I didn't like the Batman voice but midway through it grew on me. Acting wise Mr Pattinson is impressive (but my favorite roles of his are as Neil, Cedric Diggory and Rev. Teagardin) - as Batman, remember this is Bats in year 2 and Mr Pattinson nails it as well. A fine actor (not better than Mr Keaton but that is childhood nostalgia maybe however just as batty as Mr Bale..Mr Affleck was awesome as well but scripting for him was below par).

Ms Kravitz was maybe born to play Selina (at least this gritty version). I honestly disliked Ms Kravitz in X-Men and Grindlewald but liked her in Big Little Lies. I was skeptical given her lack of martial arts but it is evident she gave her best during training and for me, her portrayal of Selina was perfect. Chemistry wise though, needed some work between Bats and Cats but nothing worth losing a star over.

Mr Dano, wow; Saw like sadist perhaps inspired by Mr Spacey a bit, a Riddler far from the kooky "riddle me this" we have come to know and enjoy but he gave in a performance no less than his stellar efforts with Daniel Day Lewis. I have become a fan of Mr Dano's acting.

Mr Serkis, just when I thought a re-imagining might go awry, there is Mr Serkis. He portrays Alfred so naturally, it's as if he is Alfred Pennyworth.

Mr Wright is a fair enough Gordon and without any fault of his, once you've seen him as Felix Leiter (as he was the best Leiter for me) it's hard to not compare his take on Gordon with Leiter. Also once you've seen Mr Oldman in and as anything...well Mr Oldman is my best Gordon (like Mr Simmons is my best JJJameson).

Mr Farrell was a believable budding Cobblepot and I hope he brings the same effort to the supposed spinoff (suffice to say I also had enjoyed his take on Bullseye..but InBruges is till my best for Mr Farrell).

Mr Turturro is limited but still impactful as was Mr Skarsgard.

Direction/Plot - I appreciate good work and Mr Reeves clearly put in an honest effort. I enjoyed his vision and never felt bored or distracted whilst watching his movie. He is not Mr Nolan or Mr Burton or Mr Timm/Mr Dini, but a league of his own and in this, he owned it. Thank you for not messing it up.

Story wise the movie is entertaining and well made - there is a threat, hero and allies must work to show their relevance and save the day - done quite effectively (not life changing but films rarely are, however storytelling is meaningful). Obviously production values are impressive and the cinematography is amazing. Set designs are useful while costumes are well thought out and used relevantly.

Overall - 10 out of 10 from me.

Vinaka from Fiji.