The Batman Movie Review: 8 Ups & 2 Downs

6. Matt Reeves' Phenomenal Direction

Matt Reeves has proven himself to be one of the most skilled blockbuster filmmakers working today with his exceptional helming of the last two Planet of the Apes movies, and The Batman should truly elevate him to the upper echelons of big-budget tentpole directors.

This is such a meticulously controlled piece of work from start to finish, both in terms of its tone and pacing.

If it's easy to say that Reeves has basically made a Batman movie in the vein of a David Fincher thriller like Se7en, he exhibits a patience and restraint that'd surely make Fincher blush.

Even if Reeves didn't need three hours to tell this story, it's hugely refreshing to see a superhero movie linger on images as much as he does here.

In doing so, Reeves confirms the artistry that can be wrought in the superhero space when skilled filmmakers are given the room to fully express themselves.

With Reeves set to return for the sequels, it's clear that the franchise's cinematic future is in extremely capable hands indeed.