The Batman: An Engrossing Crime Drama

I am usually not into Super-Hero/Comic Book movies, but "The Batman" received excellent reviews, so I decided to see it.  I enjoyed the film quite a bit, primarily because it was an interesting crime drama about catching a serial killer rather than a super-hero movie dominated by action and special effects.  The film is directed and co-written by Matt Reeves, who also directed some of the "Planet of the Apes" films.  The movie has a dark, gritty vibe, appropriate for Gotham City, with all of its corruption and decadence. Bruce Wayne (aka "Batman – the Caped Crusader, played by Robert Pattinson) is having somewhat of an identity crisis.  He has been The Batman for about two years, but is ambivalent about continuing in this role, since he doubts what he is doing is making much of a difference.  "The Riddler" (Paul Dano) is a serial killer who leaves riddles as clues for Batman in his wake.  "The Riddler" has killed several Gotham City officials that he claims are corrupt.  Batman also occasionally intersects with "Catwoman" (Zoe Kravitz) who is a vigilante fighting her own war.  They have great chemistry and considerable sexual tension between them, but they have different paths.  Also in the mix is crime boss Carmine Falcone (John Turturro).  To catch "The Riddler," Bruce must face the painful truth about his parents' murder when he was a young boy. The film has a very interesting plot with lots of subtleties.  The acting by the four leads is first-rate.  I'm sure there will be a sequel and I hope it's as good as this one.  It needs the B.S., so I'd leave your COVID "Batcave" to see it!