I Wanted To Hate The Batman

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This video essay looks at my stubborn resistance to watching Matt Reeves' The Batman because of my feelings towards the superhero genre. It includes a brief review of the film.
#thebatman
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[@sembeex]

the batman reminded me of a time where blockbusters where actually entertaining instead of just keeping your attention. No need for high art or anything for a superhero movie, but a well crafted cinematic experience.

[@kwible3682]

We live in a society. Attention spans are short.

[@TheDegenerateTravler]

I liked how riddler was kind of like a good guy killing bad guys but yet still a bad guy it kind of showed batman a distorted reflection of himself and what he himself is doing In a way riddler was a better good guy than batman because the riddler was fixing the city in ways the Batman couldn’t I hated the end it made no sense it totally broke the entire theme and build up. He’s going to flood the city? How? Why? Who specifically does this effect? Would have been way cooler if riddler was actually fixing Gotham where Batman couldn’t and then made Batman confront himself with the last round of events instead of the whack one we got

[@TheDegenerateTravler]

But the visuals the sound the acting all of that was on point the end just ruined the movie

[@kwible3682]

@@TheDegenerateTravler he placed bombs around the city. You should watch the movie another time. Honestly, I did not get it the first time, but Batman was basically being used by the riddler to exact vengeance (like when Batman put falcone into the light so that he could kill him). So, Riddler genuinely thought, because of his fantasies of being inspired by batman and having him as a partner, batman would accept his bombs (vengeance). The city is going to crap, even batman hasn’t been making any progress (stated at the beginning of the film) and riddler thinks that vengeance simply needs to be more impactful (truly deserves to be destroyed by vengeance to complete Batman’s mission). But, as you know, Batman learns that vengeance is not the answer because the riddler reflected that side of batman and proved that it’s flawed and evil. So he becomes hope.

[@kinga.t.242]

@@TheDegenerateTravler the riddler motives wasnt because he want to save the city from currption his motives were pure vengeance

[@ishaangovardhan7430]

Making fun of your own insufferable snobbery doesn't make you any less of an insufferable snob

[@dartcurt4213]

It went for SOO LONG

[@fluffynator6222]

Absolutely agree. Like, I can't even say he's entirely wrong but all the fucking patronizing... it is just too much.

[@smartstuf1026]

Can you not appreciate that its an insufferable snob being open and aware? Like its not even that long.

[@ishaangovardhan7430]

@@smartstuf1026 nah

[@smartstuf1026]

@@ishaangovardhan7430 thats it? Ok

[@BraveBladeProductions]

I think one of the reasons this movie works so well is that it's primary purpose is to tell a genuine detective noir story instead of trying to build a universe like every other big superhero flick nowadays. Also the tone and cinematic composition is a breath of fresh air compared to the cookie cutter directing style of most MCU movies.

[@joeyfigueroa4748]

Very well said. Couldn’t have said it better myself. I 100% agree on all fronts. I’m tired of seeing people go “well DC can’t build a proper universe/multiverse like Marvel’s films” like, ok, clearly you don’t know what comic films and just comic books in general are about. They’re sold in issues for people to enjoy individual stories. Same as films go, the better ones are the ones that take the time to be their own individual thing. Idk about those people, but im not a fan of carelessly made, over saturated in color, kid friendly superhero films. I prefer a cinematic masterpiece (which “The Batman” is at the forefront of a perfect example)

[@dukinuki9959]

I dont like the mcu as much as the next guy but it really lives rent free in peoples head because they have to bring it up EVERYTIME like get new material christ

[@BraveBladeProductions]

@@dukinuki9959 The reason the MCU lives in my head is because I adore most of those movies. Despite how much I like those movies, I am still critical of the direction and composition of those films for being too 'safe'. I am just saying that The Batman is refreshing in a filmmaking sense compared to newer MCU movies.

[@Rugelacharugula]

In the spirit of film noir or Se7en.

[@rexxy2409]

@@BraveBladeProductions Safe? Peter Quill literally show his middle finger to Thanos 😂

[@connorduffy8620]

The scene of “vengeance dying” and “the batman” rising out of the water as the symbol of hope is one of the best moments in movies ever for me.

[@ithinkiseemessi6802]

I was distracted after the mayor was just gut shot by a fucking sniper and then just walked through waist high water just fine, but besides that shit yeah great movie

[@Madheim777]

@@ithinkiseemessi6802 if i remember well, she was shot in an arm or shoulder.

[@connorduffy8620]

@Ken and the boy is the first one to trust him.

[@youremyfavoritesong9868]

@@connorduffy8620 Right?? That killed me.

[@Ezio999Auditore]

Agreed. Very neat scene.

[@creedbratton4064]

I'm so confused, this is my first video of yours I've watched, I thought this was a movie review but I'm 8 minutes in and idk what this is about still

[@creedbratton4064]

I'm sorry this isn't what I wanted, goodbye

[@sick983]

dont worry man, im in the same boat. this guy is just a self indulgent film snob and the real topic of this video is just that. batman is just the backdrop

[@thefroknight3149]

In his own words: "I've seen enough."

[@jimbolic0809]

You've expressed my thoughts 100% accurately.

[@ishaangovardhan7430]

The culprit isn't superhero movies, the culprit is every movie studio's profit-making motive. As long as capitalism continues to exist in its current state, the primary motive of EVERYONE will always be profit. And financing movies that follow current trends is the safest bet any studio can make, so be damn well sure that they're gonna make that safe-ass bet 10 times out of 10. Let's say that the inevitable happens tomorrow, let's say that audiences get sick of superhero movies tomorrow: then Hollywood will simply generate ANOTHER trend. Another bandwagon to jump on. It has done so in the past with other genres including spaghetti westerns, kung fu movies, slasher horror etc. We need to get rid of this persistent idea of movie genre trends. And Start a trend of good movies, no matter the genre. Which won't happen as long as the profit motive rules supreme. Get rid of commercialism and let artistry thrive. And Stop blaming superhero movies for serving the same exact purpose that westerns and musicals and kung fu movies once served in their respective time periods.

[@michaelleonard1491]

That’s what separates the artists / classics from the ones that came out an still besides Warner brother people sit em on the shelves

[@Dew2Much]

This

[@jamestrickingtonIII]

Well said!

[@_sick5_481]

Extremely well said if it makes they aren’t gonna put in the effort to make it unique they are just gonna keep throwing out the same stuff that worked the first time

[@gabrielhu6596]

Why should we expect people to stop trying to make money? To the actors it was a job and the director it is a job. For the producer it’s a business. For the investor it’s an investment in anticipation for future income. How else are we gonna motivate people to make them without the profit motive? Government subsidies?

[@MrGlenbw]

You wanted to hate The Batman... and yet, you can't because it's just too DAMN GOOD...

[@agnostikidn3426]

It's not batman its sherlock holmes wearing bat costume pfft not a superhero movie

[@thomaspanzavolta1269]

@@agnostikidn3426 thats literally exactly what batman is, a rich sherlock holmes who can fight. it was perfect

[@rexxy2409]

@@agnostikidn3426 i don't understand why you bots want batman to shoot webs out of his hand

[@agnostikidn3426]

@@rexxy2409 gosh he doesn't even have a batarang, what I hope is batman is probably the most failed superhero even though the movie is a success

[@agnostikidn3426]

@@thomaspanzavolta1269 batman shud fight like a ninja like batman begins

[@nope5657]

The sooner film fans get over their snobbery, the better.

[@terrortower666]

Agreed

[@mikebunting2805]

amen bro

[@IcyDiamond]

100%

[@vasvas8914]

The sooner superhero genre starts being nuanced, daring and out-of-the-box, the better

[@IcyDiamond]

@@vasvas8914 The Batman was pretty different though

[@Chris-lc5vf]

Cinema has always had these massive trends aside from pure art films- sword and sandal, gangster films, westerns, spaghetti westerns, kung fu, karate, ninja craze, etc. It's selective memory to think of cinema ever being in a decline just because we have popcorn movies. Deep artistic vision is rare, not a norm.

[@ishaangovardhan7430]

People who look down on/dismiss any movie genre entirely should stop calling themselves film-lovers

[@aunknownspecies4153]

Exactly

[@_sick5_481]

Fr

[@catchannel1484]

Agreed

[@supersupera82]

absolutely

[@noelpathiyil3815]

Disney has given a bad name to super hero movies. INstead of a genre of films, they should say Disney films

[@UnfoundFilms]

Fuck imagine going on a date with this guy.

[@wesstewart2677]

Let’s be honest. He’s never been on one.

[@ashtonndlovu9470]

Ppl that call themselves"Cinaphiles" r not known for being able to communicate with human females

[@plainrosiejane]

the pretentiousness reeking from my screen. framing it in irony doesn't make it any less patronizing. jesus.

[@thebeakershow]

Man, this guy sounds like he's the worst person at parties

[@ssjmakol]

Word lol

[@ManlyPelican]

I feel like im watching a guy talking to his therapist about how he wants to be accepted as a good film critic...

[@lifelessexpression7670]

OMFG I AM DEAD LOL

[@jimbolic0809]

Yea ... this video is the first I've watched from the channel, and might be my last time. I don't know why he was rambling on so much. Was it a movie review? 100% NOT. Was it him word vomiting? Yes, and I am not here to give him clarity of thought.

[@princegobi5992]

@@jimbolic0809 go search out a more formulaic review publication from a corporate studio if you don’t want to listen to the creator of this channel’s views.

[@jimbolic0809]

@@princegobi5992 I was done with this already. Thanks for telling me what I already know.

[@princegobi5992]

@@jimbolic0809 oh welcome back, though

[@alquimistaZ2]

I also get concerned about the current state of cinema, but I don't think superhero movies themselves are the problem, the way that Hollywood produces movies is more problematic, cause the issues with Marvel movies have also leaked into Star Wars movies, Universal movies, Jurassic Park movies and any other big franchise. I personally love superhero comics and very often I feel underwhelmed with their adaptations to the screen.

[@braelhawke2189]

I know right? Jurassic World in particular felt more like it wanted to be a Marvel style film than a follow-up to Jurassic Park.

[@IcyDiamond]

Yeah the Marvel like quips in the new Star Wars movies are really cringe IMO

[@inyourwifesas1033]

@@braelhawke2189 and that's the problem he was kinda talking about lol

[@Spaced92]

Batman movies have been around since the 60's so it's a bit of a laugh saying superhero movies are at fault for Hollywoods sins. Really all Hollywood movies have always followed successful formulas, when Batman 89 succeeded with Keaton they were calling it the death of the muscled action star, now The Rock is making stupid money with shit movies again. Saying Superhero movies are the paedophile of Cinema like the video reviewer said is a laugh when Hollywood is happy to salivate over Woody Allen and Roman Polanski films, motherfuckers got bigger problems.

[@edgeworth097]

Agreed. There's only a few Marvel movies I think are genuinely of high quality (although Disney+ has had a good run so far for me, with WandaVision, Loki, and so far Moon Knight being some of my favourites). But the comics, or from what I know of them, are really good imo. The only time I think comic books are perfectly adapted to screen are with DC Animation, and even then there's a few bad things

[@jacobinman7054]

Think the most charming part of this video had to be you comparing super hero movies to p3d0philia while congratulating yourself for your big big intellect

[@ssatva]

Just need to try to express something I find frustrating but fascinating, that I feel you very eloquently and thoughtfully crept up on in this video. We're never going to learn _why_ someone likes something through a lens of contempt (and related shame), because how we label something affects our experience of it--what we pay attention to, what we glide over, what we embrace and what we reject. This goes for superhero movies for cinema snobs (yay team!) but just as much for art cinema for 'salt of the earth' types. If we approach things with contempt, what they *are* will evade us. At best, we can excuse them for being a lesser offering of something we already embrace, and an indulgence. For me, super-heroics are about facing up to pain; about pushing past. There are superhero movies that don't explore this, and they are flat for me at this time; the ones that get me are the ones that explore in some way what it's like to push through agony, hopelessness, defeat, etc. One reason for this is chronic pain; these images (or feelings drawn from them) help me get out of @#$%ing bed. But that's a justification and a recent one; they mattered to me before then, because of where I lived and what I was going through. They spoke to things and challenged me. Marvel does a lot of this very well, very often; inside their formula, they give the artists working on these spectacles the challenge and latitude to explore facing up to and overcoming pain, in a number of ways, often expanding on previous works. I know there are other things they're doing; and that a person can love them without even noticing what makes them actually matter to me. But I am not going to turn in my film snob card because I happen to be hooked into a way these things are being interesting. Nor is anyone else obligated to see or care about what I see. But--if we're interested in what's working for people and why, thus about where the money and attention are going, we want to start asking without contempt, and looking into these things. Maybe now is a good time for people to be swept up in something that makes it feel heroic to cope with the hopeless and painful; and other things are going on too. Thanks for a great, fun, thought-provoking vid, and for coming to my TED talk as the kids said last week.

[@ohwowitsthatguy9154]

This is the best response to this whole video. Eloquent, philosophical, and gets to the beating human heart of why this guy talks about liking a superhero movie the same way someone would talk about passing a kidney stone.

[@vincentarceo7655]

Don’t Worry mate I love this genre but I will admit it is sad that people won’t watch other movies nowadays and the other day I couldn’t even convince a friend to watch Raiders of the Lost Ark simply because it was an old film… It’s safe to say that the current mainstream audiences’ taste of film is declining

[@KrisToast]

Thats fucked

[@BallisticCookie]

Let people watch what they want to watch

[@birdsamora9925]

Very

[@terragthegreat175]

This is satire, right? If I put every snobby art critic stereotype into a single video I don't think I could have done a better job than you have here.

[@NateMulder]

Gate is well kept by this fella

[@jimbolic0809]

This is the only explanation that gives me peace.

[@princegobi5992]

Doesn’t make you snobby to critique the biggest cancer on cinema to date, which is billion dollar studio comic book movies.

[@kadiriolanipekun6486]

@@princegobi5992 dude it’s just a movie type that’s popular. No different from the Star Wars of old age. Why are you comparing it to cancer??

[@princegobi5992]

@@kadiriolanipekun6486 because cancer subsumes and destroys: it assimilates healthy cells in to a toxic system.

[@aunknownspecies4153]

I never understood guys with your take on the superhero Genre because I just don’t get how people can’t just live both types of films movies themselves are fantasy even when based on true stories and people always seem to think a superhero film can’t make you think or can’t make you feel I just never got it

[@Mexicutioner0516]

My absolute favorite thing about The Batman was that it took it's time to play out and develop, and was not some flashy, impetuous and rushed Michael Bay film. I hope more film makers start taking their time with movies like this did and trend towards being longer in length.

[@TMNmedia]

What a loads of bollock, dude spent 15 minutes telling us how hes Dad leaving him

[@imkool51391]

A 16 minute movie review where he talks about the actual movie for about maybe 3 minutes

[@video_Junk]

it's such a self absorbed "review", it's rather obnoxious. glad I wasn't the only one who thought this lol.

[@maplerrrrr]

the thing is this isn't a review, its the narration of his personal experience with filmaking and correlating it with his exeprience with the batman. you are kind of looking at it wrong, an essay it's not a review.

[@video_Junk]

@@maplerrrrr Okay that's actually extremely fair. It's still extremely obnoxious (in my opinion). I agree that the modern industry is in the shitter, but holy shit the way he goes about talking about it lol. To be fair I kinda have a thing against critics tho, not because I have a thing about criticism. But that these critiques are coming from someone who will never make anything of their own.

[@imkool51391]

@@maplerrrrr except he talks about the movie in the title of the video for 3 minutes. Regardless of what it is, it's not a good video and a waste of time

[@brittany9992]

He says in the beginning that this is less like his other videos and is instead a story abt his personal journey with liking this movie.

[@DaneOLeary]

Actual review starts around 8:15… sort of.

[@kaitkatbar177]

it never really starts. Just tiny tidbits. Not a review at all

[@TooVoidremyboys]

This review is like he's at a therapy session😂

[@cheddarandsourcream]

This movie is just so cool it was made with love and that’s very obvious. Matt Reeves is so damn talented

[@RED01SEA]

this is a weird video

[@Cinemug]

Hating on movies simply because of their genre is immature. Yes, most superhero films are not considered "cinema" but they're not attempting to be. There are more feelings than sadness that humans are capable of and that movies can evoke. And telling people to find happiness where they can, but then just a minute before bashing on said people fully embracing the nostalgia No Way Home gave to them makes you appear extremely snobby and hypocritical

[@fluffynator6222]

Ironically, Superhero comics could absolutely be "cinema" if they wanted to. Just read The Killing Joke or Arkham Asylum.

[@alialissa4688]

@@fluffynator6222 and what do those two things have in common???? Batman

[@fightclub6284]

That’s because he is. Just a sad old man upset that people enjoy things he does not like.

[@sparklestonebro]

Yeah this dude reeks immaturity and a misplaced sense of superiority. You can't call yourself an intellectual or a film critic or hell even an art connoisseur while just "hating" on anything that falls under something as simple as "genre". Sure, not enjoying a sort of film is okay but hating an entire range of artistic endeavors just because of something so simple as "I turn my nose up at the genre" is peak cringe.

[@Angivel]

What? Where's this "super hero films are not cinema" coming from? That's about as stupid as asking "are video games art?" Or even worse, straight up claiming that they arent. Yes, motherfuckers, video games are art, and super hero films are cinema, of course they are, how's this even a discussion? People don't still care about what Scorsese said, do they? Is that why "cinema" is debated? Art is any creative piece, any presented vision that means to invoke thoughts or emotion, whether it's a deep, introspective story, or just a shallow popcorn flick made for thrills. If you, yourself consider it Fine art or not is a different, completely subjective matter. I've never liked critiques, I feel they have a weird sense of ego as if they're some kind of deciding authority on the subject. KZbin has made it so much worse. Too many smug pseudo intellectuals who genuinely seem to believe their opinion is superior. I know you were trying to defend super hero films, but if you back up the notion that "Yes, most super hero films arent considered cinema but they are not attempting to be" you are disrespecting the creators, minimizing all their work and effort, making You are part of the problem. You don't sound as snobbish as this guy but you do sound ignorant. I can tell that your Heart is in the right place and that you probably haven't thought about it this way, so I don't mean to bash you or start shit, I really don't. I just felt that phrasing it the way you did was a bit of a disservice to the genre you're clearly and rightly are trying to defend and I don't think that was your intention.

[@danielzapata9600]

This was way too pretentious, if it weren't for the Something Wild poster i wouldn't be able to bare it.

[@TheBatNick2024]

I swear it like nails on chalkboard to me. I know it’s on purpose a bit but this is torture. I love film, pure and simple. Like literature I feel I get to choose what I love, what I want to obsess over, and ones to not show interest in at all. That’s right, you don’t have to love film and watch every art house film to love film. The great part is that you build your own library and can share it without shame. Let’s not turn this wonderful gift into a religion. I don’t need to like your movie to justify loving film. At the end of your life you will ask yourself a fundamental question: did I live a good life? Why add guilt of not seeing whatever film everyone said to see? If you enjoyed your life, then it was certainly a good life. Rant over. Please continue with the endless debate about who’s religion is better. The world is so much better for it don’t you think?

[@LauraCespedes247]

Watching films is not a chore for me. I can always find something to like in a movie. I don’t have to compare it to other movies because everybody expresses themselves differently. Variety is the spice of life.

[@teresaluz975]

I find happiness in movies. The first movies I remember that are part of my childhood were Logan's Run and RoboCop. I was very young, 6yro when I saw them. To this day they're my comfort movies. I don't really look at movies through the genre label, I look at the story. If it's well told, be it on earth or in space, be it about a god or about an insect, I'll watch it. I get why people are tired of the MCU or DC movies, but I guess I'm never getting tired of it. I confess I schedule my life around the movie and tv shows release dates. But I also like the more obscure movies. I bet no one has watched Angel-A. I liked your video, it was entertaining. Oh, and I've watched The Batman twice. It's a really well made movie, an excellent detective story that so happens to have a guy dressed like a bat.

[@blanchegreco7201]

100% spot on

[@tng514]

What a healthy approach to watching films

[@user-gk4od8ub3z]

it took you 12 minutes to finally say you liked it.. nice, nice very nice

[@jadsammour1078]

if this video was beneficial in a way, it made me realize how annoying “true cinephiles” can be lol. there’s no shame in enjoying popcorn flicks. i like tarkvosky and i happen to enjoy “non-cinema films”. like dude are you okay? no need to do a life check when you want to admit liking something. no one is revoking your film expertise or appreciation card if you like a film from a red flagged genre. chill, it’s okay. no need to beat yourself. cinema is for everyone and all tastes, you can swing around without guilt. if everyone watched antonioni films, the average worker would probably kill himself three hours into a monday workday. no offense to the genius antonioni but you know what i mean - (also the average worker would enjoy antonioni but again what’s an average human but a random civilian or whatever). anyway cut yourself some slack. take a deep breath and it’s alright.

[@curtisdunn1854]

Yeah this guy came off incredibly pretentious lol. Afraid to like something that isn't some high art, conceptual indie film recorded on a potato.

[@LauraCespedes247]

I like that you are an introspective person but you made this mostly about yourself, don’t forget about reviewing the movies OK. I’m glad you enjoyed it though 👍🏽

[@chimeron260]

I think a lot of what gets lost in the discussion of the superhero film industry and "cinema" is how much of the artist still shines through in the work, and how much heart and effort is put into it. I'd say Matt Reeves doesn't approach any film as lesser works than his others and it shows in both The Batman and his Planet of the Ape's movies. I also think it's hard to see a movie like either Guardians of the Galaxy and not see the heart in it, and the soul pu into it. Or Joker. Scorsese said, "...It isn’t the cinema of human beings trying to convey emotional, psychological experiences to another human being.” every character in GoTG 2 has an emotional arc and grow by the end of the film. I know Cinema is in a transition period as streaming starts to dominate the market, and the oversaturation of superhero films make's it an easy target since they are seen by studios as a generally safe bet, while other smaller projects are getting turned down, but it also seems like a cheap shot to punch down on works film makers like James Gunn or Todd Phillips are putting out without actually watching the movies and trying to empathize with the characters. I think there's just a gap between people who are used to and probably became invested in fantastical stories early on that we have a natural suspension of disbelief and can empathize with a talking tree easier than average folk.

[@howisthatgay4275]

I think Batman going to HBO Max so fast is gonna push it to all time classic status better as people rewatch and notice what makes it great

[@craydehiyade3862]

Jesus christ. this is a genuine question, is being insufferable part of some inside-joke ironic humour or something? im new to this channel

[@adammeredith1888]

The fact that you wanted to hate it says alot about your depth of character and how you like to perceive yourself you should not be reviewing films with your out right narrow mindedness

[@Janjibro66]

The was the weirdest review ever.

[@riku528]

“The Batman” -Martin Scorsese

[@marklonearrow4292]

Jesus, man. Just spit it out! I really don't need so much back story. Damn man. 😉

[@dh5573]

So this is how my therapist feels huh

[@vinikamatv2309]

An opening 2 minute monologue of a man explaining that he never developed mentally past 1st year of Uni

[@cashdavenport6822]

That hate toward Ringo Starr was uncalled for

[@luisbarajas5202]

Great video, it's fine to make a video like this from time to time where you can only express yourself in this manner. I totally get where your coming from about the movie too, fortunately I was able to enjoy myself overall but I definitely noticed more than a few issues that I had with he film.

[@TomTomLo1]

get on with it

[@VideoG101]

I really enjoyed your honesty in pointing out some of the pretentious/high and mighty sides of your thoughts and feelings when they arose. I think that’s a really great skill to improve and have, and it makes it feel like your thoughts in this review have a lot of weight and consideration! Nice video

[@cinemint]

I think I want to mock him just because he asked me not to

[@neemahbethea9328]

Why does everyone want to hate this movie. Is is a crime to hope to enjoy a movie you're going to see?

[@hosshydraa1181]

Bro, I love how almost everytime he shows up to kickass, you hear feint footsteps, his new theme song, but it's feint. As he approaches his steps and music get louder, coming out of the darkness like he's the fucking Grim Repaer. I got chills every single time.

[@YEAR-1-RELICS]

I wouldn't want to know you in real life.

[@andrew190877]

Where can I find your top film list from last year? I believe you mentioned it in this video. Thank you!

[@TheDiscardedImage]

It's on my channel's community tab

[@GelelNinja7]

Ya know fans of star wars and Marvel and DC are actually quite critical of every new entry into their franchises. We want these stories to be good and say important things and have personality

[@Hddudn6262]

Where'd you get those beautiful posters?

[@goku8621]

This is the first blockbuster I’ve seen in a while that didn’t just feel like 2 hours fan service

[@Tecom38415]

I liked no way home……I freaked when Tobey came on screen……..am I a loser? Lmao

[@nathanc9953]

nah

[@UnfoundFilms]

No. Like what you want.

[@Gang-bh8xr]

no you’re great

[@DAEDAEANT]

Nah you like what you like. I freaked when Daredevil showed up.

[@dis_inferno9173]

Yeah, this movie really shines after second watching

[@movedmindpoRUSZonyUMYS]

I had the exact same approach when I was beginning my cinephile's lifestyle - also felt to cinephile to enjoy movies for crowds, etc. But then, step after step, I learnt that cinema isn't only high-brow artistic soul-journeys to be discovered by a few people on the planet. The same as literature, music and all other branches of art. There are different styles, genres, approaches and there's something 'fun' for everyone. And you can learn from basically any art entry ever. So I'm very glad you overcame your doubts, it's a step in the right direction!

[@leonkennedy7635]

Filmbros are so pretentious my god

[@dsc9921]

I also have little to no interest in superhero comic book movies, but Batman has always felt different for some reason. Did you like Joker from 2019? I think what the Batman characters have which other comics lack is a more marked and nuanced focus on the psychology of the characters. Like the fact that some people in the film call Batman a psycho and a freak for dressing up in that pesky spandex, gives the whole thing a self awareness that you could only find in sth like the Watchmen comic. It's like... idk... Birdman's theme of identity is similar to Bruce Wayne's dilemma: rich, successful socialite, or heed the call of a more meaningful and intimate existence. In this case he goes from thinking this means vengeance, to then bringing hope for the people of Gotham.

[@seanmmoore1]

I really appreciate the way you've used detailed exposition to explain your perception of film. Personally, I love film and I try to appreciate the little things in every movie I watch. Whether it's a simple popcorn flick or an arthouse/cerebral film. I agree with you when it comes to the marvel movies. The formula remains the same and they feel like they lack a soul at times. Like there's no real conviction to anything that's done in the story. That they're toying with people's nostalgia, especially with the newest incarnation of Spiderman. I like that you also said that people should enjoy what makes them happy, no matter how simple it is. That's what I did with the newest Spiderman. Even if I hated myself for being blind to all those cues for a nostalgic reaction with the return of old characters. This new Batman is extremely well crafted. I have a deep appreciation for Matt Reeves and Robert Pattison (especially after Good Time). After seeing it the first time, I felt exactly the same way. I did however see the potential. The runtime was long and around the two hour mark and I too asked myself when it was going to be over. I felt like it dragged on and they could of cut a half an hour out of it in the editing room. But then I gave it a second chance. I came back and was eager to see some of those scenes again. I looked for the hidden symbolism and social commentary and was blown away by it. I think I had a general idea of what Reeves was doing and it all worked so wonderfully well. Wish I could sit down with you and talk about movies over a drink sometime.

[@brianarms8969]

This entire video felt like a long winded lecture from my weird uncle Barry, I mean damn was this all over the place

[@s0dip]

Dude u ok?

[@009013M3]

I feel this. I'm glad to finally have something to talk about with my comic book movie fan friends. I'm that asshole who just can't say anything during those conversations because I don't want to shit all over something my friends love, even though I have *zero* love for superhero movies. But this one feels less like some Extruded Cinematic Universe Content and more like this weird homage to deliciously grimy 90's serial killer thrillers like Se7en before Saw and Hostel turned the thriller market into non-stop goreporn and burned everyone out on it, except with more uplifting and optimistic messages to replace the cynicism that unfortunately seem to always come hand in hand with the darkness and grit. I've been describing it to people as a weird but awesome gothic proto-cyberpunk detective noir/serial killer thriller with the world's most aesthetically delightful car chase about halfway through. It's definitely not for everyone though. It has some spots where the pacing is pretty bad. It starts off great on demonstrative characterization and subtle but visible story elements to piece together, mostly great actor selection fouled by some occasional iffy line delivery, and some stilted expository dialog that breaks the general trend of "Respect the watcher's intelligence" from time to time. But for the most part it's a hit and I adore it.

[@ernestopoisota9918]

God, this was pretencious and self congratulating

[@Bolts_Films]

im with you on a lot of this, and I liked the video man. for some reason I imagined you as like a 20 something but you can never tell from the voice lol, gave me a good shock at the beginning.

[@JustStop19]

Same here! However, this explains how his content is so mature and nuanced.

[@belllerofont]

Thanks for honesty and broader reveal of your persona. Unsubscribed.

[@TheDiscardedImage]

Will miss you xx

[@G-0]

Thank you so much for talking about the underviewed films from last year. There were so many brilliant ones that I find it disheartening a lot of them are not getting the attention they deserved. I read your description of the top ten and it really resonated with me. I also love it when a film can emotionally effect me alongside its technical mastery. I ended up picking West Side Story as my favorite film of the year for that very reason. What a year for movies it was and this year is already starting strong. I just subbed mate, keep up the great content.

[@SkeleTonHammer]

There's nothing wrong with being a weird hipster who likes weird hipster movies as long as you don't also avoid good movies just because they're popular.

[@pikarari]

enjoying this video and loved your Once Upon a Time in Hollywood video and I'm going to watch more, but I *have* to stop and ask: What, if anything, do you think about Zack Snyder's Superman movies? (Please be nice, because Batman v. Superman is probably my favorite movie- on a list that includes Dr. Strangelove, Metropolis, and American Graffiti, so please don't judge me too harshly 😅 it just checks a shit ton of personal boxes for me, something I get the sense that you can understand)

[@thevfxmancolorizationvfxex4051]

I'd love to hear your thoughts on Star Wars 1977 (even if it's probably not your kind of film)

[@TheDiscardedImage]

First time I went to the cinema on my own was at 12 years old to see Return of the Jedi. I don't like them in quite the same way now, but still enjoyable! If you go on my home page you'll find my movie brats series that breaks down the final set piece of Star Wars (1977)

[@thevfxmancolorizationvfxex4051]

@@TheDiscardedImage Oh brilliant! By the way, will there be any way new episodes in the New Hollywood series?

[@TheDiscardedImage]

@@thevfxmancolorizationvfxex4051 I would like to in the future. I have a Taxi Driver one written I need to get around to.

[@leehines1361]

I feel the exact same way as you with inception it’s technically brilliant but I do not or have I ever understood the love for that movie.

[@Arklust]

Batman for me was a 10/10. From the cinematography to the characters it nailed every single thing, Both Pattinson and Paul Dono did terrific jobs at playing their roles. Usually I find movies a bit hard to watch due to my attention span but this was perfect it was as long as it needed to be and help my attention through its run time and also this didn't feel like a superhero story it just felt like a crime thriller with a masked vigilante. All in all it was an amazing movie with a perfect cast

[@brandoncobb5352]

Just those slow steps at the beginning, made me happy I bought it. I also match your Kdot reference and cynicism. Very happy to have just subscribed! Bought, for sleeping, purposes. Still haven't slept to it.

[@jamesliu8101]

I think you might want to put a little more facial expression or dramatic tone in there when you're joking, even if those are your true thoughts. People who already like and follow this channel won't have a problem understanding you, so it'd be better if you could avoid giving wrong impressions to some viewers. I think it'd be better if you go either sharper or wittier, or maybe even both.

[@Rugelacharugula]

Did the composition of this film remind anybody else of Se7en meets graphic novel?

[@josephm.benoit9202]

In the context of the rest of the essays you've made for this channel, this piece is flippin' hilarious. And great timing. Hope you had as much fun making it as it seems. I get it guy, I get it.

[@Glane6339]

This movie made me feel like a kid again.. I love Batman and finally got some time to watch it over the holidays this year after a crazy year at work. Havnt had that movie magic in such a long time man, it was beautiful.

[@kerchydaproductions6384]

If Nightmare Alley has some sort of similar vibe to the Batman I will check it out or if it's better if it's anything sort of like silent hill-ish or a noir-ish feel to it

[@julietofthebriar]

this video was like sitting in on a therapy session lmao. im not a superhero fan in that i go to the large movies (can't remember seeing a proper superhero film since i was dragged out to the last Thor one, unless you count Sony's spiderverse), but i personally think superhero stories have a lot of potential. ive read comics and im honestly fascinated by the mythos of superheroes. one of the saddest things abt superhero movies (particularly marvel ones) is that there is no room for artistic interpretation. in comics, each other has their chance to do a creative and dynamic retelling of a known character. In that way, superheroes function more as archetypes than as characters. i mean dont get me wrong dc has had some real dogshit movies but at the very least they don't lock you down with a 'timeline' or restrict directors to a cookie cutter universe. i'd much prefer a series of horrid movies with the preservation of creative control than whatever marvel's putting out.

[@19maurice66]

Voice over is much improved, the variation in intonation is much improved.

[@stephenward7856]

Giving us a look behind your own curtain was definitely a good idea. As is forcing yourself to look outside your usual perspective - never easy to do! My son does this for me, pointing out the sound design etc in this movie, which in fairness is excellent.

[@PictureProductStudio]

Is it okay o be like 50/50 split on this subject? I mean, I am a very passionate and inclusive film fan often digging up absolute unknown of the unknown is search of hidden gems and I would love to see more movies like Nightmare Alley. I also have a dreaded superhero fatigue, and yet I still love superhero genre and I love comic books. Especially when they're more street level or, on the polar opposite, self-referential monster mythos like Burton dilogy or Darkman. Among with those two some of my favorites in the genre do two things, foremost: they use the pre-established concepts creatively and they understand key emotional concepts that make us appreciate heroism in general, like total self-sacrifice, taking risks to save others or heck, even taking responsibility. Also, while not a pre-requisite, neo-noir mixed with a superhero genre just works on some primal level with me. Like Shyamalan's trilogy of Unbreakable, Split and Glass. Also worth of note: Nicolas Winding Refn and Ryan Gosling have both gone on record that Drive is a superhero movie. As a fan of that genre: it is. Perhaps the most grounded and weird one.

[@TrzaGoesHard]

Out of curiosity, what's your feeling on lord of the rings? Maybe you've addressed this, if so sorry.

[@fm.3549]

“I, I, I, me, I, I, I”

[@twstf8905]

I think this might have been quite therapeutic for you lol so, well done!! Guilty pleasures are a cliché for a reason. And clichés are real things that happen ubiquitously. Which is what makes them cliché to begin with. (obviously lol) Way to embrace your inner fanboy. 👍

[@justaduck1652]

And I thought I was pretentious

[@antonio_a87]

lol first video I have ever watched from your channel and I was starting to hate the Cinephile high school attitude even if it was self acknowledged and in a disparaging manner, but then just like you gave the Batman a shot I decided I was going to watch it through and I enjoyed your points and its always interesting to hear about movies from someone who clearly knows movies.

[@Alexanderbendo]

11:50 for the review

[@targaryenstarfish4903]

was he talking about himself or the batman? couldnt finish sorry

[@ahsankhan-zg6gr]

I wish more people were this sincere and open about their reviews

[@jimmycribbo5736]

I love superhero movies and I loved this video . The Batman is by far the greatest depiction of Batman and Gotham so far

[@evanwoofter7493]

Ahh you forgot, it took inspiration of David finchers Seven, Girl with the dragon tattoo and zodiac which are both well crafted and thrilling films

[@remliqa]

He said that he saw the Seven reference.

[@HK-zb6si]

I feel like really devling into movies is a straight road into being chronically unhappy. Like hear me out: the moment in your live will come when you see a Tarkovsky movie (or anybody elses for that matter) and you end it weeping like a child. you get really touched by the feelings the director wanted to convey. Now you are hooked an seek out the feeling again. You make a list, you read about good titles. 200 movies in everything is fine, you can easily scratch the itch, you enjoy "normal" movies also. 800 movies in you have seen every possible good idea you can put on a screen. 100 years of movies und you have seen nearly 10 per year of this periode. Every now movie or sceen is just a combination of another. You can see nearly everything coming and good movies are just terrible to you because they are not great. New directors try to do something new, do not want to just copy the old classics, but in the process are not perfect anymore. With every coming year you care less and less about new releases and a big part of you just fades away. And because you realise the the future just might not only be worse in this regard only but also in general, just defeats you. The reason i think this believe is justified, is that year by year channels about cinema more and more morph into therapie sessions for the host(s).

[@yeeteravi]

I wanted to love it… and I did.

[@itcouldbelupus2842]

I appreciate your vulnerability. I like this style of video.

[@crazyralph6386]

Pfffft, this guy talking about that West Side Story reboot being the pinnacle of high art? LOL!!!

[@ballo3595]

I normally like this guy's videos, but this one was kinda insufferable to listen to.