Kevin Smith Critiques Batman & Superman In Movies | GQ

[@drfunky2182]

Kudos to the editors who boiled down 36 straight hours of Kevin's dialogue into under 10 minutes for us mortals 👏

[@Mr_Craftician]

That's hilarious!

[@Backintothesun]

FOR REAL LMFAO

[@tecpaocelotl]

I know you're joking, but knowing Kevin, I would not be surprised if true. Lol.

[@paradoxr.n.o8688]

Lol

[@adamwyatt8773]

Aint that the truth. Went to see Clerks 3 and they played a video of Kevin introducing the film. After 12 hours the film finally began.

[@Debatra.]

Christopher Reeves was the undisputed master of not just playing both sides of the hero, but also seamlessly switching between them. That scene in the first movie where he takes off his glasses, stands up straight, and speaks in a firmer voice perfectly demonstrated that there's far more to the disguise than just "Superman with glasses".

[@DizzyBusy]

I recently rewatched Superman, it was on TV. The scene after Christopher Reeve's Superman took Lois Lane flying, I kid you not, I cried at just how beautiful he acted there.

[@TheClovvn]

I love Christopher Reeves, grew up with it, but I don't think he played both sides well. He was a great Clark, but I never felt him as Superman, especially as I grew older and understood the character more.

[@wiseauserious8750]

Ironically, Ben Affleck actually played George Reeve in a biopic, so in a roundabout way he did play Superman

[@SilentJay8]

That’s not ironic. That’s literally what he was referring to.

[@michaelbonhomme3219]

THE GOAT 🐐 BATMAN, SUPERMAN, DAREDEVIL

[@ChrisSmithBass]

🤣

[@qwerttzizzi]

What movie.

[@foxpaw76]

@@qwerttzizzi Hollywoodland

[@DreJr]

RIP to Kevin Conroy.

[@Yikes702]

I'm so glad he noticed that little eye gesture by Keaton in Batman Returns. I remember watching it and noticing it too! Clever acting by Keaton as usual!

[@ProudPapa26]

My favorite Keaton moment was in Returns and Penguin asks, “You don’t really think you’ll Win, do you?” And you see Keaton Slightly grin and throw the “Things change” line right back at him. Priceless

[@Zanders459]

Absolutely love that! Just when I thought that film couldn't get any better

[@Yikes702]

​@@ProudPapa26 Something else that always gets me is when Keaton walks into Shreck's costume party and the band is performing Rick James' "Superfreak." Re-watch the scene if you can. I think it's genius. I remember laughing so hard. You know that had to be intentional on Burton's part.

[@kevinw712]

the irony is, I've watched the commentary tracks that Kevin and Mark Bernardin recorded years ago for all 4 of the Burton/Schumacher Batman movies multiple times (they're hilarious) I'm almost positive he doesn't bring this up when watching Batman Returns

[@alphanerd7221]

@@kevinw712 He does bring it up.

[@80sMoviesRule1]

“Then they put up a picture of him standing next to the Batmobile… then the world shut up.” 🤣🤣🤣🤣very true.

[@Kryptonian4449]

Christopher Reeves is Superman! It’s the role he was born to play. He is the one that truly made us feel like a man could fly... We miss you Chris❤

[@nickangelo116]

*Reeve

[@prodigalbrock]

A horse would disagree

[@EviIM0nk3y]

@@prodigalbrock lol good one Now you ride a horse too

[@drewski103]

Superman got paralyzed that's crazy. What's next? Aquaman gonna drown??

[@ArjunLoveableChannel]

Henry Cavill is superman of our generation

[@MRSceneITALL]

I agree with everything he said about keaton and Burton those movies are a fantastic take on the characters and the movie is so rewatchable keaton nailed that part perfectly

[@jamesarcuri2985]

I really wish that Brandon Routh would get more credit for his Portal as Superman, the movie wasn't perfect and they really could have done more but I feel as tho Brandon was a Fantastic Clark & looked like a great Superman

[@BernieTime1]

Unfortunately Brandon was let down by a mediocre script. WB is just bad at making superhero movies which is ironic because they were killing it on the small screen.

[@yb554]

I keep saying the same thing. I feel like he was let down by a very bad script.

[@bluerobin7051]

The thing is that Routh was just playing the previous version of the character. He was not allowed to innovate, because Superman Returns was not designed to do that.

[@Drifter1989]

Routh kind of got the short end of the stick since he was canon to Reeve’s portrayal so he had to imitate Reeve the entire time so not much room to give your own distinct portrayal.

[@dankairgadam8841]

He was limited by the script and having to stay within Christopher Reeve's Superman continuity, but I also felt like he just lacked any charisma. For me it's 1. Reeve 2. Cavill 3. Routh

[@enden6963]

I'm with Kev on this one. I remember the day Keaton's Batman hit theaters. My family got tickets and the theater was so packed they had a row of folding chairs at the very front and very back of the theater. It wasn't a comfortable watch but it was amazing.

[@Age2003]

And now you have a movie like Madame Webb that struggles to fill a popular IMAX auditorium at prime time during opening weekend. (In the amazon)

[@iancandish7418]

I often agree with Kev, but not always. But even so, I love how much he loves this stuff and how much thought he puts into it.

[@Soldier4USA2005]

Same. This level of passion just doesn't exist. Henry Cavill is one of the probably dozen or so people on the planet that loves comics as much as Kevin does. Henry just has the same level of love in video games, books, and tabletop gaming. The guys are simply just built different. And I love it.

[@EthanRom]

Even if you don’t agree at least he has fleshed out thoughts for his opinions compared to some how just say A is better and B is bad, the end.

[@marshmelo15]

he remade he-man and wasnt even a fan of the show. and he destroyed it. tell me how much thought he puts into stuff again?

[@ebbderelict]

It's like listening to Stephen Colbert talk about Lord of the Rings, or James Rolfe talk about King Kong. It just brings a smile to my face to listen to people talk so passionately AND lovingly about thing they enjoy. You can disagree with opinions, but you can't disagree with their joy.

[@tretretre1111]

@@marshmelo15 I wonder why you don't hear this kind of stuff about the Constantine movie with Keanu Reeves. Completely butchered the source material, now people are hyped for the sequel.

[@danielsheppard628]

I grew up on Christopher reeve and Richard Donner superman and Adam west and Michael Keaton's Batman and so I have to agree with what your takes were on their portrayal of those superheroes.

[@GymAndSun]

This segment could have been 10 hours instead of 10 minutes. Such is his love for these stories. Also I still would have watched

[@khalilahd.]

Lol agreed

[@chaseward_ssh]

Absolutely agreed lol

[@mainstreetsaint36]

His stories never get old.

[@dontipton4570]

Absolutely

[@emoney6692]

I’ll be honest, I’ve never understood why people praised Michael Keaton’s portrayal of Bruce Wayne/Batman so highly, but after Kevin’s explanation of the little subtleties and behaviours that Keaton adds to his performance, I think I get it now. Keaton really was wonderful in the role.

[@BernieTime1]

Back in the day we were ALL surprised by how well Keaton pulled it off. Bruce Wayne by definition was like a 6'4" Adonis, and Keaton clocking in as a 5' something Mr. Mom.

[@ohyeahitsthatoneguy]

That opening statement by Kevin about Superman is just something I can't get behind. First and foremost, he's a farm boy grown and raised in Smallville, by Jonathan and Martha and his name is Clark Kent. Superman didn't exist until later in his life. He grew up as a regular down to earth chill guy which is why Superman is such a great character. He's one of us. ''Clark Kent is the mask'' but eh it's not like his opinion is wrong though ofc

[@mrmacross]

It really depends when you started reading Superman. If you started reading in 1987 or later, your interpretation is more correct. If you read Silver Age stories, you'd agree with Smith. I personally think Pre-Crisis interpretation is slightly more interesting, mostly because a lot of writers have interpreted "farm boy" to mean "simpleton," when Superman is anything but simple-minded.

[@antondelacruz9362]

Farm boy grown and raised in smallville but not a nerdy 4-eyed pushover. 'Superman' is just a new name for his real identity because it allows him to be his smallville self without hiding. Thats why he still does farmboy stuff like tell people his mom made his costume. The clark persona hides who he really is.

[@kirbygene]

Agree! I always thought Clark was the real person and Superman was a means to an end. To contrast, I feel like Batman became the real person and Bruce Wayne is his public face.

[@alalalala57]

I mean, I think he meant the persona Clark Kent is the mask. The farmboy Clark Kent isn't some bumbling idiot persona, its just Superman without the S and cape.

[@mrmacross]

@@alalalala57 This. When he's working as mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent, he acts like someone he really isn't. The confident guy who saves people and stands up to bad guys is his real personality.

[@Schnyger]

I know the man has gone a little crazy these days, and I know it's a TV show (though Kevin dove into plenty of TV show performances), but Dean Caine's performance as Superman shouldn't be forgotten. He actually has one of my favorite portrayals of Clark that felt most in line with the comics I've read.

[@kevin10001]

I love Lois and Clark the new adventures of Superman I watched it when it aired on Sunday nights on abc I also have the complete series on dvd I love they put more focus on Clark then Superman where we get to know Clark as a character more then the movies cause the focus is more on Superman

[@TheBrotherGrim]

I love that show so much. So many great memories of watching it with my grandfather back when it was airing.

[@BernieTime1]

You should really be liking Tyler Hoechlin then as he's really killing it on Superman and Lois. They're only a few seasons in, but really knocking it out of the park. Too bad the older shows were hampered by executives thinking they needed laugh tracks and unnecessary camp.

[@JokersMidnightShow]

It would be great to have a Clark and Lois centric film with Superman mostly in the background till the third act or second half

[@cohenb18]

I would actually disagree with the statement that “Clark Kent is the mask, Superman is the guy” I’ve always preferred the line said by Dean Cain in The New Adventures of Superman “Superman is what I can do, Clark Kent is who I am” Also how do you talk about all the movie adaptations of Superman but leave out Brandon Routh?

[@FutureDeep]

Superman is the disguise that Smallville Clark Kent uses so he can be part of the world and use his powers. Metropolis Clark Kent is the disguise Superman uses so he can be part of the world and so no one suspects he has powers.

[@nateh8syou]

Respectfully I disagree, and I would use David Carradine’s monologue in kill bill vol 2 as evidence. When he says “Clark Kent is Superman’s critique on the entire human race”

[@farisbosnic1786]

@@nateh8syou But he was raised on earth by human Parents, he didn't know he is an Alien for many years... I guess i would say "Clark Kent the journalist" is also a mask, i always got the vibe that he can only be his true self when he is with his parents or people that know his identity.

[@apaar1426]

I'd say Clark Kent being a mask is true to an extent. Like, there's still a better way to phrase it, because then it kind of goes into binaries, but the bumbling, clumsy persona he puts up is a disguise. (Also i guess it was Comic Drake, but i don't remember exactly, but he said that there was this one story in which Clark learned acting and would change his speech patterns also). So yeah, to an extent I'd agree on Clark Kent being a disguise, but i think it's better phrased by saying that Reporter Clark Kent is a disguise, while Superman is who Clark Kent really is.

[@nateh8syou]

@@farisbosnic1786 I actually agree with you. There’s merit to both arguments

[@ibear2554]

Kevin has such a great grasp of character. I enjoyed hearing him talk about what makes a character correct is perfect. Also, Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill are the best Batman and Joker. Really.

[@wee7750]

What about the he man show without he man?

[@tmoore4075]

He's right about Keaton/Batman. We didn't have super hero movies back then. At least not good ones. It was a big f'in deal to get that and get a good movie.

[@BernieTime1]

I think most of us were surprised at how good Batman 89 was, and that Jack Nicholson just about stole every scene he was in. Every cinema hero needs a great villain and Nicholson's Joker was the best until the wonderful portrayal by the late Heath Ledger. Mark Hamill of course for the Animated version, but that should go without saying.

[@cwell510]

As many times as I've seen Batman Returns, I've never noticed that expression on his face after avoiding those penguins strapped w/ missiles...😆

[@dirty6593]

I adore Kevin Smith talking comics. He catches nuances many people miss. Love the guy

[@jalabi99]

It's interesting that the two most important characters in the world of Batman (Batman and the Joker) were both played by actors who when they were cast, no one believed they could pull it off, and yet they did so brilliantly. I'm talking about Michael Keaton as Batman, and the late Heath Ledger as the Joker.

[@edwarburton]

Clark dresses up as superman. He’s always been a “human” and found out his true origins later on. He has human values, there’s more trauma than the average person but he is Clark first and foremost

[@chezpizza3869]

I agree. Although I have always felt both Clark and Superman is the mask and himself because he can't be both at the same time.

[@DeathbatOfSpades]

Yeah. But sometimes he purposely acts like a dork when he’s Clark to hide his identity. So therefore, Clark IS a mask.

[@andothersuchnonsense2685]

Kal-El is not meek, he isn't scared of loud noises or dogs. Clark Kent is an act. An act doesn't mean something has to be the polar opposite in every way.

[@edwardgyan9749]

@@andothersuchnonsense2685 exactly. When he’s Superman, he’s himself! When he’s Clark Kent, he’s acting. He’s clumsy and stuff. It’s not so hard to understand that Clark is the mask. But I guess we spend our whole lives acting so it’s hard to tell.

[@HaveButOneLife]

@@edwardgyan9749 Superman's character revolves around his life as a human. It doesn't become an "act" with the glasses until later on. He did things to hide his secret to protect the ones he loves, though.

[@Jake-im8eq]

Snyder/Cavill’s superman is my favorite but if i grew up with Reeves I can totally see myself preferring that version

[@Ganiscol]

Well, I grew up with Reeves but prefer Cavill ever so slightly. But I think the reason is mostly the whole package around them. Looking back now, the Reeves films strike me as too often too corny. They lack gravitas and seriousness when its needed. The style is just not my thing anymore. Doesnt mean Reeves didnt do a great job, but you can only do so much when the wrapping around you doesnt pass the test of time... Thats by the way a problem I have with a few movies I loved in the past, but by no means the majority. Great films hold up forever.

[@Sci-Fi_Freak_YT]

I always found Cavill’s Superman to be the definitive version, looks and acts the part perfectly. And yes his story may be flawed but based on what they were building up to it would have been worth it (IMO).

[@badbirdkc]

There's something unquantifiable about Reeves. Even in Superman 3, there is a magic to his performance. He really only had one good movie. Superman 2 gets a lot of praise, but it's pretty rough. I think Snyder's version is better because I think that is how the world would really react to a god like figure.

[@zero-pl3tt]

@@Sci-Fi_Freak_YT Cavill's Superman is like Andrew Garfield's Spider-man to me. The best actors to play the characters stuck in the worst movies.

[@idalaursen8935]

@@zero-pl3tt Nicely put. I have always loved Andrew Garfield’s Spidey - and I for one do not hate the movies. Are they the best Spider-Man movies, no - are they as horrid as most seem to believe? I disagree. Garfield’s Peter Parker was way too cool but he excised in that intersection in time, right before nerd culture really became popular and more widely regarded as cool, so he was still an outcast but he was cooler about it and therefore does not fit the standard “Parker type” of being weird and an outcast. IMHO anyway.

[@hanginwithyourbuds6240]

Even though we make different kinds of content, Kevin Smith is one of my biggest inspirations to make anything. I wouldn't be chasing my dream if it wasn't for him.

[@U.S.A.IS.A.BRIT.PROTECTATE]

Everything he said about Batman and Michael Keatons portrayal of Batman applies to Matt Reeves’s The Batman and Robert Pattinson’s portrayal. The Batman hits everything that is great about the BATMAN world. Most importantly, unlike Batman 89, The Batman is about Batman and his views and emotions on living the life of Batman while dealing with that trauma.

[@Rony-L]

You mean for you. He’s definitely not my Batman.

[@irvin111]

Batfleck is the best batman hands down!

[@thomaskilroy4573]

@@Rony-L My Batman is Ben Affleck but that doesn’t mean Pattinson wasn’t fantastic. He’s up there with Affleck as being the most comic accurate there is.

[@amethizz7085]

He was actually pretty critical of The Batman on his podcast

[@U.S.A.IS.A.BRIT.PROTECTATE]

@@amethizz7085 That’s his personal opinion. All I did was point out that what he said about Kevin Conroy and Michael Keaton’s portrayal of Batman/Bruce Wayne applies point for point with what Matt Reeves and Robert did in The Batman. How he feels about The Batman doesn’t really apply here.

[@rumbleshakes]

Saw him in Salem, OR for his Clerks 3 premier/tour. Funny guy and that movie was better than the previous ones.

[@reaper2478]

Spot on Kevin! I would spend an entire day hearing his view point on movies & not be bored or need any caffeine at all! 😮

[@woweezowee334]

This video seriously could have been twice as long. Kevin makes any topic sound fascinating.

[@curtisholsinger6023]

Brandon Routh is the one I was sad you missed, Kevin! He embodied the Hope of Superman, returning to the screen. I was sad we didn't get more of that and went back to Grimdark movies, but for just a bit we had a guy who loved what he did and was ECSTATIC when he learned he might have a family member alive on the same planet as him. His scene of recognition and the beginning of the passing of the torch was the best part of that movie.

[@richieluukmane5256]

He was a baby daddy and a cuck. That film was horrible. But I wouldn't have mind if Brandon Routh would've came back for another film. Didn't like Luthor with the real estate trope again. That version of Supes had its run, just like Adam West's Batman. Time for Supes to be hopeful AND a badass like in All Star Superman, Man of Tomorrow, or Birthright, which we had small bites of Birthright with Henry.

[@CAPvsThor]

Didn’t he creepily father a kid the mother had no clue that Superman had impregnated her?

[@tylerdude1982]

I could watch/listen to him talk for hours. He’s just so passionate about whatever it is he’s talking about that he draws you in and some of that passion rubs off on you. He’s one of the few celebrities I’d like to sit down and just have a conversation with.

[@TheVladMan.]

Batman Begins (2005) and Superman Returns (2006) should’ve led to Batman v Superman. Christian Bale and Brandon Routh were the perfect age to build the DCEU for the next 2 decades,

[@yousefsh7949]

The tones wouldn’t match the movies

[@simonforrest97]

Kevin Smith might actually be one of the, (if not the actual) most likable celebrities on earth. How could anyone dislike him?

[@khalilahd.]

These are some hot takes but I agree with some of them 😅

[@mojalefamoletsane4348]

Who's your Batman and Superman?

[@4Everlast]

The guy that plays Reacher on TV show is tailor-made for Superman, look it up.

[@gowgearhead]

I love Kevin's take on Batman. It was ALL spot-on. Love it. Especially the bits about Michael Keaton's Batman. Rock on, "Silent Bob" ! You've got good taste.

[@johnmoore2344]

Talking about Michael Keaton with his eyes reacting to the penguins and saying how you said that that is his life as Batman. I felt the same way when I saw a poster for Batman Begins. It the one that has the dark orange, black, with a little white all blended together. And Christian Bale as Batman is standing there almost completely blacked out looking down. In that one poster you see a range of emotions that reflect the fact that Bruce Wayne is now!

[@tintin-uf1wk]

Need more of this please can listen to Kevin Smith talk about comics and their movies forever!

[@kevin10001]

Most of the comic book community myself including has lost a lot of respect for him as far as comic books goes for me it was his push to mainstream comics cause it did nothing but make people who know next to nothing about the character think they know it all about the characters for me I know I don’t know everything about the characters I read but I know more then the average person who only watches the tv shows and movies

[@morganwhite9500]

No love for Brandon Routh?! He might not be everyone's favorite but to not mention him at all feels wrong.

[@xTheGannerX]

I was literally thinking the same thing man. Don't understand it. I feel he didn't get a fair shot at the role.

[@MrGenexxx]

He really didn't mention him? WTF? That dude even agreed to appear in Kevin's crappy movies back in the day!

[@masterofallgoons]

Yeah weird.. he's worked with him too. And Routh could have done good things with that role is given the chance. He just needed a better script and another shot at it

[@diegolaradiaz8948]

Could be because reeves and routh Superman are the same version of Superman just recasted

[@eyespy3001]

I think this video was edited down to showcase the more well-known iterations, with one or two obscurities thrown in. I’m certain he talked about Routh’s iteration, as well as his own almost-was Superman with Nic Cage, but they trimmed that out.

[@billg3356]

This was fun. I like that Kev loves Reeve and Keaton. My favorites as well

[@jpdesertrunner]

Val Kilmer did a great job. If they had let Joel Schumacher keep the original cut of Batman Forever it would be held in alot higher regard. But for me personally I love the movie. But honestly I love every Batman movie and yes even Batman & Robin.

[@mainstreetsaint36]

It's in their vault, and they given worse films director's and extended editions. So I don't see why they can't release The Schumacher Cut.

[@Independent365]

RIP Kevin Conroy

[@brianthomas2434]

I BELIEVE there's a cut scene in Superman II in which the authorities come to the Fortress to collect the de- powered Kryptonians. It used to be shown on TV. In any event I saw the movie in theaters an absurd seven times in the 70s. Never thought anyone was killed by Superman. I guess because I was older than Smith.

[@kevin10001]

Not directly killed he depowered them then he pretty much threw zod into a hole Lois punch ursa and she fell in a hole and non fell in a hole trying to fly and they were pretty much left to freeze to death since the fortress isn’t seen again in the film series in the donner footage the fortress is actually destroyed but wasn’t in the Richard Lester version

[@derekpeterson7412]

Richard Donner Cut.*

[@bobblueford]

Yeah, i only saw the villains drop into a well that was at most 20 feet above water. Saw the TV cut with arrest scene, but in the theatrical cut, i always figured that Supes got them out later and flew them to prison as he did with Luther in part one since he didn't strike me as a murderer.

[@NCBCSPRINGRETREAT]

That was a deleted scene. In the theatrical and film on DVD/Blu-ray he kills them.

[@valkyrst620]

It's not just Superman and Clark Kent. It's so much more than that. There is a Superman that the world sees, the Superman that his foes see, the Superman his fellow superheroes see, the Clark Kent his friends and family who know his identity see, and the Clark Kent the rest of the world sees.

[@sebastianrodriguez8692]

We need one where he analyzes He-man now,without crying.

[@mainstreetsaint36]

Oh, I'm sure his views would be totally non-controversial.

[@Psilocybin77]

Yes the deep rich lore of an eighties cartoon meant to sell plastic to children.

[@Adam444Tv]

@@Psilocybin77AND IM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN! 😅🎶🇺🇸

[@gwarden_nz]

The added humour in Returns is so underrated. The scene near the start "you missed" is another great one.

[@Scorp308]

I remember when the announcement of Keaton as Batman broke the internet before there was an internet.

[@F0NZ13]

Am I the only one who's favorite batman actor is Ben Affleck? I absolutely loved the old man Wayne portrayal, after his adopted sons death, he's aggressive, he's grittier, madder. I adored his portrayal.

[@Yes-Yes1]

Yes, you are the only one.

[@amuroray9115]

No. You’re not the only one. I didn’t like it too much but Others do. Everyone’s got their preferences

[@Ian-hj4yt]

Cringe

[@comp34]

Agree 100%. Affleck nailed it

[@joshualaidlow5167]

The problem is he didn’t actually sell this in his acting. He was very corny and smug in his portrayal. A good actor would’ve made this magic. However, it didn’t help that he was in that horribly designed suit.

[@isaiahgomez6671]

In all honesty, I feel that we’re in the same connection because everything you listed I totally agree with. I grew up watching the 60s Batman with the pow! Kaboom! all that stuff and when I saw Michael Keaton, Mr. Mom in Batman I flipped I must’ve been like seven when we came out and I never forget that movie day the theaters been crazy with the bat plane, lined up with the moon and made the bat signal awesome. I remember hearing hearing the news that he agreed to do batman two and it was not a disappointment. Even better than part 1.

[@HoodedSpidey]

I love 5:22 because A. He stays consistent having watched Donner kill, and B. Snyder’s Superman shows more remorse to killing his kind.

[@eyespy3001]

I don’t think it was remorse for killing a fellow Kryptonian. I think it was remorse for having to kill, period. It’s not what he wanted, but his hand was forced.

[@kevin10001]

@@eyespy3001 I agree it was forced cause if u know zod if he got the codec he would have been able to create an army that could terrorize the universe with no one to really stop him cause they said Superman didn’t have to be alive to get the codec out of him so u know he would have killed Superman

[@Mansplainer2099-jy8ps]

@@kevin10001 It was no longer about the Codex. Zod had pledged to kill everyone on Earth unless Kal-El killed him, basically it's a suicidal Zod leaving his mark on Kal-El as a legacy and revenge.

[@Drifter1989]

Smith’s defense for Snyder’s Superman could also be applied to Snyder’s Batman since we saw Burton’s Batman kill countless times.

[@HoodedSpidey]

@@Drifter1989 that, and it’s portrayed as negative despite being framed epically.

[@derekng9766]

What i love about people like Kevin who adore the movies and are film makers themselves are the little details they pick up. The Keaton observations are fantastic.

[@ForceMaximus84]

He’s a glorified con artist.

[@derekng9766]

@@ForceMaximus84 if u think that, why are u on this thread?

[@ForceMaximus84]

@@derekng9766 Because I’m trying to help.

[@derekng9766]

@@ForceMaximus84 really? If you're trying to help, tangible reasoning and arguments are usually a good start.

[@ForceMaximus84]

@@derekng9766 Ok. How about the fact that he’s a liar and corporate shill after spending years being the nerd outsider? How about after he trashed He-Man and lied about it?

[@TheMdr1995]

Pattinson shares that similar disinterest with being Bruce wayne. He thrives off of being Batman and couldn’t care less about being the billionaire of Gotham

[@davidlaid1146]

Only for now in batman 2 we will see him try to develop his playboy persona

[@viceboyishere]

Could have listened to this for another 20 mins!! I heart you Kev

[@tamerhafez3160]

Pat Patterson was also amazing in The Batman

[@generalursus-7224]

Pat Patterson ? I don't think I've seen him in that Role.

[@TheMenInTightsPodcast]

Hmmm, I didn't realize the first ever WWF/E Intercontinental Champion was Batman. I must have missed that one.

[@jdog7797]

Naw you're spot on, on Keaton's in Tim Burton's Batman. He is Batman forever!

[@kikeenriquez4436]

Never seen a more perfect character analysis. Loved it

[@Bonifaquisha]

Why can't we just let Kevin Smith direct or at least write a Batman or Superman film? He's written for DC in the past, he's directed, he actually knows the characters.

[@RadThibodeaux]

What I like most about Keaton and Pattinson are their Bruce Waynes. I love that they’re both appropriately played as weird dudes.

[@jonjuko8859]

I don’t think Pattinson had a Bruce Wayne yet

[@josephbrowniii260]

A national treasure explaining the finer points of national, nay, global treasures! Kevin! You should be narrating documentaries about the world of comics! History, your favs & why, types, the new graphic novels & anime, etc.! I’ve loved you since Clerks; thanks for always keeping it real, and still being around. We need you, man! Stay cool 😎

[@comp34]

Affleck doesn't get enough credit for his spot on portrayals of Bruce Wayne and Batman in BvS. He was phenomenal

[@verakoo6187]

"Spot on portayal of Batman" didnt he literally murder like 5 people in his first 10 seconds on screen? Pretty sure Batmam doesnt do that lol

[@BigRalphSmith]

I completely don't get the KS haters. I really don't. Frankly one of the most genuine people I can think of. Doesn't take himself too seriously, self-deprecating, gracious, pretty much wears his heart on his sleeve. He does what he loves and loves what he does. Is he the greatest producer, director, movie star? Not even close but that's not what he is about.

[@sidneyroth8001]

Hey Kevin. Even though Keaton will alway be one of my favorites as the Bat...Ben Affleck is the one actor that, in my opinion, actually looked like the real life version of Bruce Wayne/Batman. I just didn't like that Snyder had Batman killing bad guys, which completely goes against Batman's code.

[@livingroomsuperstar]

^^this. Affleck looked more like comic book Batman than anyone to put on the cowl

[@SSJ2Phenom]

Keaton, Kilmer, Clooney, and comic book Batman have all killed SEVERAL bad guys. That "no killing code" is honestly a modern character trait. Like seriously, anyone that doesn't know this about Batman isn't as big a fan as they think.

[@ItsScapeGoated]

"Completely goes against Batman's code." Bruh even in the dark knight returns he blasts someone in the head with a gun. Not every Batman needs to be the same.

[@imnotmike]

The only reason Batman has that code is because he was in Batman the Animated Series, and that was a children's show. Batman had that code because TV censors made him have that code so he could appear in Saturday morning cartoons. That code is not a part of Batman at all. In the comics, Batman kills people all the time.

[@gjp33]

@@imnotmike Dude, what comic books are you reading? Like which ones is he killing people in (besides the 1940s and elseworlds comics)? It's not like there's no rhyme or reason to his code. The reason he doesn't murder people is because it completely goes against the very thing that drives him: his parents' death. If he ever broke that code, then there would be no turning back. He'd go on a killing spree, and if he ends up killing a single thug who has a child, then Bruce has done exactly what his parents' murderer did to him; he's killed someone's mom or dad. If you prefer a Batman without a moral code, then you can read about The Grim Knight, who's essentially a Punisher/Batman hybrid, but the official/mainstream Batman isn't a murderer.

[@j.aghorbani5197]

Keaton is a very high caliber actor and so is Christian Bale, hence why they are my fave versions of the character. Keaton was my childhood but Bale made me believe that This person could be out there and exist in our time.

[@ashish_sunny]

Kevin Smith is pretty darn good at what he does. The way he describes why Keaton's Bruce Wayne was absent all the time(despite that fact that he was enamored by Mrs 80s Hotness, Kim Basinger herself at that time) was something new that I noticed now.

[@Mephiestopholes]

Love you bud. Thanks for this! I agree, mostly. Keaton was my first, and Kevin is the best. Flicher's is my fave and Reeves is amazing.

[@M_adhan98]

Kevin Smith who doesn't take a critic in right mind without crying, is criticing other movies. Wow

[@hannahboldewijn]

I could listen to Kevin talking about movies for hours

[@alexanderabramov2719]

Would be interesting to hear him critique He-Man in media.

[@MrRootMusic]

I loved The Dark Knight trilogy. All previous movies were too cheesy and those that came after too commercially "designed", like the pop music of today is produced to please as much audience as possible.

[@SumnerMultimedia]

Would’ve liked to have seen him show some love for Patbat, The Batman is easily my favourite Batman movie of all time

[@gothamscholar6384]

Same!

[@KaitoDP]

I don’t think he liked the movie unfortunately.

[@masterofallgoons]

Are we saying 'PatBat' now? Is that where we settled after trying out 'R-Bats' 'Battinson' 'Robert Battinson' 'Patman' etc??

[@generalursus-7224]

Pat-Bat. 😂😂😂😂

[@younghan3573]

That Keaton observation made me laugh!!! For real!!!

[@sevaughnparsons8937]

bro kevin conroy just passed away after this video came out :(

[@andrewselover6776]

Hard to not like Kevin Smith. The dude has a comic/filmmaker opinion on the movies and the comics. Whether right or wrong never a dull moment with the man especially since he's just honest and expressing his own opinion on these characters

[@hi1hi2hi]

Im surprised that Kevin Smith didn't start crying.

[@mrgrumpy888]

We are long overdue for another Evening with Kevin Smith special

[@mattg177]

I totally agree Michael Keaton is the definitive live action Batman. No one will ever play him as accurately as Keaton.

[@Hockeyfan268]

I mean I can understand your opinion on saying “he’s the definitive live action” I mean yea? Kinda? But the words “no one will ever play him as accurately as Keaton” is wild😂 lol not at all

[@natalieyork956]

Literally been a Batman fan since literally i can remember. You just verbalized every Batman breakdown I’ve ever had in LITERAL LIFE! always loved you❤

[@Briank0912]

Literally?

[@anerdentertainer698]

Superman is the mask, Clark Kent is who he really is. Superman does what clark will do in big scale. Even without powers Clark Kent will go out of his way to help people. That is what superman does.He grew up in Kansas as the son to Jonathan and Martha not as an super powered alien.

[@masterofallgoons]

Or... Kal El is the real guy. Clark and Superman are both put-on personas

[@davidlaid1146]

@@masterofallgoons no Clark Kent is the real guy

[@masterofallgoons]

@@davidlaid1146 or... not

[@landonhagan450]

@@masterofallgoons The least you could do is offer an actual argument.

[@masterofallgoons]

@@landonhagan450 - weird that you would say that to me when the literal entirety of the argument by guy above me was 'No'

[@johnmyers8921]

You didn't mention Robert Pattinson's Batman. I was very skeptical until I saw the movie. I actually think it is the best Batman movie ever made. Yah... I wouldn't expect a sparkly vampire to be a good Bruce Wayne. But, wow, I think he pulled it off.

[@jackdawson5490]

I mean he didn't really critique anything it was really only praise.

[@krynico8451]

Gotta love Kevin..gets what we see and love about source material and comics while staying true to who he is😁👍🏽 wish DC would hire him to take over the DCEU Universe as a director ..producer...and / or writer..I believe he could save DC Live action movies

[@JessicaChastainFan]

Christopher Reeve and Michael Keaton ARE Superman and Batman. No question. They are perfect. The rest are just playing a role.

[@ungenbunyon5548]

Really... Him on bad takes of batman?... The man who wrote batman p*ssing his own pants

[@eyeDavid]

Love Kevin. Would give a kidney for this guy

[@thomasbones7973]

Thanks Kevin. While we 're on subject, what's your opinion on whether He-Man should star in his own show or not?

[@keywestfan2503]

Reeve was genius in his portrayal of Clark Kent. The only one who pulled off Clark Kent and Superman looking and acting absolutely and completely different.

[@royjones8312]

I stand by my opinion that there will never be a better suited actor to portray the Dark Knight that Ben Affleck. Reeves is Superman to me but Henry Cavill is phenomenal as well, just hard to go against nostalgia. I used to rent those Superman movies every other weekend as a child.

[@ezio9917]

That's why I like you! You don't lie on your opinions. Love you man!

[@49221jake]

I thought Batfleck, was pretty amazing as Batman. I love that warehouse fight scene, the uncut BvS of course🦇

[@Ian-hj4yt]

Nah

[@j.zuberi]

Beautifully Said! All of it! Especially with Sups killing. Kev is a true Comic Head thru & thru.

[@dustheg]

Not gonna waste my time to listen to anything kevin smith has to say anymore his opinion is worthless. Pretty much anything he says is a lie these days

[@janhanger]

Kevin Smith should be in every channel his enthusiasm is very entertaining

[@scatterscribe]

While I disagree that Clark is a mask-I agree with everything else. Kudos to Kevin for not only being insightful, but classy enough to be respectful of other folk’s art while still informing his tastes. I like this Earth-5 version of you very much.

[@HenriqueHCA14]

Ever since Masters of the Universe, i can't accept any opinion or critique that this man says.

[@NakedMkone]

Loser

[@hnbeast]

You took the words right out of my mouth. Well done ;-)

[@ShadowNinjaDestiny]

I need more Kevin Smith in my life.

[@kevindemeritt]

I'm not here to judge. Simply wanted to show respect. I enjoyed your perspective. You love comics, TV and movies just like me. But you are also lucky to have the opportunity to create your own art. Respect my brother.

[@JedidiahRose1]

I love how much Smith loves and supports Affleck in that opening

[@lordofthereels6790]

If God forbid The Godfather was remade in the 90's I could have totally seen Affleck as Michael, Matt Damon as Sonny and maybe Keanu Reeves as Tom

[@queazy03]

The old Kevin Smith would rag on the new Kevin Smith for becoming the lefty Hollywood type he would always make fun of

[@dustindougherty2706]

Define lefty

[@joseph69271]

Chasing Amy was one of the most progressive films of it's time- he has always been woke- cope harder