WARWICK SHOWCASE & APPLE CINEMAS

THE BATMAN
* * * ½
(Dark Version of Young Batman)

Batman was always my favorite superhero, way before movie screens were saturated with them.

Batman movies were always better written and acted, with deep moral issues emphasized.

“The Batman” is no exception.

From the opening scene to the closing scene three hours later, the action is overwhelming, and the moral issues are confronted on the two theatres’ huge screens with surround sound.

The comfortable recliner chairs look and feel like they would put you to sleep, but “The Batman” won’t allow that.

When we say the movie is “dark,” we mean that in every sense of the word. The sun never shines, and the rain never lets up in Gotham City.

Batman is fairly new to the role of vigilante, and already he is questioning whether he can make a difference.

The Riddler has murdered the mayor and continues his spree of other prominent city officials.

Batman, a.k.a. Bruce Wayne, teams up with the police lieutenant to investigate the serial murders, with the Riddler dropping clues all over the city.

He also becomes romantically involved with Catwoman, as they join forces to track down the bad guys.

Robert Pattinson makes a stoic Batman, dedicated to fighting crime in his decadent city, while never holding back on his brutal violent actions toward the criminal element.

His quest to capture the Riddler becomes a vigilante vs. vigilante episode.

We learn a bit about his parents and what brings him to this point in his life long before Robin comes onto the scene.

Colin Farrell is great as the Penguin. Besides being unrecognizable, he adds to his character with his slight waddle.

The special effects are over the top, especially the closing scene, with Gotham City being under attack by surging water.

AMAZON PRIME

LUCY AND DESI
* * * *

If you grew up watching “I Love Lucy” or watched the endless re-runs, you will enjoy this hour and 40-minute documentary produced by Amy Poehler and featuring their daughter Lucie recalling events in the family’s life.

Videotapes of classic TV moments are mixed with tapes of their personal lives, revealing the ups and downs of their relationship in front of and behind the cameras.

Although the couple divorced, they continued working together and demonstrated their love for each other right up to the end.

The Cuban exile and former showgirl made for an odd couple that took the world by storm with their fresh and very funny TV show that remains one of the best comedy series ever on television.