Even Batman Is Aging!

Let me begin by saying that I belong to the minority here who really dislikes the latest Batman movie. I'm, of course, defying all the film critics and comic-book fans most of whom have given this flick a two-thumbs up.

So, is the director Christopher Nolan trying to convey the message that amidst the aging populations around the world, even the indefatigable Batman is aging? Christian Bale as Batman is like his role in The Fighter with an additional 20 pounds! He looks tired, haggard and beaten. Even his hair and suit (when he's dressed up occasionally as Bruce Wayne) look disheveled - hair too long, shirt collars unpressed and necktie too crooked. Above all, his eyes have no glimmer, with or without the mask.

In all Batman movies, the villain's role is almost as important as the hero. But this flick's villain Bane (played by Tom Hardy) is simply annoying. He wears a black oxygen mask for the entire movie and we only hear his echoing, supposedly menacing, voice throughout the film. So, needless to say, you can't quite figure out what he's really saying most of the time. And unlike my Asian friends in Hong Kong who watched the same movie, they probably have Chinese subtitles to rely on. I really have a tough time understanding why a talented and handsome actor like Tom Hardy agreed to take on the villain role. Any beefcakes could have done the job and no talent is required at all to hide behind that mask.

Watching this final trilogy of Nolan's interpretation of Batman is just like watching his other popular work Inception all over again. Even all the actors are the same except we don't have Leonardo DiCaprio. It's mind-boggling, confusing and unnecessarily long. No wonder after an hour into the IMAX screening, my friend and I started constantly checking our watches. Inception was, at least, creative and innovative.

Unlike previous Batman movies where both Fox (Morgan Freeman) and Alfred (Michael Caine) could be humorous and fun to watch, both of these characters are in this film, at best, bland and boring.

I do like Anne Hathaway's role as Catwoman - probably the sexiest ever with her attractive catsuit, spiked heels and motorcycle. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is equally good in his role as Blake, and every sign in the movie has indicated that he will be the future Robin. Gotham City (New York City) looks gorgeous and magnificent under Nolan's brilliant cinematography.

I also read that the villain's name Bane is supposed to satirize the name of Mitt Romney's former company Bain Capital. But come on, who else outside the U.S. would be able to figure this out?

I understand  that after reading this review, you might still choose to go and see this movie so that you can join the water-cooler chatter. But be prepared - it's far from awesome!