Finally saw it last night. Did not see it on opening weekend due to crowds. But even on a late Wednesday night showing, the entire theater was packed. It’s easy to see why. There was a lot of anticipation for this movie for a long time, and the buzz has pretty much been nothing but positive.

All the praise is unquestionably deserved. It’s a great film. Excellent, even. Probably better than Batman Begins, which is no small feat. It was long, but epic in its scope, and accomplished more solidly structured storytelling in a single film than anything else I’ve seen recently.

Anyway, there’s no point in me trying to sell it to anyone else. Nor will I spoil it.

I liked how there was more of a focus on the problem solving detective aspects of Batman in this movie, where as Batman Begins didn’t really feature any of that. I understand the producers have been going for a more realistic take on Batman with these films, and I appreciate that for what it is. However, I do think that there is room for some of the aspects of the mythology that may be considered more “over-the-top” to be featured in movies as well. Some of those things are just as big of a part of Batman as anything we’ve gotten in these movies thus far. As awesome as the Joker was, I was somewhat disappointed that he was a guy with makeup rather than someone affected by toxic chemicals. I don’t think that was something that needed to be changed, and along with a few other, minor things, that was something that prevented me from seeing this movie as the Batman film I’ve always wanted to see. But perhaps I’m being picky.

Guessing that the safe bet for now is to expect The Riddler the next time. I can go along with that idea.

Sayonara.