The Batman (2022) – Putting the Goth in Gotham
Directed By: Matt Reeves
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Paul Dano, Colin Ferrel, Jeffrey Wright, Andy Serkis
Rated Pg-13: Suggestive Material, Disturbing Content, Strong Language, Drug Usage
Runtime: 2h 56m
Rating:5/5
Where to Find: Theaters Near You

Throughout the decades it seems that a new Batman movie is always lurking around the corner. We have seen many iterations of the character played by actors such as Michael Keaton, George Clooney, Christian Bale, Ben Affleck, and finally Robert Pattinson. Matt Reeves delivers by giving us probably the edgiest and darkest Batman film put on the big screen and the wait has paid off well.

We pick up on Bruce Wayne’s second year of crime fighting as the titular Dark Knight. Still distraught over the death of his parents, we get a version of Bruce Wayne that we haven’t seen before. Unlike his other counterparts who are rich playboys surrounded by foreign women, we get a disheveled and reclusive Bruce Wayne who barely wants to be seen in the spotlight.

On Halloween night, Batman gets pulled into the twisted world of the Riddler. Riddler (played spectacularly by Paul Dano) is a sick individual who is trying to expose the corruption in Gotham. As the world’s greatest detective, we see Batman putting his intellect to the test into solving Riddler’s schemes before he tears Gotham apart.

Robert Pattinson has recently made quite a comeback these last few years with films such as The Lighthouse and Good Time, and it’s safe to say he solidified that through The Batman.

The city of Gotham feels otherworldly, familiar yet so different. The gothic architecture mixed with the constant rainfall helps give a gloomy and disgusting aesthetic throughout the film.

Zoë Kravitz gives us a terrific version of Catwoman, who helps Bruce Wayne to take down the mob.

“Zoë Kravitz gives an amazing performance as catwoman. Even with the long runtime, the action was worth it,” senior Liz Busby said.

This also brings us to some complaints people show with this movie. Probably the biggest issue some people have is the runtime and pacing. The movie nearly clocks in at three hours, and for some people, they don’t have the schedule or patience for it.

Unlike a lot of other superhero movies that have come out recently, Batman puts the action in the background and focuses more on the mystery and detective work. Because of its tone, the film isn’t as comical as some might like, with only a couple quips and some dark humor.

“It was long, boring, and filled with plot holes. I wanted a refund but I couldn’t get one,” senior Luke Bates said.

Overall, the movie is a spectacle to see in the theaters, so if you can muster the runtime and can hold your bladder, it is worth your time.

Super Dark Times (2017)
Directed By: Kevin Phillips
Starring: Owen Campbell, Charlie Tahan, Elizabeth Cappuccino
Rated R: Sexual Content, Drug Usage, Disturbing Violence, Strong Language
Runtime: 1h 43m
Rating:4/5
Where to Find: Tubi, Hulu

Super Dark Times takes audiences back to the decade of the 1990s, where people had football-shaped telephones and comic books.

The story follows two long time friends, Josh and Zach. They both live in suburban neighborhoods with nothing to worry about besides school and girl problems. But life can be quite unpredictable sometimes, as all it takes is one mistake for everything to fall apart around you.

After covering up a gut-wrenching crime, paranoia takes over the boys which brings out their true intentions. Zach, who is suffering from guilt, tries his best to bring normalcy back into his life, and Josh is beginning to show a truly sinister side of him.

Unlike flashy shows and films like Euphoria, Super Dark Times gives us a cast of gawky high schoolers which is quite refreshing to see. With a tone that feels ominous and moody with a beautiful synth score, you are going to be in for a super good time.

Heathers (1989)
Directed By: Michael Lehmann
Starring: Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty
Rated R: Sexual Content, Drug Usage, Strong Violence, Strong Language
Runtime: 1h 43m
Rating: 5/5
Where to Find: Prime Video, Tubi

High school can be tough on some people, especially when you don’t have a sense of belonging. That’s the case for Heathers protagonist Veronica Sawyer (Winona Ryder), a highly-educated yet frustrated student who hates the mean girl clique she is a part of.

While going through the same monotonous routine in her life, she comes across a new student named J.D (Christian Slater). JD’s jaded and cynical look in life resonates deeply with Veronica, who falls madly in love with him.

With their mutual distaste with the popular cliques in their school, they both come up with plans on how to deal with them. While Veronica simply wants to embarrass them, JD has a far more disturbing plan. Veronica, realizing what she got herself into has to find a way to stop JD while navigating around the stir they are causing in their school.

Christian Slater and Winona Ryder’s performance help elevate the film to a whole other level thanks to their chemistry. Not only that but the witty dialogue, dark satirical humor, and creative moments will surely leave you with something to love.

Moonlight (2016)
Directed By: Barry Jenkins
Starring: Mahershala Ali, Trevante Rhodes, Naomie Harris, Ashton Sanders
Rated R: Sexual Content, Violence, Strong Language, Drug Usage
Rating: 5/5
Runtime: 1h 51m
Where to Find: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video

Moonlight tells the story of Chiron, a young man struggling to find himself in this world. Throughout the 111 minute runtime, we follow Chiron’s life in three chapters, his childhood, his teen years, and his adulthood.

Chiron’s upbringing has been filled with many struggles including poverty, his drug addicted mother, bullies, and his sexuality. But under the blue moonlight, we reveal our hidden desires.

The story of Moonlight isn’t some grand story but instead it is down to earth and realistic. Not only that, the film itself is incredibly well written. The script is brought to life thanks to a slew of amazing actors that bring so much emotion.

The cinematography with its use of colors makes every shot look like something straight out of a painting. The themes of love, family, and masculinity come together to bring an emotional movie that is hard to forget.