I liked it.

It's like "Batman Begins", but a couple years into Batman's career. He's established, he has a relationship with Lt. Gordon (Jeffrey Wright), but most of the cops still look askance at him. The DA is not yet Harvey Dent, there is no Robin, and he lives in a neglected penthouse instead of Stately Wayne Manor. What this story seems to be doing is setting up his motives for creating a cover identity of Bruce Wayne, which I gather from other films, Batman uses as a cover to divert attention from his activities and support his Bat-work socially and politically. This version of Wayne is a famous recluse, with his parents' charitable works foundering in his lack of attention or concern. He lives an almost monastic existence devoted to his equipment and investigations, with little human contact aside from Alfred (Andy Serkis).

Anyway, the story is that a masked killer, the Riddler (Paul Dano) is knocking off Gotham leaders, leaving cryptic clues as to his motivations for choosing his targets, leading Batman and Gordon to investigate ties to the underworld, with Mafia boss Falcone (John Turturro) and affiliate Oz, aka the Penguin (Colin Farrell). His investigation crosses paths with Selina, a stripped-down version of Catwoman (Zoe Kravitz), and associate of Falcone, pursuing her own agenda, whom he induces to assist him.

For all the dark atmosphere and noir-like qualities initially present, the overall story is more upbeat, as Batman learns to change his focus from avenging crimes to actively doing good. The social justice aspect is very toned down, in spite of the depiction of a young black hispanic woman running for mayor against the old white incumbent male. This candidate briefly crosses paths with Bruce to chide him for not doing more for the city (instead of seeking financial support or endorsement, like absolutely every real candidate would). Her name, Bela Real, seems laid on a bit thick, but there's actually another Watsonian reason for the name besides suggesting she's a beautiful queen. In the current climate of politicized entertainment, I don't think this one is too bad. It's just showing a stage in Batman's development that I think works well with the established character. We know Batman has Issues that drive him to dress as a bat and fight crime, and it stands to reason that these things would cause him to narrow his focus to being this grim obsessive figure, but more positive portrayals give him other things going on as well. I literally learned the meaning of "philanthropist" as a young child after hearing it used to describe Bruce Wayne (I thought it meant he collected stamps). So I don't think this is trying to be political or make statements, it's just trying to get Batman to a healthier mental place. Even Michael Keaton & Christian Bale Batman throw parties and do charity work.

I thought the actions scenes were pretty good, although sometimes Batman favors darkness for intimidation, rather than concealment, seeming rather contemptuous of guns, when I think it works better if he takes out gunmen before they have a chance to shoot at him and miss his lower face. Sometimes the fight scenes can be repetitive, and are shot more like Batman is a horror villain, rather than a master street tactician or ninja, but they don't challenge your suspension of disbelief, and Catwoman is not OP.

The movie also makes Riddler and Penguin more sinister and more grounded. They'd fit in with the Scarecrow, Joker and Two Face from the Nolan movies (and since the mob bosses from both Batman Begins and Dark Knight appear or are referenced in this one, I am assuming Falcone and Maroni are established characters), and the Riddler is gradually revealed in a kind of parallel with Bruce Wayne (again, highlighting the need for Batman to do good, instead of staring into the abyss). The mystery aspects are less clever. I'm not particularly good at that sort of thing, but I guessed several of the Riddler's clue right away, which I always find frustrating when I am able to figure out clues before supposed geniuses like Batman or Tom Hanks in the Dan Brown movies. At least one interpretation of a clue, which Batman and Gordon chase down a blind alley, seems rather counter-intuitive, especially in the context of this movie.

But it's a better use of a grim atmosphere and setting than "Joker", dark in a more grounded way (and less science-fiction) than the Nolan trilogy and not as silly as the Burton or Schumacher movies. And light years ahead of the various efforts by the CW network to air a Batman show without actually doing so, like "Arrow" or "Batwoman" (which is admittedly a low bar to clear, like being the best Wheel of Time screen adaptation). IDK how this will go down in the Batman canon, given some liberties they seem to be taking with the source material, like the issue of Riddler and Batman's identity or some questionable history given to his parents. But then, my favorite iteration of the character is Ben Affleck's (Pattinson is not bad, either). So take that for what it's worth.