“The Batman,” directed by Matt Reeves, released in theaters on March 4, adds a refreshing take to the caped crusader’s film history  by focusing on the noir side of Batman and reimagining the classic villain, The Riddler, as a serial killer.

In the film, Bruce Wayne, played by Robert Pattinson, is two years in as the Batman, and within the first five minutes, the audience learns how much criminals in Gotham already “fear the dark” every time the bat-signal turns on. 

With superhero movies’ popularity in mainstream culture, this film made a good choice to not make this another origin story because many people have already seen it with Christopher Nolan and Zach Snyder’s version of Batman.

A majority of the film focuses on the investigation of the Riddler’s murders and solving the clues he leaves for Batman, leading Batman to a mystery of whom can be trusted in Gotham. Batman looks for help from Lt. James Gordon, played by Jeffery Wright, who was fun to see as a dynamic duo to Batman. The chemistry between Wright and Pattinson showed as they take part in interrogations and large scale car chases.

Zoë Kravitz’s performance as Selina Kyle was also a highlight of the film. Kravitz’s Catwoman had a backstory in Gotham inspired by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale’s graphic novel “Batman Dark Victory.” The faithful adaptation of the comic appealed to DC fans who hadn’t seen it on the big screen yet.

Wayne’s butler Alfred, played by Andy Serkis, was rarely on screen, but served as Batman’s conscience in some situations where his morals get tested.

The true surprise of “The Batman” was Micheal Giacchino’s score. Giacchino, who also scored “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” gave Batman a theme that gives him a menacing  presence when he shows up to fight. Batman’s presence evokes thoughts of Clint Eastwood in spaghetti westerns because of the score, which helps Pattinson’s angry and aggressive take on the character.

Pattinson delivers a unique perspective of Wayne as a damaged individual due to the loss of his parents, struggling to keep Gotham safe. Pattinson’s role as a leading man in films like “Twilight,” “Good Time,” “The Lighthouse” and most recently “Tenet” have lent him the onscreen presence needed to play the latest iteration of Batman.

“The Batman” is in theaters throughout Fresno, including Maya Cinemas at Campus Pointe, with a PG-13 rating and a runtime of 2 hours and 56 minutes.