SALT LAKE CITY — It seems like forever since we were first told there would be a new Batman movie with an all new cast, crew and film direction. Now, almost three years later, we're getting our first look at what the new franchise will look and feel like with Robert Pattinson strapped into the main role of "The Batman."

I won't spoil John Clyde's main review of the film by giving my critic's opinion, but I will say "The Batman" delivers a great new experience with the familiarity of a character we all know and love.

Of course, everyone is wondering if "The Batman" is the type of movie you can feel good about taking young children to see. Of course, I cannot answer this question for you, but I can give you a good idea of what to expect so you'll have all the information you need to make the best decisions for the children in your life who will undoubtedly be hounding you to see this film.

Tone

This movie is very dark and moody, more so than any of the previous versions of Batman — even darker than Christopher Nolan's version. The darkness of this film plays very well into the overall story. While I loved it, this somber tone is probably not for everyone. In no way is it a deal-breaker, but it is nice to know going in that this is not Tim Burton's Batman. If you have seen the trailer for "The Batman," you get a great idea of what I'm talking about.

Language

"The Batman" has plenty of PG-13 dialogue and at least a couple of "F" words thrown in. Most of the language is expected and falls appropriately into its rating. The script is heavy and covers some fairly difficult topics such as mental health, violent crime and family trauma, so please be aware if you are sensitive to these things proceed with caution. Of course, it is all those things that made this Batman who is.

Violence

Be ready for a lot of violent action in this film in the form of fighting, shootings, explosions, general destruction and manmade natural disasters. There is, however, very little gore and blood as a result of all the aforementioned mayhem. Combined with the dark feeling of this movie, it seemed like the film was much more violent at the time than it really was once I looked back on my notes.

Related:

Review: 'The Batman' is a new kind of Batman film, like nothing you've seen before

When I walked out of the theater after seeing "The Batman," I knew I had seen a Batman movie — but I did not get what I was expecting. Here are some reasons I really like this new take on Batman and a couple of things about it that fell flat.

Subject matter

"The Batman" is, at its heart, very much a detective story with a lot of twists and turns. I can see it getting a little confusing for some younger viewers who might miss some of the more subtle clues in the film. I'll admit I got off track a time or two, but I am also not the best at solving comic book crime, so take that for what it's worth.

Sex

This film does not contain anything overtly sexual beyond an extended kiss between two characters. There are some suggestions of relationships that may have been of a sexual nature used to enhance the plot, but nothing specific or graphic in nature.

Length

At nearly 3 hours of run time, this movie is not short and deserves a mention in this parents' review. If you or your children have a hard time sitting still for a long time, take the length of this film into consideration.

Bottom line

This movie is dark and heavy on top of everything else that makes a PG-13 action movie enjoyable. If you want something light and fun to deliver your dose of Batman, this might not be for you. If you are open to being taken on a great — albeit long —journey that is very plot- and character-driven, then this will be a lot of fun.

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