Special effects and length overpower fine acting

Rating: 4/10 (17 September 2019)

I liked every single actor in this film. I thought Christian Bale did a fine job as Bruce Wayne/Batman, and Anne Hathaway turned in a wonderful performance as Selina Kyle/Catwoman (more on her later).
So what went wrong?
First of all, the movie is WAY too long. It's over 3 hours. If I start checking my watch in the film (I did several times), it means the movie's running time needed to be shortened. The movie DRAGS in pacing in several places, especially where Bruce is escaping from the clutches of Bane and his handlers.
Also the movie is not about the Batman I know and love ( none of the trilogy movies are). I expected a film more or less in the style of Michael Keaton's Batman character. I grew up with him and Adam West/Burt Ward's TV show/movie Batman as my guides to what Batman should be. I got nothing even close. I got a darker, grittier epic wannabe film. If I want darkness and semi-reality, I will watch reality TV. I certainly won't go to or rent a movie for it. In a superhero film I want escapism and fantasy/adventure.
Third, the special effects. They overpowered the film! In places it became a CGI demonstration reel. Effects should ENHANCE the movie, not BECOME the movie.
Finally, the character of Catwoman. Gone are the days of the playful but adorably evil villainess played by Julie Newmar/Eartha Kitt/Lee Meriwether, or the vengeful dominatrix played by Michelle Pfeiffer. Instead we are treated to....an enhanced skillful cat burglar and jewel thief? Props to Anne Hathaway for giving it her best, but come on, DC, is that the best you can do???
Never again will I waste my time if this is the continued direction of the Batman franchise. The older movies I mentioned are MUCH better.