James Berardinelli applauded Nolan and Goyer 's work creating more understanding into " who is and what motivates him " , something Berardinelli felt Tim Burton 's film lacked ; at the same time , Berardinelli felt the romantic aspect between Bale and Holmes did not work because the actors lacked the chemistry Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder ( " Superman " ) , or Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst ( " Spider - Man " ) shared in their respective roles .