The film history of Batman is well documented from its great start to its recent falter. But with Batman Begins, a new venture into old territory, the story, the characters, and the quality of movie have been restored. This recent look at the life of Gotham’s favorite son is not quite Keaton’s Batman and far from the travesty of the Kilmer/Clooney Batman. Fans that were put off by the latter and swore to never pay two bits to see another Batman film can finally rejoice.
For one, the new Batman, Christian Bale, plays both the Bruce Wayne and superhero part to near perfection. He’s good looking enough to be the playboy and serious and fit enough to be the caped crusader. We start with Bruce Wayne in despair somewhere in China. A few flashbacks and a Liam Neeson later we learn how Bruce Wayne trains to become the learn, mean crime fighting machine.
With a return to Gotham City we find out how Bruce Wayne becomes Batman. Thankfully we learn in ways that make sense without ruining any other parts of the classic Batman we all know and love. It was thin ice to walk out on but done very well. Also helping Mr. Bale is an all-star cast of quality actors including Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, and Gary Oldman. Not exactly young studs of new Hollywood, but that’s where the Kilmer/Clooney Batmans failed and thus this team did not follow. Solid acting will always rise higher than fresh meat. However, on the topic of fresh meat, the down home Katie Holmes is not in the movie as much as all the hype would lead to believe - which is good. She plays her part decently and quietly, letting the professionals do there job to entertain.
The one thing to keep in mind when going to see Batman Begins is to know that we are starting completely over. This film is setting the stage for future Batman films that will rehash old ground. For this movie the Joker was not defeated, there was no Penguin, and absolutely no Robo-Arnold. With the exception of the Burton Batman movies, wipe your mind clean of the comic book films and enjoy the show.
Batman is back and looks to have a very, very promising future.
I just saw this movie and WOW! I loved this movie. In fact this movie is easily in my Top 10 and maybe even my Top 5 (combining The Lord of the Rings in to 1 and Star Wars into 1). This movie hits on every level and leaves me wanting more, a lot more. Not since Lord of the Rings have a left a movie with such a strong desire to see the next.
This is how Batman should be; it’s not Tim B. weird, or Val/George crazy. It’s Batman, in Gotham. Sure there are awesome gizmos and an incredible car, but they are grounded in reality. I knew going in that I would forget that Val and George ever played Batman, but I no idea that I would forget that Michael and Tim ever made a Batman movie (or did they make two?).
This only thing distracting from the movie is Liam Neeson, playing the all to familiar role of Qui-Gon Jinn (albeit with a twist). However, the rest of the movie more than makes up for any little quibbles that I might have. I must admit that they fact they explained everything is what sealed the deal. His bullet-proof suit (we know how/why it was created), his utility belt (we know it’s history), the batmobile (we have it’s back story too). Some might ask: “How did no one notice the building of ultra high-tech Bat Cave at a Billionaires house:, well we know the answer to that as well.
I give this movie 5 out of 5 buckeyes.