Best of the Bats

Rating: Null/10 (10 April 2006)

Best film of 2005 in my opinion, and one of the best films I've seen. The only movie in recent times I went back to the cinema to watch again. In fact when it came to be showing on my local i.m.a.x theatre I went and seen it a THIRD time.
The film very much sets out the story of how the caped crusader came about, starting with the childhood experiences of Bruce Wayne through to his late teenage years and then into his early twenties where he became the Dark Knight. You don't even mind the fact that your unlikely to see the caped crusader in his full glory within the first hour or so as the film very cleverly sets out the story of how Batman chose his look, got his equipment, gained his allies and most importantly tells us WHY he decided to fight crime. The story of the rise of Batman comes across as almost plausible and realistic, and its because of this Batman Begins is the Best of ALL the Batman movies that have gone before. Chris Nolan's direction along with David S. Goyer's script really give major credibility to the Batman franchise. No longer is Batman seen as camp/silly/stupid etc......
All the actors perform really well. Christian Bale shines as the young Bruce Wayne and his version of Batman does appear to me what he would and should be like. In my opinion he JUST eclipses Michael Keatons 1989 version of the caped crusader. Michael Caine as Alfred is spot on, not as uptight as other versions and very much how you would expect the guardian/servant of Bruce Wayne to act. Gary Oldman is superb as Sgt Jim Gordon as is Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox, but its Liam Neeson as Hendri Ducard who steels the show with a towering performance. There are lots of other great performances on show also, Cillian Murphy as Scarecrow and Rutger Hauer. Katie Holmes and Tom Wilkinson are the only two of the main cast that possibly let the side down with slightly weaker/unconvincing efforts.
At 141min you could be forgiving for thinking that the movie might be over long?! Fortunately with the ever top class direction of Chris Nolan it never appears so. The 2 1/2 hours just fly in.
TOP CLASS entertainment in every way, Acting/direction/script/effects. 10/10.
Oh almost forgot, need to mention the Bat mobile, FANTASTIC! In a class of its own in regards to the many other versions of Batman's favourite mode of transportation.