Almost perfect

Rating: 9/10 (20 June 2007)

This movie is as close to perfect as it gets. Especially for a superhero movie. Where do I begin. Christian Bale. Wasn't sure about him. I was wrong. Even better than Michael Keaton at handling the dual role. I enjoyed watching him as Wayne as much as Batman. And as Batman, Bale proved outright to be the most physical of all Batman's portrayers. In one scene where he is shirtless, you see the physique and go "wow". Small detail, but Keaton and Clooney never bared their chests, and when Kilmer did it in "Forever" it made you want to laugh. In fact, if I remember correctly, my brother did laugh. But when Bale is in bed recuperating after a rough night and Alfred brings him some kind of health drink, you can see the muscle tone that Bale possesses. It's real and not CGI--most impressive. He drinks, then gets up and starts doing pushups on the bedroom floor. I was completely convinced that Bale is the right man for the job. Now Alfred. No doubt. Micheal Caine. Perfect. Luscious Fox. Morgan Freeman. Now the plot. "Batman Begins" pretty much covers it and Nolan does it beautifully. The origin story is the plot. The villains take up about 2 thirds and Cillian Murphy, Tom Wilkinson, Ken Wantanabe and Liam Neeson are completely awesome. Some of the best villains Batman has ever faced. And Lt. Gordon. Gary Oldman. I can't remember seeing him in a role I didn't like, even if I wasn't crazy about the movie.