Batman Begins Better Than Before

Rating: 8/10 (19 June 2005)

The last two Batman films were the very definition of "summer blockbusters" and "popcorn" flicks. If you liked those, run along home because Batman Begins is above you.
Comic to film conversions have enjoyed a renaissance since Spiderman and films like this make me glad this is so. It proves that you don't need to obliterate the continuity of the comic to make the transition from paper to celluloid. This film accurately captures the essence of the comics in a way that not even Spiderman achieved.
This is by no means a standard action film. If anything, to call it an action film is a misnomer. The action isn't thin on the ground but it's not exactly abundant either. This fits in perfectly with the feel of the film though. It's as much about the characters as it is about things exploding and therein lies the strength of the film.
Even the weakest link - Katie Holmes - manages to give a reasonable performance and most of the others (Bale and Caine especially) do justice to their roles. Not only that but the plot is not driven by the action but vice-versa, hence the more sensible amounts. Though the actual combat scenes tend to favour the "too fast and close to see anything" style of cinematography that has been on the rise since the mid 90s.
In any event, despite these problems, the film itself will draw in fans and casual viewers alike but if you're looking for a load of explosions, a lack of plot and dialogue exclusively in one-liners... well, just stay at home.