So this is what a comic book movie should be like!

Rating: 10/10 (23 June 2005)

It's difficult to describe how great Batman Begins is. It succeeds not merely as a superhero film (though I hate using the term because Batman is not super, he works hard to have his abilities). The audience gets to see Batman's development here - Bruce Wayne's troubled psyche and the emergence of his true persona, the Batman. I absolutely loved how director Nolan made it clear that Batman is who Bruce Wayne really is.
Kudos to Christian Bale, the greatest depiction of Batman and Bruce Wayne ever.
Kudos to Michael Caine, who brought great heart to Alfred. Alfred is far more developed in this film. His relationship with Bruce is an awesome thing to bear witness to. Alfred was entrusted to be Bruce's guardian and clearly took the job seriously, but he goes along with Bruce's plans to become the Batman and helps greatly in the creation of the hero (antihero?).
Kudos to Liam Neeson for playing Henri Ducard (and - SPOILER - Ra's Al Ghul, or is he?).
I loved seeing Bruce making the "batarangs" - more like bat-shaped Chinese stars. Loved that they showed us some trial by error for Batman.
Kudos to Gary Oldman. We finally see the relationship between Gordon and Batman.
The plot is great. The development and pacing is superb. The action scenes are dizzying, very intentionally. Batman is scary, snatching criminals up from the sky - scary stuff for the baddies. Batman's first trip out is the best ever!
Batman Begins is not just a great comic book film, it's great period. Unfortunately the Academy won't give it any consideration because it's Batman, but what a film!