Arguably the finest comic adaption ever made

Rating: 10/10 (20 June 2005)

Let me start this review off by saying that I had only a mild interest in seeing this film. The Batman franchise had run it's course, I figured, so why do we need yet another bad commercial blockbuster? What more could be said about the character that hasn't already been beaten to death? And furthermore, I grew up in the 70's loving Adam West's Batman and The Superfriends (where a hero = major virtues, 0 faults), so I've never been crazy about DC and the film industry's tiresome desire to convince everyone that the character is some dark, brooding disturbed being who strikes fear into the hearts of the enemy (come on, how frightened would you be if a guy in a goofy leotards or a rubber suit confronted you?). The Batman I loved smiles, escapes from giant snow cones, and stops the Penguin from stealing the Hostess fruitpies, and that's just the way I like to remember him. Well I'm happy to report I'm accepting the "modern" description of this character, thanks to this film.
This film is a darker, sometimes frightening retelling of the Batman legend (not recommended for small children so take heed), with a plot that draws you in, superb directing, and excellent acting, which is no small feat considering the subject and the potential for unintentional laughs (are you listening, George Lucas?!). There's no dumb rollerskating-type villains in neon or silly brain sucking machines (OK, I liked Batman 3 for it's campiness). We care about these characters and their relations are true and heartfelt (particularly Burce and Alfred's relationship). If I had to offer any negative criticism, it's that I found that the casting of Katie Holmes and Cillian Murphy to be a bit unbelievable considering their stature in Gotham (one's a DA, the other the head of an Asylum)and the fact that they both look to be about 18 (yeah, I know Katie's 26 and Cillian's pushing 30, but they sure look like they're about 18 and it seemed like their casting was a deliberate attempt to draw in younger audiences). Their acting was fine, however.
All in all, right up there with X-Men 2 as one of the best films based on a comic book hero ever made.