Batman Begins is definitely better than the previous Batman films.

Rating: 8/10 (15 June 2005)

First, of the other Batman films, I think the 1st (Tim Burton) Batman movie was the best, even though it was somewhat less than what I expected for a 1st time "serious" Batman movie. It was nowhere near as fulfilling as Superman The Movie, which in my opinion remains the BEST comic book superhero movie adaptation to date, more so than the X-men movies, more so than both Spiderman movies and every other comic book/movie adaptation ever made. Considering the limitations in technology and working with a much smaller budget than what movies today are afforded, Richard Donner deserves MUCH credit for what he accomplished. Richard Donner's Superman The Movie continues to set the standard for which all other superhero movies should be judged, an opinion shared by many fans of the comic book medium.
All that said, I'm happy to say that Batman Begins is a welcomed, modified interpretation of the legend and origin of Batman. Although inaccurate, in comparison to (Batman creator) Bob Kane's origin, this movie does a much better job of explaining (not only) what prompted Bruce Wayne to fight crime, but why he chose the Bat as the theme for his dual identity, as opposed to a dolphin or Tiger (for examples) and calling himself Dolphin Dude or Tigerman. The other Batman films merely "touched on" this portion of Batman's origin and spent FAR too much time with the origins of the movies' villains...(Catwoman, Penguin, The Riddler, Poision Ivy and ESPECIALLY The Joker). Even though Bale made a very convincing Bruce Wayne, after seeing (and hearing) him as Batman, I feel that Micheal Keaton remains the best looking/sounding Batman overall. Keaton looked great behind the mask and his voice was deeper and more intimidating, whereas Bale's, at times sounded almost as if Mike Tyson was trying to speak deeply. The current Batman costume could have been more like Keaton's version too. In my opinion, Keaton's costume is still the best looking and better proportioned, especially in the mask. The cape was better looking too. But Bale's costume is acceptable. It makes sense, tactically speaking. Initially, I wasn't a fan of the new Batmobile, but after seeing it in action I have a greater appreciation for it. I'm especially thankful that Nolan didn't spend a lot of time on a needless love subplot, as every other Batman movie contained (Batman/Vickie Vale, Batman/Catwoman, Batman/Merridian Chase and Batman/Robin and Poision Ivy).
Disappointingly, the fight scenes in Batman Begins were filmed entirely too close to the characters, limiting the full view and impact of the action. It was rather difficult to see and appreciate Batman's skills as a fighter, because of this closeness. Last negative note, what was done to Wayne mansion was totally unnecessary and caused more "controversy" than what the act may have hoped to symbolize. My final thought, the last 2 minutes of the movie gave me the most profound sense of joy. Something so simple, but it left me (and everyone else in the theater), with excitement and anticipation for what "may" come in the next movie. Despite the negatives, All-In-All, I give the movie a 7 1/2 out of 10 stars.