Finally, Batman is back in business!

Rating: 10/10 (27 June 2005)

I have to first admit that I avoided this movie. After experiencing the utter disappointment that was Batman Forever (adequate, but flawed) and Batman and Robin (just plain awful), despite the wonderful Christopher Nolan at the director's helm and gifted actor Christian Bale in the suit, the sentiment shared by many Batman fans that what would come out of this film would be more regret was shared heavily by myself. How could I be so wrong? Firstly, this movie is not a sequel or a prequel - Nolan has created a new Batman franchise which (arguably) betters Burton's. Gone are the campy villains, neon backgrounds and bat nipples. In their place are multi-layered, wonderfully acted villains, a dark, brooding Gotham so reminiscent of the early Batman comics, and a Batman actually able to kick butt and look convincing while doing it.
The movie is wonderfully scripted and plotted. The initial scenes which describe to the viewer Bruce Wayne's adult fascination with bats - and the reason for his lifelong quest for justice - are done in such a way that you actually don't question how a grown, normal man could fight crime in a bat suit. The rest of the movie becomes more complex as it goes along, while still retaining several moment of humor that don't seem too forced or too campy - though I'll leave it for you to discover for yourself.
The casting is brilliant. Christian Bale has already proved himself as a quality actor in such films as American Psycho and The Machinist, and he did not disappoint in Batman Begins. As the quissential comic book love interest, Katie Holmes as assistant District Attorney Rachel Dawes has little to do, though she does give a surprisingly spirited and engaging performance. Supporting actors Liam Neeson, Ken Wantanabe, Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine are all icing on a delicious cake.
The real find in this movie, however, has to be Cillian Murphy, who plays Dr. Jonathan Crane, aka The Scarecrow. His performance is mind-blowingly articulate and at the same time chilling from the first moment you lay eyes on him in a courthouse. As much as I hate to use clichÃ©s such as this, Murphy is truly a face to watch.
What else can I say? Nolan, Goyer ... thank you, from the bottom of this Batman fan's heart. 10/10.