An intelligent block buster

Rating: 7/10 (3 July 2005)

First of all an admission - I was never really a big lover of the Batman franchise. The movies reminded me somewhat of Sin City in that they looked good, but there wasn't much substance.
I was therefore pleasantly surprised by the new movie. Christian Bale always seemed like a good casting for Batman and so it proves. The first two thirds of the film really delves deep into the character of Bruce Wayne and how he becomes Batman. It is a rare thing to see a blockbuster paying attention to the script, but that is exactly what happens here. I don't think this is really suitable for young children or adrenalin junkies, but it's great fayre for those of us who like to become involved in a character.
The final third of the film is where the special effects kick in, but courtesy of the first part of the film you really do care what happens to the characters. Good movie.