OK But Not Great

Rating: 5/10 (15 June 2005)

Let me first say that Batman has long been one of my favorite of the comic heroes. Let me also say that Tim Burton is the most worthless director with a morbid sense of reality and fantasy. With that being said the first Batman, though it had its weak points, was pretty good coming from a director I absolutely can't stand. The saving point of the first film was the casting of Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson. These two actors made the film hands down. From the second film on, the Batman creations up to this point have been absolutely lousy with no possibility for redemption.
Now, I have read many of the posted reviews for this film and I am shocked that so many thought so highly of it. I hear many speak of how disappointing theater films have been over the recent years, yet move to speak with top marks about this production. I suppose that when you are starved long enough, even moldy bread tastes good. This is unfortunate, because though it was a fair film, it wasn't great.
In my opinion the film took too long developing the Batman character. Over half of the film was spent doing this. Then once we finally get to see Batman in costume and in action, the shots are so quick and dark, that you really don't see Batman at all. Instead you just see a flurry of people getting jerked, pushed and thrown about in a quick frenzied sequence. Further, I was to the understanding that this film would be directed more for adults versus children. If that is true, then why was it necessary to add Kung Fu/Karate/Samurai training school theatrics to the film? I believe this was the true cheese of the film, and it was taken much too far. As well, the plot and story were only fair. Folks, as a kid and up through my teen years I have read many comics. The stories in those comics were much more creative and imaginative than what I found to be illustrated here. I would like to further state that the casting for characters could have been better than it was. Without spoiling other opinions, I will just say that some of the cast was really good, and some were really bad. As for Liam Neeson, well I felt like I was watching Obi Wan again, only a little darker.
It is my personal note to say that I am saddened by the lack of creativity in Hollywood these days. In all genres, I find myself disappointed on every level with the productions over the recent years. I continue to wonder when a production will be released that will actually captivate me, and keep me begging for more. I just haven't seen it recently. Further, originality has left the building and it doesn't look like it's coming back any time soon. I say this for all films of recent and this film was no exception. At best, I rate "Batman Begins" with a 5/10. For all those who believe "Batman Begins" to be a blockbuster, well I'm just curious as to what mentality is responsible for such high opinions.