DC Should Be Proud of Themselves

Rating: 10/10 (8 July 2005)

Finally, DC is back in the race to make good comic-based movies. After horrible movies like the Spider-Man, X-Men, and Blade franchises, DC comics finally decided that it was their turn. I was sceptical at first, because I had the idea that Marvel had already saturated (and completely ruined) the comic-based movie market. But perfect casting got me really excited several months before it was even released. Christian Bale stepped out from his role of Patrick Bateman in American Psycho, and played a completely different kind of psycho, a vigilante. Gary Oldman (Hannibal, Fifth Element, Air-Force One), in a rare "good guy" role, made Jim Gordon a supporting cast member, rather than just an annoying fat guy to call Batman whenever he failed at his job (like the previous Gordons in the other Batman movies). Supporting roles from Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Rutger Hauer, and Katie Holmes made Bruce an important aspect of Batman's life, as well as added to the movie's star-power. The villains of the movie, Ken Watanabe (Last Samurai), Cillian Murphy (28 Days Later), and Liam Neeson (Star Wars) were absolutely perfect. Not only did the director (Christopher Nolan) embrace the classic ideas of the characters and their stories, but he also added to them, making them extremely realistic and very believably scary at the same time. The best part of the movie was definitely the directing style. Nolan, previously directing Insomnia and the cult-classic Memento, captured everything that is so alluring about the Batman universe. Casting was brilliant, the screenplay was original and heartfelt, and the overall mood of the movie was just plain epic. The characters of the comics came to life on the big screen, and made the viewer care what was going to happen to them. The chemistry was there, and this would have to be not only the best movie of the year, the best batman adaptation ever, and the best comic-based movie in a long time, but quite possibly, one of the best movies ever made. Props to Hollywood for not blowing this one, and props to DC for finally putting Marvel in their place, showing that you don't need super-powers and stupid jokes to make a good comic-based movie. The only thing I didn't like about Batman Begins, was the lack of things to complain about in the movie. I went in, expecting another flop like Batman & Robin, but was disappointed with the twists, the turns, and the overall excitement that never left me throughout the entire film. I think the best part about the entire movie for me, was the closing scene. Gordon looks at Batman, after assembling the Batsignal, and tells him that there is a new freak in town, leaving a calling card. It's joker. Batman leaps off the building top, and Gordon stops him, saying that he never thanked him. Batman looks at him, partially smiles, and then proceeds to tell him that he'll never have to. Anyone that dislikes this movie obviously fell asleep or just plain didn't see it. It is flawless in every way, and I am planning on going to see it again very soon. Hope to see you there. 10/10