The Dark Knight rises! Batman Begins is the best Batman film... Goodnight Joel Schumacher

Rating: 9/10 (29 June 2005)

After eight years since Joel Schumacher buried the Batman franchise with 'Batman Forever' and 'Batman & Robin', anticipations for Nolan's arrival were high and I was not disappointed. Batman makes a welcome return to our screens with a much darker take that surpasses Burton's 1989 efforts. The film had a budget exceeding $140 million, with a cast line up including Morgan Freeman, Katie Holmes, Sir Michael Caine, Liam Neeson and Rutger Hauer and was set up to be a explosive summer blockbuster, however 'Batman Begins' delivers what is an intelligent picture, with something that feels more like an independent film, keeping CGI to a minimum, thankfully. For me the strongest supporting role comes from Gary Oldman, who is excellent as Jim Gordon, one of the few good cops in Gotham and delivers some excellent lines. Casting Christian Bale as the lead role was perfect, who as usual delivers a fine performance and after seeing Bale bring to life the dynamics Bruce Wayne and Batman it is hard to vision anyone filling the suit as effortlessly and brilliantly 'Batman Begins' has managed to draw upon the original ideas of the comics, which will please the comic book fans out there, but has still managed to encapsulate those who have little knowledge of the comics or history. We are able to see the origins of Batman from a lost, angry and tortured Bruce Wayne, rising to become a city hero. The origin seems to be the focus of the film as Batman doesn't really appear until the first hour of the film, but it is well worth the wait! The film also shows the side of Bruce Wayne being a billionaire playboy, where we are able to recognise Bale bringing elements of his role as Patrick Bateman from American Psycho.
The film is shot and directed well against the backdrop of a crime filled corrupt Gotham and we can see the influences of Frank Miller. The film also has a fitting soundtrack, although I did prefer Danny Elfman's score. However one big problem with this film is the fight scenes have not been done well as the editing is too fast, it is difficult to see what is happening and see the skill's that Batman has learnt which leaves a rather unsatisfied feeling. Also most the explosions, which may seem out of place, have probably been included to increase the appeal of the film to a wider audience.
This film is not for everyone and cinema goers looking for a fast paced summer action blockbuster will be disappointed, possibly due to the false expectations delivered by a fast-cut misleading trailer. Nolan has resurrected Batman and brought to it intelligence, darkness and dignity and With Nolan continuing to direct and Bale as Batman the sequels are sure to have success, but be sure that when Robin is introduced this will see the end of Batman once more.