A Great Imperfect Movie!

Rating: 8/10 (20 June 2005)

Batman Begins is a tale of redemption. It is not a tale of the noble hero overcoming all odds to save "everyone". Bruce Wayne is damaged, but not in a way that prevents himself from accomplishing his goals. Bruce Wayne knows deep down what is expected of him. Bruce Wayne has the capacity to instill hope by making himself larger than life--as the Batman.
Yes, some aspects of the movie are a little clumsy--Katie Holmes is the 15-year-old--oops, I meant 26. Assistant DA. Police Officer Gordon needed a little more screen time for me to understand his point view completely. But you know-as a comic book brought to life- director Chris Nolan did a HELL of a job using every character wisely and to some useful purpose.
The dialogue wasn't Shakespeare, but I am old enough to remember some pretty wooden performances & dialogue in the original Star Wars[1977]-and look how that movie did! The witty commentary from Michael Caines' Alfred was lively and well-timed to help move the plot or make emotional connections to the audience rooting for the strong-willed & somewhat anti-hero.
Christian Bale is quite good as Batman/Bruce Wayne. He may seem somewhat detached emotionally, but that is what the Batman is. Batman internalizes. He is not a well-rounded Superman/Captain Marvel character. He isn't a teenage Spiderman. He is an introspective adult, with the sadness of a family lost, with the competitive edge of a man who knows he can win if he just out-escalate the crooks around him.
I would go see this movie again. 8.5/10, actually.