The greatest superhero movie of the year!!!

Rating: 9/10 (22 October 2005)

Batman Begins is simply marvelous in many ways; even surpassing the Tim Burton masterpiece released in the late eighties. Starring Christian Bale, Katie Holmes, Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman, the film is a roller-coaster ride of a movie with realistic production values, a deep and engrossing storyline with twists and turns, thrills and chills, and much more!! This story, unlike the previous Batman films, is more of an origin tale rather then a straight-up superhero/action movie. It tells the story of how Bruce Wayne became destined to become his alter ego, the Dark Knight. A vigilante bent on ridding Gotham City of crime and corruption. But underneath the mask is a man tortured by a tragic loss in his childhood and filled with anguish, and revenge.
I m not one to spoil anymore plot points like most reviewers, so I going to leave it at that and end that I have described.
When watching a film or reading about a character like Batman, you sympathize with him and his feelings towards those who are evil and also in his daily life dealing with business, justice, and love. No film like this is without romance. Batman Begins is also a mentor/father figure, detective and self-discovery tale as well. Michael Cain as Alfred, Bruce s most trustworthy butler is simply impressive in this role. No actor in the business can portray the charm, wisdom, and cleverness as well as Cain. Michael Gough was great in Tim Burton s two installments and also in the third (with the exception of the downright god awful Batman and Robin ) but Cain pulls it off with such spectacular flair that you can t help but be intrigued by his character. And it really shows due to the top-notch performances of the supporting roles by Morgan Freeman, Katie Holmes, and Gary Oldman (a surprisingly different role for an actor known for playing bad guys).
Nolan s casting makes this film shine even brighter and generally makes it more fun and exciting. I honestly didn't think he or any other director aside from Burton could pull it off. I admit that after the fourth Batman film, I had very low expectations regarding news on this new installment. I saw the dreadful fourth film in the late 90s with the notion that I was going to be on the edge of my seat. After the film ended and having just seen it on TV. a few years ago, I personally state that this is the worst film in the franchise. Joel Schumacher has ruined the franchise as whole and not only infuriated fans of the comic book series and film buffs alike, but he also destroyed my interest in Batman . This film, or should I say travesty, is the kind where you instruct your DVD or videocassette player to eject the drivel from the unit and either trade it in or in a more suitable and grand course of action, throw it into the garbage, landfill, or many other favorable sites where a film like Batman and Robin deserves to be.
However, after seeing the film, I have to say that in a streak of hope, Nolan has masterfully resurrected the franchise into a new, pleasant light! How wrong I was about this film; it is simply the best ever!! Nolan has truly outdone himself and this is a film that I can proudly call my favorite alongside Revenge of the Sith , which George Lucas has so wonderfully redeemed.
Batman fans can finally rejoice and hail this box-office gem as the definitive film of the year!! I urge all of you to come out and see Nolan s grand vision of the Dark Knight and be immersed in all of its splendid, spectacular glory!! Finally, the specter of Batman and Robin can be lifted from our minds and our hearts as well as our souls!!! Batman s triumphant return to the silver screen was well worth the time, money, and effort on the part of not just Christopher Nolan, but also on the actors themselves!! Great job and congratulations!! Overall, Batman Begins is the greatest and the best revision of the Caped Crusader!!! Let us welcome a sequel with open arms.