Superhero Film for the Ages

Rating: 10/10 (30 June 2005)

I have seen the movie again for the third time. I never see a movie more than twice. This movie is a masterpiece. Magic, maturity and intelligence inhabit this film. In my opinion, it not only blows the films of the previous Batman series out of the water, but every other movie of the superhero genre. I love how they made us wait to see Bale in costume. The beginning half of the film was like a good meal with the second half as an unbelievable desert. The fight scenes were good and mysterious. I know some folks complain wanting to see explosive fights ala Matrix, but I loved using my imagination as well as viewing it on screen.
I couldn't find anything wrong with this film except maybe the clunky romance between Bruce Wayne & Rachel Dawes. I suspect Nolan & Goyer were forced to put a love interest to appease the Hollywood gods.
Scarecrow is one of the creepiest villain to grace the thanks in part to Cillian Murphy. I was happy how he played the role: icy cold. Add to the fact his disguise was nothing more than a burlap sack: brilliance. I'm glad that Nolan did not go overboard with grandiose effect for the bad guy. I hope he does the same thing with whatever villain he uses in the sequel. It was the subtleness of Crane that frightened me the most.
Liam Neeson is great in almost everything he's in and this is no exception. He reminded me of Lex Luthor. He sees himself doing some great service for humanity instead of cut-out bad guy, twirling his mustache. The plan, although seen before in films, is done pretty well here. The main focus was on establishing Batman and bring his presence to Gotham.
I love the relationship between Batman and Sgt. Gordon. Gordon knows from the start that Gotham needs a shock to system and is happy, even with some reservation, that Batman is the "shock" Gotham so desperately needs. The leap of faith he takes for Batman is one of a man desperately looking for an ally and more importantly: a savior.
Michael Caine is hands down the best Alfred to grace the screen. The wit and warmth of the surrogate father role he brings is so good. I love the scenes where he gives his input on how the supply and stock the Batcave and how Bruce so go about his quest. Another favorite is Morgan Freeman. The man is a class-act and Lucius Fox is a wonderful character. His role is perhaps one of the most important: giving Batman the tools to fight crime. He was such a scene stealer.
Christian Bale is Batman! I always felt Micheal Keaton was too old and too short for the role. Bale brings weight and depth to this role. I love when he interrogates people and the rage that seeps out of him. And believe Bale will evolve as the character does. I always had said Batman's career is like a snowball effect. His parents death is the catalyst, but the drive and the obsession he feels comes each time he takes to the night against the likes of the Joker, Two-Face, Penguin. That will bring the torture At end when Gordon talks about escalation. With Batman jumping off rooftops its only a matter of time before criminals take the same measures. Nolan & Goyer are so intelligent to come up with that line.
Absolute brilliance. I wait with baited breath for a sequel.