Excellent - if it's what you're looking for...

Rating: 10/10 (17 June 2005)

WARNING POTENTIAL SPOILERS!!!!! OK, first things first, I loved this film. I thought that it completely outstripped 'Batman & Robin' - not one single shred of camp to be found amongst this gritty and atmospheric comic-book yarn. FINALLY Batman has motives for what he does. Before it was 'Parents dead, kill all crime!' - this was so much deeper. Everything from ninja training to acquiring his weaponry is here - and it all finally makes sense! Batman is a much more rounded character - and the bottom line, he's believable. He never comes across as a big-uber superhero. He is only a man. And Christian Bale (who I always thought was a fantastic choice) is the perfect embodiment of the tortured hero. Possibly better than Michael Keaton.
But I'm not gonna go on about how you should really go see this movie etc etc. I believe you should see it make your own mind up. I am therefore taking this opportunity to just say what type of movie it is you're going to see. I personally like the back-story angle to Batman (and the prospect that there are two sequels on the way). However, after talking to some close friends who saw it the same day, they said they wanted more action like in the early films. I can see their point - it's not all about wowing the audience this time around. But then, I don't think Batman ever was just about that. So it depends on what your mind-set is when you enter. If you're expecting an all-out action film, then you're gonna be disappointed. It does have fantastic action and it is all very believable and relevant - but it may not be enough for some. This film is concerned with bringing THE Batman that Bob Kane created. It is atmospheric, intelligent, and also kinda creepy in places.
Therefore, go in expecting more of a drama/thriller with action, than a superhero movie - like say Spider-Man. This is a very different bat, and I'm personally glad for it.