This film is a sight for sore eyes

Rating: 10/10 (10 July 2005)

After four attempts from two different directors, the third, Christopher Nolan (Memento), gets it right. Batman Begins picks up in the beginning (hence the title), as Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) is in what looks to be a Japanese prison camp. Flashbacks work well for this film, as Wayne's childhood is revealed with much more depth than the original four films depicted. As Wayne is tracked down and trained by Ducard (Liam Neeson) more and more is revealed about his parents' death and his awful fear of bats.
The cast is full of Oscar worthy talent. Michael Caine plays the loyal Wayne butler, Alfred with Morgan Freeman as the weapons specialist, Luscious Fox. But it is the young talent of this cast that steals the show (Except for Katie Holmes.sorry sweetheart). Christian Bale is the best Batman to date and Cillian Murphy masters the villain role as the brash psychologist, Dr. Jonathan Crane, aka Scarecrow.
I am most impressed with the realism brought to the film by Nolan. Don't expect any comic book colors and set designs. This film is a true masterpiece of darkness and vengeance. The new Batman costume itself is even darker, showing the anger that fuels our heroes every action.
This film is a sight for sore eyes in this summer slump of blockbuster hits. I am very much looking forward to seeing the next installment of the franchise, but please, no more Val Kilmer of George Clooney as the caped crusader. Keep Bale!!!!!!