Batman has been revived

Rating: 9/10 (22 June 2005)

I believed that the Batman series had died with the fourth film Batman and Robin (1997) which was absolutely awful and stupid. When I saw previews for this film coming out I had little hope for the film. I went to see the late show last night and was presently surprised by the film.
The film explains the beginning of Batman from his childhood, into his training, right up to the confrontation with his first villain, the Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy). Batman must begin a quest to stop the Scarecrow from taking over Gotham City. But is the Scarecrow working alone or is he planning something much more, much more sinister that could bring back his dark past?
Batman Begins takes the series back to its roots. It explains everything of his past, his obsession of bats, his bat cave, his training, and the origins of his costume, bat car, and gadgets. The film starts out a bit quick, I actually thought it was another preview until they said Bruce. The action isn't wasted though, it is used in just the right spots and not overdone.
One thing I liked was how not everything Batman used was exactly how it was in the original with Michael Keaton. It gave the film a bit more freshness. The acting is outstanding and the cast that does it is just as good. With a cast of Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Michael Caine as Alfred, and Gary Oldman as Jim Gordon you're going to get some great performances which you do.
The story is a lot darker then the last two and the villains, especially the Scarecrow, are freaky and cunning. One problem I had was the fact that the Scarecrow is a bit wasted. In the comics he was really tough and never gave up but in the film he is a bit weaker and not as important as I liked.
In the end the film does not disappoint at any level. Christian Bale is fantastic as Batman, he brings a new tough guy attitude that was lost after Michael Keaton. Director Chris Nolan has resurrected a story that I had believed to be lost but I was wrong. You'll have a good time watching the amazing action that put the film over the top.
Batman Begins. Starring: Christian Bale, Liam Neeson, Michael Caine, Katie Holmes, and Morgan Freeman.
4 1/2 out of 5 Stars.