Well After Batman & Robin, We NEEDED This...

Rating: 8/10 (28 December 2013)

Considering the last Batman outing had left such a sour taste in everyone's mouth, and pretty much nearly killed the movie franchise all together. Batman clearly needed a time out, however it was inevitable the character was obviously going to make a return someday. But who knew that only a few years later Director Christopher Nolan would not only bring the character back in such a dark, bold psychological way, but would also bring such depth and respect for what the character stood for in a Trilogy that has gone on to gross millions, win audiences and critics alike. Setting a new standard most comic book movies today are trying to emulate.
Alas the film-makers finally did some research, and pulled parts from the classic "Year One" title which modernised the origin. A few years ago, a younger me wished they followed these various books just a little more closer. Now that their story is full circle, any divergence from the source material matters not in their overall grand scheme of things.
Christian Bale is wonderfully casted as Bruce Wayne, given this is from a guy who adores Adam West, Michael Keaton and still thinks the greatest interpretation belongs to Kevin Conroy. Bale is currently one of the finest actors of his generation, who has given much stronger & heavier performances and still has more than enough makes the role his own. Unfortunately, I also have to mention the obvious elephant in the room and that is "that voice", which is overall ridiculous. I understand the necessity and primal reasons for it, but I'm sorry I cannot take it seriously. Saying that, we have the likes of screen legends Liam Neeson, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine giving performances WAY beyond that of any regular supporting cast. Backed up by Dutch great Rutger Hauer, Katie Holmes and a personal favourite newcomer Cillian Murphy as the "villain" Scarecrow (Who lets face it, gets shafted way too easily).
Getting into what little I want to talk about the plot, "Begins" paints a wonderful interpretation of Batman's mission. From innocent beginnings, tragedy, self-imposed exile, revelations and redemption. All are expertly crafted into a wonderfully earnest first act, that Christopher Nolan really makes his own without having to go too back & forth with signature traits i.e. "Memento" (2000). And finally, Gotham City looked stunning. From dirty streets, amber glows, train rail screeches and overhead smoke fumes peering out & around every corner on a scale this big is utter fantastic (But a little disheartening that it all seemed to all disappear in the follow ups).
Final Verdict: Now that we have the whole Trilogy, "Batman Begins" starts everything right with wonderful character development, superb casting, large scale beginnings and above all, wonderful promises of things to come. No one knew a few years down the line just how sudden everything was going to change. 8/10.