I've seen better...

Rating: 5/10 (21 January 2006)

I have to sadly admit, I was quite disappointed with this film. I was expecting something dark and more interesting like the first two 'Batman'. Although this was a well made film, there were certain elements that just didn't live up to the same level the other films have in the past. I will say, that as good looking and as talented as Christian Bale is, there was something about him, when he played Batman, that didn't work as well as some of the other actors that have played him in the past. Michael Keaton, was by far and away the best person to play Batman ever in my opinion, and it seems to me that if they keep making these 'Batman' movies, it's going to turn into a James Bond series soon. The worst choice for any of the characters, I felt, was Katie Holmes. I like Katie as much as the next person, and she is undoubtedly very beautiful to look at, however, it seems hard to picture her as a D.A. at such a young age, when she was still just hanging out with Dawson on the creek. She was too young to play the role, and not right for the part. Someone, who I thought would have fit the role better, would have been Maggie Gyllanhall.
Michael Cain was good, however, his character certainly aged dramatically by the next film, if we're meant to believe this film preludes the very first 'Batman' with Jack Nicholson.
Morgan Freeman, did a fine job as well, however, for someone so famous, he sure did have a small part. It seemed almost a waste to have him in the film.
But, the best-looking and one of the best actors in the film was Cillian Murphy. You might have missed him in some of his other unpopular work, however, if you saw 'Red Eye', that's where he made his mark. He was very devious and in a way it was hard to hate him, since he was so good-looking. In a way...he should have played Batman. Then again, maybe not.
All in all it was a good film, just not a good 'Batman' film. It would have been better had it been a different superhero. Although I'm sure some of you will desperately disagree with me, I just found it a bit flat. But, it's very clean, with some violence, and as I recall no language. I would recommend it, as an action family film.