Smartest Super Hero Film yet!

Rating: 8/10 (16 June 2005)

Not your usual good guy bad guy comic book-to-movie story line. Great way to introduce villains. I loved the interpretation of ScareCrow and the introduction of The Joker (even though it does not coincide with the first BATMAN movie or the Killing Joke). This movie has a smart plot that even though I figured out before it unfolded, was still well done. Fantastic Four is not looking so exciting a movie for this former Comic book junkie. Marvel is going to have to step up with their offerings to top this story.
The movie is in two parts 1) How Batman became Batman and 2) His first adventures. They could have title this movie "Batman: Year One", like the comic book, and it would have been accurate. I was surprised by how well the actors did, unlike those in Episode 3. I already am awaiting the 6th movie!