WOW! This is how it is supposed to be!

Rating: 10/10 (15 June 2005)

I'm one of those folks who was going to give this the benefit of the doubt for several reasons, even though the last two films with the "Batman" label on it truly disappointed despite the A-list stars who were in it.
To the audience, forget EVERYTHING you know about Batman and what you've seen in the other films. This one truly stands alone.
I will say this film DOES NOT DISAPPOINT IN THE LEAST!!! Bale's Batman is very believable. If you are familiar with Bale's work, including Equilibrium, you know he can deliver as a leading man, and as an action star. Nolan did a great job setting up Wayne's father as the type of guy you wish every child had for a father with tons of dough to boot (though some women may not like that the mother kind of comes off as arm candy). So off the bat (no pun intended), you feel deeply for this kid since he lost his father, who incidentally was a good man. What I like a lot were the elements taken from Frank Miller's Batman: Year One. It was just enough for the comic book geeks, and since Miller is a great writer anyway, it makes you believe that this billionaire decided to take this interesting pilgrimage to purge his soul.
Holmes balanced the damsel in distress and the strong, modern woman very well. A scene in particular (spoiler) that makes you like her in an odd way was when she smacks Bruce Wayne... TWICE! It's not for any pass he made on her or anything, but it defines the type of relationship her character and Wayne shared growing up that she would have the type of authority in his life to be permitted to do such a thing. Her comment that followed sealed that relationship.
Caine, as always, delivers. It's nice to see that Alfred has more to him than butler/man-servant. His genuine concern for Wayne while having a slight parental guide to him is very warm.
Freeman... you can't really go wrong with him.
Hauer... a man who has paid his dues in entertainment; it's nice to see him working A-list films again this year (Sin City and here).
Murphy... if you've seen 28 Days Later, you get these waves or recognition as the film goes on, and they're creepy (probably because the aforementioned film was very disturbing, which is good because his character here is creepy).
Oldman... it's nice to see him as one of the good guys.
Neeson... he's the man, and will always be. Perfect at playing the teacher-mentor type, he also brings more prestige to the film like his colleagues Caine and Freeman. You always get the impression, the minute you put a sword in his hand or engage him in mortal combat, that this man knows what he is doing.
My only gripe: Fight scenes. Though they are very good in general, it is difficult to see or make out what is going on, who has the upper hand, etc. All you pretty much know is that someone is getting a beating.
Hats off to Nolan, as he breathed life into the Batman franchise again after the last two films started the autopsy and almost buried it. Like a Phoenix, it is born again from the ashes. Also, the ending was perfect, as it left you begging for more... then the credits roll, you look at your watch and realize that 2.25 hours have passed...
If this film fails, shame on you, the patron who did not go and see it. Think of it this way, slap Schumacher in the face by paying the money for Nolan's vision of the Bat...