Batman's reborn and it's a solid comic book film. ***1/2 out of 5

Rating: Null/10 (15 June 2005)

If you have scrolled through my reviews you will find that Batman Returns is my all time favorite comic book film. So naturally I was a bit concerned when I found out they were starting from scratch. It's somewhat of a good thing though considering the travesty that was 'Batman and Robin'.
So we start afresh and the new look is a lot more realistic and all. I don't think it's anti-comic bookish, but it certainly isn't as fantastic looking as Tim Burton's films. Gone is most of the Gothic feel that I loved so much from the first two films and any of the comics I have read.
And while I totally understand that Batman is central character in the film and they didn't want to focus too much time on the villains, I did feel the villains were under used quite a bit. I especially wanted to see Scarecrow a lot more in full form. Just when he comes out on that fantastic looking horse he's zapped by a girl and runs away like a sissy. When you have villains in a film, they need to feel more threatening. They should be foes that are somewhat formidable to the hero.
I think the key is to look at this as solely a Batman film with only a sample of villainous things to come. This is his origin story. But alas, I can't help but feel a wee bit of disappointment.
The music by Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard is pretty darn good and I can't wait to buy the score. However, there wasn't really any notable theme I could think of. This is a bit disappointing when you compare it to Danny Elfman's sweeping scores.
The best action sequences in the film are the Batmobile chase and the scenes where Batman is swooping over the streets when the gas is being leaked into Gotham. I liked the effects they used to get him to look very foreboding. The acting and the casting decisions were great. Michael Caine as Alfred is especially terrific.
I think this film tells the story of Bruce Wayne quite well. While not nearly as exciting as I wanted it to be, it's a pretty dramatic film and I enjoyed it on that level.
The ending when Gordon pulls out The Joker's calling card gave me chills and hope for better things to come. I'll be there opening day.