It Begins Right!

Rating: 10/10 (25 June 2015)

Batman Begins (2005): Dir: Christopher Nolan / Cast: Christian Bale, Katie Holmes, Liam Neeson, Cillian Murphy, Gary Oldman: First Batman film in eight years and easily the best. It is a detailed telling of Bruce Wayne's fear of bats and the death of his parents. Story opens with his release from prison and the training he undergoes to preserve justice. Central plot regards a toxic substance released in the water supply in the city of Gotham City. Assuming the identity of Batman he captures a mob boss and discovers that an even greater foe by the name of Scarecrow is behind the madness. Easily the best screenplay in the series thanks to Christopher Nolan as director. He previously made Memento and Insomnia but this ranks among his greatest work. Christian Bale is fantastic as the caped crusader who struggles with revenge and justice. Fine supporting work by Katie Holmes as an attorney whom he knew since childhood. What is interesting is that she is instrumental in defeating one of the major villains. Cillian Murphy plays the Scarecrow, an effective terror of nightmares and brainwash. Liam Neeson delivers a knock out performance in perhaps the most surprising role of the film because he is not as typecast as it may seem. Gary Oldman plays Commissioner Gordon who ends up in an alliance with Batman. Excellent film about facing fear and becoming one with it. Score: 10 / 10