True to the source.

Rating: 9/10 (17 June 2005)

Finally, we have a Batman film that lives up to the nearly 65-year legacy of the character. Batman Begins transfers the true essence of Batman to the screen, while taking advantage of the strengths of cinema. It takes its place alongside Superman The Movie and X-Men as the standards to which comic book adaptations should aspire.
Christoper Nolan has grounded the film in the real world. He brings an underlying logic and rationalization to the concepts of Batman, from the decay and corruption of Gotham, to the technology employed by Batman in his war. Everything looks as if it could really function. Batman has long been inspired by real world technology and ideas, from Bill Finger's (original Batman writer) files of Popular Mechanics clippings, to current research into microfibers and vehicle designs. But what really stands out is that he has captured the true essence of the character: Bruce Wayne is the mask, Batman is the true identity. Batman was born in the violent event that took away Bruce's parents, and young Bruce's innocence died alongside them. From that point on, his life revolved around his crusade.
Christian Bale is magnificent in the dual role. Much like Christopher Reeve, he understands that each identity must be played as a separate character. His voice, mannerisms, and body language are different as Bruce and Batman. He has an intensity in his eyes that is true to the character. He also wonderfully portrays Buce Wayne's mask, as the vapid playboy. The fact that he has signed on for three films gives great hope for the movies to come.
The cast is filled with outstanding actors: Liam Neeson, Morgan Freeman, Cillian Murphy, Katie Holes, Tom Wilkinson, Gary Oldman; but it is Michael Caine who most stands out. He shows his range, bringing caring and compassion, along with irony and sarcasm. He shifts modes like a true master of his craft.
The effects are fantastic and in service to the story. There are few gratuitous stunts or explosions and CGI is kept to the essential moments. If I have one complaint, it's that the fight scenes are a bit too chaotic. They are not as "epileptic" as other recent movies of this ilk; but, they don't allow you to take in the essence of the fight, as in the golden age of James Bond, or Bruce Lee. They are more impressionistic, with a few key poses emerging from the chaos.
The music by Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard is suitably epic in scope, propelling the story along and adding grandeur. It takes its place alongside Danny Elfman's work in the Burton films.
The script is top notch, focusing on Bruce Wayne's motivations and development. It keeps the characters grounded in reality, while providing exciting scenes.
This is the perfect Father's Day film. Fathers are at the core of the story. First, we are introduced to the loving, caring Thomas Wayne. He is father not only to Bruce, but to Gotham as well. His death deprives both of a great influence. Alfred becomes a surrogate father to Bruce, reminding him of his family's legacy, while providing guidance in his crusade. Ducard is a stern father who teaches Bruce tough lessons, but also helps Bruce determine his true goal. Luscious Fox was a friend of Thomas Wayne, and provides material support to Bruce in his battles. James Gordon is another mentor and sounding board. Each has his role in shaping Bruce Wayne/Batman into the figure he becomes. They impart wisdom, discipline, compassion, understanding, and love.
I have only one real quibble with the film, and it is one that only comic book fans would understand or care about. The film continues the sorry tradition of ignoring the work of Bill Finger in the creation and development of Batman. Finger created the personalities, technology, settings, and most of the characters that made Batman unique. He did so without receiving the credit he was due. Bob Kane continues to receive sole credit, despite producing little work over the course of the life of Batman. Finger and artist Jerry Robinson provided most of the work, in those early days, while Kane got all of the credit. Where Kane's true genius lies, is in securing a deal which gave him sole credit for so many years, for other people's work. By all rights, the movie titles should read "Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger." Does this detract from the movie? No; but, since the film is about justice versus revenge, it's the right thing to do.