The definitive Batman movie

Rating: 10/10 (11 November 2009)

An awe-inspiringly, intricately worked superhero movie. Like the instances throughout it that explain how Batman is inspired into picking his equipment (the spiked gauntlets, fire-proof cape), everything about the movie assembles into an enthralling whole. With an almost perfect cast, ample production values, seamless cinematography and music, and script that never lets up, no movie in the genre betters it. In fact it raises the bar for all superhero movies, keeping the tone gritty and real, yet doing every bit of justice to the characters.
Christian Bale is Batman, covering every nuance of the character; the journeying, the reactions. He conveys the most cerebral Batman yet, expressing the characters strengths and what sets him apart from other superheroes. Much better than the darkly humorous Keaton and the plain bored Kilmer.
Michael Caine forms a pillar for the storyline and helps draw out the background of Bruce Wayne. Caine simply is Alfred, leaving no doubt that anyone could have played the role better. Morgan Freeman's role is almost ethereal in it's presence which makes it very fitting for his commanding gravitas.
Katie Holmes has been decried as being a bad pick for her character but considering the limited scope in terms of the story, she didn't do a bad job. Maggie Gyllenhaal is taking over the character in the sequel, but it can be argued that it is mostly due to the politics behind the movie-making.
Cillian Murphy impresses in his role as the seriously flawed genius. He earnestly conveys what makes the character tick.
The guy playing Carmine Falcone is the most major let-down. But at least he shouldn't be in the sequel.
Gary Oldman isn't given much to do, but he does none of it wrong and we can all look forward to his expanded role in the future instalments.
One gripe is that the movie has a bit too much of a glossed over look to its visuals, this can be attributed to the high contrast lighting in the night and dark sequences which naturally there are many. But it helps to give the movie a more engaging polish and is a small niggle at the cost of realism.