Seven years later, still the best Batman film.

Rating: 9/10 (8 August 2012)

Seven years later and after two exceptional films The Dark Knight(2008), and The Dark Knight Rises(2012) I still stand behind my belief that Batman Begins is quite simply the best superhero film of all time. It had it all-- a exceptional cast, a great story, and finally for once told the story of Bruce Wayne.
Everything from the action scenes, to the pacing, the dialogue, and sense of humor just made the film one of my favorites throughout the years, and Christian Bale's performance as Bruce Wayne/Batman finally had depth to such a complex character. Fans including myself, finally portrayed a realistic Bruce Wayne, a side you never seen in the previous film. Bruce is supposed to be a troubled soul, a playboy, and of course his alter-ego Batman.
It was satisfying to also see Michael Caine as Alfred who gave a great performance in the role, where during Burton/Schumacher series their wasn't much of a relationship between Bruce and his trusted butler. Their was a emotional connection that I felt was important and added character to Alfred and Bruce.
The rest of the cast was exceptional as Gary Oldman as James Gordon, who also developed a relationship with Batman, a relationship I felt important to the film series. Morgan Freeman as Lucius was a great addition because you have to wonder where he get's all these cool toys, and for once it is believable.
Liam Neeson was great as well, and his character fit so well into the plot. I couldn't imagine anybody else playing Henri Ducard as well as Neeson. The only thing lacking in my opinion was The Scarecrow played by Jonathon Crane who's hallucinogen played a vital role in the plot, as well as Katie Holmes character of Rachel Dawes left a bit of a sour taste in your mouth.
Regardless this movie had great action scenes, although some of the fight scenes are too fast, and the camera angles we're horrendous on some of those scenes. The Tumbler scene is still in my honest opinion the best action scene in all of the trilogy. Finally the Batman franchise was given a respectable movie-- darker, grittier, and more realistic. A believable world brought to life by Christopher Nolan.
9.2/10