An action movie that's worthwhile

Rating: 10/10 (23 June 2005)

I usually run the other way if I'm invited to go to the movies with friends when they're headed to see an "action" movie. How many times have I lived to regret it if I fail to heed my aversion and end up going anyway?...Too many! Prime examples: Any of the Star Wars series (after the initial episode); Lord of the Rings; most of the previous Batman attempts.
Christian Bale is a standout as Batman/Bruce Wayne, and Liam Neeson impressive as Ducard. Cillian Murphy's Dr. Jonathan Crane will make your skin crawl as you contemplate his evil mind.
Batman Begins exhibits a robust script, an ensemble of superb actors who get to demonstrate their superior skills, special effects that largely serve the advancement of the plot (instead of simply exist to overwhelm short attention spans), and a story that manages to entertain. After all, isn't that the idea?