'Batman Begins' Nails Lure of the Dark Knight

Rating: 10/10 (17 August 2007)

Anybody who was skeptical of 'Batman Begins' couldn't be blamed if they were imagining that it would be similar to the Batman series in the late '80s and '90s, particularly the last two films. However, those skeptics can be relieved when seeing this reinterpretation of the Dark Knight.
Christopher Nolan's film-noir style suits Batman much better than Tim Burton's German-expressionistic style did. The noir-style beautifully captures the essence and mood of Gotham City, setting the stage for an interesting story about the origins of Bruce Wayne's doppelganger. The origins is definitely the best attraction to the film, as the audience grows to understand what makes Batman tick and why his brooding character acts the way it does.
Bruce Wayne is born to a wealthy couple, as his father is the president of Wayne Enterprises in Gotham. Despite their immense wealth, the Waynes teach Bruce enough solid, character-building principles to maintain enough of Bruce's moral goodness despite the fact that his parents are murdered when leaving a musical- a musical that was left early due to Bruce's fears of bats.
Later on in life, after forgetting who he is and the legacy he carries, Bruce understands that he needs to make something of his life. This leads him on a crusade to master combat skills and use the lessons learned from his father to become one who "prey on those who prey on the fearful." Conquering the fear that placed his parents in the front of death, Bruce takes on the menace of his former mentor despite the fact that Gotham's citizens have yet to understand what he is all about. 4/4 stars