Product: Batman Begins (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition) (2005)
Rating: 5.0
"It's What I Do That Defines Me"
Oh good lord, it's about time a good Batman movie came out. I think it's safe to that 99.9 percent of the population was disappointed and offended by the proverbial turd that was "Batman & Robin" (released in 1997, it was the last time the Caped Crusader had graced the silver screen). Thankfully, "Batman Begins," making good on it's name, has no connections to the other four films Warner Bros. put out (you know, other than the fact that they are "Batman" movies). This new film is an attempt at jump-starting and revitalizing a franchise that really needs it. What better time to bring the Bat back? Comic-book movies are enormously successful these days (unless you consider "Elektra") and fans have been screaming for years for a new film to be made. One that makes up for the bad time we all had in 1997. One that makes us all appreciate Batman again, and doesn't make us feel ashamed to be fans.Director Christopher Nolan ("Insomnia," "Memento") steps up to the plate, leading an outstanding cast which includes Christian Bale as the big-earred superhero in question, and recent tabloid queen Katie Holmes as his childhood friend/love interest. Nolan knows style. If you've ever seen one of his films, you know why he was the obvious choice for this project. True, he's not very well-versed in action flicks, but his dark vision is perfect for Batman. Needless to say, he succeeds in making this the best Batman movie to date. Yep, I said it. Even better than Tim Burton's "Batman" and "Batman Returns." I love those films to death (heck, even "Batman Forever" was pretty decent), they are an important part of my childhood, but Nolan's Batman goes places Burton never bothered. Here, we are treated to the true origins of Bruce Wayne, the man, and how he came to be Batman. We get connected to him, and we feel for him, which is something I never quite felt in the other flicks. Half the movie is spent building up this enormous, complex character. True, it can wear down on you a bit if you're just in it for some heavy action scenes, or if you have a short attention span and just wanna watch an action figure commercial, but "Batman Begins" is better than that. Did I mention how good Christian Bale (who you may remember chasing a hooker with a chainsaw, wearing nothing but sneakers in "American Psycho") is as Batman? He's great. Cillian Murphy ("28 Days Later") as The Scarecrow? Brilliant. I really can't picture anyone else in that role. Michael Caine definitely delivers as Alfred, as does Morgan Freeman as Lucuis Fox (but they're always great). Heck, even Katie Holmes manages to break free from her teenage fame, turning in a performance that is only topped by her topless performance in Sam Raimi's "The Gift."Everything about this movie is just incredible. I thought we were treated when "Star Wars" went out with a fight last month, and now Batman finally gets his respect with "Batman Begins." How perfect. If you're a bat-fan, you'd be hard pressed not to like this movie. It is very well made and very respectful to the source material. Yeah, it's a little long, but so was "Batman & Robin," and I know you watched that at least once. So why not give this one a chance? It's actually worth the time you invest in it.