Product: Batman Begins (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition) (2005)
Rating: 5.0
The definitive Batman film and an incredible film in general
Before this movie, Batman had never really been accurately portrayed on the silver screen. But, now he has... This IS the definitive Batman film. Not only is it a great superhero/action film - it is a wonderful film in general.Batman Begins is a reboot for the Batman movie franchise; it is in no way linked to the previous 4 movies in any way (and thankfully, in my opinion). It is an origin story of one of America's most popular characters and it delves into the character of the Dark Knight in ways that have not been seen on the silver screen before.We "begin" with a young Bruce Wayne and get a feel for the wonderful, loving childhood he had until his parents were tragically murdered in front of his own eyes by a bum on the streets of Gotham. We then follow a grown up Bruce all around the world as he learns what it is like to live without a home or money and as he seeks the means to fighting injustice some time after the death of his parents. We learn why it is that he chooses to become a man dressed like a giant bat and how he acquires the weapons and technology needed to fight the criminals of Gotham and to restore peace to his beloved city. Even the functionality of every part of the suit from the cape to the ears on the cowl is explained. That's just a glimpse of the attention to detail that this movie takes into allowing us to know this character.Also, we really get to know Bruce Wayne in Begins. He really has such a great character arc and we really feel for the character long before he ever dons the cape and cowl. Bruce Wayne/Batman is clearly the central character in this movie, which the previous live-action films failed to accomplish.The cast in the film is superb. Christian Bale does an incredible job as Bruce Wayne and Batman. As many know, these are really two different parts because Bruce Wayne is really the fake, public persona wheras Batman is when Bruce Wayne shows his true identity. They finally touch on this, and it is done beautifully. Also, Gary Oldman is wonderful as Lt. Jim Gordon - and thankfully this character is done in such an awesome fashion. He is Batman's only friend and a great cop on a terribly corrupt police force in this movie, the way the character was meant to be. Michael Caine really shines as Alfred and the character is portrayed wonderfully. Liam Neeson is spectacular (as always) as Henri Ducard, Bruce Wayne's mentor. Cillian Murphy is wonderfully twisted and creepy as the Scarecrow without being over the top whatsoever. And Morgan Freeman's performance is great (as always) in the few memorable scenes he is in. Katie Holmes also really gives a great performance as Bruce's lifetime friend and Gotham Assistant DA.As far as the plot goes - it is fantastic. You are really drawn into this movie for its entirety. Christopher Nolan and David Goyer wrote a great script with an incredibly touching and suspensful plot. Nolan also directed flawlessly. The action scenes are really incredible as well, and all of the action is necessary to the plot and extremely well edited.One of the most wonderful things about this movie is the realism that is consistent throughout the movie. Gone are the ridiculous neon lights of Schumacher's movies and the extreme Gothic tone of Burton's. You really feel that Batman could exist in this Gotham City - even so much that this movie doesn't feel like a "superhero" movie. It really goes above and beyond the genre to create a very realistic movie that all audiences can thoroughly enjoy and appreciate at the same time. It may be a little bit on the scary side for younger kids - but there is hardly any objectional content in this movie otherwise (which I greatly appreciate).This movie is a MUST SEE, in my opinion, and a MUST OWN for anyone who likes having great movies to watch any time. Check this one out. It is an extremely fine film, and one of my favorites that I have ever seen.