Product: Batman Begins (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition) (2005)
Rating: 5.0
Epic
I think we're in for good things with the new Batman movies. Batman Begins is epic in scope and feel. At 2 hours and 20 minutes, a lot happens in the film. Not only does it setup how Bruce Wayne became the Batman but it also introduces a slew of baddies and sets an epic struggle for Gotham City. I remember as the movie ramped up to an excellent climax, sitting there and seeing everything that was happening and I wondered, THIS is the BEGINNING? It was so well executed that it felt like the end of an epic series, rather than the beginning.And what a beginning it is. Taking different aspects from the comic books, Director Christopher Nolan and screenwriter David Goyer create a very realistic universe while at the same time making it thematically Batman.The big bone of contention is probably the Batmobile which looks nothing like the comics nor any of the movies. I happen to like it, it's a different take on it and fits into their realistic mode more than the sleek and slender car does. The other slight problem is that Christian Bale's "Batman voice" gets pretty corny towards the end. His growling at enemies, while masking his voice true, really takes away from the drama and tension of the scenes.The villains are great as well. Cillian Murphy (from 28 Days Later) is my favorite as the Scarecrow. Talk about gritty and pretty frightening. Tom Wilkinson as a mobster also was really well done.I don't know what to say about this movie that doesn't spoil the joy found within. All I can say is that this is the best version of Batman released yet. It even towers above the Tim Burton Batmans that I loved back in the 90s. It's a great new start, and Christopher Nolan isn't shying away. Look for the gutsy calling card at the end of the film. A very gutsy move indeed for the next villain. Great film, great time, I doubly recommend it. The summer movie season has finally begun.