Product: Batman Begins (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition) (2005)
Rating: 5.0
The Latest Batman is Undeniably the Best
Thank heavens the world has finally gone batsh@$ crazy.If you grew up with the Batman comic books, you're in for a double-whammy of Batman nostalgia. And even if you've never read a DC comic book, you're still in for a very pleasant movie experience.We've had Batman films before (Michael Keaton starring in the first rubber suit, then Val Kilmer, and finally the hunky George Clooney), but here we've got a more obscure actor --- Christian Bale --- whom many film-watchers probably have only scant knowledge of. But he's just about as perfect a Batman I've ever seen. He's not George Clooney gorgeous, nor does he have the versatility of Val Kilmer (i.e. Doc Holiday in "Tombstone", and Jim Morrison in "The Doors"). But what Mr. Bale DOES have is a really great persona that accompanies the dark-style films he chooses (please see "Reign of Fire" if you haven't already).The filming of this Batman is dark, moody, and not too far removed from the previous films; but where it excels above its predecessors is in the story being told. For those in the know, Batman has some less-than-humble beginnings. He's a strange character who has walked a fine line between slipping into the dark underworld versus becoming an obscurely disturbed superhero. In this film, we get to see a bit of both of these sides.Also notable is the all-star cast that graces the silver screen. Michael Caine is PERFECT as the stodgy yet affable butler Alfred. Gary Oldman stars as officer Gordon, whom we all know will eventually become the Commissioner. Liam Neeson gives a fine performance as both Batman's mentor and nearly his demise into darkness. Rutger Hauer plays the stuck-up role of the director of Wayne Enterprises after the death of Bruce's parents. Morgan Freeman plays a Q-type character (ala James Bond) who helps Bruce Wayne with his nifty gadgets. Katie Holmes plays the love interest but is nearly forgettable against the backdrop of this powerfully told story and the more seasoned actors.Director Christopher Nolan (Momento) pulls off the best Batman movie EVER. And the amazing thing is that it's not JUST for Batman and comic book fans. Several of my friends and co-workers who've never touched a DC comic have seen the film and are singing its praises.Go see it on the big screen. It's one of the few films out right now that requires it.(Also, make sure you watch for and enjoy the earliest version of the Batmobile.)