Product: Batman Begins (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition) (2005)
Rating: 5.0
Excellent Take On The Franchise. Darker, Scarier, Better Than The First 4 (I've Only Seen 2).
Christopher Nolan ("Memento") takes the helm for the latest entry in the successful ("Fading," my a--, though I haven't seen "Batman Returns" or "Batman Forever") franchise, steering it away from the first 4 movies, thus re-inventing the Dark Knight for a new generation. The acting was excellent on all levels (Oscar-winners Morgan Freeman, also doing some voice-over work in Steven Spielberg's awesome remake of H.G. Wells' classic sci-fi novel "War Of The Worlds" [see my review on it], and Michael Caine appear as Lucius Fox and long-time "Batman" staple Albert, the butler, providing the comic relief when neccessary). Katie Holmes (best-known as the love interest in "Dawson's Creek") does a great job as Bruce Wayne's love interest, aside from being another pretty face. Christian Bale (the little boy in Steven Spielberg's "Empire Of The Sun" and the "Boy" in Kenneth Branagh's "Henry V" [see my review on it]) has come a long way since then, turning in a ferocious, yet completely believable, performance as Bruce Wayne. Liam Neeson (best-known as Oskar Schindler in Steven Spielberg's epic "Schindler's List" [see my review on it]), Ken Watanabe (the samurai leader in "The Last Samurai") and screen villian Gary Oldman, doing a 360-degree turn, bring up the supporting cast...and do it very well. All I can say is, BRING ON THE SEQUEL!! Why not cast Tom Cruise as the villain in the next film? Christopher Nolan ("Memento,""Insomnia") opts for a darker take on the origins of "The Bat Man," thus creating the atmosphere for an emotionally gripping, more stylized version of Bob Kane's immortal comic book creation, ditching the campiness of the first four (unless you count the 1966 "Batman" film, which was based on the 1960's TV series) movies. The scene where Rachael (Ms. Holmes) literallt slaps some sense into Bruce should've been extended and ended a little differently, but screenwriter David S. Goyer had the right idea, choosing to further explore the here-to-fore uncharted reasons that drove Bruce to becoming "The Dark Knight." The small scene where Rachael is protecting a little boy also should've been extended, but it probably would've driven the movie way off track, however further it would have developed her character. Cillian Murphy turns in a sinister performance as "The Scarecrow." Rated PG for some violence.