Product: Batman Begins (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition) (2005)
Rating: 4.0
"Batman Begins" : soaring achievement for Batman franchise
It's a shame this movie had to arrive in 2005, because it makes previous Batman movies completely obsolete.Taking cues from the original - strong storytelling, character development, good visuals - Batman Begins feels like a completely new Batman, because in many ways it is; it's a return to strong storytelling.Whereas previous Batman movies (Returns, Forever, Batman and Robin) felt hollow in spots, this one under new direction from Christopher Nolan (Memento), feels more complete. Given that it is long (140 minutes), dark, and the first hour of the film is all exposition, that's a huge achievement. The striking difference with "Begins" is the details: believable city, sharp humor, developed characters - all items that previous Batman films - with the exception of the original - lacked to some degree.Given the constraints of a prequel, and being confined to telling the origin of everything now familiar to the audience, the results are very solid. It is immensely satisfying to watch the now famous Batman staples (Batcave, Batsuit, Batmobile, Batblades) come to fruition. We have now been given reasons why the Bat was chosen as his symbol, what Bruce Wayne did before becoming Batman, and even been introduced to the supplier of his gadgets (Lucius Fox, played by Morgan Freeman, solid as always). These details add new weight to what was originally a strong storytelling foundation.Gotham City is improved as well. Whereas previous Gothams (such as the one found in Batman Forever) felt too futuristic and neon (color), this Gotham actually resembles a city people could live in, one that bears close resemblance to Chicago. Another bonus is the humor. In one great scene, a slightly intoxicated Bruce Wayne dismisses all his freeloading, brown-nosing guests, telling them the "the party's over; it's not a joke. Get-out." and watches with delight as they leave. Additionally, there is subtle humor employed during a chase scene ("At least tell me what it looks like...Nevermind)" and even Alfred knocks Bruce's reasoning for doing all his pushups ("What's the point of of all those pushups if you can't lift a bloody log?)" Each adds lightness to an otherwise dark, intense, fast-paced film.That, to its entirety, emphasizes the strengths of the film: it feels genuine. The actors are well-cast, and the acting is very good. Christian Bale plays a very likeable, layered Batman, Michael Caine accels as Alfred, as does Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox (Batman's gadget man). Liam Neeson (Jean Luc Ducard) and Gary Oldman (Commissioner Gordon) give strong performances, as expected.There are a few creative flaws, however.As one watches the film, the sheer abundance of villains is staggering. Unlike other super hero movies, Bruce Wayne/Batman doesn't have one concentrated enemy. He seems to fight everyone (in shifts). Bruce/Batman battles martial arts vigilantes the League of Shadows, an organized crime boss, a psychologically twisted Dr. Crane/Scarecrow, and his business boss, Mr. Earle. By the end, all enemies are part of the League of Shadows led by Ducard. Batman's only allies are his caretaker Alfred (Michael Caine), District Attorney Rachel Dawes (Katie Holmes), and Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman). Only Gordon assists him in battle. Amidst all the internal and external conflicts, it's a wonder Bruce can soar at all. Perhaps this adds to the heroic charisma of our Caped Crusader? Additonally, the final climactic disaster, the contamination of Gotham City's water supply, is a scary coda in this age of terrorism - one that may hit too close for some viewers.Small criticism aside, "Begins" is a soaring success. The story flows well from start to finish, with no loose ends. Notably, the final frame featuring the Bat signal and foreshadowing of the Joker's wrath on Gotham brings the movie to an effective end, and the Batman saga to its appropriate original beginning. Given Nolan's strong direction, it views like a prequel and a new saga all in one. If the next story involving the Joker were told again by Nolan, the audience would surely come back to see it.Summer movies are typically ones filled with big action/cheap laughs but short on smarts. Batman Begins is a movie that is a summer movie anomaly - it is entertaining AND sharply written. Though it is a prequel, Batman Begins gives new wings to a fluttering franchise.