Product: Batman Begins (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition) (2005)
Rating: 5.0
Incredible Revisit of the Legend of the Dark Knight
Batman has had his ups and downs in cinema, beginning with a 1940's serial to a campy 1960's series. Batman got a remake from Tim Burton in 1989, but the remake deteriorated over the course of three sequels. Director and writer Christopher Nolan and writer David S. Goyer have re-envisioned Batman along the lines of The Dark Knight, reinvigorating a franchise headed in the wrong direction.Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale, "Reign of Fire" and "The Prestige") had a nasty experience as a child involving bats; lots of bats. We soon learn that young Wayne may be a bit of a wimp, partially because of the bat experience, but perhaps also because he blames himself for getting his parents killed. Eventually young Wayne turns his guilt to a source of strength for revenge, and focuses his life on revenging his parents, and then anyone who is defenseless.Bruce heads abroad to study with a society that has mysterious purposes. Bruce believes that this society could channel his need for revenge into useful directions, until Bruce finds out that the society will control him more than he controls the society, and Bruce and the society part ways.The transition from Bruce Wayne the guilt-ridden young man to vengeful Batman is the goal of this movie, and Director Nolan keeps that focus from beginning to end. The transition starts out slowly as Bruce becomes a young man, but speeds up as Bruce begins to focus his life into a purpose. The final quarter of the movie is spectacular and not only provides a worthy end to this movie, but makes a great beginning to the next film "The Dark Knight."Several factors that help make this movie a joy to watch for fans of the Batman.First, the technology is somewhat accessible and logical. There are technologies that are rooted in science fiction, but much of what we see in the movie either exists or could exist.Second, the special effects are phenomenal. I knew when the movie relied on digital effects, but the detail was so exquisite that I was unable to tell when real life ended and digital began. Incidentally, residents of Chicago will likely recognize many of the locations used for this film. Though Chicago is a bright and open city, several lower level areas in Chicago provided excellent background shots for Gotham City.Third, the villains in this film were non-costumed and generally "normal" as compared to the Penguin, the Riddler, and others of that ilk. This movie contains hints regarding future villains, but we must await the next movie to see how Nolan evolves them.Last, the actors in this film are excellent choices for their roles. I always worry about the selection of an actor for a character like Batman. Christian Bale is excellent and believable as the Dark Knight. Michael Caine is the imperturbable butler Alfred (Michael Caine and Christian Bale made another memorable appearance together the year after this film in "The Prestige"). Liam Neeson has a lock on the role of mentor. Many other great actors helped make this movie seem very real, including Morgan Freeman, Rutger Hauer, Gary Oldman, and Katie Holmes.Batman may have had his ups and downs in more than six decades of cinema, but he has never looked better than he does in "Batman Begins." This movie sets a standard for future Batman movies and for super heroes transitioning from illustrated soft covers to live action. I hope the films that follow will get the hint.Enjoy!