Product: Batman Begins (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition) (2005)
Rating: 5.0
The Dark Knight Takes Flight
Batman Begins is the first truly great, instant classic film of the summer. Forget the cartoony fiascos that were Batman Forever and Batman & Robin. Christopher Nolan's sweeping tale of one man's quest to bring justice to a dying, corrupt city is deadlocked with Sin City as 2005's best movie. Odd how two motion pictures inspired by the work of Frank Miller are so far the most memorable and entertaining films to hit theaters this year.It doesn't hurt that the main focus in Batman Begins isn't gaudy set design, extravagant costumes, or a deep rooted desire to imitate; the number one priority is story. Taking almost, if not all of, the humanizing elements of the Batman character and infusing it with an astounding balance of realism and comic book action, moviegoers the world over are in for something of a rarity, a superhero movie not dumbed down for the supposedly simple masses. That a big budget summer blockbuster not only delivers on the action front but comes equipped with such a well written script has to be something of a studio fluke. Hopefully a new trend in filmmaking has emerged, the smart action film.Don't worry for all you folks just looking for slam-bang intensity, this Batman ain't no codpiece wearing wuss. From Bruce Wayne's martial arts training to the jaw dropping capabilities of the Batmobile, the onscreen fisticuffs and pyrotechincs are enough to necessitate a drool cup for any hardcore action junkie.Batman Begins also delivers a sucker punch in the casting department. Christian Bale gives us the most believable and downright scary Batman to date. Michael Caine is eerily convincing as Alfred. Cillian Murphy as the Scarecrow proves his mettle and gives rise to an overall feeling of unease regarding psychiatric professionals everywhere. Liam Neeson, although seemingly typecast in the mentor role of Henri Ducard, as always makes you believe he knows what he's talking about. Morgan Freeman, well, he could recite Suess and it would be awesome; his Lucius Fox is way more believable (and a hell of a lot less annoying) than James Bond's Q. Katie Holmes as determined young District Attorney Rachel Dawes puts an exponential Grand Canyon gap between her and the teenybopper Dawson's Creek role that made her famous. Tom Wilkinson as gangster Carmine Falcone proves once again that he's one of the best actors out there (don't believe me go rent In the Bedroom). Now everyone mentioned above gives at worst an admirable turn, and this ensemble cast is a director's fantasy come true. But there's one performance that's so surprisingly, unexpectedly good, I'd say it deserves the Best Supporting Actor Oscar right now.Gary Oldman as the up and coming Gotham City police officer Jim Gordon gives the performance of his already stellar career. In a departure from his previous psychos and deviants Oldman plays his honest cop to unerring perfection. We feel his conflict and his discomfort as he continues on the straight and narrow in a city filled with venomous curves. He's Batman's number one fan and also his number one ally. Oldman plays the workingman hero, the average Joe, the family man who keeps his head down to keep his loved ones safe; he not only nails it he redefines the archetype.Batman Begins is the must see movie of the summer. I'm hoping word of mouth on this cinematic masterpiece will bring it well deserved box office success. Extremely rich storytelling along with phenomenal character development should keep folks coming back. I'm doubtful there will be a better movie released this year, at least one involving superheroes.Parents please take note, almost the entire film revolves around the concept of fear and accordingly there are some frightening elements and intense images. Batman Begins definitely earns its PG-13 rating, so if your little tykes have a nightmare tendency you might want to check this out first before you bring them along.