Product: Batman Begins (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition) (2005)
Rating: 5.0
OUT OF THE BAT CAVE
BATMAN BEGINS is a dark, brooding and exceptionally well done entry in the heretofore worn out series. Christopher Nolan's direction keeps the focus on the dark side of Bruce Wayne's life and he also has as keen eye for visuals and action scenes. Although the film is necessarily slow in its initial scenes, due to expository reasons, that doesn't keep it from being engrossing and mesmerizing. Christian Bale who looked so awful in THE MACHINIST is now looking fit and capable in his role as Wayne/Batman. Bale brings the inner guilt and frustration with the death of his parents, and also his dedication to bringing justice to the ever corruptable Gotham. Katie Holmes is surprisingly good as Rachel, the dedicated DA assistant also out to bring justice to the corrupt city. Michael Caine is the perfect Alfred, showing a fatherly side to his butler role; Liam Neeson is sinister in his role as Batman's mentor/nemesis; Gary Oldman does a good job as Commissioner Gordon; Cillian Murphy is effectively evil as the Scarecrow; and Morgan Freeman seems to be having a good time as Batman's munitions expert. With its intelligent and witty script, and a good lead in Bale, the Batman series seems to be heading in a fresh new direction.