Product: Batman Begins (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition) (2005)
Rating: 4.0
The Finest of the Batman Movies....
which is not saying very much. Nevertheless, Batman Begins is an excellent action movie with an outstanding, star-studded cast. At the top of the billing is the credible Christian Bale, who, unlike his predecessors, is not so heavily typecasted from other roles that his suitability to play Batman/Bruce Wayne is widely called into question. In addition, the great Michael Caine lends a strong, supporting role as the debonair butler, Alfred, and the talented Morgan Freeman plays a powerful, pivotal role as scientist, Lucius Fox.In terms of the story, the strengths highlighted are, arguably, also the weaknesses. When compared to the Burton/Schumacher packages, the movie does not rely on desperate, dark humor elements that try to keep the audience engaged. However, the writers evoke an often grim, stark Batman story whose character's origin and development settings are, by and large, quite different from the Batman comics many grew up enjoying, even loving.Also, attempts to make the Batman a character that we can relate to by touting that he is essentially one of those few superheroes without innate or augmented superpowers are limited in scope. There is no argument with the following: unlike Superman, he cannot fly; in contrast to the X-men, he was not born with super-human or mutant abilities; and as a dissimilarity between him and those others (Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, Hulk, etc.) who do not belong to the previous two categories, his powers were not derived from accidents or scientific experiments. On the other side of the coin, it is perhaps the portrayal of the non-superhero half that, ironically, makes Batman less tangible to many perceptions of our mortal frailties. Batman's alter-ego, the man known as Bruce Wayne, is a person who has internal conflicts as most of us do from time to time; so both Batman and Bruce Wayne are human in that respect. However, Mr. Wayne is a successful, philanthropic businessman whose safe and secure wealth is very central to the story and is at a level that at least 99.5% are unable to identify with. Even during the aftermath of the most adverse moments from the darkest of hours, victory is often attained by the use of gadgetries that we, by and large, cannot imagine possessing.In consequence, one does not need to be reminded that Batman is extremely wealthy, and that almost leads the viewer to conclude that the "symbol" of Batman is essentially a by-product of one's mass fortunes. Many might wonder how someone of a less- privileged background or even of less-desirable physical endowments could possibly become larger-than-life in any capacity.Upon careful reflection, however, if one thinks slightly outside the box and looks at the commonly perceived struggle between the classes from various angles, he or she can come to acknowledge that the character of Batman is the embodiment and extension of the greatest qualities of Bruce Wayne, who, though superwealthy, is not so blinded by his riches that he cannot see the blights and misfortunes others have had to endure. Even if one supposes that he is too wealthy to be a working-class hero in the purest sense, Wayne is, in the highest regard, a champion for the common people; for as Batman, he gives a voice and an added strength behind those who want to improve themselves and those around them.Quite remarkable is that Mr. Wayne, with the positive influence of his butler, Alfred, grew up to acquire and maintain wise stewardship of his inheritance and would come to use his assets for the betterment of others. One might even draw parallels to the heroic biographies of notable American figures such as our early twentieth-century presidents (both Roosevelts come to mind), whose life stories entailed using resources to fight corruption or poverty, or both.All in all, this is a movie that can be seen from a myriad of perspectives. If there is a unifying moral to this tale that might make one feel enhanced or enlightened, I would say it is this: regardless of your background, you can use and develop personal traits within and without for the improvement of society. And that is, in my book, a very important lesson that we must all internalize.Perhaps there a few minor scratches, but Batman Begins is a triumphant theatrical release. 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.