Product: Batman Begins (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition) (2005)
Rating: 4.0
The best Batman thus far
I have been a fan of Batman for years. I really enjoyed the Dark Knight resurrection of the 80s, which has been the focus of the entire Batman franchise. On the whole, I have enjoyed most of the films.This Batman is dark, but without the Tim Burton touch of hyper reality (or unreality, if you would prefer that term). He is also cool and calculating, taking time to study the criminal element, even to the point of getting arrested to learn more. Very driven to change the world in his quest for catharcism for his parent's death.Early on in the film, Bruce Wayne is given the opportunity to hone his skills fighting evil by the mysterious Henri Ducard. Henri tells him he can find what he is searching for if he will just come and learn to fight evil under the tutelidge of a grand master.As you have seen in the previews, he does this. In the process, he learns a lot about his own fears and learns the limits of his own anger over his past.In a pivotal moment, Bruce returns to Gotham City and through exploration of his own psyche becomes the Batman.What is good about the film:* Very good back story that adds a lot of depth to Bruce Wayne's character* Nice effects kept realistic. While there are some fantasy eleemnts, the story is kept in the realm of believable.* Realistic presentation of a human superhero.* Fight choreography. This Batman uses distraction rather than simply relying on gimmickry.* Villians have depth. Nothing one dimensional like Mr. Freeze.What is not so good* There are a couple of moments where the veil is lifted due to bad acting, primarily when Christian Bale attempts to be "too Batman" (low, raspy voice) - the plane scene comes to mind* Katie Holmes -something about her character just annoys me; almost too pure for the film. I guess every film needs a goody two-shoes, but I found Jim Gordon far more realistic.If you are purchasing, get the two disc set, as the single disk has no special features (unless you consider the theatrical trailer special).