Product: Batman Begins (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition) (2005)
Rating: 5.0
Effective blend
I never know what to expect from a Batman movie. Some of them seem more action-oriented than suits my taste, but they're almost always entertaining in one way or another. This one is one of the best, in my opinion, because the back-story is blended in with the action without diluting it, as well as a good deal of philosophy about the difference between justice and revenge, which interests me, and unfortunately is still not resolved. I wonder if there's a website somewhere discussing the topic. Anyway, what holds all this together is not good plotting, but talent from all directions - lotsa good stars - Liam Neeson, Gary Oldman, Rutger Hauer, Michael Caine, Katie Homes, Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman, others. I never used to like Michael Caine until he got older, and changed my mind probably when he did Dirty Rotten Scoundrels with Steve Martin. I've liked him more in each movie since, and he's outstanding as Alfred the butler in this one. The rest of the cast performs to their usual high standards as well. If you're familiar with Batman at all, the plot won't have any big surprises for you, but a few fun small ones that fill in the story. All in all, it's one of the best movies I've seen this year, recommended for Batman fans as much as for those who've never read a comic book or seen a Batman movie before.