Nolan also bases the film in a strong semblance of reality that allows the audience to not only accept the possibility of the winged vigilante, but embrace it as well. Fortunately, indie film director Christopher Nolan reinvigorates the franchise in glorious form in BATMAN BEGINS, a reboot of the Batman legend that, for the first time, puts the focus squarely on our hero and not on the over-the-top villains of past films. By then, Batman as cinematic property had become a laughingstock. Then Joel Schumacher introduced a Day-Glo sensibility to the Dark Knight in BATMAN FOREVER, before drowning the character in ludicrous costumes (a Bat suit with nipples?), pun-filled foes, and whiney sidekicks in the lousy BATMAN & ROBIN. While the Tim Burton directed films, BATMAN and BATMAN RETURNS were stylish and dark, they also suffered from plot holes you could drive a Batmobile through. ![]() ![]() However, as a film franchise, he has brought results that were somewhat less than impressive creatively. From movie serials in the 40's, to a classic campy TV show in the 60's, to a solid animated series in the 90's, fans have thrilled to the super heroics of this unique character. As long as they keep the essential elements of this film intact, it should be a very enjoyable ride!Since his first dramatic appearance in Detective Comics in 1939, Batman has grown to become a pop-culture icon. This lumbering franchise has been both redeemed and taken to new heights, and I for one can't wait to see how it unfolds this time in sequel form. Overall, Batman Begins is a real summer treat! An entertaining film that rings true on just about every level. The music is typical Hans Zimmer material without much of a theme (not a criticism) and not very comic-book sounding a la Danny Elfman, but still evokes a since of legend and excitement. He is a real talent and has yet to have a misstep in his short but impressive career. This is probably due to Christopher Nolan's more-than-capable directing. It's dark and serious when necessary, always edgy, and adds just the right amount of quirky winking humor at just the right times. Also, the tone of the movie just feels right. Other helpful attributes to this film are it's story, which thankfully takes the time to explain itself and, as a result, all the usual Batman myths become more than just convenient plot devices. ![]() Even Katie Holmes comes off at least as good as Kirsten Dunst did in Spiderman. Liam Neeson is also in fine form in what you initially think is an obvious prototype performance as the wise mentor. ![]() Michael Caine is actually better than the previous Alfred, which is saying a lot! Morgan Freeman is reliable as ever, as is Gary Oldman. The supporting cast here is quite impressive (They actually support without taking away from the central character. He nails both the intensity and the wry humor the character should always have, and he actually looks the part of both Bruce (handsome playboy) and Batty (physically intimidating, athletic). Batman Begins is such a good, involving film, it almost renders all past film incarnations obsolete! The only one worth mentioning in a positive light from now on is Tim Burton's 1989 original-but I still liked this better.Ĭhristian Bale is absolutely dead-on as Batman/Bruce Wayne! I remember being pleased with the news of his casting, but his performance exceeded my expectations.
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