As promised, here is the Pat-exclusive review of Batman Begins, since I saw it before any of you.
I admit that I am a bit biased. Though Superman is my favorite hero, Batman is a close second. If it weren't for Batman, I wouldn't be interested in comics today. So as I move through the tight security, being wanded (is that a word?), as well as sacrificing my camera phone to the theater, I was all smiles in my anticipation for this movie. After I sat down the HFS guys were handing out free stuff to those in the audience who were picked to answer ridiculously easy Batman trivia. Then the lights dimmed as the trailer for Dukes of Hazard played. After wiping my eyes from gawking at Jessica Simpson in a bikini, the movie began.
I honestly can't think of anything bad to say about this film. It is an origin story, and those can be boring. Especially due to the fact that a lot of people know the origin of Batman already. But the way that director Christopher Nolan decides to present it is nothing short of brilliant. It's not directly chronological, as Bruce Wayne's childhood and the death of his parents, and how he first decides to deal with it, is presented in flashback. I couldn't help but notice a few similarities with one of Nolan's other films, Memento, in the way he manages to integrate these scenes. We see how Bruce arrives at the position he's in at the beginning of the film, later on. It's great to see a director who usually directs smaller films step up to the plate and handle the reigns of a big-budget film beautifully.
The story is great, and it's hard to believe that it was written by the same guy who wrote (and directed) Blade Trinity. We get the backstory and the character moments that the film should focus on. My favorite character interaction were those between Alfred and Bruce. Alfred has always been a crucial role in Batman's life, and I'm glad they didn't ignore that, but build on it. Most importantly, we see the reason why Batman must exist. He's a symbol of hope for the good people in a corrupt world.
The action is exciting. In the fight scenes, you can see how Batman works, not taking all the enemies head on but working in the shadows, making enemies disappear, living up to the urban legend he's supposed to be. The new Batmobile is a thrill to watch, and I'm glad they tried something more typical than a superslick sports car type we always see in other incarnations. Also, everything is kept within a realistic setting. Nothing too sci-fi or gimmicky is in this movie.
As for the acting, it's top notch. Sorry Keaton fans, but Christian Bale IS Batman. He handles all four aspects of Bruce Wayne's personality wonderfully. He plays Bruce Wayne as the vengeful guilt-filled son, the billionaire playboy, the smart businessman, and of course, Batman. He nails it. Michael Caine portrays Alfred as the tough yet lovable butler we've come to know in the movies and comics, but with his own unique twist. Katie Holmes is always a pleasure to look at, and it's great that she isn't your typical damsel in distress. Her acting is pretty good too. I was pleasantly surprised to see Morgan Freeman's role more elevated than that of the comics. His Lucius Fox character is witty, smart, and likeable. In the inevitable sequel, I hope to see more of him. Because you all know how much I love Morgan Freeman.
The music is just plain awesome. The score picks up as the movie gets more intense, and almost had me jumping in my seat. The sound is handled well too, especially with the bats.
Bottom line, this is the best live action Batman movie ever made. Walking out of the theater I had the greatest feeling, because Batman was finally respectable in the movies again. The reimagining of the franchise was indeed neccesary, and it couldn't have been done any better.
10 out of 10.
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