Even though Batman Begins is now in the shadow of it's sequel, The Dark Knight, it is still a very good film to watch. After that awful Batman movie that came out (I shall not mention the name), Batman films were put on hold at Warner Bros. Then came Christopher Nolan who gave us one of the greatest origin stories ever. Even though it wasn't exactly a box-office sensation like The Dark Knight was, it still managed to make enough for a sequel and revived the Batman film franchise.
Batman Begins explores the origins of the Batman legend and the Dark Knight's emergence as a force for good in Gotham. In the wake of his parents' murder, disillusioned industrial heir Bruce Wayne travels the world seeking the means to fight injustice and turn fear against those who prey on the fearful. He returns to Gotham and unveils his alter-ego: Batman, a masked crusader who uses his strength, intellect and an array of high tech deceptions to fight the sinister forces that threaten the city.
Christian Bale plays a great Batman. Yes, the voice does get annoying after a while but I still believe he's the best actor ever to play Batman. As Bruce Wayne he shines on camera, playing a great playboy and millionaire. Morgan Freeman also steals several scenes that he's in as Lucius Fox. Gary Oldman was born to play Gordon and gives a great peformance in the film. Cillian Murphy plays a great role as Scarecrow and is even scary at times. Then there's Liam Neeson who plays Ra's Al Guhl. He brings smypathy with his character in the mountains scenes and plays a great villan. Michael Caine is great as Alfred also. Then we have Katie Holmes. She is just miscast in this film. I don't know what Nolan was thinking when he cast her but he never should have. She never gives a great performance on screen. No wonder she was nominated for a Razzie. The CGI and sets in the movie are astounding. A favorite scene of mine is the Batmobile or "Tumbler" chase in the movie. The train scene at the end is also powerful ("I won't kill you, but I don't have to save you"). The soundtrack is very powerful also thanks to the great Hans Zimmer! Then of course there's that magnificent ending with Gordon and Batman that set up the events of The Dark Knight
After all these years, Batman Begins is a great CBM. You could argue that it's better than The Dark Knight but most of the time people would disagree with you. Do I think it's better than The Dark Knight? The anwser is NO. Why? Well, in this film I hated Katie Holmes and it didn't feel the same without Heath Ledger's great performance. So, yes Batman Begins is still a great film and Christopher Nolan really made something special happen with this movie.
8.5/10
