I never really liked the old Batman films. I wasn’t thrilled by Tim Burton’s offerings, “Batman” or “Batman Returns”; and I damn sure didn’t like what Joel Schumacher did to the franchise with “Batman Forever” and “Batman and Robin.” I have, however, always been a big Batman fan. Therefore, it goes without saying I friggin’ needed “Batman Begins” (directed this time around by the wonderful Christopher Nolan, who gave us “Memento” and “Insomnia”) to kick major ass. I will thank the stars from this day forward, because it did indeed kick asno importante.

What makes “Batman Begins” so much better than any previous Batman film? It is a combination of a great screenwriter (that’d be the talented David Goyer), great director, great cast, great cinematography, and even a damn good musical score, that makes “Batman Begins” the best Batman film ever. Hell, this is one of the best superhero movies ever, right up there with “X-Men,” “Spider-Man,” and “Blade.” The story is a good, easy-to-follow comic book story; the characters are real people with believable emotions and problems, not just two-dimensional cutouts; Gotham City looks and feels real and plausible, unlike Burton and Schumacher’s cityscapes; and the score drives the action along perfectly. In short, “Batman Begins” just gets it all right.

“Batman Begins” doesn’t just start with the origin story we all know – boy’s parent’s murdered by thug, boy grows up and becomes Batman to avenge them – it expands it. The roots of Bob Kane’s Dark Knight are displayed for the first time, in the form of Bruce Wayne’s journey to understand the nature of evil, and his rigorous physical/mental training. We are allowed to know Bruce Wayne the man, before he becomes Batman, the legend. In fact, Bruce Wayne gets a bit more screen time; but don’t think that means Batman gets the shaft. After all, in the end, Bruce Wayne and Batman become one and the same (as it is in the comics).

Christian Bale was born to play Bruce Wayne/Batman. I knew that the first time I watched “American Psycho,” featuring a brilliant but terrifying performance by Bale. Bale has a certain violent darkness brimming just under the surface, which comes out wonderfully in his portrayal of Batman. His Batman is a ticking time-bomb, just inches away from exploding on some hapless thug. Bale makes Batman a thing to be feared, just as he should be – after all, wouldn’t you be just a bit scared by a guy crazy enough to dress as a giant bat?

The rest of the cast do their jobs well, especially Cillian Murphy as the ten-shades-of-crazy Dr. Jonathan Crane/Scarecrow. Michael Caine as Alfred and Gary Oldman as Jim Gordon are two other great standouts. A big deal has been made by fanboys about Katie Holmes being in the film; but I have to say that, Scientology and Tom Cruise notwithstanding, she does a fine job. The score, composed by James Newton Howard, and performed by Hans Zimmer, is damn good, too. I’ll be heading out and buying a copy of the soundtrack really soon.

I could go on and on about “Batman Begins” for days, but I know nobody wants to read a review that long. So, in summation, I’ll just say that somebody finally did Batman justice, and I’m happy as hell. I’m sure there will be one mega-fanboy hater that just has to hate on the film, but it won’t be me. Heed my words: if you’re even slightly interested in these kinds of movies, go see “Batman Begins” as soon as you can. You’ll come out with a big, sloppy grin on your face – trust me.

– Isorion

Note: This is by far not only the best film I’ve seen this year, but one of the best films I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing. Isorion’s review said it all and I feel just the same as he does.

-Horror Bob