Batman Begins (trailers here), which opens in traditional and IMAX theaters June 15, is an an "intellectual action epic" which "respectfully ignores" the four previous Batman films and tells the story from the dark mythic beginning once again with more character and less whizbang action than its big-budget predecessors, according the film's star, British actor Christian Bale (American Psycho, The Machinist, Empire of the Sun, Reign of Fire).
Batman Begins — directed by quirky Christopher Nolan of Memento and Insomnia fame, and with a stellar supporting cast including Katie Holmes (Bruce Wayne's childhood friend, now a district attorney), Oscar winners Michael Caine (the new Alfred!) and Morgan Freeman (cool gadget invertor), and Oscar nominees Liam Neeson (Batman's shadowy guru) and Gary Oldman (incorruptible detective) — "began" last night with its Hollywood premiere at Grauman's Chinese Theater.
Holmes arrived with her extremely public boyfriend Tom Cruise in tow, and despite some untoward scene-chewing by Cruise, who mugged, grinned and signed autographs despite his total lack of involvement with the film, all were quite pleased with the reception the film has received, with the premiere crowd wowed and reviewers calling it "menacing" and "truly scary," and Bale, the "greatest Batman ever."
According the the film's website, which thankfully makes Flash presentation optional, "Christopher Nolan's 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 (Bale) 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."
Article comments
1 - Tan Hoang
Can't wait to see it. Was more excited about this than Revenge of the Sith.
2 - Eric Olsen
all signs are positive, thanks Tan
3 - Chris Beaumont
I can't wait for this either. Great cast, great director. Ebert annd Roeper said it is one of the year's best, which really surprised me! I think I posted a trailer link a while back to one of the earlier ones...
4 - Eric Olsen
of course you did Chris, you're on top of everything!
5 - Chris Beaumont
Here it is. ;)
6 - Liam Gallagher
This movie is going to kick arse.
7 - dietdoc
Eric: I think Christian Bale was an absolutely inspired choice for the young Bruce Wayne. The man has talent. This may be the first summer "blockbuster" that actually gets me to the theater. The prospects of Michael Caine, a truly wonderful actor, as Alfred are terrific. He has that same dry British wit that is so wonderful in Alfred's character. This could be a really special film and, Lord knows, we haven't had many of those lately!
Thanks for the heads-up.
Cheers,
Ron
8 - Justin
I am so excited to see this movie!!
9 - Eric Olsen
this may be the "sleeper," I agree
10 - Phillip Winn
I hope so. I'm definitely going to be there.