High points — supporting performances by Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, and most especially Gary Oldman are superb. Michael Caine truly moved me, and if it wasn't for the type of movie this is, I would think Oldman a serious "Best Supporting" contender.
Thematically, the movie explores the line between redemption and condemnation. This is the theme that has been most addressed by the underlying legend certainly since the comics code. The movie and the legend seem to contend that the fight for redemption is what matters. I have never been comfortable with this. Redemption demands sacrifice. Wayne's sacrifice, his parents, is not a result of his demons, so in the end it is insuffcient for redemption, and therefore in the end, redemption can never be achieved. While that drives the legend forward, it never leaves me satisfied.
In summation, Batman Begins is a triple, maybe even with an RBI or two, but it is not a home run. Definitely worth the price of admission, but not wholly satisfying.
Article comments
1 - Liam Gallagher
I'm not a comic book nerd, and haven't read the graphic novels--I'm just an average Joe. And I must say that this movie was spectacular. Believe the hype. 9/10
2 - Mark Runyon
Yeah I've got to disagree with this review. The new Batman is spectacular. I've always seen Batman as dark, not silly though he did start out that way in the early days of the comic. Burton's original is a classic, but this one is better. Better acting, tighter script and the visuals are dead-on. Nolan did a brilliant job psychologically mapping out how Bruce Wayne becomes the "Dark Knight".
I don't like to double post on a topic that has already been started, but if you want my full thoughts, check out my review.
3 - Phillip Winn
The fight scenes are definitely different than the usual style these days, but that's just a difference. As much as I enjoy martial-arts films and really enjoy long scenes with explicitly-detailed action, the energy in this style of filming was amazing, and just about made up for the lack of "flow." Revisit the film in a few months or a year and see if your opinion has changed at all.
This may not be the best Batman movie possible, but it's most definitely the best Batman movie made so far. I'm delighted that they kept it dark and forgot the sometimes-campy past.
4 - Screen Rant
I have to disagree as well. What you're asking for is a toned down version of Shumacher's garbage. "Comic book superhero" had never meant "comic" as in "funny", especially when it comes to a dark character like Batman.
I'll be posting my review shortly.
Vic