REVIEW: BATMAN BEGINS

[MattBrady]

Just got back from a showing of Batman Begins? Waiting to go?

Check out our reviews of Batman Begins below and by clicking HERE, or register and write your own on our interactive Talk@Newsarama and Reviews section.

On Saturday, June 4th, DC Comics took about 300 attendees of their DCU Coming Attractions panel to a special advance IMAX screening of Batman Begins. Among the lucky blue wristband holders was Newsarama founder Michael Doran. He checks back in to the site with a review.

Put any lingering fears to rest Bat-fans. The casting of Katie Holmes and Ken Watanabe make perfect sense… Christian Bale possesses enough requisite intensity to at times border on primal and ferocious…. And yes, even the roadster-slash-Humvee-slash-Sherman Tank hybrid Batmobile is a welcome (and expertly exploited) addition to the Batman mythos…

…or perhaps better put, a Batman mythos.

Though it takes until the film’s second act to fully take flight, what’s immediately striking about director Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins is that it makes comparisons to any previous film versions of Batman and actors to wear the cowl utterly irrelevant. Concerns as to whether it was too soon to revive the franchise is rendered beside the point. And fanboys can also throw out their lists of “nitpicks” based on leaked Internet script reviews, rumors, and publicity stills - they’ll be forgotten halfway through either way.

This is a new, fully realized, and immersive vision of DC’s Dark Knight that not only stands on its own as a genuinely awe-inspiring achievement in action-adventure, but could mark a turning point for how comic book superheroes are interpreted on film.

Reviewing the particulars of Batman Begins in great detail for Newsarama readers is probably unnecessary. Directed by Memento’s Christopher Nolan, with a screenplay by Nolan and comic books’ own David Goyer based in good part on Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli’s Batman: Year One, the story follows Bruce Wayne’s journey from angry young man without a focus for his rage as he’s guided to his Batman persona by a number of moral guideposts.

The memories of his kindly murdered father Dr. Thomas Wayne (Linus Roache) and the steadfast faith of family Butler Alfred (Michael Caine) serve as his center. But in this Batman, Bruce’s sometimes wildly swinging moral compass has two greater influences of opposite polarities. The shadowy, uncompromising agenda of Ra’s Ah Ghul and right-hand man Henri Ducard (Watanabe and Liam Neeson) puts him on the path to vigilantism, but he never loses sight of the youthful, righteous idealism of his childhood friend, love interest, and eventual Gotham Assistant DA Rachel Dawes, played with effective youthful, righteous idealism by the dewy Holmes.

But a story that’s survived 70 years isn’t in the need of major reworking. The soaring success of Batman Begins isn’t in the tale, it’s in its telling.

The casting of the major roles is nearly flawless. Gary Oldman completely disappears into his role as Jim Gordon, the one Gotham cop Batman learns to trust. Michael Caine is Michael Caine and not much more needs to be said than that, other than to credit Nolan and Goyer for making Alfred more than a familiar prop.

Cillian Murphy breaks out as a major screen presence, holding his own and stealing most of his scenes as the genuinely frightening Scarecrow and the even more unsettling Dr. Jonathan Crane. And Neeson, Tom Wilkinson as mob boss Carmine Falcone, and Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox deliver exactly what you’d expect of them.

Most importantly, Bale doesn’t let himself get lost in the more impressive resumes surrounding him. Running a gamut of personas as Bruce and Batman without ever hitting a false note, one standout scene involves a confrontation between Batman and corrupt Gotham cop Detective Flass.

To spoil it would be a disservice, but whether Bale’s take on it was written in the script, suggested by Nolan, or his own person read, it’s a surprising and spontaneous applause-inducing moment that stamps the character as his. Whoever is responsible didn’t forget that Wayne chose to be a “bat-man” for a particular reason, a reason that’s often back-burnered the more time a costumed Batman spends on the screen or even the comic book page.

Even the Batmobile is perfectly cast. While an unusual choice, an extended adrenaline-rush of a car chase sequence puts the film in same conversation with the likes of the The Blue Brothers and The French Connection - high praise indeed. Nolan and his production designers create elaborate stunts that couldn’t have been achieved with a low-riding, elongated dragster. It may not be a traditional Batmobile, but there’s darn good reason for that.

The Oscar-worthy production design is in fact the film’s overall ace in the hole. Everything from costuming (the Scarecrow’s mask), to sound design (yes, the Batmobile’s front tires have their own distinct sound) is made memorable.

Special effects never dominate the screen but play an important role, particularly in scenes shown from the point of view of people affected by the Scarecrow’s fear-inducing gas. It’s here the film earns in PG-13 rating in spades. Nolan doesn’t shy away from putting some rather disturbing images on film. Parents will have to genuinely consider whether Batman Begins is appropriate for younger kids who no doubt will be begging to see it.

Most impressive, however, is the mix of on-location Chicago exteriors mixed seamlessly with CGI that gives the production a unique sense of grounded reality along with immense scale. To break my own rule about comparisons to previous films, Batman Begins completely breaks free of any Burton-esque “backlot”/soundstage feel of Gotham City.

In fact, the overall effect of Batman Begins may be to break free of the way Hollywood regards the superhero movie. Beside a tiny nod to the first Batman film, Nolan and Goyer don’t play to any of the superhero conventions established over the last 15 years.

The story is not homogenized for family audiences. There are no cameos by former comic book creators, TV actors, or “Easter Eggs” for comic book fans. The cast is almost entirely without a commercially attentive name. The word “popcorn” can’t legitimately be used in any description or review. This is a serious, earnest interpretation that feels brand new and delivers spectacularly because of its gravitas, and not despite it. If it also scores at the box-office (and all signs point to that happening), it may well mark a sea change in what comes next.

In 1989 Tim Burton’s Batman ushered in the era of the modern superhero/comic book movie. On June 15th, Batman Begins may well rewrite the rulebook for future superhero movies.

Batman Begins isn’t just good. It’s that good.

[JimShelley]

Yes!

This sounds exactly like the reviews we got when the first Spider-man reviews started to get out! (Remember how nervous we were back then?)

This could be such an awesome thing in so many ways - I hope the general public finds it as enjoyable.

[Son of Satan]

Wow.

Only thing I'm concerned about now is the fact that bats seems to have bats (real ones) around him in quite a few scenes (in the trailer--in Arkham, some other places). Seemed a bit of overkill and kind of schticky there, but maybe they'll make more sense in context.

~G.

[Christian Otte]

Originally posted by Son of Satan
Only thing I'm concerned about now is the fact that bats seems to have bats (real ones) around him in quite a few scenes (in the trailer--in Arkham, some other places). Seemed a bit of overkill and kind of schticky there, but maybe they'll make more sense in context.

Kinda nitpicking here, aren't we?

Other than that, sounds like a terrific film. Can't wait.

[BlueThunderArmy]

Very good review, Mike. About half the previews for Batman Begins made it look incredibly good, while the other half made it look incredibly bad.

I am now unreservedly excited for this film.

So if it's terrible, I'm coming after you.

[Bakema NL]

We'll see, we'll see...............but waiting is tough.

[kingofcities]

Nice review. CBR has a nice one as well that gives a glowing seal of approval. I can't wait to see this movie!!!

[StevieCool]

Sounds awesome. Which really makes we wish more that the IMAX would have the same sound problems as the DC Panel.

Or that Tom Cruise had ridden in the bus ride over. That'd be worse than any Scarecrow attack.

Blue braceleted b*** in front of me at the panel: "Off the bus! I want off the bus!"

Cruise: "Pray to the Great Prime Number first!"

(I keed, I keed)

[Ronin]

I had the opportunity to see the film this past Friday at a BAFTA screening here in LA, and I can't second Doran enough. This film is amazing, not just as a Batman movie, nor as a comic book movie, but simply as a great film. It has scope, stunts, honest-to-god acting, and most importantly, Batman. The Batman. The one that was designed originally to scare criminals. There is a scene involving a corrupt cop in an alley (think Issue 1 of LODK) that cemented it for me - This is one bad MF. Hell, he scared me. Run as fast as you can. Put as much money into WB's coffers as possible so that they assemble the same team.

Did I mention that I liked it?

[EWhite01]

A few weeks back I saw the 10-minute extended tailor on the Smallville season finally and I was impressed. I also saw the tailor at the beginning of Episode 3, which I don't think had anything new to offer me that I hadn't already seen. . .other than the fact that it was on the big screen. I think the movie looks very intelligent. Of course every true fan boy's worst nightmare is that one of our favorite books will be translated into the next Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie (go ninja, go ninja, go!) or worse...the next Schwarzenegger filled Bat-Man movie. After seeing (and reading) what I have about the movie, I'm really excited to see it. The film looks great (not too much CG and just enough ass-kicking).

WB is burying the local radio station here with sneak peek passes and I hope like hell that I can get some.

Plus, I made my mind up about this prior to this cream-filled love-fest of a review.

Way to go DC.

stay cool
ew

[Rywan Kenobi]

I am excited about this movie. Batman done like Batman. Tim Burton's Batman was ok, but it wasn't really Batman. This will be great.

I don't think it will change comic book movies though. I think this is a sign of the change that already happened when the X-men and Spiderman movies came out.

[Kolimar]

Originally posted by MattBrady
Even the Batmobile is perfectly cast. While an unusual choice, an extended adrenaline-rush of a car chase sequence puts the film in same conversation with the likes of the The Blue Brothers and The French Connection - high praise indeed. Nolan and his production designers create elaborate stunts that couldn’t have been achieved with a low-riding, elongated dragster. It may not be a traditional Batmobile, but there’s darn good reason for that.

The Oscar-worthy production design is in fact the film’s overall ace in the hole. Everything from costuming (the Scarecrow’s mask), to sound design (yes, the Batmobile’s front tires have their own distinct sound) is made memorable.

Special effects never dominate the screen but play an important role, particularly in scenes shown from the point of view of people affected by the Scarecrow’s fear-inducing gas. It’s here the film earns in PG-13 rating in spades. Nolan doesn’t shy away from putting some rather disturbing images on film. Parents will have to genuinely consider whether Batman Begins is appropriate for younger kids who no doubt will be begging to see it.

YAY!

Originally posted by MattBrady
The story is not homogenized for family audiences. There are no cameos by former comic book creators, TV actors, or “Easter Eggs” for comic book fans. The cast is almost entirely without a commercially attentive name. The word “popcorn” can’t legitimately be used in any description or review. This is a serious, earnest interpretation that feels brand new and delivers spectacularly because of its gravitas, and not despite it. If it also scores at the box-office (and all signs point to that happening), it may well mark a sea change in what comes next.

Oh, yeah!

I

Originally posted by MattBrady
n 1989 Tim Burton’s Batman ushered in the era of the modern superhero/comic book movie. On June 15th, Batman Begins may well rewrite the rulebook for future superhero movies.

Batman Begins isn’t just good. It’s that good.

Yesssssss

The whole review left with something like craving pains, I'm not sure. Now, I'll have to go eat something with high levels of sugar.

[Captain Nate]

Though it takes until the film’s second act to fully take flight,

Sounds like another Hulk. :-\

[lex luthor]

Originally posted by Captain Nate
Sounds like another Hulk. :-\

I hope that wasn't a dis on "Hulk", a great movie that does not get the respect it deserves.

[samnoir]

Originally posted by Rywan Kenobi
I am excited about this movie. Batman done like Batman. Tim Burton's Batman was ok, but it wasn't really Batman. This will be great.

You do realize that "Batman" has been through all manner of iterations and interpretations over his 60+ history.

"Batman done like Batman" really doesn't mean anything without any context.

"Batman done like Frank Miller's Batman Year 1" might be what you mean.

I mean for guys growing up in the fifties, Batman going to strange planets in the batrocket with Robin and Batmite is "Batman done like Batman".

What is funny is that when you look back to the thirties incarnation of Batman, no one ever really argues that original version of Batman carrying a gun and killing people is the "true Batman".

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[Kevin T. Brown]

One thing Chris Nolan and Paul Levitz reiterated time and time again at last year's Chicago Con was that this movie is based on a wide selection of stories, focusing mainly on the O'Neil/Adams and Miller/Mazzucchelli stories. Nolan was constantly in contact with DC, from Levitz to Schreck to some of the writers, to make sure what he was doing was true to the character. He was very intent on doing Batman right, and not doing a Hollywood-ized version.

Every single review I've read or seen so far bears all that up. Including, shockingly, Ebert & Roeper! But it's the fans who tell the true tale. And the fans all seem to love it...

[Hypestyle]

sounds good.. I'll probably check it out the first weekend.. and hopefully the film will have made most of its big money by the time Fantastic Four comes out..

[DrTzinTzin]

Reading about Batman Begins made me wet.

[AlexLothos]

That review sent shivers down my spine.

Now I'm even more excited to see the movie!

[TheScantronman]

Originally posted by Captain Nate
Sounds like another Hulk. :-\

Or more along the lines of a little movie called Spider-Man. He wasn't in costume until 55 minutes into the film. This is an origin movie. Funny how you picked one line out of a glowing review.

[Captain Nate]

Originally posted by TheScantronman
Or more along the lines of a little movie called Spider-Man. He wasn't in costume until 55 minutes into the film. This is an origin movie. Funny how you picked one line out of a glowing review.

Same with Superman. But I don't recall reviews saying those movies "didn't _____ until halfway through" (replace ____ with "got good" or "revved up" etc.). That was quite common when it came to the Hulk, and that hurt it in the longer run.

[DrTzinTzin]

Originally posted by TheScantronman
Or more along the lines of a little movie called Spider-Man. He wasn't in costume until 55 minutes into the film. This is an origin movie. Funny how you picked one line out of a glowing review.

Exactly...this is who he is and how he came to be. And not a bat credit card to be seen.

[enabler]

I absolutely cannot wait.
Lots more reviews over at http://www.batman-on-film.com/b5news.html

[mechanical]

Originally posted by MattBrady
The shadowy, uncompromising agenda of Ra’s Ah Ghul and right-hand man Henri Ducard (Watanabe and Liam Neeson, though I can’t say “respectively”)

Sounds like a plot twist I've been smelling since that first photo of Neeson/Ducard went out.

I could be wrong.

[New Alfonso]

Originally posted by BlueThunderArmy
Very good review, Mike. About half the previews for Batman Begins made it look incredibly good, while the other half made it look incredibly bad.

I am now unreservedly excited for this film.

So if it's terrible, I'm coming after you.

I felt the same way.

And Matt, if it's terrible, Old Alfonso is coming back.