"Batman Begins"

Every time I watch this movie, I think and feel that it is every bit as great as it's sequel, "The Dark Knight." Now, I know that's not quite true, but it's pretty close, especially when you realize that whilst these movies are obviously closely related, they really are two different types of movies that explore different themes, and are equally successful in exploring those themes. In "Batman Begins" we see the fear and anger driven origins of Batman, and Christopher Nolan's previous use of a non-linear structure and Wally Pfister's dark cinematography work wonders with this story. Christian Bale may be the first believable Batman in that I can actually see him in peak physical condition and able to beat criminals to a pulp; it also helps that he plays the fear and anger driven Bruce Wayne quite good. I love Gary Oldman, so I feel I don't have to say much more on that subject.* Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman make me want to retire and play bridge (old people play bridge, right?) with them all day every day. I'm not sure what everyone's problem or problems are with Katie Holmes, perhaps those who do have them can fill me in, but outside of the fact that she talks out the side of her mouth, she was just fine. If anything, the problem with her in this movie is not her, but the character of Rachel Dawes. A character that even a change of actress could not make better, perhaps was even made to be worse. I loved Cillian Murphy as  the Scarecrow, and loved even more that though he was portrayed to be this intelligent figure, he ended up just being a pawn to a greater mind and greater villain's plan. To my brother Jon, Liam Neeson was great in this. He's a great actor. I don't get how this and "Kingdom of Heaven" are two of your favorite movies, both have him in them, and yet you still don't like him. His mentor role to a lost Bruce Wayne, his shaping of the Batman into a force that would ultimately defeat him, his own misguided idealism and dedication, plus he had some sweet facial hair in this movie. I love how this is an action movie, but on a much more intimate level, and the great acting made it possible. This creation of the Batman is an individual man's journey, influenced by a select few, into becoming more than a man, and you feel that intimate, emotional journey of Bruce Wayne. What more could you want from an origin story?

*I love Gary Oldman!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0372784/