Batman Begins (2005) **½

After eight years languishing in development hell with several different drafts of how to best return Batman to the screen after the horrible Batman & Robin, the Caped Crusader returns to theaters with Christopher Nolan's reboot of the franchise and takes us back to the origins of one of the oldest comic book superheroes. While this new film is certainly an improvement over the previous entry in the Batman theatrical canon and sets the stage well for future installments, the overall production leaves much to be desired and parts of the film are certainly greater than the whole. Many people in general have touted Batman Begins as the triumphant return of the Dark Knight and the best of the series, but I think this is only related to the previous film being the worst in the series. I certainly find the more serious take on the Batman mythology more enjoyable than relishing in camp, as I consider Tim Burton's Batman to be the best of the series.

I think most of the casting choices are first rate and the secondary characters of the franchise are well set up to continually appear throughout the new set of films. I think the original series felt disjointed with the continual casting changes and character portrayals. Harvey Dent was recast from Billy Dee Williams to Tommy Lee Jones and Bruce Wayne/Batman had four separate love interests over as many films. I think the benefit to a comic book series is the continuity that actions in one issue will directly affect what happens in the next. Aside from some referential bits peppered throughout the films, all four were essentially separate entities. I realize that some people prefer such a format. I am also a fan of the Bond franchise which rarely references its past but with this type of story I much prefer a heavier continuity basis. Nolan, for the moment, has answered those prayers as he's not pulled stunt casting to get the biggest name for a role, no matter how important, but the person most suited who would be willing to continue on in that role for however long they remain a part of the franchise. I think it makes the franchise more enjoyable when you can sense a future for these characters and expect their return and their growth throughout the films.

The highly praised realism factor is another aspect of the film I admire, but not necessarily fawn over relentlessly. The depiction of Batman's armor and gadgets being derived from military technology under research and development at Wayne Enterprises is an intriguing concept. This also beings Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman) into the close circle of people who know Batman's true identity and can provide assistance when needed. I wasn't so much a fan of the Tumbler as the Batmobile but I guess it is a practical addition to Batman's arsenal and not as out of place as the custom car fans are so used to seeing. I also found it amusing how Bruce (Christian Bale) and Alfred (Michael Caine) go about acquiring the materials needed to construct Batman's costume and shows the building blocks of developing the Batman persona. Usually Bruce Wayne is already Batman whenever we see a reboot and here we get to see how everything is developed right from the beginning. Experiencing the trial and error of how best to craft Wayne's new trade personally involves the audience in the origins of the superhero and makes it more special when you see him in action.

As I said I was impressed with how the stage has been set and how everything is seen from the beginning but I thought the overall plot was never too engaging. Batman has my personal favorite rogues gallery but instead of starting off this film with an obvious choice of antagonist, the writers went with choices very little seen in other media. I counted no less than three, at one point or another, primary antagonists for Batman to contend with. As soon as one would be dispatched another would step into place and then the process would repeat again. The tension of the story comes from the relationship developed between the hero and his villain. Here there is no time given for Batman to connect with any of the villains. While this gives the film a frenetic pace, we never get to spend enough time with any of the villains in order to get to that love to hate stage. You want to cheer the hero on as he takes down the villain, but here it's done almost instantaneously. Hopefully in the future we'll get to see a more complex relationship between Batman and his villain and with the ending hinting that the Joker, arguably Batman's greatest and deadliest enemy, will be driving the story of the sequel, the appetite is whet to see how the Clown Prince of Crime will be portrayed in this new universe.

Batman Begins succeeds as the first film in a franchise in setting up the films to follow, but as a stand-alone film is only average in the superhero genre. There is very little plot to hold the attention of the audience other than the excitement as seeing an old hero being forged a new origin. However, it does do well enough for the audience to clamor and anticipate the sequel because now that the universe has been established, the sequel can focus on enjoying what has already been set up and building upon it. With the standard rogues gallery coming into play and seeing theirs origins made anew as well I think this series could really grow and expand into one of the best franchises. Nolan has got it going with a great drive, and I'm sure the sequel will land right on the green.

Favorite moment: Despite Batman's dark origins and the fact that he is a vigilante fighting his own childhood torture and pain, he still maintains a code of ethics. He can inflict harm and suffering on those that would threaten innocents but he would never take a life willingly. As he leaves Ducard (Liam Neesom) to his fate on the out of control train, he is condemning the man to death but one of his own making and not directly the result of Batman's actions. He won't kill you, but he doesn't have to save you and he will sleep just fine at night making that distinction in his pursuit of justice.