Club'nBabySeals
Where are my pants?
Another review....
Where to begin?
This is a damn fine film. I am very well pleased, both as a film enthusiast and as a Batman comic book fan.
However, while the film hits on almost all cylinders, I still feel that it missed the mark of being the "definitive" Batman film. That title still belongs, and perhaps always shall, to 1993's brilliant Animated Feature Film Batman: Mask of the Phantasm.
Something that is difficult to review about this film is that one of the primary plot "twists" is so important to the film, but the "reveal" of it is essential to the film as well. So while I want to comment on it, I am limited by risk of spoiling such a key aspect of the film.
Batman Begins is a very solid film. The film is just filled with quality actors and fine performances, which is why Katie Holmes sticks out like a rotting corpse.
Sure, she's cute, I give her that. And I dont even dislike Katie Holmes over anything such as her talent. I am sick of seeing her face with this recent Tom Cruise media circus, but I dont mind her that much. The problem is her character. Her crappy token chick character that shows once again that male fantasy/comic writers have trouble depicting interesting women.
Too much of Batman's focus, direction and motivation are given to him by this girl. It is rather annoying. So much of Batman is about personal drive, the motivation to PUNISH the criminals who plague his city. He doesnt need some biotch slapping him in the face twice and telling him how ashamed his father would be of him to kick him into action!
One slap, I could handle. Two is inexcusable, IMO. Worst scene in the movie, which is annoying because it has very good scenes around it.
Then she has basically the same damn role as Vicky Vale did in the first Batman movie, and played the typical damsel in distress in one of the films finer action sequences.
I really feel the film would have been better off cutting more of her screen time and devoting it to characters like Sergeant Gordon or Ras Al Ghoul (who just couldnt have enough screen time!). Or just more time focusing on Batman.
Another of my biggest gripes was that Batman just wasnt smart enough. Sure, he had down the total badass part of Batman, but a lot of the genius "World's Greatest Detective" aspects were missing. This is certainly something they can develop more in sequels to be sure, but I didnt feel it was well represented in this film. And while they may beef up his detective persona, his scientific acumen was completely removed, which was a major mistake.
It is much the same issue I have with Spider-Man. Peter Parker is too much of a "regular" guy in so far as his intelligence. Bruce Wayne is the same way, very clever and astute in his way, but not the genius that Batman is supposed to be. These guys are supposed to be ouststanding minds, especially Batman who is always noted for his genius deductions and the like. I mean we are supposed to think Sherlock Holmes meets Bruce Lee, but Begins is missing the Holmes (no pun intended...).
Ok, that about squares away the bad. There are a lot of other things I could gripe about, but they are minor and do not detract from the film.
Great acting, excellent action, good humor, badass hero, great villains. Yep, this film has all that. Good story, quality score, capable directing, kickazz effects, yep has all that too.
Batman's gadgets and such were done very well. I loved the swooping floating effect they used whenever Batman is winging his way around Gotham or the Batcave. All of his gadgets and tools look sharp, and he definitely uses them in very innovative and cool ways. The Batmobile is just awesome! It is responsible for some of the best action scenes in the movie, like the obligatory Police Chase.
I am a huge fan of Christian Bale, I have felt he is a fine actor since I saw American Psycho for the first time, and he makes a great Batman. Liam Neeson is another favorite of mine, and he plays Batman's mentor, and as usual he turns in a quality performance.
Yet, I would say that Morgan Freeman does his best to "steal the show" playing Wayne Enterprises executive Lucius Fox. They have changed Lucius' character significantly, as he formerly has always been the relatively "clueless" President of Wayne Enterprises who runs the show while Bruce does his thing, and now he is basically Batman's science guy. All of the gadgets and such that Batman uses in the film are creations of Lucius Fox in the "Applied Science" department, which is ok I guess, but I still dont like Batman not making his own tools and gadgets.
I would definitely have to say that the first half of the film is more interesting than the second. While the second half is more action-packed and exciting, it is the first half that feels more like a quality movie and the whole "Batman" concept is barely even mentioned or referred to. It was an excellent way to introduce a new Batman, by making him a real character outside Gotham City for once, and by surrounding him with excellent actors in exotic locales as he trains to become.
However, once he does get to Gotham things simply happen way to fast. There is a lot of development at the beginning, but they seem to forget all that and just go for all-out action afterwards...Which is a shame. The story is solid, and the movie is solid, but I think they would have made a better show if they had tried to be a little less "epic".
For instance, two villains is maybe too much? The Scarecrow is awesome, he is done better than I actually ever believed possible in a live action film. While Ras Al Ghoul is a cool villain, and he is a good character within the movie, he is a villain who demands his own film. There isnt enough attention paid to Ras, and they alter his character a lot, taking away a great deal of who he is.
He isnt the "Demon" or "Immortal" in the film, for instance. No mention of a Lazarus Pit, no mention of Ras "resurrecting", no Talia etc etc.
Ken Watanabe is also very much wasted in the film as well. He proved to me that he is capable of just owning a film in The Last Samurai, but Batman gives him maybe like 10-15 minutes of screen time, tops.
The fight scenes are better in the first half of the film as well. Batman, even though he looks great, still suffers from "Darth Vader syndrome". No matter how cool he looks, and they both look very cool, the costume prevents the actor from really being as good in action. The fights Bruce Wayne gets into are more impressive and cool in many ways than any that Batman gets into. Once they get to Batman, they try to avoid showing him fight directly as muchy as possible. It is clear at times that he cannot lift his arms above his shoulders, and that he can barely move his head around.
Hence, while many scenes are very "cool" when he is Batman, they are also too fast and close-up. That fast, furious action where you cannot see clearly exactly what is happening, just that azz-kicking is going down, as you see people drop left and right as Batman is doing moves. I imagine these fights will slow down on repeat viewings, but the first time it was a bit annoying that almost every time Batman kicks someone's behind, you can barely see what is happening.
I suppose it is easier to complain since it is Batman, and I am going to be overly picky about comic book movies featuring characters that I know very well and feel strongly about. So sorry if it seems I am only complaining, yet I am still calling it a fine film.
However, this movie is really damn good. But have you ever watched a movie, and seen within it the potential to be so much better just by changing a few little things? Batman Begins is like that, it is SO close to being just a truly incredible movie.
After the letdown of Batman and Robin I didnt think I could be excited about a Batman movie again, but Begins had me excited for weeks before hand. The film itself lived up to my expectations of it being "the best (live-action) Batman movie by far", but it didnt meet my "hopeful expectations" that it could be truly spectacular. All the elements are here though, so whatever sequel they make to Begins (Batman Continues!) has every opportunity to be even better (so long as they cast someone comparable to Liam Neeson...).
In the overall: Batman Begins is a very entertaining film. Engaging actors, a well devised plot, only a few real complaints, and excellent action amount to a truly satisfying Batman movie. The first one ever, in my opinion.
Batman Begins: as a casual moviegoer: A
Batman Begins: as a comic geek Batman fan: B
Overall: B+
(If Katie Holmes' character wasnt in the film, or just less of a role, this would definitely be an "A" all-around, but her character sucks. She is too much of the movie, too essential a character for me to consider it an "A").
Where to begin?
This is a damn fine film. I am very well pleased, both as a film enthusiast and as a Batman comic book fan.
However, while the film hits on almost all cylinders, I still feel that it missed the mark of being the "definitive" Batman film. That title still belongs, and perhaps always shall, to 1993's brilliant Animated Feature Film Batman: Mask of the Phantasm.
Something that is difficult to review about this film is that one of the primary plot "twists" is so important to the film, but the "reveal" of it is essential to the film as well. So while I want to comment on it, I am limited by risk of spoiling such a key aspect of the film.
Batman Begins is a very solid film. The film is just filled with quality actors and fine performances, which is why Katie Holmes sticks out like a rotting corpse.
Sure, she's cute, I give her that. And I dont even dislike Katie Holmes over anything such as her talent. I am sick of seeing her face with this recent Tom Cruise media circus, but I dont mind her that much. The problem is her character. Her crappy token chick character that shows once again that male fantasy/comic writers have trouble depicting interesting women.
Too much of Batman's focus, direction and motivation are given to him by this girl. It is rather annoying. So much of Batman is about personal drive, the motivation to PUNISH the criminals who plague his city. He doesnt need some biotch slapping him in the face twice and telling him how ashamed his father would be of him to kick him into action!
One slap, I could handle. Two is inexcusable, IMO. Worst scene in the movie, which is annoying because it has very good scenes around it.
Then she has basically the same damn role as Vicky Vale did in the first Batman movie, and played the typical damsel in distress in one of the films finer action sequences.
I really feel the film would have been better off cutting more of her screen time and devoting it to characters like Sergeant Gordon or Ras Al Ghoul (who just couldnt have enough screen time!). Or just more time focusing on Batman.
Another of my biggest gripes was that Batman just wasnt smart enough. Sure, he had down the total badass part of Batman, but a lot of the genius "World's Greatest Detective" aspects were missing. This is certainly something they can develop more in sequels to be sure, but I didnt feel it was well represented in this film. And while they may beef up his detective persona, his scientific acumen was completely removed, which was a major mistake.
It is much the same issue I have with Spider-Man. Peter Parker is too much of a "regular" guy in so far as his intelligence. Bruce Wayne is the same way, very clever and astute in his way, but not the genius that Batman is supposed to be. These guys are supposed to be ouststanding minds, especially Batman who is always noted for his genius deductions and the like. I mean we are supposed to think Sherlock Holmes meets Bruce Lee, but Begins is missing the Holmes (no pun intended...).
Ok, that about squares away the bad. There are a lot of other things I could gripe about, but they are minor and do not detract from the film.
Great acting, excellent action, good humor, badass hero, great villains. Yep, this film has all that. Good story, quality score, capable directing, kickazz effects, yep has all that too.
Batman's gadgets and such were done very well. I loved the swooping floating effect they used whenever Batman is winging his way around Gotham or the Batcave. All of his gadgets and tools look sharp, and he definitely uses them in very innovative and cool ways. The Batmobile is just awesome! It is responsible for some of the best action scenes in the movie, like the obligatory Police Chase.
I am a huge fan of Christian Bale, I have felt he is a fine actor since I saw American Psycho for the first time, and he makes a great Batman. Liam Neeson is another favorite of mine, and he plays Batman's mentor, and as usual he turns in a quality performance.
Yet, I would say that Morgan Freeman does his best to "steal the show" playing Wayne Enterprises executive Lucius Fox. They have changed Lucius' character significantly, as he formerly has always been the relatively "clueless" President of Wayne Enterprises who runs the show while Bruce does his thing, and now he is basically Batman's science guy. All of the gadgets and such that Batman uses in the film are creations of Lucius Fox in the "Applied Science" department, which is ok I guess, but I still dont like Batman not making his own tools and gadgets.
I would definitely have to say that the first half of the film is more interesting than the second. While the second half is more action-packed and exciting, it is the first half that feels more like a quality movie and the whole "Batman" concept is barely even mentioned or referred to. It was an excellent way to introduce a new Batman, by making him a real character outside Gotham City for once, and by surrounding him with excellent actors in exotic locales as he trains to become.
However, once he does get to Gotham things simply happen way to fast. There is a lot of development at the beginning, but they seem to forget all that and just go for all-out action afterwards...Which is a shame. The story is solid, and the movie is solid, but I think they would have made a better show if they had tried to be a little less "epic".
For instance, two villains is maybe too much? The Scarecrow is awesome, he is done better than I actually ever believed possible in a live action film. While Ras Al Ghoul is a cool villain, and he is a good character within the movie, he is a villain who demands his own film. There isnt enough attention paid to Ras, and they alter his character a lot, taking away a great deal of who he is.
He isnt the "Demon" or "Immortal" in the film, for instance. No mention of a Lazarus Pit, no mention of Ras "resurrecting", no Talia etc etc.
Ken Watanabe is also very much wasted in the film as well. He proved to me that he is capable of just owning a film in The Last Samurai, but Batman gives him maybe like 10-15 minutes of screen time, tops.
The fight scenes are better in the first half of the film as well. Batman, even though he looks great, still suffers from "Darth Vader syndrome". No matter how cool he looks, and they both look very cool, the costume prevents the actor from really being as good in action. The fights Bruce Wayne gets into are more impressive and cool in many ways than any that Batman gets into. Once they get to Batman, they try to avoid showing him fight directly as muchy as possible. It is clear at times that he cannot lift his arms above his shoulders, and that he can barely move his head around.
Hence, while many scenes are very "cool" when he is Batman, they are also too fast and close-up. That fast, furious action where you cannot see clearly exactly what is happening, just that azz-kicking is going down, as you see people drop left and right as Batman is doing moves. I imagine these fights will slow down on repeat viewings, but the first time it was a bit annoying that almost every time Batman kicks someone's behind, you can barely see what is happening.
I suppose it is easier to complain since it is Batman, and I am going to be overly picky about comic book movies featuring characters that I know very well and feel strongly about. So sorry if it seems I am only complaining, yet I am still calling it a fine film.
However, this movie is really damn good. But have you ever watched a movie, and seen within it the potential to be so much better just by changing a few little things? Batman Begins is like that, it is SO close to being just a truly incredible movie.
After the letdown of Batman and Robin I didnt think I could be excited about a Batman movie again, but Begins had me excited for weeks before hand. The film itself lived up to my expectations of it being "the best (live-action) Batman movie by far", but it didnt meet my "hopeful expectations" that it could be truly spectacular. All the elements are here though, so whatever sequel they make to Begins (Batman Continues!) has every opportunity to be even better (so long as they cast someone comparable to Liam Neeson...).
In the overall: Batman Begins is a very entertaining film. Engaging actors, a well devised plot, only a few real complaints, and excellent action amount to a truly satisfying Batman movie. The first one ever, in my opinion.
Batman Begins: as a casual moviegoer: A
Batman Begins: as a comic geek Batman fan: B
Overall: B+
(If Katie Holmes' character wasnt in the film, or just less of a role, this would definitely be an "A" all-around, but her character sucks. She is too much of the movie, too essential a character for me to consider it an "A").
