Throwback Thursday Review: 'Batman Begins'

Sorry for the delayed review but this week I'm beginning my series of Throwback Thursday Reviews of the Dark Knight Trilogy. I'm spreading these reviews throughout the year given the release of some new DC Comic Films of both Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad. My main Throwback Thursday Review that will come the week Batman V. Superman: Dawn Of Justice is released will be Man Of Steel, since it's both a Superman origin and the only film in DC's current cinematic universe. However I wanted to do both a Batman origin film as well as review the Dark Knight Trilogy this year so I figured Batman Begins was a great compromise. The reason this review is coming this week as opposed to closer to Batman V. Superman: Dawn Of Justice's release is that from this week onward my schedule is booked for Throwback Thursday Reviews till August.

'Batman Begins' Review

Nominated For: Best Cinematography.

Batman Begins is the foundation for Christopher Nolan's brilliant Dark Knight Trilogy, and a rather solid foundation if ever there was one. Nolan broke ground for superhero films by being the first to take one completely seriously with a very realistic, grounded take on the Caped Crusader's origin story.

Christopher Nolan takes up the duties of director in addition to penning the script alongside  David Goyer, deciding to focus on character and story rather than spectacle going to the roots of the Batman and it's a wise decision. Nolan also makes the choice to utilize practical effects rather than CGI that leads to more authentic action sequences.

This practicality also oozes over in regards to Batman's arsenal gadgets and this version of the bat mobile, the Tumbler, that's more along the lines of a tank. I feel that the practical gadgets make perfect sense and love the explanation behind each trinket that Batman carries along with him. I also liked their use and purpose in various action sequences and felt that they certainly service the film.

One notable action sequence features the Tumbler abandoning the roads and resorting to jumping over rooftops as Batman is being frantically pursued by the authorities, and it was incredible.

Now, with that being said, this film does indeed have a few hiccups with a bit of lackluster action at times, but the film makes up for all with a phenomenal character-focused narrative. Another key piece to Nolan's larger puzzle are the performances being showcased.

Front and center we have Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne and I felt he is certainly serviceable in the duality of the role, bringing both a suave Wayne and an edgy Batman. Now, many critics are a little harsh on Bale's "Batman voice," which sounds like more of a growl, but it makes logical sense to me that Wayne would need to disguise his voice to avoid being recognize in his escapades.

Also, the film makes a point to establish that this version of Wayne uses the playboy persona as more of a mask rather than the cowl itself, and I liked that concept and how it's developed across the course of the Trilogy.

The film's supporting cast are where the performances are just exceptional. Michael Caine brings new depths to Alfred showing that Wayne's butler is not only concerned with Bruce's safety but protecting the Wayne legacy as well. Caine is exceptional in the role as a phenomenal casting choice.

Morgan Freeman portrays Lucius Fox and his character is given more prominence than ever before in any adaptation, where it's explained Fox supplies the gadgets to Wayne and Freeman is phenomenal as per usual.

Now, Gary Oldman was the perfect match for Jim Gordon as he not only shared a physical resemblance to the cop, but also the emotional core of the character.

Katie Holmes plays the main love interest for Wayne as Rachel Dawes, and sadly is of little use to the story, only to serve at the damsel of distress in some of the darkest moments. Holmes is decent in the role, but you'll see she's easily replaced for the sequel.

In regards to villains, the film holds an ace up it's sleeve with Liam Neeson by hiding his true importance for most of the film, but the reveal of who he's playing is quite satisfying. Neeson acts as a great mentor and opposition to Wayne that's integral to the film and later brings the narrative full circle in the closing act of the Dark Knight Trilogy.

Cillian Murphy brings the first live action version of the Scarecrow to the screen, and oh, boy is he terrifying. Murphy plays second fiddle to the main antagonist but is terrific when utilized.

Christopher Nolan's interpretation of the Caped Crusader is really one of the greatest superhero origin stories to be told, that serviced the source material while making it accessible to the mainstream public.

Film Assessment: A-