Batman Begins

One of this summer's blockbuster is Batman Begins. Although there were 4 Batman movies before, this one is not Episode V. Nor is it a prequel. It's just a way to re-start the whole Batman franchise again. Or in everyday English: a smart way to get more money from a hero we all know.

Christopher Nolan is directing this one. He did very well with Memento and him directing actually follows the path of other 'indie directors making comic book movies' like Sam Raimi (Spider-Man), Ang Lee (The Hulk) and Bryan Singer (X-Men). So what can Nolan do that Joel Schumacher can't? It must be pretty hard to top Batman & Robin (I'm being sarcastic, okay).

After stepping out of the movie yesterday, I have to admit that Nolan does indeed what Sam Raimi did to Spider-Man. He gave Bruce Wayne and Batman character. Christian Bale is very convincing as both Bruce and Batman and he might have done better than Michael Keaton. Then there's Alfred, played brilliantly by Michael Caine. And with Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman and Liam Neeson backing up there's almost no flaw in the acting bit. Well, except for Katie Holmes, but her nipples made up for itr.

Instead of starting the movie with Batman fighting crime, we get to see what drives Bruce Wayne into becoming Batman. We get to see how corrupt Gotham City is and how the thugs have the city in their hand. We see how Bruce and Alfred made the batcave. We get to see where all the gadgets come from. We get to see a human Batman - he bruises and is clearly human which is the case in the comic books. All that was lacking in the first 4 movies even though it is essential. Originally in the comics, Batman is a dark crime fighter unlike Superman. He walks the thin line between crime fighter and vigilante.

The ending was a bit too much, but I guess Nolan had to give way with what the big boss wants. At least it wasn't done by Michael Bay or Jerry Bruckheimer.

And honestly I wouldn't be surprised if we get to see Batman Begins 2 with the Joker again. It's that good. Although they should make a Batman movie based on the 60s TV series (with Adam West and Burt Ward - remember?). Now that would be excellent.