Batman Begins (2005)

Title: Batman Begins

Year: 2005

Director: Christopher Nolan

Rating by the MPAA: PG-13 for intense action violence, disturbing images and some thematic elements

Official Synopsis: Batman Begins explores the origins of the Batman legend and the Dark Knight's emergence as a force of good in Gotham. In the wake of his parents' murder, disillusioned industrial heir Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) travels the world seeking the means to fight injustice and turn fear against those who prey on the fearful. He returns to Gotham and unveils his alter-ego: Batman, a masked crusader who uses his strength, intellect and an array of high tech deceptions to fight the sinister forces that threaten the city.

IMDb Page and Official Page

STEPH SAID

Rating:

Review:

This movie has to be seen as an introduction of, and a new reboot to, Batman. The story started with Bruce as a young boy and followed him through all the important moments in his life that helped him become the Caped Crusader. That took about half the movie and, while it was important and intriguing, it was slow-paced and wasn't engaging. The second part of the movie was, however, thrilling and suspenseful. 

The casting of the movie was incredible. My jaw dropped when I saw Liam Neeson, Morgan Freeman and Gary Oldman. I couldn't believe such big names were involved in a superhero movie.

I also liked that the actual plot of the movie tied perfectly with Bruce's decision to become something more than a man. The movie's realistic feel and somber tone.  And the nod, in the end, to the upcoming villain; it was unexpected and something to look forward to.

What I didn't like about the movie, besides the slow-paced beginning, was the forced romantic scene at the end. Nothing suggested that Bruce and Rachel's relationship was more than friendship. From what I gathered, Bruce saw Rachel as a good friend and Rachel saw Bruce in the same way. Yet, in the end she kissed him. Then, she said that she's not interested in this new Bruce. I didn't really get it.

Nevertheless, these few aspects I don't like didn't spoil my overall enjoyment of the movie. When seen as an introduction – as literally Batman's beginnings, not a stand-alone movie – it is easier to enjoy because you have something to hope for.