Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Batman Begins (2005)
The first. The best. The reboot that inspired all others."Batman Begins" is an origin story of Batman and a reimagining of the character. Batman is no longer a cartoonish, unbelievable figure. Instead, he is a high-tech martial arts warrior seeking revenge on the entire criminal underworld for the needless death of his parents. Batman is no more unbelievable than any other ninja warrior.
"Batman Begins" is aptly named. It was the first of what we now know as reboots. The film kick-started a series of reboots, including the wildly successful "Star Trek" reboot. This movie also arguably inspired the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which started with a reboot of "Iron Man," a high-tech creation by another billionaire intent on fighting evil.
The origin story itself is attention-grabbing. Batman not only receives training in ancient Tibetan martial arts but also has access to high-tech military prototypes, such as the incredibly cool "Tumbler," built by one of his tech subsidiaries. The Tumbler is no wobbly plastic shell on top of a regular car body. This car was actually built, from the ground up, to look like the love child of a vampire bat and a Humvee. Different prototypes were built, some to perform stunts, others to drive fast during action scenes. And it is this incredible attention to detail that really sells Batman as a superhero.
The movie also touches on crime, police corruption, justice, vigilantism, corporate corruption, corporate activism, love, societal collapse, and secret identities. In a key scene, Bruce Wayne tells his childhood sweetheart that he isn't just the shallow playboy billionaire that he seems, that he is more... underneath. His childhood sweetheart cuts him down with the line, "It's not who you are underneath, it's what you do that defines you." This line sums up the essence of the movie, and is a quiet challenge to us all, as we typically judge ourselves by our intent and judge others by their actions.
Batman remains my favorite superhero. He has no superpowers. He only has super cool high-tech toys. Aside from his bulletproof armor-plated disguise, he is as vulnerable as the next man. This movie is my favorite Batman movie, and in fact, one of my favorite movies of all time. The only criticism I have of this seminal movie is that realistically, I am not sure that dressing up as a bat and beating up the bad guys is the smartest way for a billionaire to change the world. But it makes for a kick-ass movie, in a way that political debate and charitable contributions sadly do not.
- You are not fond of action movies.
- You dislike stories involving superheroes and vigilantes.
- You aren't comfortable with intense scenes of peril.
- The dark and brooding atmosphere of the Batman series doesn't appeal to you.
- You prefer light-hearted, comedic films rather than ones with serious, complex plots.
- Underage kids should not watch without parental advisory due to violent scenes.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "Batman Begins," huh? I mean, what's with all the bats? The guy's got a fear of bats, so he becomes Batman? If I was scared of clowns, I wouldn’t become Clown-man, I’d be running the other way!
And how about that Batmobile? It's like a cross between a tank and a sports car. Who's his mechanic, huh? Some guy in the back saying, "Yeah, I just fixed up a Honda Civic, but sure, I can handle a rocket-powered armored vehicle. No problem."
And another thing, why is everyone in Gotham City always standing on rooftops? Is there some kind of city ordinance we don’t know about? "Sorry, no standing on the sidewalk, you gotta take it to the roof." I mean, what's the deal with that?
The Dark Knight (2008)
Following up on "Batman Begins," director Christopher Nolan brings back Christian Bale for complex storytelling, stunning visual effects, and unforgettable performances. This sequel delivers in its portrayal of Batman's growth as a character as he faces dilemmas and new adversaries.
Iron Man (2008)If what you enjoyed about "Batman Begins" was the origin story of a complex character who battles his personal demons while stepping into the role of a superhero, "Iron Man" fits the bill. This movie launched the Marvel cinematic universe and features Robert Downey Jr.'s charismatic performance as Tony Stark.
Spider-Man 2 (2004)Buffs of "Batman Begins" (2005) will love "Spider-Man 2" (2004) as both movies delve beyond the superhero's surface, exploring the psychological aspects of the characters and their struggle with identity, responsibility, and sacrifice. Both films are driven by strong narratives, with a focus on character development and emotional depth, while also delivering excellent action sequences. Each movie presents a compelling villain who serves as a mirror to the hero's internal conflicts. Essentially, if you appreciate the darker, more grounded approach to superhero storytelling in "Batman Begins," you'll find similar qualities in Spider-Man 2.
V for Vendetta (2005):This is a dystopian political thriller inspired by Alan Moore's graphic novel. The film manages to deliver a potent political and social commentary while also providing intense action scenes. Its dark tone and focus on a vigilante's mission for justice make it a good fit for Batman Begins enthusiasts.
Watchmen (2009):Directed by Zack Snyder, the film is an adaption of the beloved comic book series by Alan Moore. The plot revolves around an alternate reality where superheroes exist and influence major historical events. Its dark tone, rich storytelling, and complex character developments could intrigue fans of "Batman Begins."
Hellboy (2004):Featuring a far less conventional superhero, "Hellboy" is a rich blend of fantasy, action, and humor. Guillermo del Toro's direction along with Ron Perlman's standout performance as Hellboy is bound to entertain fans of dark superhero films.
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