I remember it like it was yesterday.
It was the opening weekend of "Batman & Robin", the fourth big screen installment of the Caped Crusader's adventures and, like many fans, I was looking forward to seeing it. I'd seen the trailer and thought it would be a great film.
Then, I saw it.
Oh, to say that this film FLAT-OUT SUCKED would be an insult to those films that actually do suck. Everything was wrong with this movie. The script, the plotline, the costumes (A Bat-suit with nipples, for crying out loud?!!!) all of it was terrible. I remember sitting at the theatre as the end credits rolled just shaking my head over the fact that I wasted my money on this tripe.
Which brings me to what I did Wednesday, almost eight years later, seeing the first new Batman film since that debacle, "Batman Begins"
As the film was being made, I kept telling myself that it's going to disappoint us. Part of me wished and hoped that it would so that I wouldn't be let down yet again. And I'm sure the WB guys were hoping it wouldn't be a letdown either, since a bad review or bad box office would surely kill any chance of seeing the Dark Knight on the big screen again.
But as word got about the cast and we finally got to see actual footage from the movie, it was starting to look good to me, that these guys finally learned their lesson from the mistakes of the last film. Then I got to hear about the plot and that it would be a more realistic Batman, my interest peaked even more. But I had to tell myself to not get my hopes up. I didn't want to be let down again.
But I finally caved in and decided to see it, on the film's opening night no less. All the time I kept telling myself, please, don't let this film suck.
Well after seeing it, I can honestly sum it up in three words:
IT DOESN'T SUCK!!!
First of all, kudos to Christopher Nolan, the film's director, who really made great strides to make the film real. Gotham City looked real, like a big urban city, not some art deco wreck that was the case in Batman & Robin. I also give him (and the film's co-writer David Goyer) credit for giving us fans reasons why Bruce Wayne became Batman. They went to the original comic books for inspiration, using actual characters from the long rich history of the Batman to tell the story, which I applaud since most directors hardly even look at them when it comes to making comic book films. They also gave us realistic reasons behind the Batsuit (which has no nipples, thank you very much) the other weapons and even the Batmobile (which for the first time, looks like a machine that can kick ass, not just some vehicle for show). And, also it was the first time I saw a Batman film that really used bats as a primary part of the film, not just some decoration. If and when you see it, you'll see what I mean.
Now for the cast, I originally had doubts about Christian Bale playing Batman. I mean, I'd seen him in such films as "American Psycho" so I knew he could do the dark stuff. But could he really carry off playing not only Bruce Wayne and Batman as well? After seeing it, I say without question, he knocked it out of the park. He captured not only the real Bruce but the billlionare playboy facade as well (another thing we haven't seen in the films) And he was at his best with the cape and cowl. Changing his voice, giving off a grimaced look, he nailed Batman down perfectly. An excellent job, better than Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer or George Clooney could ever do.
The supporting cast also were quite good. Michael Caine as Alfred really did a good job not only being the loyal butler but the perfect sounding board for Bruce, consoling him when necessary and putting him in his place when warranted. He also had several good one-liners that made me and the rest of the audience laugh out loud. Gary Oldham was good as Gordon, Batman's lone friend in the police force. He also had several one liners that worked and, for the first time in the Bat-films, really helped to establish the relationship between him and Batman that makes sense as to why they're good allies for so long. Morgan Freeman was very good as Lucious Fox, Bruce's ally who helps provide the way cool toys that would work for the Caped Crusader. And even the bad guys in the film did a good job. Cillian Murphy, who I remember in the sleeper hit "28 Days Later" was a perfect choice as the villainous Scarecrow. I can go on and on about the rest of the group, including Liam Neeson who did a great job as Bruce's mysterious friend Lucard and even though she didn't really make a good romantic interest in my eyes, Katie Holmes wasn't too bad either.
Overall, I really loved this film. It had a great blend of action, suspense and well placed humorous moments. The fight scenes were great and the chase sequence involving the bad-ass Batmobile and Gotham City police was excellent. I also liked how Bale introduced himself as Batman to one of the villians (you'll have to see it for yourself) and even the ending gave you a hint as to what to expect for the sequel, which I have no doubt in my mind will happen.
This time, as the closing credits rolled for "Batman Begins", I didn't shake my head regretting seeing this. In fact, me along with several others in the audience actually applauded. Not since "Spider-Man" had I seen an comic book origin film captured perfectly. They finally got the Caped Crusader right and I really hope they continue to build on this.
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