Warning: spoiler & explanations - Batman Begins Reviews

I am a Marvel Comics fan and after watching Batman Begins I was astonished. The only Batman comic books that I read were Knightfall (Arkham Asylum inmates escapes), Contagion (catastrophe hit Gotham) and Hush (childhood friend of Bruce during his younger years and a one on one encounter with Ra?s Al Ghul). Interestingly, the movie depicts the three storyline in one coherent plot twist. I am pretty sure everybody knows the origin of Batman as this tale has been retold a million times already, but what is fascinating with the movie is how Christopher Nolan showcased a moody and dark setting into something classy and elegant in every sense. Character development was virtually the strong sense emphasized blending in symphony with the action sequence. Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne was brilliant but still needs improvement. After watching Equilibrium, I know that he can be the next Batman. To be perfectly honest, Bale lacks the charisma needed to be an eccentric billionaire playboy but provided the persona of a struggling character that tries to define who he is. Michael Caine as Alfred Pennyworth was dry and yet retains the classic butler a Wayne Manor can have. The first Alfred was something I missed in the movie since he delve into the background and yet provide a powerful performance. In this case Caine can out deliver what Bale does and make him standout more. Liam Neeson as Rene Ducard/Ra?s Al Ghul was a phenomenal actor that can fit in any role he chooses. He is the perfect mentor in any apprentice. I am sure lots of people would remember him as Qui-Gon Jinn in Episode I and also in Kingdom of Heaven. The character defining point of view can articulate what is not black/white, right/wrong but an ideal that go either way in ones perspective. In the comic books, the cult group is actually the League of Assassins compared to the League of Shadows in the movie. It reminds you of Knights Templar or the Illuminati. Plus he never dies because he uses the Lazarus Pit to renegenerate. Cillian Murphy as Jonathan Crane a.k.a the Scarecrow was hardly a factor in the movie as he represents a minor role in the scheme of events. The head of Arkham Asylum was actually founded by Jeremy Arkham and from the looks of things Crane actually looks like the director or in charge of the facility. Gary Oldman as James Gordon, in the comic book he has become a Commissioner but here he used to be a Lt (and then Sgt.?) It surprises me that not many people know him and when I told them that guy played Dracula and there jaws drop. Oldman was a class act example of what acting should be by becoming the character itself rather than their persona takes place. Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox, the movie actually provided on how he became CEO of Wayne Enterprises. In the comic book, Fox doesn?t know that Bruce is Batman but logic dictates he should know making Alfred responsibility split into people. Plus who would have provided those special gadgets without his help. The only person I wasn?t satisfied was Katie Holmes. Hollywood tends to put a damsel in distress or a love relationship with your leading man. No offense on her acting career but she simply didn?t fit the role. Hope that Warner finds another love interest for Bruce Wayne or else why would he be called a playboy if he goes out with one girl. Other bits: Victor Zsasz was actually in the movie and appeared in the one of the trial that Crane testifies. Barbara Gordon, daughter of James Gordon was in the dining room eating her meal. (I think she is still in diapers) The others like Joe Chill were simply added extras in this movie. I was disappointed to see Ken Watanabe have a short role thinking before hand he is Ra?s that plays prominant role. Overall, the movie was wonderfully crafted but makes you wonder on a modernized Batman story that may appeal to a mature audience rather than children. As Batman Begins, it also signifies a sequel with the Joker once again (as long as its not Jack Nicholson its fine with me)