Cady's Take:

Batman begins is an accurate title, as it is the story of Bruce Wayne’s not so humble beginnings, and or how he became what he was destined to become, the one and only Batman.   As far as comic book movies go this is an excellent one.   The story is well told, as realistic as can be expected and of course full of adventure. 

One thing that impressed me about this movie is the direction of Christopher Nolan (Memento), who managers to take the same old characters, and comic book tales and present them in a new and interesting way.  Nolan has some really great actors to work with including Oscar Nominee Liam Neisen, and Oscar Winners Michael Cane and Morgan Freeman – all of who give the excellent supporting performances you would expect.   To top it off Christian Bale is by far the best “film” batman yet.   

But I have seen many films with quality actors and quality directors that have not been worthy of the number of buckets I will give this film, the pure and simple thing that makes this such an great, entertaining movie, is the story. This movie brought me back to Gotham City and I walk away with a new found understanding, interest, and enthusiasm for Batman.

While Kyle I am sure will be disappointed that we get to see the character of Scarecrow adapted for film rather then her favorite The Joker, I think if you rent this movie and you will not be disappointed, instead you will find yourself chanting one of Kyle’s favorite phrases “and where, and where, and where is THE BATMAN!”  

First of all, that is not one of my favorite phrases. Second, "Batman Begins" is a long overdue, extremely impressive adaptation of Batman for the big screen. This movie is dark and moody with plenty of action and plenty of storyline - it isn't all about special effects, although those are spectacular as well.

"Batman Begins" delivers characters - Bruce Wayne (Bale) whose parents were murdered and whose vast fortune allows him to live a double life, Alfred (Michael Caine) ever the loyal servant and with a wicked sense of humor, and Henri Ducard (Liam Neeson), the evil ninja warrior who helped to train Bruce before he returned to Gotham City from his time abroad to fight crime. I cannot even say how utterly entertaining both Caine and Neeson are in this movie. Did I have a hard time believing Katie Holmes as DA Rachel Dawes? Yes. But Holmes is fairly benign, so no harm, no foul. The rest of the supporting cast is peppered with superior characters as well, played by the likes of Tom Wilkinson, Cillian Murphy, Gary Oldman, and Morgan Freeman.

I could certainly watch "Batman Begins" again - this is the least cringe-worthy Batman movie to date.