Batman Begins (2005)
He has been a staple in the confines of comic books. And now, the legendary
"Dark Knight" gets a screen adaptation worth viewing. Unlike the 1989 "
Batman" film starring Michael Keaton, where it relied heavily on comedy, this new take on the caped-crusader is heartfelt, emotional, and amazing.
Christian Bale does an amazing job in his performance as both Bruce Wayne and the Batman. Bale dawns the billionaire turned Gotham saving, Joker crushing and Bane destroying superhero in a performance that improves throughout the trilogy.
Christopher Nolan directs the first entry of the trilogy. Nolan does an excellent job making this look at the batman in a way that is fulfilling and satisfying. He uses any and all means necessary to make audiences feel the tension alongside Bales character(s). Nolan proves that this installment is a solid start to the legendary superhero saga.
Not only does Bale do an amazing job at portraying the hero/billionaire, but other cast members: Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes and Gary Oldman do a fantastic job at their respective roles.
The action and the films score are the films most pivotal elements. The action is practically everywhere in this film and it makes the film more exciting. The score on the other hand, is absolutely chilling. Collaborative duo Hans Zimmer (
The Lion King) and James Newton-Howard (
6th Sense) craft an eerie score to fit the tone of the film, which is primarily fear and darkness.
The film has an emotional intensity unlike anything I have seen before. This films emotional impact will stay with you throughout it's runtime of almost 2 and a half hours.
Cue the batman theme from the 1960's show. No. Don't. But anyway since that theme was just too cheesy, suitable for its presentation, it wouldn't fit with the overwhelming darkness of this film. The legendary character from the DC Comics gets an adaptation so rightfully deserved.
Rate: A-
Director: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Christian Bale, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine, Katie Holmes, Morgan Freeman, with Cillian Murphy and Liam Neeson
MPAA Rating: PG-13(for intense action violence, disturbing images and some thematic elements)
Runtime: 2 Hours and 20 Minutes
Synopsis: The origins of the Caped Crusader of Gotham City are finally brought to the big screen in this new adaptation of the perennially popular comic-book series. The young Bruce Wayne (Gus Lewis) leads a privileged life as the son of wealthy, philanthropist parents, both of whom stress their commitment to improving the lives of the citizens of crime-ridden Gotham City. After his mother and father are murdered by a mugger, however, Wayne grows into an impudent young man (Christian Bale), full of rage and bent on retribution until encouraged by his childhood sweetheart, Rachel Dawes (Katie Holmes), to search for answers beyond his own personal vendettas. Wayne eventually finds discipline in the Far East under the tutelage of Henri Ducard (Liam Neeson), a member of the mysterious League of Shadows who guides him in the study of martial arts -- and the ways in which an ordinary man can hone his senses to an almost superhuman acuity. After seven years away from Gotham, Wayne returns, determined to bring peace and safety back to the city. With the help of his faithful manservant, Alfred Pennyworth (Michael Caine), and Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman), a scientist at his late father's corporation, Wayne develops a secret identity as Batman, a masked fighter for justice. But when a shady psychiatrist (Cillian Murphy) joins forces with the criminal underworld, Wayne realizes that putting an end to their nefarious plans will be very difficult indeed. Batman Begins also features Gary Oldman as Lt. James Gordon and Tom Wilkinson as the crime boss Carmine Falcone.
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| Photo: Warner Bros |
The Dark Knight (2008)
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The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
A fire will rise. The monumental conclusion to the stunning and box-office smash series "
The Dark Knight", ends here. The franchise has been an utter sensation since it first debuted in 2005. And now, it goes all out on trying to be the best of the series, topping the prior installment "
The Dark Knight". It's fantastic, maybe not as much as the first film however, it does an excellent job at wrapping up the story of the Batman in a marvelous and action packed way.
He's dealt with Jokers, the mafia, Ra's Al Ghoul and now the sinister masked Bane. What makes Bales performance in this film unique beyond all measures, is his relentless efforts to portray the batman as a flawed yet determined character.
Nolan out does himself for the third and final who-rah. It's amazing because themes of severe pain and brokenness makes this film even more interesting. He also adds even more action than the first two films.
Once again, Hans Zimmer makes another gripping score to grab at audiences. It's fast paced, just like the film, and it has the consistency of getting more and more chaotic as the film progresses.
Newbies for this final chapter: Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy-plays a psychotic Bane, and Marion Cotillard define the franchise as it stands once the films credits roll. Their performances are phenomenal and special.
Perhaps it's the most successful franchise of its kind,
"The Dark Knight", has been an iconic and revolutionary piece of cinema that fans of all kinds of film, even superhero films, will love. But be forewarned, this trilogy isn't your average superhero tale. This film presents an amazing and chilling end to an iconic saga of an iconic superhero.
Rate: A
Director: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Marion Cotillard, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Gary Oldman, with Joseph Gordon-Levett and Morgan Freeman
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for intense sequences of violence and action, some sensuality and language)
Runtime: 2 Hours and 25 Minutes
Synopsis: It has been eight years since Batman vanished into the night, turning, in that instant, from hero to fugitive. Assuming the blame for the death of D.A. Harvey Dent, the Dark Knight sacrificed everything for what he and Commissioner Gordon both hoped was the greater good. For a time the lie worked, as criminal activity in Gotham City was crushed under the weight of the anti-crime Dent Act. But everything will change with the arrival of a cunning cat burglar with a mysterious agenda. Far more dangerous, however, is the emergence of Bane, a masked terrorist whose ruthless plans for Gotham drive Bruce out of his self-imposed exile. But even if he dons the cape and cowl again, Batman may be no match for Bane.
