Batman Begins (Warning: Spoilers)

Why make another Batman movie? When did Batman become the James Bond of comic books? We've seen every permutation of the caped crusader: campy, brooding or just a blank for the next actor to fill. Still, I left work early to see it.

Although the plot screamed "Message!!,"* I appreciated the efforts that the writers took to distinguish justice from vengeance and reveal Bruce Wayne's psychological progress. Unfortunately the message was heavy-handed. "Batman is NOT A CRIMINAL!!! I repeat. HE IS NOT A CRIMINAL. Even though he is in a cave and has a huge stockpile of weapons, he will do what it takes to stop the evildoers."

In other words, Batman is like the CIA, a shadow arm for the police. His first mission is inspired by his childhood friend who just happens to be a DA and wants to crush the mob. He nearly gets drawn into a terrorist cell. His efforts to stop the mob lead him to a terrorist plot (covered by drug dealing) to destroy the citizens of Gotham. Because the terrorists' efforts to sabotage the economy failed, the terrorists are now forced to use airborne neurotoxins. By the end of the movie, he is clearly taking orders from the cops.

The writers unfortunately really lay it on thick when it comes to father figures for poor young Bruce Wayne. Will it be Liam Neeson with his fake mustache and goatee who apparently picked up some unfortunate Jedi speeches, but still cuts a majestic figure? Will it be Alfred who reminds him of his father's aphorisms and is always there, even to carry the strapping hero's luggage up the mansion's staircase (privileged little brat)? Will it be businessman Rutger Hauer who has been "managing" Wayne Enterprises? Are you a man? Would you like to be Brucie's daddy?

Also, I was tired of the writers' efforts to make us wonder whether or not Bruce will live up to the goods deeds of the Wayne family. Apparently the Waynes smuggled slaves by being part of the Underground Railroad and gave tons of money to develop much needed resources in Gotham during the Depression. His dad probably worked in the ER with Dr. Carter. What will Bruce do? Will he hold high the Wayne name? I'm sooooo worried about the Wayne legacy.

I did enjoy some comic touches. He is Batman because he is scared of bats. He behaves like an obnoxious playboy as cover for his real nocturnal activities. His second night of crimefighting ends with him falling out of a building in flames. Wait, was that supposed to be funny? I laughed. Also, a group of ninjas threaten Bruce's life. How does one stop one of these stealthy fighters? Get Alfred to bop the ninja over the head. Yes, be aware of your surroundings. Great job, ninja.

The narrative holes were inexcusable. What happened to the head DA after he gets stunned? Who knows? Did an antidote get spread to the infected part of town? Who cares?

The action scenes were great when shot from the perspective of the criminal when he is about to be swept away by Batman or as the criminal is facing Batman, but the key to an action movie is the same as a Fred Astaire movie: one must capture the entire movement of the body. Fighting is just dancing with the appearance of hurting the other person.

There were too many shots of people grunting just as a body blow was about to be delivered then reaction shots by the person who was hit, but the scenes did not really show the landing of punches. When Batman battles groups of criminals, the audience only sees a flurry of black cape. Batman's elegance is only caputured as his cape billows majestically beside or behind him.

I found it odd that an American pop cult classic was largely permeated with European actors: Christian Bale, Liam Neeson, Gary Oldman, Cillian Murphy, Tom Wilkinson and Rutger Hauer. (I'm not mentioning Michael Caine because a trusted butler usually hails from Great Britain.)

I may be one of the few people who saw American Psycho, but I thought that it was very brave for the casting agent to give Bale the lead. Bale is a great actor and possibly one of the few actors who has played such challenging roles prior to donning the mask. During his playboy scenes, I had unfortunate moments worrying about the two girls on his arm.

Michael Keaton is the best Batman, and when Bale announces, "I'm Batman," I couldn't stop remembering Keaton's performance. I may have been distracted by his great arms, but Bale did a decent job. At this point, playing Batman is like doing a passion play. What more can one do with the role? His parents die. He is rich, but unhappy. He stays up all night in one elaborate costume to constantly risk his life. If it was not for Keaton's memorable performance, I probably would have appreciated Bale's growl more.

Needless to say, Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman did fabulous jobs and showed lots of emotion. I was so happy to discover that Morgan Freeman was not cast as the inspirational Negro (yet again), but was the technological guru behind Batman.

I did not realize that I was so attached to Commissioner Gordon. When I realized that he would play a pivotal role, I almost wanted to scream and cheer. I am so excited that Gary Oldman finally got a chance to play a good guy or at least a character without serious psychological issues. Yeah, he can finally bring his kids to one of his movies.

I am disappointed that someone would cast Rutger Hauer then merely give him five lines. Sigh. I suppose something had to be cut, but I can still be sad.

Katie Holmes. If you don't have something nice to say......

Batman Begins is a welcome antidote to the film crimes perpetrated by Joel Schumacher although Tim Burton's crown is still safe. Overall, I think that it was a welcome edition to the franchise and a nice way to open the summer movie season.

*Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood