Batman Begins ****
Cast: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman, Ken Watanabe, Katie Holmes, Cillian Murphy, Tom Wilkinson, Rutger Hauer
Director: Christopher Nolan
Running Length: 2:20
MPAA Classification: PG-13

Bruce Wayne (Bale) is a man troubled by the deaths of his parents at the hands of a local thug. He blames himself, and has been travelling the world, picking fights. The movie opens with Bruce being rescued from prison by Henri Ducard (Neeson). Ducard aims to train Bruce in the art of fighting and have him join the League of Shadows, an organization presided over by the mysterious Ra's Al Ghul (Watanabe). They are dedicated to restoring balance to a world overrun by criminals.

Bruce trains incredibly hard, but declines the offer to join the League. He returns to Gothan City with the desire to ride the city of crime. With the help of his faithful butler Alfred (Caine) and inventor Lucius Fox (Freeman), Bruce develops an alter-ego that will help him install fear into the criminals of the city. The two biggest are crime lord Carmine Falcone (Wilkinson) and The Scarecrow (Murphy), a twisted psychiatrist who works for a mysterious employer.

The establishment of Batman is fully fleshed out, in this excellent film from director Christopher Nolan. Almost no stone goes unturned as we learn how and why Batman does what he does. Nolan has yet to make even an average movie, and was a great choice to re-boot the franchise. And re-boot it he does. The previous four films are ignored and a fresh look at the superhero is given.

Bale is perhaps the best Batman, pulling off both Bruce and Batman convincingly. His anger, pain, and determination are very real. Neeson is excellent in the role of teacher, perhaps channelling his inner Qui-Gon. Caine brings dignity and compassion to Alfred the butler. Murphy is absolutely perfect as the crazed Scarecrow (a villian I knew nothing about). The film is dark, gritty, and violent; just as it should be. There are even some scary moments. And of course, the ending sets up another film. Nolan has said that he envisions a trilogy, and I for one hope that he stays with the franchise for a while.

"Batman Begins" is one of the best superhero movies ever made. It is also one of the best movies I have seen in a while. I highly recommend this film. See it at once!