Batman Begins

[mrsbootsie]

Saw it last night, and LOVED it. I especially enjoyed the little backstory about the League of Shadows. Is that a concept discussed in the comic books? I found it to be really original and creative.

Any movie with that much Liam Nieson, is fine, and I mean FINE, by me. I thought the acting was great (See Hollywood! If you put good actors in action movies, people will go see them!) and even though Katie Holmes wasn't terrible, I am glad she hasn't been signed to do any future movies with this crew.

I think I've found my favorite Batman (Though I still love ya Val).

[Deleted]

Just saw it. I was struck by a few things:

1) Cillian Murphy has a purty mouth.
2) Tom Cruise could do waaaayyy better than Katie Holmes.
3) I'd do Gary Oldman in a minute!
4) Christian Bale is a great Batman.
5) Liam Neeson's beard was cool and strange.
6) Is it possible for me to love Morgan Freeman more?

Really good movie.

[Witchie]

Moldy, please tell me that is a joke. Big Al? I'll have to give Time Warner credit for once. That screenplay would have definitely killed the franchise.

I just saw this tonight, and I loved it. Christian filled out that cape nicely. I thought all of the supporting cast, except the future Mrs. Cruise, did terrific. I was shocked by the normalcy of Gary Oldman's Gordon. I guess I'm so used to Gary playing over the top characters. He did fine, though. I have a question, though. Was Liam really Rau all along? I missed that part due to some rude folks in the theatre.

[Malle Babbe]

How cool would Angelina Jolie be as Catwoman?

She'd be awesome!

Good Call! She's settled down somewhat, but she can still project that sexy/dangerous vibe that can attract/scare the living daylights of her "prey" quite well.

I just saw it, and aside from Katie Holmes acting like she's a high schooler hanging around a DA's office for "Career Day", the cast was amazing, and the movie was awesome. They definitely need an actress who can project a more ballsy vibe, esp. if she's a DA or otherwise involved in the workings of Gotham. But otherwise, what a logjam of talent!

One thing I wished was different though; there had been a trend of late to push the camera deeply into the middle of a fight. I guess this looks more "kinetic" or what have you, but as a viewer, it's hard to "read". I'd much rather see the camera placed far enough back that I can see limbs, hits, block, dodges, and the like.

Was anyone else reminded of Jacob's Ladder when we were shown the effects of Scarecrow's Bad Trip Powder? It was the shaking head that did the trick. I also liked the little moments where you were reminded that while you were in the world of superheroes, there are regular people behind the scenes. Fox crabbing about [white]making the antidote[/white], Alfred and Sgt. Gordon carrying out the things that Batman asked them to do, and acting like the way real people would in a situation like that.

I am torn though. In scenes where Christian wakes up after a crimefighting bender, I liked seeing him w/o a shirt, but in those scenes, I had a hard time following the dialog...it's the weirdest thing...

I also loved the design on the Gothan cityscape shots. Very often, it's just a collection of skyscrapers, but in this movie you see the docks, the slums, highrises, everything. It "felt" like a real city.

I can't wait for the sequel!

[Deleted]

One thing I wished was different though; there had been a trend of late to push the camera deeply into the middle of a fight. I guess this looks more "kinetic" or what have you, but as a viewer, it's hard to "read". I'd much rather see the camera placed far enough back that I can see limbs, hits, block, dodges, and the like.

It was definitely hard to see what was going on. I agree with you.

[Malle Babbe]

Did anyone notice how Cillian's character almost never blinked? *brr*

[Alexis Machine]

mallebabbe said:

Did anyone notice how Cillian's character almost never blinked? *brr*

I liked it because it added to the creepiness of his character. I was disappointed that his character got the most godawful sendoff ever tasered and taken away on a runaway horse. A genuine WTF? moment. Also, is Cillian short or is Katie Holmes really tall?

[Malle Babbe]

I think Holmes is 5' 9". And you're right, the not-blinking added to Dr. Crane's predatory nature. If you notice during The Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal Lechter almost never blinks either.

[Witchie]

I was disappointed that his character got the most godawful sendoff ever tasered and taken away on a runaway horse.

It reminded me of the Headless Horseman. I wish we'd gotten more of Scarecrow b/c that mask was seriously scary. I thought the effects of the drug were very good all around. I loved Batman turning into a giant bat face.

[Deleted]

I think that last part with the Scarecrow was intended to be a Headless Horseman homage. It seemed that way to me and to others I've spoken to about the film. I don't know why they couldn't have disposed of him in a more exciting and fulfilling way either. Maybe they're planning on bringing him back for the sequel.