Batman Begins

Scott Hardie: “It ruled.”

For Batman fans, finally all is right with the universe. Joel Schumacher's widely hated film adaptations have been replaced by a film that is dark, intelligent, detail-obsessed, and sophisticated. If it has a few corny one-liners, their number is far fewer than in the average summer blockbuster, let alone one featuring this most misconceived of superheroes. For years, fans (and critics) have argued that a serious approach would best suit this character, and despite my skepticism the fans have been proven correct: This film is intense but not incoherent, gloomy but not remotely depressing, and easily the best approach to the character yet attempted. I don't know if its sequels can remain this serious, since Batman's other nemeses are intrinsically cartoony, but I very much look forward to finding out. More, please.

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