Scooter Chronicles

Yesterday afternoon, Marcia and myself, along with our friend Andy, saw “Batman Begins”. This is the latest movie of the “Caped Crusader” to hit the big screen.

First and foremost to know is that I have not read the comic books. My only knowledge of Batman comes from Adam West, and the other movies. That’s how it was when I saw the first movie starring Michael Keaton as Batman. I really enjoyed that movie. Tim Burton went with a more realistic (at the time) feel to it. The second movie was good, too. After that, it went downhill. Part of that in my opinion was letting Keaton go. Other feel it was letting Joel Schumacher direct.

Over the years I have found out a bit more of who, or what, Batman is supposed to be. Partially I was hesitant in seeing the new movie. It can grate sometimes when series have inconsistencies. But I still thought I should see it. Glad I did!

The director, and the scripts’ co-writer was Chris Nolan. His claim to fame is writing and directing “Memento” (an excellent film!). He brought even more realism to his Batman. He went much deeper into why Bruce Wayne is the way he is. Why he chose Batman. And how and where he got “those wonderful toys.” Nolan didn’t go over the top like Burton did, but stayed the course on realism.

Though I still miss Michael Keaton as Batman, I think Christian Bale proved he was an excellent choice as Batman. He has the cockiness needed, but also is believable when he is confronting his fears and dealing with his parents deaths. He is physically built for the role as well. He also growls much better then Keaton ever did when in the Batman persona. Making it more believable that you may want to fear Batman, given his vigilante-like ways.

The rest of the cast did a great job as well. Michael Caine as Alfred, is fantastic! Liam Neeson was also a great choice for Henri Ducard. He exudes intelligence. Ken Wantanabe also was a good choice, though his part was small. Cillian Murphy is VERY creepy as Dr. Jonathan Crane, aka the Scarecrow. And last, but not least, Gary Oldham as Sgt./Lt. Gordon (yes, before he was Commissioner). Another great choice, and refreshing role to see him in.

The ending scene has had me wondering, as I am sure it has had others who have seen it. And I have tried finding out where it was pointing. It was either something to tie this movie to the others. Or it is something to tie into the remaking of the franchise on film. If they could keep Bale, Caine, and Oldham, and continue with the realism they created with this film, I would love to see them continue. Part of that is my obsession with consistency. The Gotham City and people created by Nolan was much better, in my opinion, but is totally uneven with what Burton did and Schumacher continued. Plus we have Bruce Wayne’s parents gunned down by a young Jack Napier (the Joker) in the first movie, while some drug addicted homeless person commits the crime in this film.

Regardless of these inconsistencies, I thought the movie was great. And I am sure most Batman fans will agree. I know Andy did. And he is counted among those that know the comic book version of Batman.