Thursday, June 16, 2005
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Batman Begins: A Review
Good afternoon and welcome to the first audio edition of Ramblings. Because I don't have a lot of time to record this entry, I'll keep my review of Batman Begins short and sweet, both in the audio and written version.
To access the audio review, click the icon above this entry, dated June 16th, 2005. Otherwise, read on!
I could talk for hours about this new beginning for the Batman film franchise, but much of what I'd talk about would be lost on those of you who aren't comic book fans. So this review is for you casual viewers, who like Batman well enough but have never touched or maybe even seen a Batman comic book.
I'm not a believer in spoiling films or books or stories of any kind, so feel safe to keep listening or reading. The only thing you need to know about the plot of Batman Begins is that it is the first live-action Batman film to actually make the characters of Bruce Wayne and The Batman the core focus of the narrative. This movie delivers exactly what it proclaims in its title: Batman Begins. We watch the tragic story of Bruce Wayne unfold, as he travels along a dark and brutal road to become The Batman, dark scourge of the unjust.
I'll say only two more things about this story and the tone of the film. The narrative and the look, feel, and tone of Batman Begins is serious and grounded in reality. Not a stylized or slightly-different reality that we might see around us if we just squint a little, but a dark, gritty, and yet vibrant world that is indeed ours. Gotham City in Batman Begins is in fact Chicago, with some digital enhancements. The Batman's outfit, gear, mode of operation, and even the Batmobile are all grounded solidly in believably authentic contexts. I won't spoil how and why that is, but let me just say that at no point did I ever scratch my head and say, "Now really, there's no way that could exist."
Finally, the story of Batman Begins is fascinating and engrossing. I honestly can't say that about any of the other Bat-films, which were entertaining in a farcical or fantastic sort of way. Screenwriter David Goyer and director Christopher Nolan have woven a story about living, breathing people, who we not only understand but care about. During one of the early scenes of the film, detailing the tragedy that befalls Bruce Wayne's parents, I found myself tearing up a bit at the plight of young Bruce. The story of this film is that well-written and human. This is not a movie about over-the-top or gaudy villains and their meaningless histrionics. Batman Begins is about Bruce Wayne's emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual journey to becoming The Batman. You will feel for him and for those close to him and even for those who are at odds with him.
Even though this film is centered on the story of Bruce Wayne and The Batman, there remains room for a brilliant and talented supporting cast. Liam Neeson brings wonderful life to Ducard, Bruce Wayne's mentor. Michael Caine finally plays an Alfred Pennyworth who has more to say and do than just ask obvious questions of the hero and fetch tea and sandwiches. Morgan Freeman shines as Wayne Enterprises employee Lucius Fox, who is instrumental in the birth of The Dark Knight.
For me, though, the real magic of Batman Begins was in Christian Bale's performance as Bruce Wayne and The Batman. For the first time on screen, Bruce Wayne is a complex and intriguing character. Bale brilliantly nuances the two Bruce Waynes, one the bored and laxadaisacal playboy fop, the other, the brilliant and driven young man in search of a means to fight injustice. As The Batman, Bale explodes with energy and might. His Batman voice is a harsh whisper at some times, while at other times it bursts into an angry and vicious growl. This change in tone is essential for this portrayal of The Batman, who we only get small glimpses of in action. The Batman is more a feral and stalking creature than superhero, filmed and played like the monster in the first “Alien” film. This is how The Batman was first conceived way back in the late 40’s, a terrifying and brutal creature of the night. Additionally, Batman is called “The Batman,” as I refer to him here, which is in fact the full name of the character. Adding the article before “Batman” provides a mystique and dangerous edge to the character, and I’m glad that the filmmakers made certain that our hero is called “The Batman” throughout the film.
The action in Batman Begins is exciting but not overly showy or pretentious. This movie is about characters and their struggles and triumphs, not ill-conceived set pieces that ultimately fall flat and reek of too much CGI fakeness and bombast. That said, know that you action lovers out there will be very satisfied with the intelligent and explosive action, which is well-paced throughout.
My only problems with the film will be slight to those of you who are not avid readers of The Batman’s comic book adventures. One of the elements often overlooked about the character is that he has a keen intellect to match his superb physical prowess. The Batman was, from day one, intended to succeed Sherlock Holmes as The World’s Greatest Detective. In my opinion, we should’ve seen Bruce Wayne learning the ways of detection alongside martial arts combat, and The Batman should’ve had to show the mettle of his brilliant mind in unraveling the wrongdoing of his enemies. The other problem I had was a minor one, concerning the weapon of the villain towards the end of the film. I felt that such a device was out of place in an otherwise realistic and gritty film, and feel it could’ve been replaced with the other predicament which befalls the good people of Gotham and their gallant protector. These are small complaints, however, and in no way detract from this film.
To sum up, I can’t recommend Batman Begins enough. There weren’t enough people in attendance at the showing I went to, but I think the early hour and the day contributed to the small numbers. So please, get out there this weekend and enjoy Batman Begins. The final moments of the film lay the foundation for a follow-up or two in a sequence ripped from one of the greatest Batman stories ever told. Let’s make sure we get to see that fantastic sequel in a few years. Thanks for listening and reading, Christopher Meaux, Ramblings
The Batman, finally portrayed on film as a terrifying creature of the night, shakes down corrupt cop Flass in an intense scene from Batman Begins.
The Master of Fear, The Scarecrow, one of the foes set to oppose The Dark Knight and destroy Gotham City in Batman Begins.
To access the audio review, click the icon above this entry, dated June 16th, 2005. Otherwise, read on!
I could talk for hours about this new beginning for the Batman film franchise, but much of what I'd talk about would be lost on those of you who aren't comic book fans. So this review is for you casual viewers, who like Batman well enough but have never touched or maybe even seen a Batman comic book.
I'm not a believer in spoiling films or books or stories of any kind, so feel safe to keep listening or reading. The only thing you need to know about the plot of Batman Begins is that it is the first live-action Batman film to actually make the characters of Bruce Wayne and The Batman the core focus of the narrative. This movie delivers exactly what it proclaims in its title: Batman Begins. We watch the tragic story of Bruce Wayne unfold, as he travels along a dark and brutal road to become The Batman, dark scourge of the unjust.
I'll say only two more things about this story and the tone of the film. The narrative and the look, feel, and tone of Batman Begins is serious and grounded in reality. Not a stylized or slightly-different reality that we might see around us if we just squint a little, but a dark, gritty, and yet vibrant world that is indeed ours. Gotham City in Batman Begins is in fact Chicago, with some digital enhancements. The Batman's outfit, gear, mode of operation, and even the Batmobile are all grounded solidly in believably authentic contexts. I won't spoil how and why that is, but let me just say that at no point did I ever scratch my head and say, "Now really, there's no way that could exist."
Finally, the story of Batman Begins is fascinating and engrossing. I honestly can't say that about any of the other Bat-films, which were entertaining in a farcical or fantastic sort of way. Screenwriter David Goyer and director Christopher Nolan have woven a story about living, breathing people, who we not only understand but care about. During one of the early scenes of the film, detailing the tragedy that befalls Bruce Wayne's parents, I found myself tearing up a bit at the plight of young Bruce. The story of this film is that well-written and human. This is not a movie about over-the-top or gaudy villains and their meaningless histrionics. Batman Begins is about Bruce Wayne's emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual journey to becoming The Batman. You will feel for him and for those close to him and even for those who are at odds with him.
Even though this film is centered on the story of Bruce Wayne and The Batman, there remains room for a brilliant and talented supporting cast. Liam Neeson brings wonderful life to Ducard, Bruce Wayne's mentor. Michael Caine finally plays an Alfred Pennyworth who has more to say and do than just ask obvious questions of the hero and fetch tea and sandwiches. Morgan Freeman shines as Wayne Enterprises employee Lucius Fox, who is instrumental in the birth of The Dark Knight.
For me, though, the real magic of Batman Begins was in Christian Bale's performance as Bruce Wayne and The Batman. For the first time on screen, Bruce Wayne is a complex and intriguing character. Bale brilliantly nuances the two Bruce Waynes, one the bored and laxadaisacal playboy fop, the other, the brilliant and driven young man in search of a means to fight injustice. As The Batman, Bale explodes with energy and might. His Batman voice is a harsh whisper at some times, while at other times it bursts into an angry and vicious growl. This change in tone is essential for this portrayal of The Batman, who we only get small glimpses of in action. The Batman is more a feral and stalking creature than superhero, filmed and played like the monster in the first “Alien” film. This is how The Batman was first conceived way back in the late 40’s, a terrifying and brutal creature of the night. Additionally, Batman is called “The Batman,” as I refer to him here, which is in fact the full name of the character. Adding the article before “Batman” provides a mystique and dangerous edge to the character, and I’m glad that the filmmakers made certain that our hero is called “The Batman” throughout the film.
The action in Batman Begins is exciting but not overly showy or pretentious. This movie is about characters and their struggles and triumphs, not ill-conceived set pieces that ultimately fall flat and reek of too much CGI fakeness and bombast. That said, know that you action lovers out there will be very satisfied with the intelligent and explosive action, which is well-paced throughout.
My only problems with the film will be slight to those of you who are not avid readers of The Batman’s comic book adventures. One of the elements often overlooked about the character is that he has a keen intellect to match his superb physical prowess. The Batman was, from day one, intended to succeed Sherlock Holmes as The World’s Greatest Detective. In my opinion, we should’ve seen Bruce Wayne learning the ways of detection alongside martial arts combat, and The Batman should’ve had to show the mettle of his brilliant mind in unraveling the wrongdoing of his enemies. The other problem I had was a minor one, concerning the weapon of the villain towards the end of the film. I felt that such a device was out of place in an otherwise realistic and gritty film, and feel it could’ve been replaced with the other predicament which befalls the good people of Gotham and their gallant protector. These are small complaints, however, and in no way detract from this film.
To sum up, I can’t recommend Batman Begins enough. There weren’t enough people in attendance at the showing I went to, but I think the early hour and the day contributed to the small numbers. So please, get out there this weekend and enjoy Batman Begins. The final moments of the film lay the foundation for a follow-up or two in a sequence ripped from one of the greatest Batman stories ever told. Let’s make sure we get to see that fantastic sequel in a few years. Thanks for listening and reading, Christopher Meaux, Ramblings
The Batman, finally portrayed on film as a terrifying creature of the night, shakes down corrupt cop Flass in an intense scene from Batman Begins.
The Master of Fear, The Scarecrow, one of the foes set to oppose The Dark Knight and destroy Gotham City in Batman Begins.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Why You Should Watch Yet Another Batman Movie
The Batman, or has he's more commonly known, just "Batman." The Dark Knight Detective. The Caped Crusader. Beloved since the Spring of 1939. Yeah, that's right. He's been around for almost seventy years. In countless incarnations through the decades, we've all come to know something about this enduring character. Billionaire Bruce Wayne, who watches, powerless, as a two-bit thug guns down his parents in cold blood, uses the dark fury, rage, and brokenness within himself to fuel a personal crusade that leads him across the world to discover a means of fighting the very evil that took his parents. At that journey's end is the discovery of a means to fight injustice and the birth of The Batman.
Thus, it's the journey from orphaned and devastated boy to Dark Knight that makes the newest Batman film worth seeing. By now, you've seen or heard something of this new film, entitled Batman Begins. And indeed, he does begin. This film, which many are labeling the "fifth" Batman movie, has absolutely NOTHING to do with the previous films, except, of course, The Batman and those familiar parts of his world that make their way into any incarnation of the character.
Thus, this is not a prequel, as the latest Star Wars films. It is a bona fide "reboot," as we say in the genre. It's a restart of the Batman film mythos. And as such, I believe it will succeed as no other Batman film--or superhero film, for that matter--has before. Batman Begins, unlike its predecessors, is grounded in reality as much as possible. I'm sure you all remember the previous Batman films. The old series, which is now quite dated and hard to re-watch, began with 1989's Batman, starring Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson. The movie really should have been called "Joker," because Nicholson's ego demanded that The Joker outshine the guy they happened to name the film after. Though Batman '89 was, at the time of its release and for a time after, considered by most fans to be a good Batman movie, it was still never seen as a great Batman movie. The three sequels that followed sucked what goodness the first film had (and it wasn't that much) and destroyed the franchise. Batman Returns was dark for the sake of being dark and yet again made Batman a supporting cast member in his own world. Batman Forever was a little better, but yet again, even new Batman Val Kilmer couldn't make the character interesting enough to take center stage. Jack Nicholson II, a.k.a., Jim Carrey, stole the show in Forever with his over-the-top and now cringe-worthy performance as The Riddler.
Of course, the greatest insult to the legacy of The Batman was 1997's Batman and Robin. Folks, I've been a comic book reader all my life, and for almost all of that time, The Batman has been one of if not my favorite character. I never thought I'd walk out of a Batman movie. But in the middle of Batman and Robin, I had to. It was tough love. Had I realized the horror awaiting me, I'd have never even contributed to this travesty's box office with my cash. From George Clooney's bobble-head Batman, replete with Bat-credit card and Bat-ice skates, to Arnold Schwarzenneger's horrible one-liners and Alicia Silverstone's extremely annoying Batgirl, this film is worse than the contents of a pumped stomach after a visit to a Chinese buffet. If anyone tells you this film isn't that bad, they're quite right. It's unbelievably, almost impossibly, worse. We comic book and comic book movie fans continue to this day to refer to really bad comic-to-screen adaptations as "yet another Batman and Robin." Highly overrated Halle Berry's Catwoman is a more recent version of Batman and Robin, a comic book movie that says, "ah, screw the comic book. We just want to use the name".
Seriously, folks, it's because of Batman and Robin that we've gone almost a decade without a new Batman film. And that's just not right, because we're talking about The Batman here. He's extremely cool. Anyone of us could be a Batman or Batwoman. That's the allure of the character. Any of us could fall prey to great tragedy and decide to mold ourselves into something and someone new in the aftermath of loss. So, there's absolutely no reason why the Batman film franchise had to the way of Batman and Robin. Thankfully, tomorrow marks the release of Batman Begins. But why should you really care? Even if you aren't a Bat-purist like myself, you have to be alive and somewhat intelligent to be reading this. Thus, you had to be aware of the horror unfolding before you in "Batman and Robin." After watching that, you probably decided "Hey, I'm not a comic geek, so I don't really care about Batman beyond watching a movie anyway. And this movie stunk. So I don't care about Batman anymore."
I honestly don't blame you. But let me assure you, as a man who spends hours a day reading reports of the production and development of genre and comic book films, Batman Begins is worth your precious time and hard-earned coin. Let me just toss out some of the cast to you. Liam Neeson. Morgan Freeman. Gary Oldman. Three of the greatest dramatic actors of the last twenty years. And they're in a Batman movie. And they play it as straight as "Rob Roy," Se7en," and "Immortal Beloved," respectively. Add to that Ken Watanabe, (pronounced "wah-TAH-nah-be"), who many of you remember from his breakout role as Katsumoto from "The Last Samurai," who plays Ra's Al Ghul, one of the truly great if not popularly-known Batman comic villains, and Michael Caine as loyal butler and surrogate father Alfred Pennyworth, and you have an amazingly rich cast for a "comic book movie."
The real star of Batman Begins, however, is Christian Bale. He's been in a few small movies, like "American Psycho," Equilibrium," and "Reign of Fire." He's best known to horror and thriller fans because of "American Psycho." What's best about Bale is that he finally gives us The Batman we've never had. He's young, buff, and is an amazingly talented actor. His performance is critical to this film, which has sought since day one to make The Batman THE main character of the film. Who'd have thunk it, huh? Batman being the star of a movie with "Batman" in the title. But Christopher Nolan, who directed the excellent and ground-breaking "Memento" and the brilliant "Insomnia," starring Al Pacino and Robin Williams, didn't want to make a Batman film unless he could make one that made the audience care more about Batman than any other character. Screenwriter David Goyer, who wrote the popular "Blade" films, wrote the screenplay for Batman Begins and had the same goal in mind. Thus, we get a Batman movie that will give more screen and story time to the development of the Bruce Wayne character, and to the birth of The Batman. And as you'll see when I discuss this more in depth in tomorrow's review, this Batman is rooted in reality. The Bat-suit, gear, and the Batmobile itself don't just appear out of nowhere as mere plot devices. We'll see their origin and purpose, and learn where and how Bruce Wayne found these improbable machines and gadgets and re-tooled them for his crime-fighting purposes.
As mentioned previously, I will be viewing the first showing of Batman Begins here in Lafayette. I'll be writing a spoiler-free review for anyone interested in reading it. Thanks for reading. Meauxses
The new Batmobile, which in Batman Begins is a military vehicle "customized" by Bruce Wayne in his struggle against injustice as The Batman.
My favorite of the slew of Batman Begins posters. Batman Begins re-starts the Batman film franchise and opens tomorrow, June 15th, 2005.
Thus, it's the journey from orphaned and devastated boy to Dark Knight that makes the newest Batman film worth seeing. By now, you've seen or heard something of this new film, entitled Batman Begins. And indeed, he does begin. This film, which many are labeling the "fifth" Batman movie, has absolutely NOTHING to do with the previous films, except, of course, The Batman and those familiar parts of his world that make their way into any incarnation of the character.
Thus, this is not a prequel, as the latest Star Wars films. It is a bona fide "reboot," as we say in the genre. It's a restart of the Batman film mythos. And as such, I believe it will succeed as no other Batman film--or superhero film, for that matter--has before. Batman Begins, unlike its predecessors, is grounded in reality as much as possible. I'm sure you all remember the previous Batman films. The old series, which is now quite dated and hard to re-watch, began with 1989's Batman, starring Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson. The movie really should have been called "Joker," because Nicholson's ego demanded that The Joker outshine the guy they happened to name the film after. Though Batman '89 was, at the time of its release and for a time after, considered by most fans to be a good Batman movie, it was still never seen as a great Batman movie. The three sequels that followed sucked what goodness the first film had (and it wasn't that much) and destroyed the franchise. Batman Returns was dark for the sake of being dark and yet again made Batman a supporting cast member in his own world. Batman Forever was a little better, but yet again, even new Batman Val Kilmer couldn't make the character interesting enough to take center stage. Jack Nicholson II, a.k.a., Jim Carrey, stole the show in Forever with his over-the-top and now cringe-worthy performance as The Riddler.
Of course, the greatest insult to the legacy of The Batman was 1997's Batman and Robin. Folks, I've been a comic book reader all my life, and for almost all of that time, The Batman has been one of if not my favorite character. I never thought I'd walk out of a Batman movie. But in the middle of Batman and Robin, I had to. It was tough love. Had I realized the horror awaiting me, I'd have never even contributed to this travesty's box office with my cash. From George Clooney's bobble-head Batman, replete with Bat-credit card and Bat-ice skates, to Arnold Schwarzenneger's horrible one-liners and Alicia Silverstone's extremely annoying Batgirl, this film is worse than the contents of a pumped stomach after a visit to a Chinese buffet. If anyone tells you this film isn't that bad, they're quite right. It's unbelievably, almost impossibly, worse. We comic book and comic book movie fans continue to this day to refer to really bad comic-to-screen adaptations as "yet another Batman and Robin." Highly overrated Halle Berry's Catwoman is a more recent version of Batman and Robin, a comic book movie that says, "ah, screw the comic book. We just want to use the name".
Seriously, folks, it's because of Batman and Robin that we've gone almost a decade without a new Batman film. And that's just not right, because we're talking about The Batman here. He's extremely cool. Anyone of us could be a Batman or Batwoman. That's the allure of the character. Any of us could fall prey to great tragedy and decide to mold ourselves into something and someone new in the aftermath of loss. So, there's absolutely no reason why the Batman film franchise had to the way of Batman and Robin. Thankfully, tomorrow marks the release of Batman Begins. But why should you really care? Even if you aren't a Bat-purist like myself, you have to be alive and somewhat intelligent to be reading this. Thus, you had to be aware of the horror unfolding before you in "Batman and Robin." After watching that, you probably decided "Hey, I'm not a comic geek, so I don't really care about Batman beyond watching a movie anyway. And this movie stunk. So I don't care about Batman anymore."
I honestly don't blame you. But let me assure you, as a man who spends hours a day reading reports of the production and development of genre and comic book films, Batman Begins is worth your precious time and hard-earned coin. Let me just toss out some of the cast to you. Liam Neeson. Morgan Freeman. Gary Oldman. Three of the greatest dramatic actors of the last twenty years. And they're in a Batman movie. And they play it as straight as "Rob Roy," Se7en," and "Immortal Beloved," respectively. Add to that Ken Watanabe, (pronounced "wah-TAH-nah-be"), who many of you remember from his breakout role as Katsumoto from "The Last Samurai," who plays Ra's Al Ghul, one of the truly great if not popularly-known Batman comic villains, and Michael Caine as loyal butler and surrogate father Alfred Pennyworth, and you have an amazingly rich cast for a "comic book movie."
The real star of Batman Begins, however, is Christian Bale. He's been in a few small movies, like "American Psycho," Equilibrium," and "Reign of Fire." He's best known to horror and thriller fans because of "American Psycho." What's best about Bale is that he finally gives us The Batman we've never had. He's young, buff, and is an amazingly talented actor. His performance is critical to this film, which has sought since day one to make The Batman THE main character of the film. Who'd have thunk it, huh? Batman being the star of a movie with "Batman" in the title. But Christopher Nolan, who directed the excellent and ground-breaking "Memento" and the brilliant "Insomnia," starring Al Pacino and Robin Williams, didn't want to make a Batman film unless he could make one that made the audience care more about Batman than any other character. Screenwriter David Goyer, who wrote the popular "Blade" films, wrote the screenplay for Batman Begins and had the same goal in mind. Thus, we get a Batman movie that will give more screen and story time to the development of the Bruce Wayne character, and to the birth of The Batman. And as you'll see when I discuss this more in depth in tomorrow's review, this Batman is rooted in reality. The Bat-suit, gear, and the Batmobile itself don't just appear out of nowhere as mere plot devices. We'll see their origin and purpose, and learn where and how Bruce Wayne found these improbable machines and gadgets and re-tooled them for his crime-fighting purposes.
As mentioned previously, I will be viewing the first showing of Batman Begins here in Lafayette. I'll be writing a spoiler-free review for anyone interested in reading it. Thanks for reading. Meauxses
The new Batmobile, which in Batman Begins is a military vehicle "customized" by Bruce Wayne in his struggle against injustice as The Batman.
My favorite of the slew of Batman Begins posters. Batman Begins re-starts the Batman film franchise and opens tomorrow, June 15th, 2005.
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