The prequel to the Warner Bros/DC Comics' Batman franchise. After the death of his parents, a young Bruce Wayne becomes obsessed with revenge. He is eventually trained by a mysterious and deadly group hidden in the hills of Asia where he learns to fight and master his anger.

Much less the carnival that the latter Batman movies had become. This is a darker, more realistic approach to the character. And it is a welcomed change.

Many complained of a slow begining to this film. Since the whole movie is exposition to the other Batman films, it is not unexpected that Batman Begins has much exposition to churn out on its own.

As Batman, Bale plays both sides of the alter-ego well. He was a wise choice even if he lacked the name-power of some bigger stars.

The main villain here is Scarecrow, played by Cillian Murphy. He is a capable actor but I wasn't really buying him in the role. He wasn't menacing enough and with all the back story being given to the Caped Crusader, there was none for Scarecrow.

I still haven't made up my mind about Katie Holmes. Sure she's ultra cute and was passable in her role as Rachel, Bruce's childhood friend. But she lacked any real fire and emotion to add significantly to the film.

I did like the rest of the supporting cast. With names like Oldman, Freeman, Neeson and Wilkinson this is not a surprise.

Christopher Nolan did himself a real service with his direction as well. He has made the jump from art house master to an effective main stream director. He has effectively saved this franchise.

Directed by Christopher Nolan.