Batman Begins - Now with trailery goodness

[Shawn]

http://batmanbegins.warnerbros.com/batphoto.html

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/3409/batmanew.jpg

Suit looks a bit bulky. But like the batmobile, I'm willing to wait until I see it in action. I like Christian Bale a lot, and have faith in him doing the character justice.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

humina humina humina

Looking good so far. :) I can't tell if it's bulky or not, too much cape cloaking him.

[Yog]

Now this is more back to the original Batman movie look (which I like). The 2 previous movies were too cartoonie for me.

[Jedi Master Carr]

This looks cool, I liked the third one though that had more to do with the cast, you can't go wrong too much with Jim Carrey and Tommy Lee Jones in there, problem with it is the villians stole the whole movie in that one. I think this one will be the best Batman movie of them all however.

[ReaperFett]

Hate the Batmobile, HATE it. But otherwise, all looks good :)

[Gurney Devries]

Originally posted by ReaperFett
Hate the Batmobile, HATE it. But otherwise, all looks good :) Have you read the Dark Knight Returns? It's strikingly similar to the batmobile in that series. Also (very minor spoiler), from my understanding, his suit and batmobile were both made from military surplus. So it kind of makes sense.

[ReaperFett]

I flicked through it :)

I think that spoilery info would soften the blow if true, as they'd probably have a different one in the future.



I'm hoping this feels more like the comics Batman than anything else. I like/love the first three Batmans, but they never felt like the comics (The Burton ones felt like Tim Burton's Batman, not Batman).

[JMK]

Did they swap the images? I don't see the one of the Batmobile...:huh

[Jedi Master Carr]

If you go to the main website there is one there.

[Dasquian Belargic]

What happened to the Batmobile? It looks... :x

[Gurney Devries]

http://www.geocities.com/spencerl984/miller.html - for comparison

[Marcus Telcontar]

Originally posted by Dasquian Belargic
What happened to the Batmobile? It looks... :x

Had a look - different, but no real problems there. After all, if you look into the history of the Batmobiles (as linked above), there really is no fixed look. IMO, it looks interesting

[(Alex) Jacen]

Looked at that comparison thing...they should have the Teen Titans Batmobile...Batman has a Merc!!

[jjwr]

Very nice so far, I don't see how you could call that bulky, Bale isn't exactly huge and cloaked in night and wrapped in his cape its awefully tough to get many details out of him.

Batman 1 was great, that was a very good retelling of Batman, its hard to say its not the "Comic" Batman as he's been taken so many different ways by so many different creators. You could argue that Batman 3 & 4 were the Comic Batman as he had some incredibly silly runs in the series that match up with those movies.

When most serious fans say its not like the comic its in reference to Dark Knight Returns or other Frank Miller Works(Year 1, 2, etc).

Which begs the question....why not have Miller work on the script?

[JMK]

Oh yeah, there's the Batmobile, pretty different that the usual fare. I'm not thrilled with the look of it, but I'll wait until I see what it can do before passing final judgement.

[Shawn]

Originally posted by jjwr
Very nice so far, I don't see how you could call that bulky,See if this helps:

http://www.sw-fans.net/forum/attachment.php?s=&postid=656185

[jjwr]

Ah I see what your saying, it was showing up really dark on my monitor and it all lookedl ike cape.

His arm pads and chest do look a bit on the bulky side.....

[Dasquian Belargic]

His upper-arms look huge!

[J'ktal Anajii]

No, he should not use ANYTHING that is inspired by the insipid piece of crap that is Teen Titans.

I am looking forward to this Batman, as it really seems like a good mive so far. I mean, they aren't tring to be silly or hokey, but serious about what they're doing. If changing the Batmobile is what it takes, I say go for it.

And, I KNEW someone was using Cyclops, but I forgot it was jjwr.

[Droo]

Originally posted by J'ktal Anajii

I am looking forward to this Batman, as it really seems like a good mive so far. I mean, they aren't tring to be silly or hokey, but serious about what they're doing. If changing the Batmobile is what it takes, I say go for it.


I share the same sentiments however don't you go dissing Teen Titans - I like it. :mneh

[jjwr]

Cyclops Rules! He's always been my favorite X-Man :)

Batman can look as cool as all heck but the Villians have to be right, thats one thing the series has had(with the exceptin of the last one) was great villians. Batman has a ton of them.

[JMK]

http://www.ugo.com/channels/filmTv/exclusive/player.asp?articleID=11829

Video of the Batmobile. Personally I think it looks like something out of junkyard wars, but I'm still going to wait to see what it can do.

And if my eyes weren't deceiving me Racing slicks in the front and giant knobby tires in the back???:huh

[ReaperFett]

It's Frank Miller-esque, but I'm not a fan yet.


New BATMAN pictures:

http://www.aintitcool.com/image/bbc.jpg

http://www.aintitcool.com/image/bbc2.jpg

[Rutabaga]

Oy, Reaper, maybe it's just me, but that first picture you posted the link to...isn't Batman's "wingspan" just a little too over-the-top? Wow.

All in all, though, I can't help but be worried about this movie...WB has had such a history of screwing up DC comics characters that I fear the same thing will happen here. Especially with what a piece of poodoo Catwoman sure looks to be. It would be nice if Batman Begins ends up changing the track record, but I'm not gonna hold my breath, at least for now.

[General Dan]

1. This doesn't have Halle Berry in it.

2. It seems to have everything else that's cool in it.

3. It doesn't seem to be that happy & sugary crap that made Batman & Robin. It actually seems to be a throwback to the Burton sagas.

4. IT DOESN'T HAVE HALLE BERRY IN IT.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Well its by a better director and has a better cast so I think it will work out, I think it looks way better than any of the batman films we have had so far.

[General Dan]

The original Batman is miles above the competition. Batman Returns in itself is miles ahead of the last two.

[Peter McCoy]

They say he can't be killed! They say he drinks blood! They say...

[jjwr]

Looking good so far, as for the huge wingspan, the comics always made the cape look huge when he was swinging around, added a nice aura to him, though it would mysteriously shrink again once he was on foot :)

[ReaperFett]

More:

http://saint.symptomx.org/batnews4.jpg - Liam Neeson.

http://saint.symptomx.org/batnews3.jpg - This one just screamed out Boondock Saints. "Charlie Bronson always had rope" :D

[Droo]

Bale really will pull this off I think, he looks perfect for the role. I don't like the sword on his back for some reason, seems out of place in a Batman film.

[Charley]

Batman is the master of expensive toys. If one of those toys happens to be a sword, so be it :cool

Personally, I always wished he used more guns anyway.

[Mu Satach]

Originally posted by Dru
I don't like the sword on his back for some reason, seems out of place in a Batman film.

Before he was Batsy he was Bruce getting martial arts lessons.

[Jedieb]

Finally, WB is taking Batman seriously again. The last 2 Batman films were celebrations of the Adam West TV series. When Cooney whipped out the BatCredit Card I almost cried. Schmuck-aker should have been shot on site. Now, if only I could get a Superman movie where Doomsday tears the Justice League a new one and then "kills" Superman in a final showdown. There's a cliffhanger I'd love to see. But no, we'll probably get something with Superman and Krypto battling Brainiac and some evil cyborg cats.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Actually I would love to see hm battle Brainaic if they do him right. I would love to see Superman vs Darkside but I am not sure if it is possible on film.

[ReaperFett]

Jim Gordon
http://batmanbegins.warnerbros.com/img/02.jpg

Alfred
http://batmanbegins.warnerbros.com/img/03.jpg

Ducard
http://batmanbegins.warnerbros.com/img/04.jpg

Lucius Fox
http://batmanbegins.warnerbros.com/img/01.jpg

[Droo]

Already, I love the look of this film. Could it be that this Batman is more character orienated than campinated? Yay!

[Sarr Koon]

Ugh, I'm not liking the look of the batmobile either. That thing is just plain ugly...

[Lilaena De'Ville]

I am still v. excited about this movie. :D Is there going to be a Robin? I'm assuming not, but hadn't heard.

[Shawn]

http://media.filmforce.ign.com/media/498/498571/img_2240208.html

Here's a few more pics of the Batmobile. These really give you a sense of scale; It's a whole lot smaller than the earlier pictures implied.

[JMK]

You're right, it isn't quite as large as I thought it was in previous pictures, but I'm still not a big fan of it yet...

[The Man in Black]

I like the Batmobile. Its less bling, more practical.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I figure its his first one so it is going to be more pratical and smaller. So far this movie is looking awesome, IMO.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

You have to be able to imagine that it takes a bit of time to refine the design for the Batmobile.

That looks like an armored car, so it's great.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Yeah that is what I am thinking he is just starting as Batman so this works for me.

[Shawn]

And right on the heels of that: The teaser trailer is online. http://batmanbegins.warnerbros.com/cmp/teaser.html?id=teaser&settings=true

[Jedi Master Carr]

Cool nice teaser doesn't show you much but you get a good idea where it is going.

[ReaperFett]

Doesn't show enough to get me any more hyped (I'm looking forward to it) really, as all it gave was Brooding Bale, something I've already seen and know he can do.


Full costume can be seen at http://www.chud.com/news/july04/jul27bat.php3 in a nice and clear picture.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I like the batman suit its very cool. I didn't expect much from the teaser so it worked for me, I loved his line at the end though :)

[Lilaena De'Ville]

What, no nipples!?

:p

[Dasquian Belargic]

The teaser is... unusual. Not what I expected.

[Mu Satach]

Jim Gordon
*slurp*
(gawd... never thought I'd say that)

Love the teaser.
:D

I actually like the batmobile... I've never been too crazy about the previous one's (course I absolutely hate the corvette stingray body design which it was patterned after so that might have something to do with it.) It's a nice change for me. :)

[AmazonBabe]

*:cry on Jen's shoulder*

They made the Batmobile look ugly! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

*sniff*

I'll definitely go see it when it comes out, but I'm not feeling all excited about it like I did the others. Meh. Must be me.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I think it will be the best batman movie so far. I think that is because they are actually going to concentrate on Batman/bruce Wayne. Biggest problems with the other films is the villains were the real stars. If it weren't for Nicholson, Pfeffer, and Carrey the first three films wouldn't have worked at all, IMO. This movie has a better cast, and looks like it will do a better job with Batman himself while still doing a good job with the villains, I can't wait to see the Scarecrow, he is one of my faves.

[Alex]

Originally posted by AmazonBabe
*:cry on Jen's shoulder*

They made the Batmobile look BUTT ugly! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

*sniff*

I'll definitely go see it when it comes out, but I'm not feeling all excited about it like I did the others. Meh. Must be me.

Agree with ya there, AB. :(


Edit:

*just watched the spoiler* :| coooooool!

That line at the end just rocks. Its so...Batman.

And my brain has only started working. I like Bale. He was in Equilibrium, wasn't he? Great choice for the part.

If I'm extrapolating on the concept properly, it should be pretty cool. And I like the suit...it looks like some of the toys I have around somewhere. :)

[Sanis Prent]

Originally posted by AmazonBabe
*:cry on Jen's shoulder*

They made the Batmobile look ugly! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

*sniff*

I'll definitely go see it when it comes out, but I'm not feeling all excited about it like I did the others. Meh. Must be me.

So says the person with the avatar from the crappiest Batman movie of all.

[Jedi Master Carr]

LOL no comment, actually her avatar (poison Ivy) was the best thing about the movie. They got her right just messed the rest up.

[AmazonBabe]

The only reason I love the other Batman films is because of the villains. I just love the bad guys. (Oh yeah, and the Batmobile. I just LOVE that car!!) :D ^_^;

[Alex]

You have to admit that the original Batmobile was the coolest. The whole armour thing was just cool. And it looked cool...not like a Robot Wars reject. The original Batmobile had style...which this one lacks. But then, the original is the only one that I had a toy of, so that could be why...

[Charley]

Originally posted by Alex
You have to admit that the original Batmobile was the coolest. The whole armour thing was just cool. And it looked cool...not like a Robot Wars reject. The original Batmobile had style...which this one lacks. But then, the original is the only one that I had a toy of, so that could be why...

I like the style of the new batmobile, actually.

[JMK]

I think I'll like the Batmobile if it does what it looks like it's meant for - running over things, ramming into things and basically just making a complete mess of the scenery.

[Alex]

I guess its an OK car...it just doesn't look like a Batmobile to me. The suit looks like it leads up to the original Batman one...but the car doesn't. I'd just like it to look a little more like the others...so it fits in. I guess, as JMK says, I'll like it when it starts smashing things to pieces. But I know its not the Batmobile I want in my garage.

[Shawn]

Low Quality trailer (http://sa.nextwish.org/Video/batmanbegins.avi)

[Jedi Master Carr]

Great footage too bad there isn't any sound with it. Hopefully WB will post one real soon.

[Shawn]

There is sound. DefilerPak (http://hellninjacommando.com/defilerpak/)

[Jedi Master Carr]

there is also this
mms://ondemand.mymovies.net/filmmedia/film/fid800/trailers/trid1592/wm/bb.asf

the trailer looks great :) I love the end when the crook screams where are you and Batman whispers here I still want to see footage of Alfred and Gordon although I bet that will happen in the third and final trailer.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

blarg I get sound but no picture!! *hits winamp a few times*

[Jedi Master Carr]

hmm that sucks not sure what is wrong with it.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

blaaaarg now I'm trying VLC media player and it's not doing ANYthing.

edit: media player played it. ^_^; I love it!!! :D

[Shawn]

WB has released a high quality version of the same teaser. You can get it here: http://pdl.warnerbros.com/wbmovies/batmanbegins/trailer/trailer_hi/trailer_a.mov

[Darth McBain]

Looks pretty good - hopefully there will be a good backstory as to some more of the origins of Batman, which from the scenes with Neeson, looks like there will be. Until the movies, I was only a mild Batman fan - watched the show, read just a couple of the comics - I actually don't know much of anything about Scarecrow, so I'm interested in this as I don't know much about the villian...

[Shawn]

Scarecrow will play a fairly minor part in the movie. And yes, there's lots of backstory.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I am hoping they are setting up the Scarecrow for the Sequel. I am curious what kind of part Morgan Freeman is playing.

[Jedi Master Carr]

New trailer out it was on the Super Bowl for those who missed it

http://www.superherohype.com/news/batmannews.php?id=2552

I loved it great 30 second spot. Great shots of Batman and a glimse of the Scarecrow. Even see the Batmobile and Alfred finally. I love the dialogue between Freeman and Bale at the end :)

[Gav Mortis]

I loved it. I am really reeaally looking forward to this film. It has all the ingredients to be great. :D

[Darth McBain]

Looks good. Yeah, that last line with Freeman and Bale was cool!!! :)

[Jedi Master Carr]

I also thought it was the best of the movie trailers for the football game. It also came on at like the perfect moment with the Patriots driving at the end of the first half.

[Jedi Master Carr]

A trailer debuted in front of TRL here is one link to it

http://s41.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=3366SWFRKAM1R0X8Z2SBTNKFKZ

No idea how long it will remain up although I am sure new links will pop up.

[Loki Ahmrah]

http://www.warnerbros.co.uk/batmanbegins/video.html

Click here and select the third video along. Select a high quality version. Just check it out and see what I mean. I got goosebumps. :cool

[Jedieb]

Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine, damn that's great casting. Everything I've seen tells me they've abandoned the crap that is 'camp.' Burn in hell Schumacker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :shootin

[Navaria Tarkin]

so.. shiny.... June can't get here soon enough. I'm actually on vacation the week it opens :cool so happy!

[Darth McBain]

Looks really good. I loved Liam Neeson's line - 'Your anger gives you great power'. Sound familiar???

[Jedi Master Carr]

I like that trailer very much, got a cool look of the Scarecrow in it.

[Jedieb]

Originally posted by Darth McBain
Looks really good. I loved Liam Neeson's line - 'Your anger gives you great power'. Sound familiar???

Qui-Gon should know better!!!!!!!!

[Loki Ahmrah]

Liam Neeson's lines make that trailer for me. My favourite of which is:

"If you make yourself more than just a man... and if they can't stop you... then you become something else entirely. A legend, Mr. Wayne... a legend." :D

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Anyone seen this yet? We're probably going tonight.

[JMK]

My girlfriend is a batman freak, she HAD to work late last night and was really disappointed that we couldn't hit the midnight showing. We will go some other time this week for sure.

[Phantom]

Well I'm off to see it. yay!

I'm really looking forward to it, 'bout time DC got back into the game. I'll give you all my report when I return.

Edit: I have returned and let me be the first to say that this movie was incredible, easily the best movie I've seen in some time. I mean wow, this movie awesome, infact I'll probably see it again this weekend. Bale was flawless as was Neeson. Nolan hit gold with this one. And Lotus, the Batmobile wasn't that bad actually, sure its very different from the comics and the previous four movies, but it was cool.

Well, theres my report. lol.

[Baralai Lotus]

I LOVE BATMAN!!! I'VE BEEN NERDING OUT OVER THIS MOVIE ALL FREAKING WEEK! I cannot wait to see this thing tonight. I've pre-ordered the game, bought the soundtrack. . .OH EM GEE ladies and gents. . .I can't wait. I simply cannot wait. It's gonna be so great. . .reviews are saying it's better than the first one. I can't wait to see Scarecrow. . .who appears to be the main villain with Ras Al Ghul as more of a side villain. I just can't wait. . .simply can't wait. . .Beleive me when I say that I will gasm all over this movie. I'm going to remember every freaking line. . .BATMAN BABY!!!!! I am a Batman nerd BTW, in case you couldn't tell. . .I swore to myself that if I ever had enough money, that I would have a batmobile from the first two movies made for me, and I will. But yes, the new Batmobile is my only dislike with this movie. . .the rest of it. . .OH EM GEE once again.

[Droo]

I will be seeing this tomorrow and I really cannot wait.

[Estelle Russard]

I saw it today and have to say I really, really liked it.

Best Batman movie by far.

(Mind you - I didnt care for any of the other previous ones much. Michelle Pfieffers performance as Cat woman and Uma's as Poison Ivy excepted)

[Baralai Lotus]

"Better than the first. . .Bale is a better Batman and Bruce Wayne," raves critic Baralai Lotus. Dare I say it. . .but in my opinion, even though I fear being hailed with rocks and feces. . .I thought it better than Episode III.

[Clive Solo]

I just got back from seeing it........amazing.

Indeed the best Batman movie by a long shot. Bale is outstanding and the whole movie has a darker, more realistic feel.

I loved it.

[Drake Shadowstalker]

Batman Begins blew me away. I'll admit that i was not very impressed by what i saw from the trailer. but i came out of the theatre with a great sense of satisfaction knowing that this is by far the greatest Batman movie to date. and i can only hope there are more to follow with Christian Bale reprising his role as Batman. a remake of the original with the Joker would completely rock.

[Baralai Lotus]

You cannot remake the original. . .no one can play the Joker like Nicholson. Now then, another one with Scarecrow. . .yea buddy, we're good to go.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Drake - if they continue as they are, there will be no remakes of the original movies. Simply, other movies that completely disregard what has come before.

And the Batman franchise will be the better for it. (Bale is the only one signed for a sequel, although I do believe Caine is also signed for another movie. Oldman said he'd be back if offered.)

Batman Begins is by far the best Batman movie yet made. It is fantastic.

[Clive Solo]

Originally posted by Baralai Lotus
no one can play the Joker like Nicholson.


Exactly.

I wish we could have seen him with Bale instead of Keaton though.

[JMK]

It's too bad really. What's a Batman series without the Joker? I wouldn't want to see anyone try to pull of the Joker, they have no chance of being better than Jack. Then again, it's not a Batman series until the Joker makes an appearance. ;)

[Drake Shadowstalker]

Originally posted by Baralai Lotus
You cannot remake the original. . .no one can play the Joker like Nicholson. Now then, another one with Scarecrow. . .yea buddy, we're good to go.

scarecrow was such a freaking wuss though.

[Baralai Lotus]

SCARECROW WAS NO WUSS!!! If you look at Scarecrow in the comics and the animated series, he was never a fighter. He had other people beat the crap out of Batman or used his fear against him. Scarecrow can't really take a hit, being as tall and lanky as he is. But, he was more of the one to play with his opponent. He's not a wuss, he's a freaking genius, and a damn scary one. Gillian Crawford hit him right on the head.

"Have I ever shown you. . .my mask?"

[Jedi Master Carr]

I saw it today and I loved it, best Batman movie by far, heck I go as far as say best superhero movie. I loved the performances by Caine and Freeman, they both did great jobs and of course Bale was amazing as Batman and I enjoyed Oldman as Gordon. As for the villians I liked the Scarecrow especially the fear gas scenes those were very creepy. Neeson being Ghul was a neat plot twist, it made complete sense since of what we saw of the character in the beginning. Of course he could still be alive as we all know he is immortal ;) Not sure if they would attempt to bring him back though. As for the Joker he will be in the next one I guarentee it the way you do him is just different from Nicholson heck I would make it more homicidal. The Joker in the comics was a monster. I never got that from the Nicholson version. Also would like to see Two-Face redone as he wasn't done right at all in Batman Forever.

[Baralai Lotus]

Joker was homicidal, and Nicholson portrayed that well. Joking with those people at the parade before he killed them. . .that's a joker move. But if you know the comics, the best Joker killing blow was when he killed Jason Todd(second Robin), with a crowbar.

[Jedi Master Carr]

To me his more horrible moment was what he did to Barbara gordon now that was terrible. You have to make Joker different it might depend with the actor though.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

To do another Joker, and it looks like he'll be in the next movie, if the foreshadowing is correct at the end of Begins, you would have to make sure you weren't trying to be Jack Nicholson as Joker. The actor would have to do his own take on the Joker, and although it would be different from Jack's portrayal, I don't know that it couldn't be as good.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I agree I think it can be good it just have to be different from Jack. I really can't think of any actors to pick though, the only name that has come to my mind is Jude Law, but I am not sure if he would work. For Dent I am hoping they go with Guy Pierce he can play that character really well, IMO.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Johnny Depp plays a lot of interesting, eccentric characters.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I hadn't thought about him, he could pull it off. Also Anybody else think Ra's is still alive? In the comic he has been blown up several times, once on a space station and every time he comes back the same. Part of this is the mysterious Lazerus pits which weren't mentioned but since they exist in the comics could exist in the film universe. I could see them bring him back along with his daughter Talia of course I am not sure if they will

[Clive Solo]

Ohh I could defiantly see him as the Joker.

In fact, a lot of critics claim him to the be the Jack Nicholson of our times.

I’m sure he could come up with a strange eccentric way to bring him to life.

[Phantom]

Anybody else think Ra's is still alive?

Oh yeah, Ra's is most defiantly alive. He can't die, he's immortal. The Lazarus pit he found made him as such. Ra's has always been an intriguing character to me, with Batman's personal notes he brought the JLA to its knees, nearly killing every member. One of the cooler story archs.

[ReaperFett]

If you want to know the plans for the sequels...


Writer David Goyer talks about possible sequels and says (spoilers ahead), "The next one would have Batman enlisting the aid of Gordon and [Harvey] Dent [aka Two-Face] in bringing down the Joker... but not killing him, which is a mistake they made in the first one." The article then says that "In the third, the Joker would go on trial, scarring Dent in the process."

[Liam Jinn]

I think William Dafoe could probably pull off the Joker..

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Originally posted by ReaperFett
If you want to know the plans for the sequels...

Fantastic news! :D

And I think casting Dafoe as the Joker would be a huge mistake, as he's already the "Green Goblin" from Spiderman.

I still think Johnny Depp would make an interesting Joker. IF he'd do it.

[Jedi Master Carr]

He might not do it. A wierd rumor has Mark Hamil playing the Joker. I think he has the voice dead on, his version of the Joker is way better than Jack's however, I am not sure if he fits physically.

[Estelle Russard]

Mark Hamil voice acting the joker is awesome. I'd be very interested to see him perform it in a movie. The man has potential.

[Droo]

This film was incredible! And I'm not even remotely suprised, to tell the truth.

Christian Bale is easily the best Batman and Bruce Wayne. At last, Batman is scary in a film. Bruce Wayne is delightfully quirky and haunted. They made the character humanly approachable for once, rather than some intangible force of nature. Anyway...

The biggest revelation in this film for me was Michael Caine as Alfred. I loved every moment onscreen. He played the comic relief perfectly, of course, but that is not what impressed me. Alfred became a real person, a dramatic character who had emotions, etc. He was the rock in Bruce Wayne's life following his parent's death and you can really get a sense of that from the pair of them when they're onscreen.

The rest of the cast: excellent. Morgan Freeman is in close competition with Michael Caine for best line of the film, too. What I enjoyed so much about the cast was that you had names like Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Tom Wilkinson, Gary Oldman, Cillian Murphy and Liam Neeson all playing suppporting characters and for a change, each one of them made a difference to the plot. Each character as interesting as the last.

But most impressive was all was that this was Batman's film, and it's about bloody time. And there's already a sequel on the way. :D

[JMK]

I don't have one negative thing to say about this movie. It was excellent.
I still have a bit of a hard time with him rolling around in the Tumbler instead of a Batmobile, but the Tumbler is just SICK. One question though: where does he gas that sucker up? One thing is for sure: that thing is NOT electrical, that was the sound of a combustion engine!Maybe he's got a pump on the property somewhere?

[Navaria Tarkin]

I liked Barbara Gordon's cameo with her balling her eyes out

:cry Imma baby, love me! :cry

:lol

I am honestly too cheesed to say anything meaningful except that I agree with Droo. For once, we have a real Batman movie that focuses on HIM and his reasonings for choosing his path and how it came to be

[Vega Van-Derveld]

Still haven't seen this! Probably will do next week, once finals are over.


Originally posted by ReaperFett
If you want to know the plans for the sequels...

Nice. I heard a rumour a while back that Guy Pearce was being considered for Harvey Dent. Hope this was true :) I'm not sure who could play the Joker, but I know that I can't imagine Mark Hamill doing it :lol Definetly needs to be someone younger, someone edgy...

[Hera]

Originally posted by Vega Van-Derveld
I'm not sure who could play the Joker, but I know that I can't imagine Mark Hamill doing it :lol Definetly needs to be someone younger, someone edgy...

Well, in Marks' defence - Jack Nicholson wasnt exactly young when he did it.

I personally would like to see him try. He may just surprise us all.
Some times old dogs do things better.

But Im probably not the majority in that line of thinking.

Young and quirky would probably be the more bankable way to go, for sure.

[Lorca Dawnstone]

I'd like to see Mark Hamill having a go at it to be honest. I think he'd really look and sound the part. That said, if ever there was a comic book character suited best for Johnny Depp's foray into the world of comic book movies, Joker would be it.

[Liam Jinn]

I agree with Hera :hug

:D

[Rutabaga]

Oh boy...just saw it, I think it's a terrific movie. Best Batman movie ever, and Christian Bale has now easily become the best Batman ever. And yup, a great Bruce Wayne as well. He was superb.

Minor quibbles to get out of the way:

For me, it was just a teeny weeny bit too long, if maybe it had been edited a wee bit more tightly and cut out even 5 to 10 minutes, it wouldn't have hurt.

Katie Holmes was perfectly fine in her role, but I felt she was too young and wholesome. Although Rachel is definitely portrayed as an idealistic young lawyer, I think the character could have been a little edgier.

And I still hate the new Batmobile. I hated it when I saw the first pre-production photos, and I still hate it. Although the big chase scene with it was great.

But those are minor, minor quibbles. Doesn't change the overall picture of this being one of the most successfully accomplished comic book movies ever made. As others have mentioned, how refreshing to see a Batman movie that was actually about Batman! I loved seeing the background that led to the development of Batman, the training, the gadgets, and a really good, believable portrayal of why he chose a bat as the basis for his persona. Plus, this is a reminder of just why Batman has also always been known as "The Dark Knight"...one thing I've always found appealing about Batman is that he is a conflicted, tormented person, a flawed human being driven by inner demons to fight injustice wherever he sees it. I love Superman and Spider-Man, but Batman is cool too, and he's finally gotten his due here in Batman Begins.

Loved Michael Caine, Rutger Hauer, Liam Neeson, Morgan Freeman, and Gary Oldman as well. One of the best ensemble casts I've seen in a long, long time.

And I love the fact that, in this movie, Batman flies. It was beautiful :).

Now, one quick question that did puzzle me, if I missed anything, let me know:

What happened to all the people on the island who were exposed to the fear gas? Fox had said it would take weeks to make enough of the antidote to cure thousands of people, but I didn't hear any reference to the people on the island at the end of the movie except the comments about the prisoners who'd been let out of Arkham Asylum. Did I just miss it, or was it kind of glossed over?

Oh, and speaking of the fear gas on the island, the audience we saw it with today just loved it when Rachel hit the Scarecrow with the taser. That was great stuff :).

[ReaperFett]

Originally posted by Jinn Fizz

Oh, and speaking of the fear gas on the island, the audience we saw it with today just loved it when Rachel hit the Scarecrow with the taser. That was great stuff :).

He had a great entrance, and went down like a wuss. Genius :D

[Rutabaga]

And squealing all the way. Brilliant! :D

[Rutabaga]

But why did they have to foist the Dukes of Hazzard trailer on us? Why? Why?? WHY??? :cry :cry :cry

[Jedieb]

I saw it on Wed. with my son. It was very good. Not better than ROTS, and I was prepared to enjoy it more than ROTS, but pretty good. I don't think it will do as good with younger kids as ROTS has though. My son actually wanted to leave half way through it. He wanted to see that suit early and often. I enjoyed all the nods to comic storylines and Miller's work; Commisioner Loeb, Flask, etc. I thought Liam was excellent. Hell, the whole cast was outstanding. I'd put it just behind Burton's first Batman.

As for the Joker, I wouldn't mind seeing Mark Hamill play him. Aside from Nicholson, he's the best Joker the Batman universe has ever had.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I know Hamill has the perfect voice but could he do the physical part now? It be funny see him go from Luke to the Joker heh.

[Titus]

I thought Batman Begins was great. I loved the batmobile -- thought it was going to suck, but they pulled it off. Maybe Bruce gets a sense of aesthetics between film 1 and 2.

One major, MAJOR plot hole though: Arn't humans over 70% water? Wouldn't they explode when that microwave thinger was turned on?

Other than that, it was great.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I think it only had do with the water in the pipes. They said in the movie what it was but I can't remember the what exactly was said.

[Hera]

Originally posted by Jedi Master Carr
I know Hamill has the perfect voice but could he do the physical part now? It be funny see him go from Luke to the Joker heh.

I think, if done right with all the makeup, age difference, costuming etc, the gap between Luke Skywalker and The Joker would be great enough in reality to be separated in our minds.

The two would not be equated to the same person.

Like, say Saturday Night Fever Bee Gee-ish John Travolta, and the Pulp Fiction Tarantino-esque John Travolta.

Stranger things have happened.

[ReaperFett]

Hamill would be a bad pick IMO. Personally though, I'd rather they skip Joker and do Steve Buscemi as The Riddler, Clive Owen as Harvey Dent/Two Face :)

[Jedi Master Carr]

They have to do Joker it just wouldnt' be Batman as for who, I have no idea. I am not sure about Hamill, although watching him on the AIF tribute to Lucas I have to say he has aged well, except for the bad scars on his face. I suppose he could do it and his voice would work, but I bet they picked somebody different and I bet we will all say Wow when we hear it.

[Jedieb]

There's a poll over at AICN I think about who should play the Joker. Hamill is right behind Crispen Glover. Glover would only work if we get a scene with Batman holding him in a headlock giving him a nugee. "Hello McFly!!!!" I really think that Hamill could pull it off. The voice work he's done over the years as the Joker has been top notch. I don't think he has much of a chance at getting the part, but I'd love to see him get a chance.

Buscemi would be an excellent Riddler. Hell, what can't he do. I don't mind if they even go back and redo Two Face. Just start from scratch and pretend like the previous films didn't exist. There's no reason for them to waste anytime with keeping continuity with these recent Bat flicks.

[Rutabaga]

Nicholson will be hard to top, but I think having Mark Hamill reinvent the Joker would be brilliant.

As for the Riddler and Two-Face, I certainly wouldn't mind seeing those characters reinvented at all. I know a lot of people liked Batman Forever, but I pretty much hated it, especially because I felt Jim Carrey and Tommy Lee Jones completely overacted and were just way, way, way over the top :(.

Now, as for Robin...one of the things I liked the most about Batman Begins was how Alfred was portrayed. He wasn't just there to tidy up and make sure there were no wrinkles in the Batsuit. He was portrayed as a partner in Bruce Wayne's endeavors, an equal, really. So forget about Dick Grayson, put Michael Caine in some tights and Alfred can become Robin :lol ;) :cool.

[Rutabaga]

Saw this at Rotten Tomatoes and thought it might have been a gag, but I went to IMDB and found the actual article...ouch.


Holmes Dropped from 'Batman' Sequel

Christian Bale, Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman have signed to star in a second Batman movie, but love interest Katie Holmes has been dropped. Movie bosses are thrilled with the response to Batman Begins - it took $46.9 million in its first weekend at the US box office - and have snapped up the film's stars for a sequel. Bale as Batman was the first to put pen to paper, followed by Caine as butler Alfred and Freeman as Bruce Wayne's business associate Lucius Fox. But Holmes won't reprise her role as district attorney Rachel Dawes - reportedly because Warner Bros is angry her engagement to Tom Cruise has stolen media attention away from the movie. A source tells Pagesix.Com, "Everyone is in agreement that the movie's strength is with Christian Bale, Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman." Adding of Holmes, "She won't be in the sequel... the next romantic interest will be a much stronger actress. Warner is happy that people are now focusing on who'll be playing the Joker rather than Katie and Tom."

Sounds like Warner Bros. is completely you-know-what with TomKat. I did think it was pretty sad that, at the BB premiere, all anyone talked about or focused on was Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise. Christian Bale got totally overshadowed by it all, and that ain't fair. But yikes, this is still pretty harsh to have something like this in black and white so soon after the opening of the movie. Although the source for the original quote is PageSix.com, which is pretty darn gossipy.

[jjwr]

Very harsh, the line about needing a stronger actress...ouchie!

Great movie, to me the best of the Batman movies, ahead of Batman(89) by a comfortable but not huge lead.

They need the Joker, you can't do Batman without the Joker. Its like doing a Superman movie with Lex Luthor, it just doesn't work.

Hamill has the voice, to me his voice is the Joker and with some makeup and proper costuming he could easily pull the part off.

[JMK]

Maybe it's the skeptic in me, but as much as I think Hamill could do the Joker, the media would have a field day with 'an old Star Wars re-tread' in a major role and it would taint the whole movie, fair or not (which it isn't).

[Draken Chakara]

I loved the movie as well, but I have a couple minor problems.

First, they should have dropped the shakey-cam fight scenes. I'd actually like to see what's going on in the fight. Too many quick cuts make it impossible to see.

Second, isn't "Ra's" in Ra's al Ghul pronounced "Raysh," not "Raz?" They made a big deal about that in the cartoon, but I wasn't sure. IT just sorta bugged me.

And Hamill would rock as the Joker.

BTW, the comment Rachel makes at the end, referring to the fact that the Batman mask is his true face, and Bruce Wayne is the mask, is one of my favorite Batman lines ever.

[Jedi Master Carr]

It wouldn't bother me if they dropped Holmes from the sequel she was the weak link, IMO. If they do the Joker please bring in Harlee Quinn. She was awesome in the cartoon and is now part of the comics, she would be fun to see on screen. Also I can't see Crispin Glover as the Joker the guy can't act. His only good movie was Back to the Future and that was ages ago. I did think of somebdoy else what about Jason Lee? He did great job as the voice of the superhero villain in the Incredibles.

[Hera]

Originally posted by Jedieb
but I'd love to see him get a chance.



That is the heart of it to me. If he can convey that character so much in his voice, he's got that dude in his entire being.

As for Buscemi for Riddler, I think that would be a good fit. I thought Carey would have been brilliant, but as Jinn mentioned, he was too, too over the top.

I thought Katie was alright in her performance, but definitely, she was the weak link.

Those choppy fight scenes were hard to follow. Id forgotten that part. But it had the effect that you were actually someone in the fight itself. First-person view. A little bit of that is a good thing. But only a little.

[Clive Solo]

I loved how they finally made Batman mysterious and dark.

The scene where we first see Batman in action, when the thug walks up to the dark cargo crate and vanishes sent chills down my spine. :)

[Dasquian Belargic]

Saw this yesterday, and wow! Christian Bale makes an amazing Batman. The deep voice he puts on when in the batsuit is perfect. I really enjoyed Liam Neeson's role, and Michael Caine had a lot of funny lines. Here's hoping the sequels are just as good :)

[Droo]

Read yesterday that Sean Penn is rumoured as being considered for the Joker part. Now I'm no great fan of his but I believe this is inspired casting if it turns out to be true. :)

[Jedi Master Carr]

I think it could work, but I think Penn would never do it, he hates big budget films

[Lilaena De'Ville]

..Didn't he just do The Interpeter?

[ReaperFett]

Originally posted by Droo
Read yesterday that Sean Penn is rumoured as being considered for the Joker part. Now I'm no great fan of his but I believe this is inspired casting if it turns out to be true. :)
That would be awful. Awful awful awful awful. Best five for me:

Paul Bettany
Jason Lee
Tim Roth
Vincent Cassel
Christopher Eccleston

[Jedi Master Carr]

The Interpreter is not a blockbuster type film, it is pure drama. He just would never do Batman, I think IGN debunked that rumor.

[CMJ]

Finally saw it today. Awesome movie...one of the best of the year. It's amazing how realistic it was.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Cool, glad you liked it :)

[CMJ]

Yeah, I really did. I'm hesitant to say it's better than the '89 version because I love that one to pieces, but my initial reaction was that it IS the best Batman film. I'll probably write a review for it tommorrow.

**Shameless Plug**

That site I referenced in the past has published quite few book and movie reviews of mine.

;)

[Morgan Evanar]

I need to watch the Burton Batman again and decide. I think this one is the "truer" Batman.

[Cat Terrist]

It's a hell of a lot like Frank Miller's take in Year One. It felt like Nolan was trying to make this a faithful Batman to that comic

Burton's Batman had better music. However good it is otherwise, it's beaten by Batman Begins in every other department. Quite astonishing that it could do that.

The realism can only be emphasised. To take one example, the Tumbler. It is a ridiculous contraption, yet apart from it's jumping, it's actually doing things I would expect of a vehicle like that. It's not easy to win me over when it comes to cars, but it did.

Clearly, Superhero movies arent supposed to be grounded in reality, but Nolan understood Batman is, because he is the sole Superhero without any superpowers. I just plain loved how you could believe Batman can be real. Seen it three times in one day.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

I loved how all the villians made SENSE. Instead of "Batman Vs. unExplained Villian No. 4"

[Darth McBain]

Bump… Took a while to track down this thread… I finally saw this over the weekend. Long story short, I liked it – I think it was the best Batman movie I’ve seen. And yet... There are things about it that really bugged me. I’m still trying to put my finger on exactly what it is – maybe in the course of this post it might come to me. At any rate, here’s some thoughts (oh, and I’m not going to bother hiding spoilers – it’s been long enough, I think… :) )

What I didn’t like:

- It seemed like this movie didn’t have a consistent “vision”. At times, it looked like it was trying to be gritty and realistic. At other times, it seemed to be campy and cartoony. For instance, it was very dark and gritty where Batman takes down Falcone. There was the nice exchange “What the hell are you? I’m Batman!”. Which was then immediately ruined with the next campy line “Nice coat…” Another example, Jim Gordon. There was the scene where he was taking out the trash and had a brief chat with Batman. That made the characters seem “realistic” to me. And yet by the end of the movie, Gordon was being used basically for comic relief (“I gotta get me one of those”)

- I thought the dialogue was pretty good for the most part. But I didn’t like a lot of the lines they gave to Katie Holmes, nor did I like her delivery of any of them. For example, when Bruce meets Rachel in the hotel after not seeing each other in a long time. Now, what do you typically say in a situation like that? “Hey, nice seeing you – lets get together next weekend so we can catch up, okay? I’ll call you. See ya – bye…” But Rachel spouts this deep, philosophical line “It’s not who you are underneath, but what you do that defines you”, and then walks away. I’m sorry, I realize it’s just a movie, but people do not talk like that. I think they could have introduced that concept without it sounding so ludicrous coming out of her mouth like that.

- Now I’m no expert on Batman canon, but who killed Batman’s parents? According to the Keaton movie it was Jack Napier. According to this one, it’s Chill. Which is right? I haven’t read the comics, so I don’t know, but it just seems very inconsistent. Whether it was canon or not, Napier being the killer was a huge part of the Keaton movie, so to conveniently disregard that seemed odd to me.

- I felt like we didn’t get to really know the villains in this movie. Scarecrow was really cool, yet he had barely any screentime. Ra’s al Ghul was really neat too, yet he was largely absent, only appearing at the end to move the plot along. I would have enjoyed seeing more of these villains and learning about what makes them tick.

- Cool as they were, I didn’t like Batman’s awesome tools and abilities in this movie, as they seemed very inconsistent with the other movies. For instance, he can practically fly in this one. Yes, I know he was only gliding, but he was getting some serious distance and control that he may as well have been flying. He couldn’t do anything like that in the other movies – maybe some rudimentary gliding, but nothing like what he was doing here. Also, as this is Batman Begins, I assumed that we would see some early incarnations of his neat gadgets – but his tools here were considerably better than the ones in the other movies. Oh, and what’s the deal with the Stealth mode on the tumbler? I’m sorry, but turning the lights on your car off does not make it invisible – especially when you’re being tracked by a chopper and have police cars surrounding you.

- This is a minor nitpick, but how is it that a member of the League of Shadows, one of the most highly trained warriors/assassins in the world, is taken down with one strike by a 60 year old English butler? Seemed just a little too convenient for me.


Things I did like:

Christian Bale. I thought he did an excellent job as Batman and as Bruce Wayne. He brought some real depth to that character.

Liam Neeson and the dual-identity. He was great as Ra’s al Ghul. I really liked how he was the real Ra’s too – I didn’t see that one coming.

Falcone. I liked this because it showed that Batman doesn't just fight the cartoon-y supervillains (i.e. Joker, Riddler, Two-Face, etc...), but he also fights "normal" villains as well.

Scarecrow. Really cool character, though I wish we saw more of him. Cillian Murphy played him well, he was so creepy, even without the mask.

The scenes in the mountains were really cool. I particularly liked the initiation scene with the ninjas.

The effects were really incredible and well done.



Ultimately, I think what it might be that bugs me with this movie is that my gripes with it are a lot of the same gripes that people have about the Star Wars prequels – yet this movie was greatly applauded while Star Wars was pretty well panned. This one ends up in the IMDB top 250 (wrongly so, in my opinion) and Star Wars is roundly blasted for its shortcomings. Neither this nor Star Wars are perfect movies, and some of the gripes people have with both of them are legitimate. But it has become such the cool thing to dump on SW that there is a double-standard. I think it is this that bothers me and not so much the movie itself. Oh well, I’m beating a dead-horse here.

I realize it is not fair to review this movie in the light of another movie (i.e. SW), and on it's own, ultimately I did enjoy the movie. Standing on its own merits, I’d give this one a 7/10.

[Jedieb]

- Now I’m no expert on Batman canon, but who killed Batman’s parents? According to the Keaton movie it was Jack Napier. According to this one, it’s Chill. Which is right? I haven’t read the comics, so I don’t know, but it just seems very inconsistent. Whether it was canon or not, Napier being the killer was a huge part of the Keaton movie, so to conveniently disregard that seemed odd to me.
It was Joe Chill. Tim Burton's Batman took a lot of liberties with their Joker origin story. The Joker had NOTHING to do with the death of Bruce Wayne's parents. There are a few versions of the Joker's origin out there but if I remember, The Killing Joke is one of the better ones. Basically, the Joker wasn't anything more than a bad comedian who got mixed up in a failed robbery. He gets duped into wearing some red hood, Batman shows up and stops the robbery, and poor old Joker falls into the batch of chemicals and the rest is history.

Batman Begins pulled a lot characters from the comics, especially Frank Miller's Year One. Characters like Detective Flask, Commsioner Loeb, and Oldman's Gordon looks JUST like he did in the Year One comic. I thought the movie accomplished its main goal, to make Batman movies respectable again. Not the craptacular big screen version of the Adam West TV series that Schmuckmaker did.

[Darth McBain]

Originally posted by Jedieb
I thought the movie accomplished its main goal, to make Batman movies respectable again. Not the craptacular big screen version of the Adam West TV series that Schmuckmaker did.

I will absolutely give it that - it did give a great deal of respectability back to the franchise. The live-action Adam West movie was just laughable. While the 1989 Batman was really good, the followups to that were pretty lousy as well and just degenerated into silliness. This should help bring it back.