Batman Begins

[MSkeezer]

Wow! Wow! Wow!

I saw this at midnight, and it looks like they finally got it right. Not only do I think it's the best Batman film yet, but it's the greatest superhero film ever made. For me, the film works so well because it doesn't rely on expensive special effects tricks or fancy CGI sets that seem to be all the rage these days. Nope. It works because it actually tells a very human story, with extremely rich and potent characters that you actually give a damn about. That's something that seems to be missing in a lot of films these days. That's not to say that BB doesn't have spectacular action and effects. It does. But they've not overblown and OTT like in most summer action films. The film does have an extraordinary level of realism to it, and to me, that just adds to its greatness. I walked out of the theater only wanting to see it again. I've thought about it a lot since seeing it last night, and I really cannot find one thing wrong with it. Christopher Nolan really did an amazing job with the film, as did Christian Bale as Batman. Hell, everyone in the cast was awesome, even Katie Holmes, who was the only reservation I had with this film. But she did a really good job here. Her performance almost makes you forget about her annoying "amazing" relationship with Tom Cruise. Well, I should probably wrap this up since it's getting longer than I thought it would. I've probably bored most of you to death by now. But, Batman Begins is really an excellent, excellent film. And not just a great superhero film either. It's an extraordinary film by any measure, and I'll be shocked if it doesn't garner some major Ocscar nominations. THE Must See Film this year. A+. 5 stars. Thumbs up. Whatever floats your boat. Just go see it. You won't be disappointed.

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

I'm probably gonna go see it this weekend.

I've never been able to imagine anyone other than keaton playing batman, so we'll see how this goes...

[PolkThug]

I liked Bale in Equilibrium. Any "gun katas" in Batman?

[MSkeezer]

I never thought anyone could fill Keaton's shoes at Batman, either. But this movie really made you forget about any of the films that came before it, even the first 2. Bale really pinned this character, and to me, became the quintessential Batman.

[woodyjacobs]

Looking forward to it. Liked the first, but it has been downhill from there. Christian Bale is normally excellent (just how great was he in the totally whacked "American Psycho?"). Can't imagine Katie Holmes being anything other than adorable yet annoying but at least she is easy on the eyes.

[Micah Cohen]

I was doing so well, not getting involved here, but I have lost control.

This Batman gets ninja-like training from a Jedi master? Come on.

It just isn't like that.

Christian Bale hasn't "acted" since EMPIRE OF THE SUN. (Altho, I have yet to see THE MACHINIST, and I want to see that; it's on my Netflix list.)

And no movie version of "American Psycho" can reach the incredible heights of satire reached by the amazing book. Read the frigging book! It's a masterpiece!

Yep, I'm back, and I'm tossing my monkey poo at everything! Toss, toss, toss!

:mad:

MC

[Nelson57]

IMO this is hands down the best of the Batman movies, and Bale as Batman made me forget all about Keaton, Kilmer, and Clooney. The most enjoyable film I've seen to date this year.

[MSkeezer]

It looks like BB made $15.7 million on Thursday, and actually INCREASED from Wed. That's a thing almost unheard for these types of movies. It proves that the word of mouth on this thing is simply fantastic.

[mantis]

Before I go on vacation, I'm seeing it this weekend. I'm juiced to see it. I feel this one should be as good as said.

Dan

[TroyD]

I have this mental image of Liv4fam and Dan cruising down the road in the Tweeter-mobile in full Batman and Robin costume looking to combat bad sound.

You think that Tweeter flashes the big 'T' with a huge spot light when they have some boxes to deliver??

BDT

[RuSsMaN]

Dunna nunna nunna nunna Fatman, Fatman, Fatman......

[TroyD]

** POW ! **


One box open




** BAM !! **



Two boxes open.....

[F1nut]

Spotted, the Tweeter-mobile!

[TroyD]

Dan and Liv have apparently been at this gig since childhood......

[TroyD]

As an adult....liv4fam also likes to play Spiderman

[F1nut]

The "Tweeter Super Hero" training school.

[TroyD]

Now I've got 'Learning to Fly' by Tom Petty stuck in my head

BDT

[fireshoes]

I haven't seen it yet, but I have seen several others say "Best superhero movie." Strong praise!

[gregure]

Saw the film last night. Really awesome. I actually enjoyed the training sequences in the first half of the film, and found it to be a great film. Truly the way BATMAN should have started in the first place. Also, great performances and a really good cast.

[Shizelbs]

Awesome

[ND13]

Originally posted by TroyD
As an adult....liv4fam also likes to play Spiderman

Troy, that picture is extremely disturbing. Please tell me you found it on some kinky porn site for comic book freaks, and not someone you know.

:confused:


BTW, that definitely gives new meaning to the term " BLUEBALLS":eek: :D :p

[McLoki]

I saw the movie last night and I thought it was great. The pacing of the movie was excellent and the character development was very good. One thought though - can we have just one super hero movie where the hero does not tell anyone their secret identity?

On a slightly different note....

I am going to have to go against the grain here and say that while I did enjoy the first batman (with Michael Keaton) the second one has got to go down in history as one of the worst sequals ever made....

(although Danny Devito as the penguin was pretty good casting.)

Michael

[DarqueKnight]

Originally posted by McLoki
One thought though - can we have just one super hero movie where the hero does not tell anyone their secret identity?

I agree that this is a distracting and stupid trend in superhero movies. I can forgive Spiderman for being unmasked while he was tied up and Daredevil for being unmasked after he had been stabbed by Elektra and beat down by Kingpin. I applaud the Fantastic Four for never starting with the "secret identity" madness.

On the other hand, maybe some superheroes really do want their secret identities exposed so they won't have to live a double life any longer. Maybe that is why Robin only wore that tiny little black "masked bandit" mask. A mask, like Batman's, with only the upper half of your face hidden is not a very effective disguise. Most people couldn't fool their friends and families with such a "disguise". They couldn't fool them even if they wore a ski mask. If Angelina Jolie wore a mask and dark sunglasses so that only her lips were exposed, millions the world over would still know it was her.

They never did come up with a satisfactory explanation for the Clark Kent/Superman thing. A pair of glasses and a "mild manner" is an effective disguise? On top of that, your "secret identity" is a well known newspaper and television reporter? C'mon, I know it's make believe, but they don't have to insult our intelligence.:rolleyes:

[MacLeod]

Originally posted by McLoki


I am going to have to go against the grain here and say that while I did enjoy the first batman (with Michael Keaton) the second one has got to go down in history as one of the worst sequals ever made....



With Michelle Pfeiffer's performance it could have been a musical and I would still have liked it!!!

[Toxis]

Originally posted by MacLeod
With Michelle Pfeiffer's performance it could have been a musical and I would still have liked it!!! we think alike way to often.

[MacLeod]

Just saw this tonight and thought it was pretty damn good.

I didnt mind the casting. Caine as Alfred was fine. Ive always kinda liked Caine. I did think Oldman as Gordan was a little off tho. I thought the Gordan in Keaton's Batman was the best.

The action was very good and I like the way they had Batman all stealthy and unseen. Just the way it should be.

My only gripe was with Bale as Batman. He is a fine actor and all but in the mask he looks a little weird. When he talks it looks like he's chewing his face. Plus he doesnt have the jaw line for a good Batman.

Keaton was the best Batman even thought he's only about 5'2".

That aside, this was an excellent movie and I cant wait for the sequel. Anyone know who will be playing the Joker? Whoever it is I guarantee you he wont outdo Jack!!

7 out of 10


Originally posted by Toxis
we think alike way to often.

LOL! Great minds and all that!

The scene I like the best is when she comes cartwheeling out of that store with Batman and Penguin watching, stops and looks at them and says "meow" right before the building blows up! That is cool as shit!!! One of my alltime favorite scenes!

[Toxis]

I hear ya about Bale chewing his face. I thought he did really well (other than the voice while in the suit) but I totally agree with that comment. I think they shrunk it around his cheeks because they bulged out like it was a kid's mask that he squeezed onto his head. BUT FINALLY THEY GOT THE DAMN EARS RIGHT!!!!

[kberg]

Originally posted by MacLeod
That aside, this was an excellent movie and I cant wait for the sequel. Anyone know who will be playing the Joker? Whoever it is I guarantee you he wont outdo Jack!!

I thought BB was the prequel/lead-in to Keaton's Batman and therefore a sequel including the Joker would not be made, but perhaps a different "villan" in a future sequel (if made) might.

[MacLeod]

I dont think so. I have a feeling they will make these as if the Tim Burton Batmans never happened. At least I hope so.

[aaharvel]

Originally posted by MacLeod
I dont think so. I have a feeling they will make these as if the Tim Burton Batmans never happened. At least I hope so.

agreed.
and hey Mac.Leod: how about that Federer Cat...

[MacLeod]

He's no Sampras! ;)

[Shizelbs]

Bump.

This is coming out on Tuesday? Who is buying? I will be getting it for sure.

[MacLeod]

I will be buying it eventually but not at first. Ill wait til it hits the used market and snag it for $10.

Now Episode 3 is a different story! :D

[aaharvel]

hmmm....i don't know.... :rolleyes:

[Toxis]

got it for $9.99 today at best buy (had them price match Nebraska Furniture Mart, to all you locals!) and I had a $3 off from McD's. $6.99 after tax... WELL worth it!!

[Ron-P]

I picked up the 2-disk dvd. I'll most likely never watch disk 2 but the cover was too cool looking to pass up. I've never seen this, hopefully it lives up to all the positive hype.

[ohskigod]

yeah, I'll be getting it too

[Ron-P]

Watched this last night and it is, without a doubt, one hell-of-a kick ass ride. A great Batman film but a very different Batman from what we have previously seen. I guess the best way to describe this film, it's a very real-life superhero. One thing it did lack was any type of comic book feel, intentional I am sure.

The PQ was a bit on the noisy side during outdoor sequences, some EE was noticeable but overall a decent picture with vibrant colors, deep blacks and a sharp image. The SQ was very impressive, deep bass and good use of the surrounds with a wide front soundstage.



The two Batman’s

Even though it's quite tough to try and compare Batman Begins to Tim Burton's Batman I'll give it a go.

Both films are great in their own right. With Batman, Tim, created a very comic book style movie. Chris Nolan did not; he created a very real Bat Man. Here, both directors succeeded in what they wanted, both films are equally great as for the overall presentation.

The Bat mobiles are both great looking machines, but myself, I prefer Tim's vision, it just flat out looks cool.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v377/Ron-P/Bat.jpg



Onto the Bat Man himself, I have to say Michael Keaton still holds the #1 spot for the best looking Batman. He had that look behind the mask that was all intimidation and he pulled off a very classy Bruce Wayne. Christian Bale has too much of a baby face to pull it off and his Bruce Wayne was not very classy but more so a rich spoiled kid which I did not care for. But, let me make one thing clear I did not read any of the actual comic books so I do not know how Bruce Wayne really was.

Overall, like I said, Batman Begins is a great film with some good acting, great special effects and decent story but, it does not take the #1 seat for the best Batman movie to date, Batman still holds that spot.

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

We just watched this last night, and really enjoyed it! I still like Tim's take better, and think it's a given that Michael Keaton is still the best guy we've seen play Batman, but Bale is a lot better than George Clooney.

The original is still my favorite, and I liked Returns better than everyone else because I actually like how dark it was. Begins ranks as my second or third favorite, not sure which. Forever is a solid fourth and I won't even discuss the Clooney fiasco...

[wingnut4772]

I never did like Keaton as Batman. I like a handsome, broad shouldered kinda guy for the role myself. Christian Bale could make a movie about drying paint and I would go see it. ;)

[heiney9]

It seems for some, me especially, that once I find out who a particular actor is for a series like this I immediately pass judgement based on past work. I thought Michael Keaton was the best choice to play Batman, but I really don't care for him as an actor.

Now this would be a good idea but impossible to pull off. Keep the identity of Batman, or whatever masked super-hero you want to star in a film, secret for a period of time while the movie is in the theaters. This way we would have no preconceived notions about the actor. I know it's not realistic to think this way, but personally it would add to the excitement of the movie, maybe :confused: (I know the whole when he's not playing Batman thing just came to mind) Maybe use 2 actors one as Batman and one as Bruce Wayne....what fun that would be.

I'm looking forward to the new Batman just becasue it's supposed to be a big departure from the last few.

H9

[bobman1235]

Just saw this last night, loved it. Some great fight scenes, action, blah blah.

Although I do have to agree with earlier comments about Bale chewing his face. He's an OK actor, but ther'es just something wrong...

Nice to see Katie Holmes before she started hittin the special Kool-Aid too. There were a couple scenes where it must hvae been pretty cold in the room... sweet.

I have on question - if the old butler is always so wise and all-knowing - why is he still a freakin butler?

[okiepolkie]

I sent my wife to pick it up at BB for me. Had $6 in BB bucks to spend, and I won't have time within the next few days to make the drive over on that side of town.

Wife hasn't seen it yet, but will probably like it. I saw it twice in the theater and liked it a lot.

[reeltrouble1]

I bought the CC one for 14.99, its not the SE though, but most times I just want the movie. Anyway, I am looking forward to a nice bowl of popcorn, cold drink and some good ole mindless Batman Entertainment.

RT1

[Demiurge]

I just picked this one up today. Hopefully I'll get a chance to watch it this weekend.

[mantis]

Excellent Batman movie. I feel it was the best one. The first Batman movie was very good but had a corny feel in many places. I feel they left the corn out of this one.

Bruce Wayne in this movie was cool. If you think about it, this was the very beginning of Batman. Yoou got to see where Bruce came from and how he became Batman.

The new car/ tank/ killer machine was very real looking. As Ron pointed out, this was a very real kind of Batman. I think you could have one in todays world with todays technology. I bet this is exaclty what they where going for.

Dan

[reeltrouble1]

Really liked it. It had most everything, nice pace, action, good use of surround, lots of bass, I thought Holmes was a bit of a dud as the love interest. Looking forward to the next one.

RT1

[cfrizz]

I enjoyed it very much.

[Roy Munson]

I watched Batman Begins last night and really enjoyed it! I only had a couple of minor complaints with it such as the first 25 minutes of the film are rather slow but all in all it is a very good movie experience..not to mention the pq of the DVD is absolutely beautiful!! IMHO it is reference quality however I'm not a videophile so some may disagree. I can say that I am now looking forward to the next Batman movie which is something I couldn't say after a couple of the others, most notably the one with George Clooney!

[petrym]

Good flick, my son and I watched it last night. I liked the ending where the air was cold and the blouse was thin...

Oh man, I'm so predictable...

Then we watched Agent Cody Banks. Goofy movie, and the boy thinks Hilary Duff is hawt!

[ND13]

I just finished the movie and thought it was by far the best yet. I liked Bale better than the rest. There wasn't too much, if anything, that I could fault the movie for. If anything it would have to be the girl. She's okay but there are sooo many women that could have done better. And there's just something funny looking about her.

I had lost complete interest in the Batman series of movies, but now I'm really anxious for the next one to get released.

[heiney9]

Then we watched Agent Cody Banks. Goofy movie, and the boy thinks Hilary Duff is hawt!

Yep, I feel like a dirty olde man (which I'm not) when I see Hilary Duff. There is something about her that is just so.....She has that "it" factor or that "thing" going on. She is a "sweetie". I think that's the best way to describe her. Her and Natalie Portman could really make my day if I could spend some time with either of them. Well sort of a derail.....It's late and I've been drinking. I think I will be having happy dreams tonight :)

H9

Jack and coke really..............................

[Micah Cohen]

Reasons BATMAN BEGINS Sucks.
A List, by Micah Cohen.

- Not "loyal to the source material," as everyone keeps claiming. A full HOUR of psycho-babble and pseudo-Zen ninjas that have nothing to do with the actual story of The Batman. This movie is NOT "loyal to the source material," because this stuff is all new and made up. What is this if not a take off of Hong Kong Kung Fu movies... And STAR WARS and even that part of RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK where the bar burns down in the mountains of Asia. (Plus, in the very beginning, Wayne is in an unspecified Asian prison. He gets attacked by a group of men and kicks ALL their asses. HOW? Where did he learn to fight like that BEFORE he went to train with Ra's Al Ghul? I dunno.)

- Upside down superheros are passe already. How "original" is ANY upside-down superhero camera shot at this point, after TWO SPIDERMAN movies? The Batman doesn't fly, either. That was just goofy.

- Morgan Freeman as "Q." Suddenly, with a tuxedoed Bruce Wayne driving a super-duper car, with the car's inventor, you're suddenly in a James Bond film! Bruce Wayne is a super-smart super-rich guy. In the world of DC Comics, he is THE prevailing genius! He didn't need a "Q" to invent the stuff he uses. He invents it. Morgan Freeman should have stayed home.

- Christian Bale. He's a DUD, with ZERO charisma. Batman stands or falls as a character by how the man INSIDE the mask is portrayed and perceived. That's why, even though Tim Burton's orginal film wasn't good, the Batman was NOT bad. Michael Keaton acted the SHIT out of Bruce Wayne, making him even MORE interesting than Batman! Christian Bale had NOTHING but dreary dullness to offer this role, and did not out-Batman Michael Keaton. (Never thought I'd ever say that.)

- Katie Holmes... She was fine, actually! Considering that her part was severely underwritten, not to mention idiotically written, and useless and hackneyed to boot, she was okay. She delivered her lines with "aplomb," and I found that, because everybody ELSE in the film did NOT do so, hers was maybe the ONLY refreshing performance! Can I even SAY anything worse than that Katie Holmes is the BEST thing about BATMAN BEGINS? Too bad about her face, tho. (She gets naked in THE GIFT, tho, so you should rent that.)

- What was Rutger Hauer doing in this movie? What a TOTAL goddamned WASTE of a good actor! What a HORRIBLY CLICHED and BORING and TOTALLY PREDICTABLE character!

- Humor? NOT! The poor attempts at humor were both misplaced and NOT funny! The running joke that was supposed to be the APEX moment for Freeman -- "Didn't you get the memo?" -- was just STINKY CHEESE, something from the worst Stallone or Schwarzenegger action film, you know? And Gary Oldman, also wasted in his underwritten nothing role, says, "I gotta get me one of those," when he sees the Batmobile? That's a crap line that didn't work and didn't fit in the movie at all.

- Bad fake history. At one point, Ra's says to Wayne that his secret organization has existed for THOUSANDS of years, that they were responsible for the fall of ROME itself! This is crap. This co-opting the current "Da Vinci Code" fad. Ra's says at one point that he's looking to get rid of Gotham the way "Constantine got rid of Rome." Constantine did not "get rid of Rome." Long AFTER Constantine, the Gauls, the Goths, the Vandals, the Normans, and even the king of Spain in 1527 sacked Rome repeatedly. Constantine did nothing to Rome.

And, most importantly...
- NO EVIL. Where is even a hint of evil in what Batman does? NOWHERE! I was looking at Liam Neesom and kept thinking of DARKMAN and I was just HOPING that Batman might just do ONE cool thing -- like Darkman did! NOPE! The action sequences, the car cash, the fights -- they were all cartoons! No suffering, no pain, no blood! NOTHING EVIL! The while point of this Batman movie was supposed to revolve around the concept of fear... yet Batman himself does not one fearful thing in the whole movie. Remember in DARKMAN, when Darkman bends back that guy's fingers? THAT was evil! But Batman in this movie does nothing even remotely like that!

What a piece of crap this movie was. I want this two and a half hours back, goddamn it.

MC

[beardog03]

It`s a movie...not a science test..

Jeez..

I just watched it with my wife, and even she liked it..

It was very intertaining ...just like these types of movies are supposed to be..

I will add it to my collection, and watch it, and enjoy it for what it is...a cool Batman movie...

[aaharvel]

i figured this thread would get Micah to come out of his wormhole.

If you want to watch a good superhero movie, better steal Doc Brown's Delorean and push '1978' on the keypad.

nuff said.

[aaharvel]

eh, I forgot to put down what I was REALLY thinking.

Batman Begins is a decent adaptation. But not decent enough.

[Micah Cohen]

I swear I tried not to chime in. I read all these posts about how great this movie is, how true this Batman is, how everyone loved this movie upside down and sideways, and I was the first guy to get it from Netflix last week when it came out, and...

It wasn't "decent," it wasn't an "adaptation" of anything I know that has to do with Batman, and it SUCKED.

I tried not to be so negative. I wanted to like it, I did, because I hate Tim Burton and I hated the sequels and I just have had it with lame cash-in superhero movies that SUCK. I tried, believe me, I tried.

But BATMAN BEGINS was crap. One of the worst movies I've seen in ages. CRAP!

Dammit.

MC

[aaharvel]

It wasn't "decent," it wasn't an "adaptation" of anything I know that has to do with Batman, and it SUCKED.
well the main character DID resemble a bat. And at least it wasn't as laughable as Batman & Robin.



Dammit.
;)

[Micah Cohen]

the main character DID resemble a bat
I will give you that much. :D

MC

[reeltrouble1]

Stir the pot.

A very enjoyable film. NO need to add why, everyone's covered it.

RT1

[Maurice]

Personally, I dont want or need an action movie to be that deep. If it entertains me, then its cool. Just curious Micah, is it that hard to just chill out and enjoy yourself. Its just a movie/hobbie. ;)

[PolknPepsi]

Sounds like some of you liked it.........guess I'll have to check it out.

[mantis]

All of us liked it except Micah. He has his reasons for not liking the movie and rightfully so. Personally as I already stated , I really enjoyed it. I felt it took the cheese out of the first one.

Dan

[PolknPepsi]

The others advertisements seemed kind of cheesey and it's probably why I lost interest.

...make a note to self......check it out!

[McLoki]

But BATMAN BEGINS was crap. One of the worst movies I've seen in ages. CRAP!
MC

I saw Batman Begins in the theater (just got the DVD and have not watched it at home yet) and I thought it was really good. Certainly a decent adaptation of a DC comic.

If this is ranked as one of the worst movies you have seen this year, I was just curious what action / fantasy movies have you seen in recent years that you did like? I would just like to know what point of view you are coming from and what you typically like.

Michael

[Micah Cohen]

Certainly a decent adaptation of a DC comic.
But, see, it WASN'T. It was not loyal to any comic story at all.

I mean, you all loved this movie. Why? Cause stuff flew around fast and the editing made everything seem quick and cool fighting and stuff? Did you love it because the acting was good? (I have to say, it wasn't. I mean, watch any other Michael Caine film, THE QUIET AMERICAN was a recent good one. Did anyone see UNFORGIVEN, in which Morgan Freeman acts? Better yet, did anyone see EMPIRE OF THE SUN, in which a 12 year old Christian Bale ACTS, his best performance ever? AT TWELVE. So, if you see all these other movies, that contain REAL ACTUAL ACTING, how can you think that there was any "good acting" in BATMAN BEGINS?)

See, I'm just trying to understand the way your mind works. Do you just like it because... you like it? Or, do you like because of some reason? It was exciting? It was well made? It exposed a truth about life and living and your own experience and it touched your soul in the way only art can? Why'd you all like it?

You couldn't have liked it because it was a faithful adaptation of the Batman story, because it wasn't. You couldn't have liked it because Christian Bale was a compelling Bruce Wayne, because he really wasn't. You couldn't have liked it because The Batman was just so kewel, you know? Because he really wasn't that cool at all, and was sort of goofy, with the speech impediment and the wings and the stuff "Q" made for him. DARKMAN was cooler.

I'm just trying to understand. I'm not trying to change your mind, I'm just trying to see into it a bit more clearly. I wanted to like this flick, I did; The Batman is the best superhero of all, I want the movie to be that good. But the movie really didn't give me much to like and plus it kept handing me idiotic things and asking me to accept them, which I refuse to do. I'm not a robot.

Tonight I watched HITCH. You know, Will Smith? JESUS CHRIST, I watched this 'orrible chick flick. And it was better than BATMAN BEGINS. :confused:

MC

[beardog03]

dude...let it go..

you didn`t like it...we get it..!!


and stop watchin chick flicks.
it`s bad for moral..!!

[Micah Cohen]

Why should I stop watching chick flicks, when they are better than the movies I want to watch? The first seven minutes of HITCH were better than all of BATMAN BEGINS.

It just peeves me that you all find something to like in this crappy movie and I can't. What the hell am I missing? What was it that made BATMAN BEGINS "good"?

ARG! :mad:

MC

[beardog03]

I hadn`t seen it before, therefore it was new to me, and entertaining..

don`t care if it was true to form....just enjoyed watching an unfamiliar movie for the first time, and it had a cool story...and sound...
anything that I can appreciate my surround rig with, I like..

That`s all....
If ya like chick fliks...watch em

I realize you were (are) disappionted with the new Bat movie....
maybe the next one will be better for ya
looks like the joker is the next theme character to come into play..
just don`t compare it to other batman movies, and try to enjoy yourself..
That`s all I`m sayin...try to enjoy yourself...it`s just a movie..

Beardog out.....

[ohskigod]

Micah, everyone has an opinion, and thats cool. Theres movies I hate with a deep passion that others seem to like, but I really need a list, from you, of movies you atually liked, and why. I have an impression that you hate every movie you see, but I'm sure I am wrong on that.

Batman is hard to keep loyal to the source material, because so many people have no idea what the source material is, thee has been so many versions and visions of Batman, I genuinly dont know the true source material.

[jdhdiggs]

Micah just needs to lose the notepad, quit looking up historical facts and watch the damn movie and try to enjoy them rather than trying to rate every single pixel of every frame. Seriously Micah, why did you watch the whole thing?

Source material? Yes, they took some liberties with the origins of Batman but at least you could understand the charactor in this one and why he was the way he was.

Fear? Did you watch the movie? No, he never tortured anyone that we saw but are you saying crucifying a mob boss across a spotlight wouldn't scare the crap out of other criminals?

It really does sound like you try and find ways not to enjoy movies just to be the contrarian or a wanna be artist. Try taking the movie for what it is- a semi-coherent cheeseball movie about a comic book charactor. I mean its not like they were using Pardise Lost as their basis, they were using a comic book. If you expect these movies to be serious then there is something wrong with your expectations.

[aaharvel]

It really does sound like you try and find ways not to enjoy movies just to be the contrarian or a wanna be artist.

LOL It's 'MOVIEPHILE' DAMNIT!

'MOVIEPHILE'!

[Micah Cohen]

So... You're saying I just shouldn't think, is that it? I should turn off my brain? I should eat whatever they put in front of me and not question where my money is being spent?

That I'd enjoy all this enjoyable stuff more if I had a lobotomy?

I think a film should be enjoyable, and I don't sit with a notepad when I watch a movie, and I love slam-bang sound design... But I also don't want to be insulted. And I think this movie insulted me. And you... I just don't understand why you weren't insulted by it.

I mean, I like Frankenheimer's film RONIN, with DeNiro and Jean Reno and Stellan Skarsgård, etc. I like it a lot. I own it. It's a great home theater DVD. But... It has no plot and it has no resolution and it doesn't make much sense. But, at least it doesn't insult me.

MC

[jdhdiggs]

Yup, pretty much. If you want to think, read a book. Don't keep expecting true intellectualism to be spoon fed to you through this media.

A true intellectual film is the exception and not the standard-Unfortuantely.

[Micah Cohen]

RONIN is practically brainless. But it doesn't insult me. HITCH was submental, it was nothing, fluffy popcorn. But it didn't insult me.

I just don't want to be insulted.

Bruce Wayne's mansion burns down. Don't you think that a guy as rich and smart and inventive as that would have had SPRINKLERS installed?

Don't insult me. At least show me that there are sprinklers and that, I dunno, the pipe bursts and renders them useless.

MC

[jdhdiggs]

Right, because a marble construction mansion that has been in a family for generations would have sprinklers? Not neccessarily. However, it wouldn't have gone up as quickly or as destructively as it did even with all the accelerants.

A house that old would have been grandfathered from sprinkler req's and they may have felt that running a pressurized pipe of sufficient size to provide some type of prevention was not worth the monatary and aesthetic cost for a secure facility with no neighbors and a full wait staff...?

[Ricardo]

RONIN is practically brainless. But it doesn't insult me. HITCH was submental, it was nothing, fluffy popcorn. But it didn't insult me.

I just don't want to be insulted.

Bruce Wayne's mansion burns down. Don't you think that a guy as rich and smart and inventive as that would have had SPRINKLERS installed?

Don't insult me. At least show me that there are sprinklers and that, I dunno, the pipe bursts and renders them useless.

MC

Micah,

I think it is sad that the fact that you are so critical does not allow you to enjoy a movie for what it is....something to entertain....

Just my opinion.

Ricardo.

[Micah Cohen]

What? Did you hear me? I enjoy RONIN - a totally brainless movie. I own the disc. I actually enjoyed HITCH, for cry eye. (Well, loads of hotties in the flick, too.) I ENJOY! I do ENJOY!

You can't NOT BE critical, tho, and just eat everything you are served. Hollywood counts on you being brainless and just accepting everything, and that's why we get a slew of remakes and unoriginal movies, over and over again. THE PINK PANTHER. THE PRODUCERS. HERBIE THE LOVE BUG... on and on. Do these things need to be REMADE? They don't, but no one complains. And that's why we get BATMAN BEGINS.

Don't you want MORE? Don't you want BETTER? Maybe you don't. I don't know.

MC

[Ricardo]

Sorry....you are right; you do enjoy some movies; it's just that I totally missed that part by the "no sprinkles" detail; I would think that is too critical.... :)

[McLoki]

That I'd enjoy all this enjoyable stuff more if I had a lobotomy?
No, but we would enjoy it more if you did..... ;)

Hey comon - just kidding. (if you had that labotomy you would be laughing your ass off right now... :D:D)

Michael

[ohskigod]

OK micah, I'll roll with ya on Ronin. I liked that movie alot. It actually reminds me to buy it on DVD because inexplicably, I dont own it.

However, are we going to compare believability points between the 2 movies (Ronin and Batman Begins)? Good lord, we could go on all day. Ronin had one of the coolest car chase scenes recorded on film. (multiple scenes actually) cool to watch, but do you think they would happen in real life? hell no. but cool to watch, hence the title entertainment.

If I had to pick a movie that stretches the believability factor to the point of annoyance (even for me) I could think of The Day After Tomorrow as an example. too much to mention without it being painful to think about, and yet I still found it entertaining. I find nothing wrong with a little brainless entertainment.
sometimes movies make you think, sometimes they just take you along for the ride.

for kicks, here's a list of movies I hate

Battlefield Earth (no need for an explanatioon, but didnt just cross the believability line, it acted as if it didnt exist :D)

Mars Attacks - this movie just friggin annoyed me. I do not besmirch others if they were entertained by it. It just made me crabby, like sticking pins in baby's eyeballs crabby.

Moll Flanders - I expect even a chick flick have a story that is somewhat captivating. Give the guy a litte reward for taking his respective check to see thi turd. this movie gave me nothing. this was the worst movie I have ever seen.

I could go on, but hate to hijack a thread

[landry_p2000]

I like this Batman better than all the prior movies put together. Bale is a better Wayne or Batman than even Keaton. I hated the Batman voice he(Bale) used, he sounded constipated.:rolleyes:
The first Batman IMO was a bore compared to this one. Action! Action! Action! Mindless entertainment or not, this one was watched by me Tuesday with the family and Saturday with a buddy. Everyone liked it better, and I enjoyed it both times. It explained in a more real-life way how Bruce Wayne aquired/made his Batman gear. Everything from the suit, utility belt, and Batmobile. I also thought the fabric was pretty cool. Ron was dead on, this was a more real-life Batman movie than the others, and that is what got me.

[cfrizz]

This is a thinking persons Batman & not just mindless entertainment.

[landry_p2000]

I bought the CC one for 14.99, its not the SE though, but most times I just want the movie. Anyway, I am looking forward to a nice bowl of popcorn, cold drink and some good ole mindless Batman Entertainment.

RT1

Just repeating what was posted earlier. Never said I didn't think while watching. Still enjoyed it no matter what.

[Demiurge]

You can't NOT BE critical, tho, and just eat everything you are served.

Double negative, and it seems negativity is your only real fortè. You're more than entitled to your opinion, and sometimes it's even rooted in some truth. The real bottom line here is that you can find reasons to dislike anything.

There is finer acting out there than in the movies people say that they 'really' loved. There's a good chance that they haven't discovered these other movies. Knowing this, the only thing you can do to change minds and introduce folks to the finer things in theatrics is to talk about them and hope they want to go out and see it. Maybe discuss with them why you like it. If you're 'right' (and I mean this loosely), you're going to convert someone. You've said that's not your intention, but it's got to be.

I'll use myself as an example. I'm a music snob, straight up. I can't believe some of the stuff that folks listen to. Stuff that I consider souless and boring. To me, that's fine. What I have done is give my friends CDs that I mixed for them and let them decide if they like it or not. More often than not, my friends are asking more about certain bands, wanting to grab a couple drinks at a venue and watch these bands perform when they roll through town. That's all I can really ask for, we do want the people around us to like the same things we like. There's something to talk about. It's really the same with movies.

You're a movie snob. I don't get into it like that, but I can relate to you. When it comes to movies I just want to be entertained. Low expectations? Probably exactly what it is and that's fine. I don't care too much about the 'fine performance', but I can recognize it when I see it. Movies run the gamut in terms of the emotions and reactions that they garner. The same is true for music. While you can categorize things until you're blue in the face, everyone could have a different take than the next guy. That is the variable that we're dealing with and that is why I can't stand the way you call everyone mindless idiots for liking a movie such as this. All you can really search for is a common ground. I'm not going to stroke myself over a shitty band any more than I'm going to over a shitty movie, but I'm more than likely not going to bother going out of my way to bash it either. People say baseless, moronic, and stupid things all the time. If all we did is respond to that, we would not have the time to enjoy, like so many people are accusing you of not being able to do. So at the very least, ignore the theatrical simpletons. If you're so inclined, enlighten them in a positive way. Your modus operandi here is just pissing people off, even if it is an act, which at it's base I think it's not. I think you're passionate about what you like, but you seem more passionate about what you hate, which is a problem.

I would honestly find your posts more endearing if they were actually about movies that you do like. How they invoke certain emotions and why. Chances are that on a message board it isn't going to be persuasive and may even be a complete waste of time, but in terms of productiveness in getting people to 'see the provebial light', it works wonders.

The bottom line here is that we do all have our own opinons. I'm not going to like what you like and you're not going to like what I like. Believe it or not that doesn't make either of us morons, idiots, or whatever disparaging remark you'd like to use. In turn, that doesn't mean everything is great and that there are no standards. You just can't force feelings and emotions, or you're just acting.

So I want to see more posts about what all of us braindead monkeys are missing. :D

[mantis]

Micah,
seeing how you hate this movie so much , I suggest you go buy it and add it to your collection.Watch it again in your livingroom

Dan

[jdhdiggs]

Here's what I liked: It showed whay Batman was Batman, how and why he became what he is. The whole "My parents died in a mugging so I became a god of an athelete and genius in a lab" part really bothered me. This movie, along with the 2003 origins book make a lot more sense. He doesn't need the science or money part so the physical dedication made a lot more sense.

You (micah) couldn't figure out why he was in the oriental prison? Come on, it was spelled out for you. He was trying to rid the world by understanding it. He was arrested after helping people jack a shipment of Wayne Enterprizes material. What he found was that you can fight crime to ways and that some crime was for the good of humanity. The poor, needy stole to live. This is the crime his dad tried to rid Gotham of. The other crimes around greed and violance were the ones that he evolved to understand. Had he not made this revelation, he would have killed the man in the temple without hesitation and not been heroic in any sense, just a vigilanty. This made him human and also capable of being a super hero with a tragic flaw to be exploited. He walks the line and is in a constant battle with himself to not cross the line.

In all ways, the Batman charactor was far more real and developed than any of the other films, regardless of the acting. That is why I enjoyed this version.

[Sami]

I liked the look of this movie and the cynical Bruce Wayne much more than the older Batmans directed more for younger audiences. However I felt there was a lot missing from this one, I would have liked to see more of his journey back to Gotham and less about the action in Gotham. In my opinion the director tried to include too much into one movie and missed in getting much of anything in it. The stories were too short and to the point, not enough development.

All in all I think it would have been better without the "climax" we saw, that could have been saved for a sequal. Then again it's an action movie and too much story development might have pissed off the "brainless" audience... :)

[criverajr]

Micah,

I think you are reading to much into this, it's a movie from a cartoon, that in it's self should tell you all you need to know. Let me give you an example, in real "Life" you would have a better chance of seeing something happen like it did in Training Day than Batman but people still either loved it or hated it. I am with the others enjoy the flick, the ending in Ronin was shi**.

Crj

[jdhdiggs]

Sami, I think I agree with you, I liked the buildup of the charactor and would have been just happy with more development of Batman. His initial attempts at crime fighting and failures. The ending: have him donning the familiar mask as the last scene similar to ep 3

[Micah Cohen]

Look, I'm not FIGHTING with you all. Before I chimed in, this thread looked like this:

Post #1: I loved BATMAN BEGINS!
Post #2: Me too!
Post #3: Me too!
Post #4: I did too!

So what you all "liked" it? I'm throwing some spice into the mix -- why'd you like it? Because, it ain't a good movie. So, WHY?


You couldn't figure out why he was in the oriental prison?
What? That's not what I said. Read my post again. I don't care why he was in the prison, I care that I don't understand how he kicked the asses of six big guys using judo and Jedi knight stuff BEFORE he was trained by Ra's. If he could do that, what the heck did he need Ra's for? That kind of editing/writing slip-up is insulting. You should be insulted by it, instead of just buying it at face value.


This is a thinking persons Batman & not just mindless entertainment.
No true Batman fan would like this movie. It is a total mess-up of the Batman origin story, what with ninjas and Jedi knights and all that Doctor Strange crap. And if you think about it, which I have obviously been doing (too much), it doesn't make any sense and is an insult. In fact, in light of this movie, Michael Keaton was the "thinking man's Batman." Tim Burton's BATMAN was a kitchy piece of crap as a movie, but Keaton was a thoughtful, interesting, tortured, unexpected, conflicted and well acted Bruce Wayne (in both the original and the first sequel), and the eight minutes that The Batman is onscreen in that first movie, especially when you first see him, those are eight EFFECTIVE and well done minutes.


it's a movie from a cartoon
No, it's a movie from a comic book. And that comic book told a simple story, not a cartoon story but a real narrative story. Which so far has eluded filmmakers FIVE times. The origin of Batman in the original DC comic was about a page long. How come we got FIVE MOVIES, and they all sucked?


So I want to see more posts about what all of us braindead monkeys are missing.
Okay. Rent DARKMAN with Liam Neeson. If you haven't seen it, you're missing a comic book movie about a tortured vigilante hero who's got no "good side," who is exactly what Ra's told Bruce he needs to be: no mercy. You're missing the movie that Sam Raimi made before SPIDERMAN, like a practice run, in which he deploys all the tricks of the trade (all the stuff that makes Sam Raimi a good director), some of which he lost touch with in the big budget opportunity of making SPIDERMAN. DARKMAN is a small, effective, fun, well done film. And it's everything BATMAN BEGINS should have been. Darkman is basically Batman. DARKMAN is the best Batman movie never made.

And sure I'm a movie snob! I don't want to be insulted. (As I said, correctly: You can not NOT BE critical, then you're just a vegetable.) But I love loads of idiotic movies. The trick is that a movie has to not INSULT ME. If I'm watching a stupid movie, like Geena Davis in THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT, for instance, make it smart, man! Let me suspend my disbelief without throwing up obstacles. Make it GOOD, and make it WELL. Anyone for THE ADVENTURES OF FORD FAIRLANE? Stupid, stupid movie, correct? But it's done so well, and written so effectively, and wrapped up so tightly, that IT WORKS without undue insult to me. I'm fine with that. See that flick ELF, with that funny guy whatever his name is who's in everything now? That was fucking FUNNY! And I bought it! It worked! Well written, well acted, and didn't insult my intelligence!

Other Dumb Movies I Own & Enjoy Because They Don't Insult Me (Much):
THE ABYSS
BLADE
DEAD CALM
THE EDGE
THE FUGITIVE
HEAVY METAL
LABYRINTH
THE MINUS MAN
PAYBACK
PLANET OF THE APES
SLAP SHOT
TEAM AMERICA
THE WEDDING SINGER

Each one of these stinkers is dumb in its own way. BUT THEY DON'T INSULT ME. And I like them better than BATMAN BEGINS.

What a boring thread this would be -- everyone just "liking stuff" -- if I didn't throw some water on this fire.

MC

[aaharvel]

I liked The Edge. Alot. By far Alec Baldwin's best performance in a film (not musical). The late Jerry Goldsmith's score was 2nd to none as well. Hopkins- genius as always.

Abyss I loved until they got all political at the end. I still think Michael Bien is one of the most underused and underrated actors in Hollywood today.

[Micah Cohen]

THE EDGE is a good flick. It deals with serious issues in a well written, interesting way, and has loads of good acting going on. It didn't insult me, even with the whole lost in the wilderness, token-black-guy-buys-it-in-the-first-reel and paper-clip compass stuff.

And THE ABYSS is James Cameron's one single great film -- the only one not a total rip off of something else. (Well, I take that back. The original TERMINATOR was really great and pretty original, too.) THE ABYSS is original, interesting, superbly acted and very well directed. Dumb, sure. Aliens are dumb, man. "Hippy message movies" are dumb. But THE ABYSS is better than any Steve Spielberg alien movie.

See? I LIKE DUMB MOVIES! I just don't like insulting movies.

MC

[cfrizz]

Outstanding summation of the movie! :)



Here's what I liked: It showed whay Batman was Batman, how and why he became what he is. The whole "My parents died in a mugging so I became a god of an athelete and genius in a lab" part really bothered me. This movie, along with the 2003 origins book make a lot more sense. He doesn't need the science or money part so the physical dedication made a lot more sense.

You (micah) couldn't figure out why he was in the oriental prison? Come on, it was spelled out for you. He was trying to rid the world by understanding it. He was arrested after helping people jack a shipment of Wayne Enterprizes material. What he found was that you can fight crime to ways and that some crime was for the good of humanity. The poor, needy stole to live. This is the crime his dad tried to rid Gotham of. The other crimes around greed and violance were the ones that he evolved to understand. Had he not made this revelation, he would have killed the man in the temple without hesitation and not been heroic in any sense, just a vigilanty. This made him human and also capable of being a super hero with a tragic flaw to be exploited. He walks the line and is in a constant battle with himself to not cross the line.

In all ways, the Batman charactor was far more real and developed than any of the other films, regardless of the acting. That is why I enjoyed this version.

[ohskigod]

Micah, odly enough, your tastes dont vary too much from mine from your stupid but non insulting movie list. I know a little more where your comin from at least. I'm still missing the Batman begins and Darkman analogy. Yes Darkman was ruthless in a sence (forgive me, I havent seen that movie in a dogs age), but Batman in Batman begins refused to be like that. its the whole reason why he torched ra's house, in no uncertain terms, telling him to eff off. hence the reason the Batman from Batman begins is not like Darkman.

[ohskigod]

In regards to the true to the originl story issue. I still maintain that the Batman has been seen in so many different (some subtle, some not, and not just from the movies) forms that the original story is almost a non issue. Batman begins seems to follow what the basic tenets of Batman was all about. A story and hero that can have so many interpretations is indicative of how good a story and charachter it really is.

look at the King Arthur legend, how many different iterations has that story seen over time? friggin countless.

[sterling bug]

I liked Batman Begins but for me the best Batman movie is Mask of the Phantasm. The animated series is the best treatment of Batman in my opinion because the creators of that series captured the essence of the character perfectly. Its well written and the actors/actresses that provide the voices due a tremendous job. The 3 volumes out on DVD are a must have for any Batman fan.

[Micah Cohen]

for me the best Batman movie is Mask of the Phantasm

Cool! I just put this on my Netflix list. Thanks for the tip.

Now... can we talk about something else?

MC

[reeltrouble1]

Sure Micah,

I really think you should continue not taking your meds. They likely dumb you down to the point your not near as interesting.

Dont ask me how I know. I just do. ;)

RT1

[Micah Cohen]

Viagra is making me go blind. I swear it.

MC

[mantis]

Micah,
as far as the training and why he was able to fight before being trained???Allow me to fill in the gap. First off, there was no Jedi in this movie. Your looking at an actor not a jedi. Batman got his training in the comic's from traveling around the world training under the best masters of there arts. Being in prison gave Bruce street skills. If you watched as he got trained in Ninja, he was clearly beatin by his teacher. Even when he burned down the dojo , he was still no match for his teacher.Also it was more then just physical training, there was spiritual and mental training which he completely lacked. Now you learn how Bruce deals with his fears.

If you knew anything about training in martial arts, you would understand that part of the movie.

You gotta take it for what it is and put it into context. There are many stories of Batman, Bringing a new way of slighty off track to the orignal story gives it fresh life. Remember when these stories where orignal told.... many many years ago. This is a modern Batman story and makes it feel like it could really be a real life Batman. Nothing was way out of line and measured off of todays technology,it makes alot of sense.

It;s a shame you didn't enjoy this movie. Your alone in your findings. Most of my friends are die hard comic book collectors and one is a die hard Batman fan, he loved the movie and wants another. He knows more about Batman then probably the people who write his stories...

Dan

[steveinaz]

Batman Begins:
Loved it, plain and simple.

[begbie]

Little late but finally got around to watching this.

Overall pretty good compared to the slew of superhero flicks being done these days. A little disappointed with the fight scenes as they are always close ups and quick edits.

Look forward to the sequel. :cool:

[polkatese]

I rent it first, and thought, whoa! a must have, so I bought it. It makes an 8/10 in my book.