Brand new and sealed.
"**"
Be aware this is not a documentary!
I bought this fully expecting to settle down for a nice comfortable evening watching a compelling documentary about renowned bat scientist, Dr. Erbunko Von Western Brownfield, and how he got his start in the hyper competitive world of bat science. What I got was a man dressed up in rubber bat costume doing all kinds of stunts and violence and things. So yeah, I had already poured my scotch and arranged my m&ms by colour so I was on the whole invested in the idea of watching something, so I thought what the hay.Several hours later I emerged from the experience having been very nicely entertained, though also quite badly intoxicated as, so drawn into the narrative was I that I rather persistently downed and refilled my scotch till I found the bottle’s empty remains laying smashed all over my parquet floor. Thus, blind drunk and filled with energetic zeal I attempted to recreate some of the scenes from the film I had just seen and began hanging out the window and screaming at passers-by in a low, raspy voice (as hard as it sounds!). Buoyed by a freshly instilled vigilante conviction, I descended onto the veranda of my immediate neighbour, whose dog had been making toilet on my front lawn of late, with the intention of using skilful forms of violence to teach him a lesson. Given my state it's fair to say that my execution was poor, and I slipped and got bound up in electrical cables which left me dangling Infront of a rear window wherein I could do little more than peer into a room where said neighbour was making vigorous love to his wife. My presence did not remain unnoticed for long and the irate couple ventured outside to berate me, though having been suspended upside down for so long I could not help giving in to the urge to vomit all over the place, with much of my regurgitation soiling the otherwise lovely and beautifully conditioned hair of my irate neighbour’s wife. The police were soon called who I must say were very helpful and polite in assisting my descent and consequent exit from the property. It’s fair to say that this escapade has tarnished my standing in the community whilst my neighbour persists in fixing me with an unkind stare whenever we cross paths. Having said that, I have no regrets and would certainly recommend this film to anyone looking for a compelling evening’s entertainment, as opposed to an edifying experience about bat science, albeit one consumed soberly though I maintain that m&ms would complement the experience wonderfully.
J**A
It's my all-time favourite film
It's not the best film ever made. It's not even the best film Christopher Nolan has ever made. But it's the most well-executed Batman film ever made. People will argue that The Dark Knight or The Dark Knight Rises should be given that title, that there is no contest, but I would argue that there very much is. Both of those films have pacing issues, have storytelling issues, are bogged down by convoluted plots, motivations that don't quite make sense. Batman Begins is precisely executed in every regard. There is nothing about its structure, pacing, story, or characters, that is at all out of place. It is an expertly crafted film, and a loving ode to The Batman.
S**D
a very good Batman film
This is a review of both the film and the Blu-ray - specifically the 'Limited Edition Steelbook' I ordered.This steelbook case is an attractive item, depicting Batman in fine detail. It is, unfortunately, a rather costly version of the film (as I review, it's priced at £29.99) so I don't recommend it ... the ordinary Blu-ray is a good buy. The picture and audio quality are superb, and there are lots of bonus features.The film ... this movie re-boots the Batman franchise. Directed by Christopher Nolan, and starring Christian Bale, this film effectively defined the live-action Batman character for a decade. This is an origin story, exploring the genesis of Batman. We get to see Bruce Wayne suffer the loss of his parents, and his gradual distancing from normality, slowing becoming more than a man ... becoming Batman! The villains of the film are, for the most part, criminal gangsters - although two 'super-villains' from the rogue's gallery are included: the Scarecrow and Ra's al Ghul.This movie, and the legacy it established, sought to place Batman in a recognisable world - depicting a sense of realism, as omitted from the earlier films. And so, for example, Batman's gadgets and his vehicle are given explanations and backstory (rather than simply just being there). Of course, having a near-immoral enemy - in Ra's al Ghul - does detract from this realism!When the film was released, it was great to see the origin of Batman thoroughly explored - as it had only been seen in momentary flashbacks in earlier movies. Here, we understand how he's able to engage in martial arts, etc., as we see him train. All the major pieces and elements that are involved in Batman as a character - from Alfred to Wayne Enterprises, from Lucius Fox to the Batmobile - are included here. The film draws on the long history of DC comics, and seeks to create a movie that genuinely reflects how Batman is conceived in the original source materials. Of course, there are deviations - as the director has taken creative licence. Nonetheless, at its core this film does adhere to the comic books.While I thoroughly enjoyed this movie - and have seen it several times since it's cinematic release - I still feel that it wasn't quite as good as it ought to have been. It lacked that special quality which makes movies truly great. And, in this case, I think that what was lacking was a singular sense of magnificent villainy ... yet what was absent here, in the first of Nolan's Batman film's, was more than made-up for in the sequel - with the arrival of the Joker. The sense of dread created by the Joker, in "The Dark Knight", is simply not apparent in "Batman Begins".Still, this is a really good film. I thoroughly recommend it. It's suitable for children and adults alike, and serves as family entertainment (although there is quite a lot of violence).This movie is an important instalment in the Batman saga ... and things go from being 'good' to 'great'. Well worth watching.
M**Y
My Favourite
I think this is the best of the three Christian Bale outings as it is done on a very limited budget which in Christopher Nolans case, always results in an idea driven film. After this bigger budgets kicked in with diminished returns in the plot dept. I was disappointed with The Dark Knight and somewhat angered by The Dark Knight Rises. But this is fresh, witty and brimming with many clever new ideas. Enjoy.
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