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Ethan Embry recommended Oldboy (2003) in Movies (curated)
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated The Handmaiden (2017) in Movies
Sep 14, 2017
Fabulously deceptive, deliciously dark
Park Chan-wook has pulled another delicious thriller out of the bag after his Vengeance Trilogy and Stoker. It is dark, filled with violence and sex, but the cinematography is decadent and the vivid colours spill out of the screen.
The story itself is filled with twists and turns, even tying your stomach in knots watching it. It's a question of who betrays who? Which of the characters are con artists?
I love the fact that there is a strong female presence in this film like Park's other stories. Absolutely gripping.
The story itself is filled with twists and turns, even tying your stomach in knots watching it. It's a question of who betrays who? Which of the characters are con artists?
I love the fact that there is a strong female presence in this film like Park's other stories. Absolutely gripping.
Ross (3282 KP) rated Nightblade's Vengeance in Books
Oct 10, 2017
*** I received a free advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ***
This summer I read the first Nightblade trilogy: I loved the first one (the world-building, the three different stories running in parallel and occasionally crossing over), enjoyed the second one (character development was the focus plus setting up the conflict in the conclusion) and tolerated the final book (largely a repeat of the same plot as the first two plus a number of loose ends left un-tied).
Given how I fell out of love with the series as it went on, I was a little tentative about reading this, the first in a new trilogy following on from the events of the first. I have to say it was very poor.
Pretty much nothing happens throughout the book, the sole focus is on political manoeuvring and the nightblades have become a shadow of what they were to be at the end of the first series.
The king is dying and has no heir, so one of three lords looks likely to be chosen to take the throne (or decide to take it). There is some unrest within the populace of the Kingdom towards nightblades (ninja-like warriors with a spidey-sense warning them of danger and allowing them to sense each other) - rumours are spreading that nightblades are demanding unreasonable payment for protection and are harming those they are supposed to be serving. And a particularly weak nightblade, the daughter of a dayblade (whose powers are used to heal rather than in combat) killed in service, by a mysterious warrior who subsequently vanished, is looking for vengeance (hence the title).
And that is pretty much it. The plot is very basic, the narrative takes an absolute age to cover what few events are happening and the vocabulary is pretty limited (I think at one point within three paragraphs about 6 things were said to have happened "in a moment" or "for a moment").
Twice in the book the phrase "to cut a long, boring story short" was used and I can't help but think Kirk was referring to what he himself should do.
I wasn't sure after ending the nightblade trilogy whether I would return to the world of the nightblades. Now I am certain I won't.
This summer I read the first Nightblade trilogy: I loved the first one (the world-building, the three different stories running in parallel and occasionally crossing over), enjoyed the second one (character development was the focus plus setting up the conflict in the conclusion) and tolerated the final book (largely a repeat of the same plot as the first two plus a number of loose ends left un-tied).
Given how I fell out of love with the series as it went on, I was a little tentative about reading this, the first in a new trilogy following on from the events of the first. I have to say it was very poor.
Pretty much nothing happens throughout the book, the sole focus is on political manoeuvring and the nightblades have become a shadow of what they were to be at the end of the first series.
The king is dying and has no heir, so one of three lords looks likely to be chosen to take the throne (or decide to take it). There is some unrest within the populace of the Kingdom towards nightblades (ninja-like warriors with a spidey-sense warning them of danger and allowing them to sense each other) - rumours are spreading that nightblades are demanding unreasonable payment for protection and are harming those they are supposed to be serving. And a particularly weak nightblade, the daughter of a dayblade (whose powers are used to heal rather than in combat) killed in service, by a mysterious warrior who subsequently vanished, is looking for vengeance (hence the title).
And that is pretty much it. The plot is very basic, the narrative takes an absolute age to cover what few events are happening and the vocabulary is pretty limited (I think at one point within three paragraphs about 6 things were said to have happened "in a moment" or "for a moment").
Twice in the book the phrase "to cut a long, boring story short" was used and I can't help but think Kirk was referring to what he himself should do.
I wasn't sure after ending the nightblade trilogy whether I would return to the world of the nightblades. Now I am certain I won't.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated His and Hers in Books
Jul 29, 2020
Will keep you guessing until the big reveal
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.
There are three sides to every story, his, hers, and the truth. In Alice Feeney's latest, His & Hers, there is his, hers, and a killer out for vengeance.
Narrators Richard Armitage and Stephanie Racine skillfully bring Feeney's thriller to life as a detective and his news journalist ex-wife who are separately trying to solve/report the murders of people from their past while trying to stay out of the crosshairs of a serial killer on a mission. The chapters alternate between DCI Jack Harper and Anna Andrews, which allows us to see the story from both sides as it unfolds. The killer, using a voice disguiser, breaks the fourth wall to explain his/her reasons.
Because of Feeney's clever writing, I was unable to figure out the killer until the big reveal. I switched suspects with each suspenseful chapter I read. Her red herrings were flawless.
Richard Armitage is an actor and audio-book narrator known for his role as Thorin in The Hobbit trilogy. Stephanie Racine narrated numerous novels, including Feeney's three best-sellers, Sometimes I Lie, I Know Who You Are, and His & Hers.
Goodreads lists Feeney's next novel, as of yet untitled, to be released in 2021.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 7/28/20.
There are three sides to every story, his, hers, and the truth. In Alice Feeney's latest, His & Hers, there is his, hers, and a killer out for vengeance.
Narrators Richard Armitage and Stephanie Racine skillfully bring Feeney's thriller to life as a detective and his news journalist ex-wife who are separately trying to solve/report the murders of people from their past while trying to stay out of the crosshairs of a serial killer on a mission. The chapters alternate between DCI Jack Harper and Anna Andrews, which allows us to see the story from both sides as it unfolds. The killer, using a voice disguiser, breaks the fourth wall to explain his/her reasons.
Because of Feeney's clever writing, I was unable to figure out the killer until the big reveal. I switched suspects with each suspenseful chapter I read. Her red herrings were flawless.
Richard Armitage is an actor and audio-book narrator known for his role as Thorin in The Hobbit trilogy. Stephanie Racine narrated numerous novels, including Feeney's three best-sellers, Sometimes I Lie, I Know Who You Are, and His & Hers.
Goodreads lists Feeney's next novel, as of yet untitled, to be released in 2021.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 7/28/20.
Andy K (10821 KP) rated The Searchers (1956) in Movies
Apr 28, 2019
Sprawling, wondrous, beautiful country
It's funny how movies make you interested in rewatching other movies sometimes.
In this case, I recently watched the Back to the Future trilogy again (seen way too many times). After watching Back to the Future 3, I listened to some of the audio commentary and the filmmakers mention many times how much fun they had making a western this time around and how much they were in awe of the countryside locations where they had filmed mentioning also this is where John Ford had filmed classic scenes from a lot of his more famous western epic films, like The Searchers. That was enough for me to give it another go.
The story is a relatively simple one of a man and his companion going on an epic journey to try and find and save his niece who had been abducted by the Comanche Indians in the Old West. Several of his relatives had also been killed and he was searching for the chief called "Scar" whom he had learned was leading this band of outlaws. His journey for vengeance would take 5+ years and would take him across the sprawling western countryside during both summer and winter.
The main character in the film is the magnificent landscapes and sprawling sunrises and sunsets featured throughout the film. The cinematography is breathtaking and the use of color is just majestic considering this movie is from the mid 50s.
I have to admit to not watching a lot of John Wayne movies (yet), but he gives a memorable performance not quite as heroey as in some of his other classics. Jeffrey Hunter (Captain Christopher Pike) is also very good in the film.
A true masterpiece.
In this case, I recently watched the Back to the Future trilogy again (seen way too many times). After watching Back to the Future 3, I listened to some of the audio commentary and the filmmakers mention many times how much fun they had making a western this time around and how much they were in awe of the countryside locations where they had filmed mentioning also this is where John Ford had filmed classic scenes from a lot of his more famous western epic films, like The Searchers. That was enough for me to give it another go.
The story is a relatively simple one of a man and his companion going on an epic journey to try and find and save his niece who had been abducted by the Comanche Indians in the Old West. Several of his relatives had also been killed and he was searching for the chief called "Scar" whom he had learned was leading this band of outlaws. His journey for vengeance would take 5+ years and would take him across the sprawling western countryside during both summer and winter.
The main character in the film is the magnificent landscapes and sprawling sunrises and sunsets featured throughout the film. The cinematography is breathtaking and the use of color is just majestic considering this movie is from the mid 50s.
I have to admit to not watching a lot of John Wayne movies (yet), but he gives a memorable performance not quite as heroey as in some of his other classics. Jeffrey Hunter (Captain Christopher Pike) is also very good in the film.
A true masterpiece.
Debbie (52 KP) rated Nevernight in Books
Aug 16, 2018
NEVERNIGHT By: Jay Kristoff
Adult Fantasy 429 pages
This was an amazing book. At times I just couldn't put it down. This is the first book of a trilogy. I will be reading the 2nd book, Godsgrave soon.
This book is about Mia Corvere who is seeking vengeance against the powers that destroyed her family. At the age of 10 her father was hung and her mother and baby brother were sent the Philosophers stone, prison. She was to be drowned but escaped.
During her flight she is robbed and get's a shadow friend who happens to be in the shape of a cat. She calls her friend Mister Kindly. A retire killer takes her in and trains her in the art of fighting. At 16 she leaves and heads out to join the Red Church. On her way she meets a young man, named Tric and an older woman named Naev.
Naev ends up being a member of the Red Church. She learns that Tric also wants to join the Red Church. Each have their reasons for joining.
To join the Red Church you have to go through deadly trials. If you survive to initiation you will be inducted among the chosen of the Lady of Blessed Mother. If she makes it this far she will be one step closer to her goal of revenge.
This book takes you through her trials and friendships and enemies. Why was her family targeted? Who are her friends? Who are her enemies? What is Tric to her? Does she make it into the Red Church? You have to read to find out the answer to these questions. I highly recommend this book I gave it 4.5 stars.
Adult Fantasy 429 pages
This was an amazing book. At times I just couldn't put it down. This is the first book of a trilogy. I will be reading the 2nd book, Godsgrave soon.
This book is about Mia Corvere who is seeking vengeance against the powers that destroyed her family. At the age of 10 her father was hung and her mother and baby brother were sent the Philosophers stone, prison. She was to be drowned but escaped.
During her flight she is robbed and get's a shadow friend who happens to be in the shape of a cat. She calls her friend Mister Kindly. A retire killer takes her in and trains her in the art of fighting. At 16 she leaves and heads out to join the Red Church. On her way she meets a young man, named Tric and an older woman named Naev.
Naev ends up being a member of the Red Church. She learns that Tric also wants to join the Red Church. Each have their reasons for joining.
To join the Red Church you have to go through deadly trials. If you survive to initiation you will be inducted among the chosen of the Lady of Blessed Mother. If she makes it this far she will be one step closer to her goal of revenge.
This book takes you through her trials and friendships and enemies. Why was her family targeted? Who are her friends? Who are her enemies? What is Tric to her? Does she make it into the Red Church? You have to read to find out the answer to these questions. I highly recommend this book I gave it 4.5 stars.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Titanium (Rent-a-Dragon #3) in Books
Aug 6, 2020
Contains spoilers, click to show
141 of 200
Kindle
Titanium ( Rent a Dragon book 3)
By Terry Bolryder
A dragon contractor? Expensive.
Unless you're the woman Titus Kroll just fell madly in love with. As a decisive, capable, and newly awakened metal dragon, Titus is used to seeing what he wants and going after it. Right now that's Bree Durell, a sweet, curvy woman who needs help with her house badly and can't afford to pay. Still, his heart says she's his mate, and no matter the price, he's ready to serve her every need, whether that's repairing her home, healing her heart, or restoring her trust.
Bree Durell isn't looking for romance. She has enough on her plate with a crazed stalker, a clumsy but adorable dog, and a house that's falling apart around her and too expensive to repair. Though there is instant attraction when she sees Titus in all his tall, blue-eyed, muscular glory at Rent-A-Dragon, she's sure she can't afford his fee. So when Titus shows up on her doorstep with an offer she can't refuse, she vows she will only keep things professional, no matter how wickedly talented he might be with his hands.
As Titus and Bree work in close quarters, sharing a home and a few steamy encounters, there are big threats circling. From an ancient friend-turned-enemy, to rogue dragons obsessed with vengeance, Titus is going to have his hands full if he wants to protect his newly-built life.
The last book in this trilogy and we finally see our last brother mated! Titus is my favourite I think. Another short story giving us more shifter fun! Nice to see the precious metal dragons finding some truth and ready to be trained and hopefully find their mates too!
Kindle
Titanium ( Rent a Dragon book 3)
By Terry Bolryder
A dragon contractor? Expensive.
Unless you're the woman Titus Kroll just fell madly in love with. As a decisive, capable, and newly awakened metal dragon, Titus is used to seeing what he wants and going after it. Right now that's Bree Durell, a sweet, curvy woman who needs help with her house badly and can't afford to pay. Still, his heart says she's his mate, and no matter the price, he's ready to serve her every need, whether that's repairing her home, healing her heart, or restoring her trust.
Bree Durell isn't looking for romance. She has enough on her plate with a crazed stalker, a clumsy but adorable dog, and a house that's falling apart around her and too expensive to repair. Though there is instant attraction when she sees Titus in all his tall, blue-eyed, muscular glory at Rent-A-Dragon, she's sure she can't afford his fee. So when Titus shows up on her doorstep with an offer she can't refuse, she vows she will only keep things professional, no matter how wickedly talented he might be with his hands.
As Titus and Bree work in close quarters, sharing a home and a few steamy encounters, there are big threats circling. From an ancient friend-turned-enemy, to rogue dragons obsessed with vengeance, Titus is going to have his hands full if he wants to protect his newly-built life.
The last book in this trilogy and we finally see our last brother mated! Titus is my favourite I think. Another short story giving us more shifter fun! Nice to see the precious metal dragons finding some truth and ready to be trained and hopefully find their mates too!
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Sep 8, 2021 (Updated Sep 8, 2021)
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Half a War (Shattered Sea, Book 3) in Books
Nov 14, 2019
This is the third book of the Shattered Sea trilogy and takes place a couple of years after the previous book, Half the World. The long forecast war between Gettland and the High King commences with the High King's champion, Bright Yilling, invading Throvenland. Princess Skara manages to escape to Gettland where she joins the allies so that she can take her homeland back from the invaders.
Father Yarvi is also determined to strike back, to carry out the oath of vengeance he swore against his father's killers. To do this he must defeat Bright Yilling and his army and then take on the High King himself. But just how far is he prepared to go in order to secure victory?
I actually can't say too much in detail about this book without giving anything away. Much like the previous book, this one seems like a fairly conventional epic fantasy style story for a good half. But then Abercrombie starts to twist the knife as the reader's expectations based on the usual fantasy tropes are knocked down one by one.
Certainly there is much here that is unconventional in many ways and I confess to having a rather mad smile on my face at one point due to the utter craziness of what is going on - but Abercrombie handles it well having laid the groundwork well in advance. It is never clear who is going live and who is going to die, and who is going to win and who is going to lose.
After the first two books, which have quite a lot of conversations and philosophy, this is essentailly one long drawn out battle against various parties in various locations. Some battles are fought with swords and others with words, but both are just as deadly for the loser. The fight scenes are very violent and as expected it's pretty grim and dark at times.
There is plenty of scope left at the end for more stories set in the world of the Shattered Sea and these would be welcome but it also clear that the story of Yarvi and his revenge has been completed.
Not the best of the series, the first half is probably too conventional but the second half turns so much on its head it redeems the book completely.
Rating: Lots of violent battles and deaths, some scatalogical phrases and some non-explict sexual scenes. Young Adult but more at the Adult than Young end of that spectrum
Father Yarvi is also determined to strike back, to carry out the oath of vengeance he swore against his father's killers. To do this he must defeat Bright Yilling and his army and then take on the High King himself. But just how far is he prepared to go in order to secure victory?
I actually can't say too much in detail about this book without giving anything away. Much like the previous book, this one seems like a fairly conventional epic fantasy style story for a good half. But then Abercrombie starts to twist the knife as the reader's expectations based on the usual fantasy tropes are knocked down one by one.
Certainly there is much here that is unconventional in many ways and I confess to having a rather mad smile on my face at one point due to the utter craziness of what is going on - but Abercrombie handles it well having laid the groundwork well in advance. It is never clear who is going live and who is going to die, and who is going to win and who is going to lose.
After the first two books, which have quite a lot of conversations and philosophy, this is essentailly one long drawn out battle against various parties in various locations. Some battles are fought with swords and others with words, but both are just as deadly for the loser. The fight scenes are very violent and as expected it's pretty grim and dark at times.
There is plenty of scope left at the end for more stories set in the world of the Shattered Sea and these would be welcome but it also clear that the story of Yarvi and his revenge has been completed.
Not the best of the series, the first half is probably too conventional but the second half turns so much on its head it redeems the book completely.
Rating: Lots of violent battles and deaths, some scatalogical phrases and some non-explict sexual scenes. Young Adult but more at the Adult than Young end of that spectrum
Chris Sawin (602 KP) rated Batman Begins (2005) in Movies
Jun 18, 2019
Before Ben Affleck, but after Adam West, Michael Keaton, Kevin Conroy, Val Kilmer, and George Clooney, Christian Bale was Batman for at least two of the best Batman films out there. With a screenplay by director Christopher Nolan and his brother Jonathan and a story by David S. Goyer, Batman Begins is an origin story. Gotham City is dying since criminals like Carmine Falcone (Tom Wilkinson) are able to get away with murder since, “he keeps the bad people rich and the good people scared,” as Rachel Dawes (Katie Holmes) puts it. Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) trains with Henri Ducard (Liam Neeson), the right hand of Ra’s Al Ghul (Ken Watanabe), and The League of Shadows.
But The League of Shadows has a skewed view of justice since they believe that more serious crimes should be punishable by death (usually by their hand) while Bruce believes in compassion and the right to a fair trial before passing judgment. Leaving The League of Shadows in shambles, Bruce makes his way back to Gotham after a seven year absence. In Bruce’s own words, “As a man, I’m flesh and blood. I can be ignored. I can be destroyed. But as a symbol I can be incorruptible. I can be everlasting.” This is the story of Batman’s uprising; how a young Bruce Wayne conquered his fear of bats and the death of his parents to become the ominous and fearsome dark knight.
Even when you look back at what Christopher Nolan accomplished in his Dark Knight Trilogy, Batman Begins still holds its own and should be considered one of the best Batman films to date. Before Batman v Superman took the dark and gritty aspects of serious superhero films too far, Batman Begins was the first Batman film since Tim Burton’s Batman to favor a more serious tone in comparison to the campiness that overloads the likes of Batman Forever and Batman & Robin. Christopher Nolan always had the intention of keeping Batman grounded in realism and that concept reflected in its incredibly well-written storyline. Batman Begins is a lot like the Year One comic book storyline with Bruce Wayne returning to Gotham City after training in martial arts and being gone for several years, the inclusion of Carmine Falcone, a blossoming relationship between Batman and Jim Gordon, and The Joker tease on the rooftop even ends the story in similar fashion.
The realistic quality Christopher Nolan was aiming for also translates into the dialogue as nothing seems forced or out of place and everything seems to take place in consistent and reasonable fashion. Aside from Christian Bale, the rest of the cast is far more impressive than it had any right to be with the likes of Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman, Cillian Murphy, and Rutger Hauer. Caine adds a level of tenderness to the Alfred character we haven’t really seen before while Cillian Murphy is brilliantly sinister as Jonathan Crane/Scarecrow. Thanks to frequent Christopher Nolan collaborator, director of photography Wally Pfister, Batman Begins is beautifully shot. Colors are always bright and vibrant outside of the Batcave as the dark visuals of the film seem to slowly swallow their colorful surroundings piece by piece.
The inclusion of Liam Neeson in the film is an interesting one for statistical purposes. Prior to Taken, Neeson was known for taking on roles where his character died; Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Gangs of New York, Kingdom of Heaven, and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe are all prime examples. Neeson’s character Ducard is also the main ingredient in the surprise Nolan often includes in the finale of his films. Neeson has this calm demeanor about him as Ducard that portrays just how in control he is of the training he’s passing onto Bruce. The cast to Batman films are usually packed with stars that are relevant to the time it’s released, but Batman Begins can boast that its supporting cast is just as strong as the leads in the film.
The reasoning behind Christian Bale’s Batman voice is legitimate and you certainly understand why it’s utilized, but the awkward transition between normal voice and rough and raspy vigilante takes some getting used to since you immediately think of the ridiculousness in The Lego Batman Movie or the handful of Deadpool 2 jokes whenever he’s Batman now. Katie Holmes is dull dishwater as an actress. She is the least memorable of the entire cast and is basically that person at a party that everyone knows that’s there but they don’t say anything to anybody before leaving when no one is looking. Maggie Gyllenhaal is able to add some depth with the Rachel Dawes character in The Dark Knight, but it’s as if you can still hear the sound of the Dawson’s Creek theme song echoing in your head whenever Gyllenhaal is on-screen; Katie Holmes is like a huge fart that is still smelt after she’s gone in the sequel she’s not even a part of. There was an overwhelming amount of complaints in the online community regarding how ugly Batman’s new Batmobile, The Tumblr, is in the film. While the vehicle is ugly, at least that ugliness is maintained throughout Nolan’s entire trilogy. Batman likes ugly things in this universe, but at least they’re functional and serve their purpose.
Even with how most individuals feel about The Dark Knight, Batman Begins is still an incredible superhero film that is more than capable as a standalone feature as well as the jumpstart to a new set of Batman films. Christopher Nolan practically reinvented the Batman franchise to a certain extent starting with this film. Depending on how you feel about Ben Affleck’s Batman, Christian Bale was the last satisfying Batman.
Batman Begins feels more like a crime film first and a superhero film second where Batman is an unstoppable force of nature. Stripping the film of its origin retelling, one would think this is what Todd McFarlane is going for with his new Spawn film only to an R-rated extent; a superhero that flourishes in the darkness and has a reputation as this spiritual incarnation of vengeance. Christopher Nolan made something special with his Batman films and it feels like Batman Begins is often overlooked due to the reputation of The Dark Knight. While that perspective isn’t necessarily wrong, fans should at least appreciate Batman Begins in a similar light if not a slightly brighter one.
Batman Begins is currently available to stream for $2.99 on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Vudu, and Google Play and for $3.99 on iTunes. The film is available for a variety of formats on Amazon including 4K/Blu-ray ($24.49), DVD ($9.43), and Multi-Format Blu-ray ($11.49). The Blu-ray is currently $5.22 (5% off its normal $5.50 price) in brand new condition and $3.42 pre-owned on eBay with free shipping on both. You can also get the film as part of a three-disc DVD trilogy pack with The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises or as The Dark Knight Trilogy box set on DVD or Blu-ray. Both options are available on both Amazon and eBay (DVD set is running $11.97 on eBay and $19.72 on Amazon while The Dark Knight Trilogy is available in a variety of formats (regular, ultimate, and special editions) on both sites between $12 and $18.99 unless you want the $69.99 ultimate set.
But The League of Shadows has a skewed view of justice since they believe that more serious crimes should be punishable by death (usually by their hand) while Bruce believes in compassion and the right to a fair trial before passing judgment. Leaving The League of Shadows in shambles, Bruce makes his way back to Gotham after a seven year absence. In Bruce’s own words, “As a man, I’m flesh and blood. I can be ignored. I can be destroyed. But as a symbol I can be incorruptible. I can be everlasting.” This is the story of Batman’s uprising; how a young Bruce Wayne conquered his fear of bats and the death of his parents to become the ominous and fearsome dark knight.
Even when you look back at what Christopher Nolan accomplished in his Dark Knight Trilogy, Batman Begins still holds its own and should be considered one of the best Batman films to date. Before Batman v Superman took the dark and gritty aspects of serious superhero films too far, Batman Begins was the first Batman film since Tim Burton’s Batman to favor a more serious tone in comparison to the campiness that overloads the likes of Batman Forever and Batman & Robin. Christopher Nolan always had the intention of keeping Batman grounded in realism and that concept reflected in its incredibly well-written storyline. Batman Begins is a lot like the Year One comic book storyline with Bruce Wayne returning to Gotham City after training in martial arts and being gone for several years, the inclusion of Carmine Falcone, a blossoming relationship between Batman and Jim Gordon, and The Joker tease on the rooftop even ends the story in similar fashion.
The realistic quality Christopher Nolan was aiming for also translates into the dialogue as nothing seems forced or out of place and everything seems to take place in consistent and reasonable fashion. Aside from Christian Bale, the rest of the cast is far more impressive than it had any right to be with the likes of Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman, Cillian Murphy, and Rutger Hauer. Caine adds a level of tenderness to the Alfred character we haven’t really seen before while Cillian Murphy is brilliantly sinister as Jonathan Crane/Scarecrow. Thanks to frequent Christopher Nolan collaborator, director of photography Wally Pfister, Batman Begins is beautifully shot. Colors are always bright and vibrant outside of the Batcave as the dark visuals of the film seem to slowly swallow their colorful surroundings piece by piece.
The inclusion of Liam Neeson in the film is an interesting one for statistical purposes. Prior to Taken, Neeson was known for taking on roles where his character died; Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Gangs of New York, Kingdom of Heaven, and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe are all prime examples. Neeson’s character Ducard is also the main ingredient in the surprise Nolan often includes in the finale of his films. Neeson has this calm demeanor about him as Ducard that portrays just how in control he is of the training he’s passing onto Bruce. The cast to Batman films are usually packed with stars that are relevant to the time it’s released, but Batman Begins can boast that its supporting cast is just as strong as the leads in the film.
The reasoning behind Christian Bale’s Batman voice is legitimate and you certainly understand why it’s utilized, but the awkward transition between normal voice and rough and raspy vigilante takes some getting used to since you immediately think of the ridiculousness in The Lego Batman Movie or the handful of Deadpool 2 jokes whenever he’s Batman now. Katie Holmes is dull dishwater as an actress. She is the least memorable of the entire cast and is basically that person at a party that everyone knows that’s there but they don’t say anything to anybody before leaving when no one is looking. Maggie Gyllenhaal is able to add some depth with the Rachel Dawes character in The Dark Knight, but it’s as if you can still hear the sound of the Dawson’s Creek theme song echoing in your head whenever Gyllenhaal is on-screen; Katie Holmes is like a huge fart that is still smelt after she’s gone in the sequel she’s not even a part of. There was an overwhelming amount of complaints in the online community regarding how ugly Batman’s new Batmobile, The Tumblr, is in the film. While the vehicle is ugly, at least that ugliness is maintained throughout Nolan’s entire trilogy. Batman likes ugly things in this universe, but at least they’re functional and serve their purpose.
Even with how most individuals feel about The Dark Knight, Batman Begins is still an incredible superhero film that is more than capable as a standalone feature as well as the jumpstart to a new set of Batman films. Christopher Nolan practically reinvented the Batman franchise to a certain extent starting with this film. Depending on how you feel about Ben Affleck’s Batman, Christian Bale was the last satisfying Batman.
Batman Begins feels more like a crime film first and a superhero film second where Batman is an unstoppable force of nature. Stripping the film of its origin retelling, one would think this is what Todd McFarlane is going for with his new Spawn film only to an R-rated extent; a superhero that flourishes in the darkness and has a reputation as this spiritual incarnation of vengeance. Christopher Nolan made something special with his Batman films and it feels like Batman Begins is often overlooked due to the reputation of The Dark Knight. While that perspective isn’t necessarily wrong, fans should at least appreciate Batman Begins in a similar light if not a slightly brighter one.
Batman Begins is currently available to stream for $2.99 on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Vudu, and Google Play and for $3.99 on iTunes. The film is available for a variety of formats on Amazon including 4K/Blu-ray ($24.49), DVD ($9.43), and Multi-Format Blu-ray ($11.49). The Blu-ray is currently $5.22 (5% off its normal $5.50 price) in brand new condition and $3.42 pre-owned on eBay with free shipping on both. You can also get the film as part of a three-disc DVD trilogy pack with The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises or as The Dark Knight Trilogy box set on DVD or Blu-ray. Both options are available on both Amazon and eBay (DVD set is running $11.97 on eBay and $19.72 on Amazon while The Dark Knight Trilogy is available in a variety of formats (regular, ultimate, and special editions) on both sites between $12 and $18.99 unless you want the $69.99 ultimate set.
