'Batman Begins': No playing second fiddle to criminals or gadgetry

The Dark Knight returns with a vengeance in Batman Begins.

One of Hollywood's most lucrative comic-book film franchises rises from the ashes after an eight-year absence with a darker, more serious take on the Caped Crusader, who was all but vanquished by Joel Schumacher's campy, late-1990s adaptations.

Drawing inspiration from Frank Miller's graphic novel, Batman: Year One, and the similarly styled Batman: The Long Halloween, the fantasy action-thriller devises an elaborate back story for the legendary character, a superhero without super powers, that emphasizes the man beneath the mask.

Warner Brothers Pictures 'Batman Begins' B+ The verdict: Leaves fans eager for more. Director: Christopher Nolan Starring: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman, Ken Watanabe, Katie Holmes, Cillian Murphy Run time: 140 minutes Release date: June 15, 2005 Rating: PG-13 for intense action violence, disturbing images and some thematic elements. See showtimes Babble Royale! Palm Beach Post critics Hap Erstein and "Flick Chick" square off over Batmania. On the web Official movie site View the trailer    Trailers require Quicktime Rate "Batman Begins"   Go see it   Make it a matinee   Wait to rent   Don't bother Voter Limit: Once per Hour View Poll Results

That's a striking change from the previous films, in which Batman often was eclipsed by scene-stealing villains and gadgets.

Here, everything seems plausible and real, from the origins of his costume and tools to the palpable sense of danger.

That's probably due in part to the success of the Spider-man and X-Men movies, which took their source material seriously.

Directed by Christopher Nolan — best known for the mind-bending independent thriller Memento — Batman Begins restores the legacy of the fallen hero. The lavish production is easily the best Batman movie to date, and it features the series' strongest lead in Christian Bale.

The outstanding cast also includes Oscar winners Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman, along with Liam Neeson, Gary Oldman, Tom Wilkinson and Katie Holmes.

The story was developed by David S. Goyer, who also penned the Blade trilogy, Dark City, The Crow: City of Angels and the forthcoming Ghost Rider. He co-wrote the screenplay with Nolan.

Batman Begins may be a bit too dark and brooding for casual viewers looking for escapist summer fare. But Batman fans, especially those partial to Miller's gritty depiction of the character, will find the film to be an engrossing reinvention of the franchise.

Bruce Wayne (Bale), the only son of a wealthy Gotham City industrialist, dedicates his life to vengeance after his parents are gunned down during his youth in a random street crime. Wracked by guilt and anger, and seeking to understand the criminal mind, Wayne secretly travels the world in search of the means to fight injustice and turn fear against those who prey on the fearful.

In remote Asia, Wayne is mentored by the mysterious Henri Ducard (Neeson), an envoy of Ra's Al Ghul (Ken Watanabe), the leader of a powerful vigilante group called the League of Shadows. Ducard teaches Wayne martial arts and weaponry, as well as how to master his strength and mental focus by confronting his deepest fears.

The philosophical talk about conquering one's fear, which is played too heavily at the outset, foreshadows Batman's eventual face-off against Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy), a creepy villain who literally frightens his victims out of their wits.

Wayne returns to Gotham to find the city in the throes of a depression and torn apart by crime and corruption. Aided by loyal butler Alfred (Caine) and company engineer Lucius Fox (Freeman), he creates his intimidating, caped-and-cowled alter-ego.

His first target is untouchable crime boss Carmine Falcone (Wilkinson), whom he pursues with help from honest cop Sgt. Jim Gordon (Oldman) and crusading Assistant District Attorney Rachel Dawes (Holmes), a childhood friend.

Dawes is the only major character who is not based on one from the comic-book mythology.

The story's multiple threads all come together in the exciting climax, which features a staggering plot twist.

Unlike other recent superhero films, Batman Begins favors actual sets and stunts over computer-generated action. The violence at times is brutal, which creates convincing threats to the characters.

Bale, an independent film actor best known for American Psycho and The Machinist, brings intensity to the title role.

Caine and Freeman provide a welcome dose of humor.

Batman Begins sets the stage for a sequel and, in contrast to Schumacher's films, it leaves fans eager for more.

Reportedly, Bale is signed for two more Batman movies.

We'd gladly answer the Bat Signal again, as long as it's the same dark tone and same dark hero.

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