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Michael Elliott (Movie Parables) raves, "By taking us back to the origins of the 'Bat,' Nolan not only breaths life back into the comic book world of Bruce Wayne and his alter-ego, he has given us one of the best super-hero films ever made."

Daniel Revill (Relevant) writes that the movie "should have no trouble laying claim to the title of best superhero film (and one of the year's best)."

Kevin Miller (The Joy of Movies) echoes the enthusiasm, saying it's "the first truly great superhero film. While most superhero films tend to emphasize spectacle over story, Batman Begins is more like a character study masquerading as an action movie."

At Hollywood Jesus, others blog away about the film. Maurice Broaddus says Nolan "emphasizes character and story over special effects and nipples on the bat-suit, creating an adult drama from what my grandmother used to refer to as 'funny books.' And I couldn't be happier." Mike Furches says, "It has the best car, the best story, the best Alfred, the best villains, the best story, the best effects, and the best Batman." And Johann Snyder finds it "a surprisingly insightful film."

"Batman Begins blew me away from start to finish," says Jonathan Rodriguez (Christian Spotlight), "and kept me glued to my seat for its almost two-and-a-half hour running time."

Andrew Coffin (World) writes, "The film cleverly succeeds in explaining the practical aspects of the bat-man, gamely, as did the recent Spider-Man films, showing the hero sometimes unsuccessfully growing into his new role. Batman Begins is somewhat less successful in explaining the psychology of Wayne/Batman."

Mike Parnell (Ethics Daily) raves, "It is not just good; it is great. There is nothing wrong with this film. It treats the source with love and care, which is good news for those who've spent years collecting the comics and learning the smallest facts about a character. Batman Begins delivers in every way."

Michael Leary (The Matthew's House Project) writes, "As what is slated to be the first of a few Batman films seemingly determined to rescue the franchise from the slapstick excesses of previous attempts, its fierce pacing whets audience appetites for more. Christian Bale's perfect performance deserves a few sequels as his brooding Batman far outstrips Keaton's roguish charm, Kilmer's bland affectations, and Clooney's inability to nail the part. Bale reminds us of how serious and thought provoking a comic hero can really be."

A ready-to-download Movie Discussion Guide related to this movie is available at ChristianityTodayMoviesStore.com.

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Guilt and Grace in Gotham City	Printer view
Batman, the only fully human superhero, usually saves the day, but sometimes he doesn't. We can forgive him these occasional failures, but can he forgive himself? More importantly, can he save himself?