Superhero Movie Countdown — No. 13

Today I continue my superhero movie countdown with perhaps the best origin story film of all time.

No. 13 — Batman Begins (2005)
Starring: Christian Bale, Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, and Gary Oldman
Director: Christopher Nolan
Quote: "People need dramatic examples to shake them out of apathy and I can't do that as Bruce Wayne. As a man, I'm flesh and blood, I can be ignored, I can be destroyed; but as a symbol... as a symbol I can be incorruptible, I can be everlasting." — Bruce Wayne
About: Batman is by far my favorite superhero, so I'm a little biased when it comes to movies feature Batman. That being said, Christopher Nolan — and his "Dark Knight" trilogy — has been universally praised. Most agree that "The Dark Knight" is the best, but there's often debate about where "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight Rises" falls on the spectrum. To me, "Batman Begins" is the least of the three. That doesn't mean it's not a great film in its own right. It is, perhaps, the best origin story film ever done. By now we all know the inciting incident that turned Bruce Wayne into Batman. His parents were killed. We've seen them killed countless times in films, TV series, cartoons, and comic books. But "Batman Begins" was the rare cinematic take that spent a lot of time focused on the how of the transition, and that's what helps it shine. Bale is great as Bruce Wayne/Batman, and Neeson plays a good foil. The film also establishes this new world, too. There are some weaknesses in the story and in the character construction. Some intensely dislike Holmes in her role, but I don't think she's too bad. By any measure, this is an enjoyable film that does a great job of adding to the Batman cannon.
Rating: PG-13 for intense action violence, disturbing images and some thematic elements.

Superhero Movie Countdown:
No. 14 — Superman II (1980)
No. 15 — Batman Returns (1992)