Batman Begins (2005)

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Batman Begins came out in 2005 and made a stir among its guaranteed audience, the legion of comic book and video game fans, but wasn't a huge hit because of its dark, nature, favoring dialogue and realistic action to the bombast action and explosions of all the previous Batman and other superhero movies. For the same reason it wasn't a blockbuster, Batman Begins developed a somewhat cult following as a truly good film, not just a box-office hit. One thing is for sure, upon its release Batman Begins was the best Batman film of all time and is solely responsible for the mega-hit Dark Knight which was to follow. Director Christopher Nolan, who gained acclaim for his 2000 thriller Memento, took the groundwork laid by Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher for the first four Batman movies and threw it in the garbage, starting anew at the most appropriate place, the beginning. Whereas previous directors framed the saga of Batman within a theme park, thrill ride atmosphere, Nolan gives Batman, the only superhero without superpowers, the realistic treatment he deserves. Gone is the superfluous action and slapstick humor and silliness, as Nolan welcomes accomplished actors such as Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman, Michael Cane, Liam Neeson, Gary Oldman, and more into the story. Batman Begins chronicles Bruce Wayne's metamorphosis into the Dark Knight, starting with scenes that we have seen in other movies and culminating in his pursuit of justice in Gotham City. Christian Bale, one of truly great actors in Hollywood, is a perfect for Batman and dons the Batsuit with more authenticity than anyone to date. He is surrounded by a plethora of solid actors, all of whom (disregarding Katie Holmes as childhood friend and love interest Rachel Dawes) deliver rock-solid performances. The script is sharp and the only action is what is absolutely necessary, but the strongest point of the film is the astounding depth, particularly for a superhero film. Batman Begins pays homage to the true essence of the original comic, exploring the nature of vigilante justice, crime, punishment, terror, and order and uses the Dark Knight as a metaphor for these deep and complex issues. The use of the Scarecrow, although played devilishly by Cilian Murphy, may disappoint some as Scarecrow is one of the less exciting on the remarkable list of Batman villains. Batman Begins isn't perfect and has some of the comic book film cliches that are nearly impossible to avoid, but Christopher Nolan took a big chance, reinventing Batman in the dark world of Gotham City with great actors, a realistic perspective, and an honest look into pertinent issues.

Good for: Batman fans, fans of the original comic, Bale fans

Bad for: action movie fans

The Gallery
The Economist: * * * *
The Film Maker: * * *
The Writer * * * *

Syriana (2005)

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In just over two hours Syriana may say more about the oil industry than all other films about "big oil" combined. The film succeeds as an expose of the greed and corruption surrounding the industry, but if the inner-workings of oil and the spider web of political involvement are as confusing as Syriana, its no wonder it hasn't been stopped. No one can figure it out. Written and directed by Stephen Gaghan, the writer-director the multiple storyline Academy Award winner Traffic, Syriana weaves five or more stories together. George Clooney stars as Bob Barnes, a US government employee who finds himself caught up in the dealings of the oil business. Clooney gained over thirty pounds for the role, and is engaging and sympathetic in the role. Other narratives include characters played Matt Damon, Chris Cooper, and Jeffrey Wright, and the acting throughout is above average. The script is well written, illustrating the behind-the-scenes decision making, and is as educational as it is entertaining. Few films have as many meaningful things to say about a single topic and do so while maintaining the interest of the audience. Unfortunately, the tension that builds as the plots build and begin to entwine will never fully climax for most viewers. Although there is an emotional, possibly unforeseen conclusion, the revelatory epiphany will leave many viewers dissatisfied. The intricate script constructs a story that will leave no doubt as to the problems the entire planet faces concerning oil, but more time will be spent attempting to decipher the plot than debating the ethics and issues surrounding the oil industry.

Good for: fans of conspiracy films, Clooney fans, very smart people

Bad for: those who are confused or frustrated easily, people bothered by violence, people who ask too many questions

The Gallery
The Economist: * *
The Film Maker: * * *

The Ice Harvest (2005)

* *

Is the Ice Harvest supposed to be funny? dark? thrilling? stylish? funny? Considering a cast headlined by John Cusack and Billy Bob Thorton and direction from Harold Ramis, the Ice Harvest should be better than it is. The film attempts to be too many things at once without being really good at anything. A lawyer and strip club owner played by Cusack and Thorton, respectively, attempt a heist on Christmas Eve and madness, or dullness, ensues. The film takes place in one long night and involves a cast of shady characters strangely interacting with each other. There are a few interesting scenes of dialogue with both Cusack and Thorton including one that involves a man in a box. The only supporting actor worth noting is the typically over-the-top Oliver Platt who is surprisingly entertaining as a drunken husband and father unsatisfied with life. Richard Russo (with no previously noteworthy works) and Robert Benson (Kramer vs. Kramer, Superman, Bonnie and Clyde) collaborated on the screenplay which comes across as some sort of side project that didn't receive much attention. The plot twists are generally not surprising and by the time there are surprises you don't care about them. It seems as if Ramis had hoped to combine violence and unlikeable characters in a darkly humorous, Tarantino-like fashion but the Ice Harvest doesn't contain any of the wit or intelligence needed for this to work. What was meant to be a film noir-ish heist movie comes across as boring and worthless.

Good For: Billy Bob fans

Bad For: heist fans, those who are easily bored

The Gallery
The Economist: * *

Prime (2005)

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To call Prime a romantic comedy is to banish it to movie wasteland where no normal humans will watch it, especially no males with functioning testicles. But Prime is essentially a romantic comedy; a story that tracks the ups and downs of a couple with bits of humor injected here and there. The difference between this and every other romantic comedy, though, is that this is what a romantic comedy should be. Great acting, a good script, and unique direction. Uma Thurman stars as Rafi, a 37 year-old career woman fresh out of divorce. Meryl Streep plays a psychologist who helps her to cope with the divorce and her surprising new relationship with 23 year old David, played by Bryan Greenberg. Thurman is as hot as she has ever been, and one can understand why a 23 year old would be in love with her character. Streep is fantastic as an eccentric, dominant, Jew who can help her patients handle stress but cannot deal with her own. Thurman and Streep are the only actors most people will recognize. Greenberg is okay as the male lead but seems to be a better fit for TV, which is what most of his career has been besides Prime. The film was written and directed by Ben Younger, whose only other major film was Boiler Room with Vin Diesel. The script is intelligent, funny, and has a modern feel that is very fresh. I'm anxious to see what is next for Younger. Although it wasn't a box office hit, Prime stands out among the trash heap of Romantic comedies. Sandra Bullock was originally slotted to play Thurman's character but left the film after the director refused to make major changes in the script. It makes me wonder if Bullock does this to every movie she stars in. Her last ten films have been garbage, and the film she leaves due to creative differences is a smart, unique entry in a terrible category of movies.

Good For: a date, women, people with a crush on Uma Thurman, people in relationships with odd age differences

Bad For: rednecks, people who like action movies