If Batman actually existed, he likely would resemble the vengeful vigilante of Batman Begins. Writer-director Christopher Nolan (Memento) and screenwriter David S. Goyer (Blade) emphasize a sense of realism in this attempt to jump-start the Warner Bros. franchise, focusing on the psychological motivations of billionaire Bruce Wayne (a steely Christian Bale) for a good hour before even pulling out the costume. The result is a superhero movie that’s surprisingly thoughtful, dark and adult – more Sin City than Saturday morning cartoon.
