Batman Begins

Can a movie about a comic book character make you actually forget its roots? When the movie is "Batman Begins",and the lead role is played by Christian Bale, the answer is a resounding "yes".
The movie takes Batman's background in an entirely new direction, one which explores how he got the training to be who he becomes (and the questionable morality related to that training). Bale doesn't get lost in the duality of his soul, as Michael Keaton did in "Batman Returns"; instead, he acknowledges that there is darkness in himself. What's important, he opines, is what "a person does with themself".
This movie is not overly dependent on gadgets. Initially, Bruce Wayne ventures out in a black outfit and black ski mask, and rappelling gear. Soon, however, he draws on his training and decides that he has to inspire fear as well as be efficient in his actions. Thus the Bat is born.
The only jarring note was Katie Holmes. Perhaps one day she'll mature, but for now, she acts like a 15 year old in a 25 year old body.