Christopher Nolan's BATMAN BEGINS

It's a good film. Special effects don't detract from extended concentration on character. Action sequences are effective, Michael Caine is wonderful as Alfred, editing is electric, and the Batmobile rocks. The story overall is a solemn and theatrical exploration of extended, troubled, guilt-ridden adolescence.

The unfortunate downside: murky photography and a pallid, derivative musical score.

But overall this is a very good film. I'd give Sin City the nod, though, as a better presentation of a city totally over the edge into corruption and depravity. But who's keeping score?