Value: $7.00

Our rating system is based on a $7 ticket cost and is the most you should pay to see it.

The only downfall -- and I mean huge downfall -- is Katie Holmes. One leaves the theater wondering why she's in this movie at all. Her character doesn't move the plot in any way besides being a childhood friend (and love interest) of Bruce Wayne, and her acting is stiff and emotionless. Don't get me wrong: she's great eye candy, but this movie didn't need it. Begins already has a strong supporting cast without the random romance. Katie, go back to Dawson's Creek and don't come back until you know what you did wrong.

Christian Bale as Batman plays well a dark character on the edge of insanity, well supported by a strong cast that includes Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Tom Wilkinson, and Liam Neeson. They ably support -- but don't overshadow -- Bale's Batman.

Look for a surprise performance by someone new to this movie enthusiast's favorite list by the name of Cillian Murphy (Dr. Jonathan Crane).  Without spoiling the movie for you, Murphy plays a character that comes literally out of left field and into the forefront.

I left the theater completely satisfied.  Minus Katie Holmes, I felt this should finally put DC Comics into the mainstream of comic book movies. Don't get me wrong: Marvel will be the company to beat for the next couple of years, but competition is always good, right?