Batman Begins has third act problems
So does TDK.
its themes make less of an impact
I say BS. TDK's major theme of "not the hero we deserve, but the one we need right now" only came in, sort of out of the nowhere, at the end. And it's a great theme. But BB's theme of well, beginning, renewal, making hope for the future, those are all intertwined with the story and push it forward.
its a more conventional story (albeit told unconventionally)
That's not a bad thing for BB nor a good thing for TDK. It's a neutral thing.
and it's got weaker writing (by far).
I wouldn't say by far.
If it wasn't for Begins' opening act, it wouldn't be nearly so highly regarded.
And if it wasn't for the Joker, TDK etc. etc. Worthless comment.
I sort of want to say it's a stronger character study, but then I remember the complexities of the Harvey Dent/Bruce Wayne duality in TDK, along with Gordon's wonderful arc..
Those aren't really character studies in the same way BB was. Those were character arcs, but not studies.
and I'm pretty sure the sequel takes the cake in that area as well. Also, Joker.
Joker isn't a be all end all. I don't think he's the ultimate Joker, either. TAS claims that throne. Is he better than Nicholson? Yes, definitely. Does he elevate the film to another strata of Batman film all on his own? No.
What's wrong with the ferries again? That's a great scene..it's a far better climax then Batman vs. Ras on a monorail.
I say they're even. With Ra's, Bruce had to finally overcome his master and confront the ideologies he had created for himself. The ferries were overlong and just served as a contrived action setpiece for the fall of the Joker.
I feel like I'm splitting hairs here considering that Batman Begins is one of my favourite films, but the sequel topped it, plain and simple.
I'm guessing, since the above is just my opinion and I've never really been involved in any BB/TDK debate on GAF, but the reason BB is better regarded on GAF could be because it's a better
Batman movie. It focuses on Bruce as a character and follows him and builds him up in a way TDK didn't, because it was distracted with showing off how kookoo for cocoa puffs Joker was. It was also basically a crime drama.
It is for this reason I'm really looking forward to TDKR, which seems to put the focus squarely back on Bruce and Batman.
