In an alternate reality I'd like to think Batman Begins got proper sequels.

Good little review!

@Midi-chlorian_Count said:

So I've recently just finished re-watching Batman Begins and this one for the first time.

I was never a big fan at the time - I see I gave it 3 Stars on initial viewing (which would have been a translation from 6/10 on import from IMDb) which probably still seems about right.

The bit with the scarecrow at the start seems a bit weird and strangely cheapens the character if you watch this right after Begins.

Gotham itself seems to completely disappear as a distinctive "character". In Begins there was some stylisation (not exactly at Burton levels but it was there), whereas in this we're clearly just in Chicago...

The Joker's schemes and the level of organisation which would have been required seem pretty much impossible for the character presented, especially given how readily he offs his gang entirely in the bank robbery opening.

Even the famed Ledger performance (which was obviously always overhyped) doesn't seem so extraordinary watching it such a long time removed from the circumstances of his death.

It's alright but overall not as good a film as Begins. Although to be fair certainly better than Rises which I'm not going to bother giving a second viewing!

I like it.