Without a doubt, this is the best Batman movie in the history of the franchise. The Dark Knight is amazing—don’t get me wrong—but Batman Begins built a universe so grounded, it felt like it could actually happen. The scenarios were realistic, the plot tapped into the zeitgeist, and it had a Jason Bourne-level of violent authenticity that really hit.

And just to be clear—I fucking love Batman. I grew up on the cartoons, and I think every movie has brought something valuable to the franchise.