While watching Steven Spielberg’s “Empire of the Sun” back in 1987, I was mesmerized by the talented child actor playing James Graham. But never in my wildest dreams did I imagine he would grow up to be Batman. Therefore, when Christian Bale was cast as the new Caped Crusader in Batman Begins, it took me completely by surprise.

Still, when you think about it, this casting decision makes sense. Bale’s adult performances include star-making turns in American Psycho and Equilibrium, and his charismatic physical appearance enhances his Batman appeal. Of the six previous actors playing Bruce Wayne/Batman, only Adam West was tall enough to match the character as depicted in the comic books. Bale – at 6’ 2” – will be the second.

Because Bale has training in martial arts and dance, I thought he would ace those Batman action scenes. His dynamic moves in  Equilibrium promised as much, even causing me to remark “Eat your heart out, Keanu” in my review of that fine sci-fi film. 

Just as I expected, Bale excels as the emotionally tortured Bruce Wayne – but imagine my surprise when his “Batman” persona fails to work for me. I don’t think the mask fits (remember Michael Keaton’s impressive Batman jawline?), and Bale adopts a mechanical  sounding voice that becomes annoying shortly after he opens his mouth. Being an avid Bale fan, I admit my tendency is to blame the costume people or the director – anyone but this charismatic, sexy actor.  

Fortunately, the dark and somber Batman Begins boasts a compelling script that enlightens us about how Bruce Wayne transformed himself into Batman and why he decided to devote his life to fighting crime in Gotham City. It also features first-rate performances from a supporting cast that includes: Michael Caine as the new Alfred; Morgan Freeman as Wayne’s trusted man in charge of gadgets (like the Batmobile, of course); Liam Neeson as a relentless mentor; Gary Oldman as the last good cop in Gotham; Cillian Murphy as the villainous Scarecrow; and Katie Holmes, who’s cuteness personified, as Bruce Wayne’s first love interest.

Bob Kane, who created Batman as a popular comic book hero in 1939, once said he imagined the character as a combination of Zorro, the Shadow and Dracula. There’s a lot to work with here, filmmakers. If you fix the new Caped Crusader’s mask and give him some help with his voice, I’ll be first in line for Bale’s next Batman movie adventure.

(Released by Warner Bros. and rated “PG-13” for intense action violence, disturbing images and some thematic elements.)