There is a lot of talk in Batman Begins regarding justice and revenge, and even at the end of the film there is critical talk of the use of violence. Most of this is trying to justify and explain Batman's actions. But when all is said in done the final outcome of this film rests upon the physical, mechanical and explosive strength of Batman and his allies to defeat his enemies.

The trend with these (many recent comic-book adaptations) films, is a worrying one: for they communicate a message that as the enemy gets stronger (in the terms listed above), in order to defeat that enemy, one must also become stronger in those areas too. That is why we see Batman going through his rigorous physical training at the beginning of the film, that is why we see him putting on a 'muscle' suit of armour, and that is why we see him with a heavily armoured car that looks like it would be more at home on a battlefield than a city street. This is all very much in opposition to the Christian message which tells us "That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor 12:10). Yet throughout the film, Batman (as played by Christian Bale) shows almost no vulnerability or humility whatsoever. Whether this is down to the script or the wooden acting prevalent throughout all of the film, I do not know. I suspect both though.

This is in stark opposition to say the original (1978) Superman film, in which a clumsy, bungling reporter; the least likely person in his office to become a superhero, is transformed into a man with heroic powers. Yet still he retains a vulnerability that no physical strength can overcome. And still he also retains a smile and friendly nature throughout his adventures.

Does any of this really matter? well yes it does because the message that one needs to muscle up and toughen up (in a non-compassionate way) in order to survive, is one that many youngsters take seriously, and one that leads them to become heavily involved in martial arts, bodybuilding, and even genuine brawling and fighting.

One other point of note with this film (though it wasn't a major focus it was also repeated in the subsequent 'Dark Knight' film), is the inclusion of Bruce Wayne walking off with a couple of attractive women on his arm - with an implicit suggestion of what his intentions are. And though in the end he ends up not going off with the women, there is little to condemn his initial attitude. Instead it is depicted as one more trait of this 'cool' character.

Given the above, I might be expected to give Batman Begins a broad 'Not Recommended', though I don't feel the film quite merits that. The films does have something of a story line and an element of suspense, and violence is still generally recognised as something in our society that is a bad thing and therefore the scope of real-world influence of this film is likely to be relatively small. This is opposed to the (relatively minor) final point regarding the women; an attitude that is increasingly accepted by society, and an attitude that can lead to real spiritual harm no matter how involved someone becomes in sexual promiscuity.

All in all, as the summary title above states, this film blurs the boundaries between good and evil, and that it is a trend we need to be aware of.