CAPE OF GOOD HOPE The new movie Batman Begins doesn't just return the superhero to his origins by telling the story of Bruce Wayne's transformation into the Caped Crusader. Directed by thriller master Christopher Nolan (Memento, Insomnia) and starring the intense Christian Bale (American Psycho), the film also promises to return the character to his roots as a brooding avenger. Over the 66-year history of Batman, the tales have cycled back and forth between somber and silly, darkness and dorkiness. ''If you hated the last two Batman movies,'' Bale told USA Today last week, ''then you probably should check this one out.''
Next Item in this GallerySummer Movie Guide 2008
From ''Hancock'' to ''Hellboy,'' ''X-Files'' to ''Pineapple Express'': EW's Coverage of the season's hottest movies
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Think you know Batman? We trace his evolution through comics, TV, and movies, from his 1939 debut to 2005 Caped Crusader Christian Bale









