Batman Begins: Will You Be There?

By Scott Smith in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 14, 2005 4:42PM

While not quite approaching the fever pitch the final Star Wars film achieved, there’s still plenty of excitement over Batman Begins, opening tomorrow in Chicago (and everywhere else in the country) before its planet-spanning mega-release this weekend.

Most event movies are critic-proof and this one is no exception. But early reviews have been good: the Tribune’s Michael Wilmington gives it three stars and it’s currently pulling down an 86 percent rating at Rottentomatoes.com. The cast is top-notch and the visuals look impressive. It’s also received a “poor” rating from weloverubbernipples.com so say adios to inappropriate costuming.

Most of all, we’re dying to see what Chicago-as-Gotham looks like on the big screen. Take that, NYC! Those willing to do a Zapruder-like analysis of the trailer can see some familiar downtown buildings. The Glass Steel and Stone website has a ton of pictures taken during filming last year. You can see shots of the Batmobile as well as Gotham police cars and helicopters. The site also has production shots of the Samuel Cole building, the Randolph and Lake parking garage, and other buildings used in the film.

We’re not the only ones who are all geeked out as the midnight IMAX screening at Navy Pier is already sold out. But for those wishing to see Chic...er, Gotham in all its noir-ish splendor, there are showtimes tomorrow at 12:30, 3:30, 6:30, and 9:30. Tickets are $14.50 but bigger is better, right? While you’re out there mingling with the tourists, you can see the old-school Batmobile from the campy 60s TV show from 10 AM to 7 PM. Just make sure you know what to do if it shows up on the streets.

If you’re more of a casual moviegoer, you can always see the film at one of the many megaplexes around town.