"Batman Begins," the most recent adventure of the comic superhero starring Christian Bale in the title role, has been voted top film of 2005 by British movie fans.
The film fought off competition from the latest Star Wars offering, "Episode III: Revenge of the Sith," to land the number one spot in the poll of 15,000 film fans by "Total Film" magazine, released yesterday in London.
Mickey Rourke was voted Man of the Year for his portrayal of the swaggering down-on-his-luck Marv in the cult movie "Sin City."
Scottish actor Ian McDiarmid, who played Supreme Chancellor Palpatine in "Revenge of the Sith," was named Best Movie Villain.
Best Child Actor is 11-year-old Dakota Fanning, for her role in the blockbuster "War of the Worlds."
The squirrels in Tim Burton's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" were named Best Movie Animal.
"'Batman Begins' was a smart but funny reinvention of an iconic figure and had fantastic performances, said "Total Film" editor Nev Pierce.
"Film fans want more and 'Batman Begins' overcomes the horrible taste that previous outing 'Batman & Robin' left in people's mouths."
(The Associated Press)