Easily the best fan film I've ever seen. And that may sound like hyperbole, but not when you consider the one major thing that sets this film apart: its own unique story. Too many fan films try to replicate the universe of their inspiration, but Bat-Fan Begins creates a completely new story inspired by the Batman series (specifically Christopher Nolan's version). Unlike some fan films, you don't notice that Bat-Fan isn't a big budget hollywood film because that's not what it's trying to be. It's a different story, set in a different place, with Batman as the central driving force instead of the goal to be reached or copied. This gave the writer-director much more room to experiment and be innovative with his story while still delivering a product that feels like a Batman film.

And the innovation pays off big time. This is the ultimate fan film because it's about the ultimate fan and his ultimate expression of fan frenzy. It's a wonderful concept, gracefully executed without feeling like a gimmick at all. The story is solid from beginning to end, and is remarkably grim for a fan film as well. Most fan films seem to end up being tongue in cheek or they just have a kind of light air to them, but Bat-Fan isn't afraid to go down some very dark roads, especially when you consider the fact that these characters are supposed to be college students. Real people, not super heroes or villains, but real people put in an incredible situation. And isn't that what we really look for in good storytelling?

Of course, the film isn't just story. The acting is top notch all around, and particular credit has to go to the Joker of this film. Ryan Cerny pulls out all the stops, and is alternately chilling, psychotic, and grimly absurd. All the things a good Joker should be. Shane Collins also does a good turn as the reluctant hero, and both characters show an amazing amount of growth for a 20 minute movie.

And of course, film being a visual medium, I have to take a moment to talk about the outstanding cinematography. Most fan films tend to suffer from a lack of imagination when it comes to filming, but Bat-Fan is full of interesting and visually exciting compositions and lighting schemes. The shot of the Joker in the kitchen with his face half obscured by an open door is genius. I'm also rather fond of the Joker sitting in darkness, his face melting out of the shadows, and the shot of pre-Joker Ryan considering his knife as he waits for his delivery. A gorgeous film, to be sure.

So what we have is a fan film with a unique story, top rate acting, stunning visuals, all very well edited together and paced with the Batman Begins score (which is also very well edited). Come to think of it, it's not just an excellent fan film, it's an excellent film. The best I've seen on this site, and definitely one of the best independent shorts I've seen online in quite some time.

My only question is, when's the sequel?