I read this thinking you were describing a what-if cream-dream. I found myself agreeing with each remark (minus Batman Begins as a case for good adaptations overcoming evil ones, though will admit the improvement). By the end of your post, I was ready to go happily about with the reassurance that there are other sane malcontents out there, who can match good material with good artists.

…and then to find this actually happening?!

Thank you, kind Pilgrim, for the early X-mas gift.

I would add to boot that Jackman’s best performance came by way of Aronofski’s The Fountain. We are so in for a treat!