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July 23, 2008
Playing at a Theater Near You...
The Dark Knight
The Gist: Batman is alive and well, helping fight crime in Gotham (which is Chicago, not New York!). His nemesis is the all-time best Batman villain, none other than THE JOKER! This time the late Heath Ledger portrays the lunatic clown, and yes, as good as Jack Nicholson was two decades ago, Ledger is that much better. Nicholson didn’t have a special pencil magic trick in his arsenal. Ledger does! Ledger definitely steals the show with his great tales, fantastic challenges, and wickedly exhilarating laugh. Add wonderful performances by Christian Bale, Maggie Gyllenhaal (she’s not attractive, by the way; I’m not the only one who feels this way, am I?), Michael Caine, and Morgan Freeman as well as a great story to the mix, and well, you’ve got yourself a fantastic superhero movie!
What Would Have Made this Movie Better: In the final third of the film, a story line involving the District Attorney develops, and, well, I just thought it was sort of stupid. If that had been jettisoned from the script, this one would have been as perfect as a movie like this can be.
Who Should See This: If you have never liked any superhero movie despite repeated attempts, then maybe you should sit this one out. For everyone else, definitely go take a look if you haven’t already (unless, you’re Katie Holmes; then don’t go because you will regret not reprising your role as Bruce Wayne’s love interest, but I’m sure Crazy Tom is as terrific(ally frightening) as always!).
The Verdict: Even better the more I think about it! A fun thrill ride from the opening bank robbery to the closing credits! They won’t top this should they make another. A-
Comments
I loved it - I loved Heath Ledgers performance - I was a skeptic at first because I am a diehard Nicholson fan.
But what the hell is with Christian Bale's batman voice - don't like it its weird.
Posted by: caphill at July 23, 2008 09:56 AM
Maggie Gyllenhaal is not hot? Have you seen Secretary?
Is this your subtle way of teling us all you are gay?
Posted by: over_educated at July 23, 2008 10:26 AM
Maggie G isn't hot, she was wrong for the role, as was Katie Holmes in the other one.............
Posted by: caphill at July 23, 2008 10:35 AM
Albeit Maggie(which is usually the name of most household female dogs)is not attractive, there is something about her that makes you watch her.
Bale is an attractive lad and his voice is very comic book-like.
I think if Michael Landon was still alive, he would have been a better Batman though.
Posted by: Leaf at July 23, 2008 11:42 AM
The Joker's pencil trick almost made me bust a gut laughing...and throwing up.
Posted by: Harmless Error at July 23, 2008 02:03 PM
dammit, i still have not seen wall-e and you're getting ahead of me!
ok, ok...i'll get my ass to the movies to see these. i want to and have good intentions, but never end up making it there.
Posted by: chuck at July 23, 2008 04:19 PM
The original "Gotham" was a fictional medieval city whose residents were extremely stupid. For what it's worth.
Posted by: Jeff at July 23, 2008 05:47 PM
caphill, Ledger was superb! Nicholson is a great actor, but Ledger's Joker was in a different league. The plot of the original Batman kind of sucked; this one didn't. Michael Keaton's Batman had a really weird, deep voice too.
over_educated, I don't think she's pretty. She might have a nice body, but if she weren't famous, I don't think you would be quite so smitten.
leaf, I didn't know Maggie was the name of most household female dogs, but that is good to know. Michael Landon would have been divine.
Harmless Error, The pencil trick was so. damn. funny.
chuck, get on it, boy!
Jeff, thanks for the info. I like the Gotham looking "more real" in these movies than it did in Tim Burton's. It makes all of this seem like it could actually happen on some level. Easier to relate. For me at least!
Posted by: Fool at July 23, 2008 06:47 PM
Never did like the Batman movies. I prefer the cartoon versions on Saturday morning so yes, I will definitely sit this one out unless Christian Bale asks me out on date.
Yes, Maggie Gyllenhaal isn't pretty. Even with photoshop and expert make-up, she looks ECK! on all the magazine covers.
Posted by: ming the merciless at July 27, 2008 05:01 PM
