Smile...Do You Know How I Got These Scars? No Spoilers.
Written: Jul 19 '08
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Product Rating:
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| Bang For The Buck |
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Pros: Acting, writing, dialogue, special effects, concept.
Cons: None.
The Bottom Line: Delivers on the hype.
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| coldsteel7's Full Review: The Dark Knight |
I am a fan of Superhero movies. I remember The Dark Knight when it came out in the 1980s amidst huge hype in the comic book industry. The series was believed to be an instant collectors set and the books were snatched up by enthusiasts who intended to preserve the books in plastic rather than enjoy the rich illustrations. From my recollection of the 1980s series, this movie didn't really mirror the story as much as the concept.
The Dark Knight Batman was the first of many superheroes that explored the darker side of the characters. It was a throwback to the original Batman and was a brilliant move...after all, we have had a steady stream of dark characters like Wolverine, Hellboy and even Spiderman has gotten to explore his dark side. What you end up with when you develop these characters fully are deeply tiered, complex characters with a host of possible story lines. It's great fun and more importantly, the characters are interesting to watch.
The Dark Knight movie does an exceptional job in delivering the way Hollywood should have been doing Superhero movies all along. The writing was exceptional in every aspect. The dialogue was rich and interesting. The characters were well developed with characteristics that the audience can identify with. The depth of dimension in the characters makes the audience care about each twist and turn of the plot. There is plenty of carnage in this film, but the audience cares about some of those who are lost in the wreckage.
This movie was big budget Hollywood at it's best. Complete with gadgets and technology, the movie delivers interesting visual concepts that aren't possible combined with phenomenal special effects, seat gripping action sequences and incredible visual suspense. The camera angles, pyrotechnics, costuming and CGI all combine to provide a seamless and believable Gotham City that you feel connected to. There are plenty of big scenes that deliver the heart pumping action that draws the adrenaline crowd into the theater. Put special effects into a strong script and you get a bona fide blockbuster. Simply put, this movie was visually stunning.
I am not ready to give Heath Ledger an Academy Award for his performance as the Joker. However, I thought no one would ever be a better Joker than Jack Nicholson. Nicholson's Joker was cold and calculating. Ledger's Joker is menacing, dark, dangerous and completely psychotic. His laugh is disturbing. The kind that will wake you up at night in a sweat. The haunting out of control performance was exceptional. I thoroughly enjoyed his performance (which was enhanced greatly with strong writing). Christian Bale is a better Batman than Michael Keaton. I actually liked Val Kilmer as Batman, but Bale does an excellent job bouncing back and forth between Bruce Wayne and Batman (who have different vocal patterns). Although Batman isn't quite as dark as I would have liked, Bale does a good job of selling the whole "exorcising demons" thing. From Alfie to Alfred, Michael Caine seems to always nail his roles. As Alfred once again, he does not fail to create a likable character. Morgan Freeman is another of the all star cast that added to the depth and dimension of this film. I am partial to Freeman (who seems to be in everything lately). I think he is an exceptional talent and this film is no different...it's good to see him back as a good guy. Aaron Eckhart seemed too good to be true (in a bad way) as Harvey Dent until the script gave his character some wings. His performance was solid. Commissioner (LT) Gordon was deftly played by Gary Oldman. He was rather exceptional in a non-exceptional role. Lost in the shuffle of the superstars carrying the major roles, Oldman was truly brilliant in this film.
I saw an article on FoxNews inquiring whether The Dark Knight is too dark. It is called "DARK Knight." The Motion Picture Association rated this movie PG-13 for intense violence. It is a tough rating to assign because this movie is, in fact, dark. It is not nearly as dark or macabre as it could have been. And I would not have been entirely upset if it had been darker. However, they stopped short several times of showing graphic violence. Most of the violence is implied, with tense scenes leading up to cut-away shots. There are some explosions, a lot of knife play and an arson (where a man is bound atop the pyre). However, most of the actual violence is never show in graphic detail. I did not bring my nine-year-old to this film, but did not see anything objectionable enough that I would not want him to see it. Because of the dark undercurrent, it is really a judgment call..but 13 is probably a good starting point.
It takes a lot of great things coming together to make a one-of-a-kind movie. Hiring an all-star cast and great special effects people can never overcome shoddy writing. The Dark Knight brings together some strong actors which they combine with great special effects and spectacular writing to deliver a movie that delivers on the hype. I was apprehensive going into this film...worried that they were simply capitalizing on the superhero trend with yet another sequel. Obviously the producers cared about delivering on the hype...and it shows. I would give The Dark Knight five stars out of a possible five. It is the best film I have seen this year.
Recommended:
Yes
Movie Mood: Action Movie
Film Completeness: Looked complete to me.
Worst Part of this Film: Nothing
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