The Dark Knight Review
The Dark Knight
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Written by: Christopher Nolan, Jonathan Nolan, David Goyer
Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Michael Caine
A few years ago, when Christopher Nolan released Batman Begins, he succeeded in rebooting a franchise that had been soiled by the likes of Joel Schumacher, and essentially left in an unsalvageable state. With his focus on character and gritty believability, Nolan proved that Batman still had a ton of appeal, and that audiences just wanted someone to take him seriously all along.
Although Batman Begins had some flaws, it laid the groundwork for what was shaping up to be the ultimate sequel. For The Dark Knight, Nolan and David Goyer decided to bring back Batman’s most memorable foe, The Joker, and in a surprising move cast Heath Ledger in this pivotal role. When the announcement was first made, the reaction was a mix of outrage and curiosity. Could a pretty boy like Ledger really play such a psychotic villain, and would he be able to step out of the shadow of Jack Nicholson’s iconic performance almost 20 years earlier?
Of course, we all know that public opinion has almost done a complete 180 since then, and Ledger’s tragic death in January lifted his performance to near legendary proportions. There’s little doubt that this movie has taken on a life of its own, and yet, when you put aside all the viral marketing campaigns, Oscar talk and fanboy hysteria, The Dark Knight is quite simply a masterpiece in its own right, worthy of all the accolades it has received thus far.
Let’s start with Ledger, whose performance as The Joker is absolutely fascinating to watch and drives the entire film. It’s not overdone, nor does it ever feel silly… it’s just the right balance of madness and comedy, unpredictability and creepiness. He seems unintimidating at times, easy to underestimate, but also cold as ice, and capable of unthinkable horrors. The character is kept enigmatic and impossible to penetrate, with no discernible back story and little motivation other than his desire to function as an “agent of chaos”. Let’s face it, comic book movies rely a lot on their villains, and The Joker is one of the best.
Speaking of comic book movies, one of the weird things about The Dark Knight is that (as many others have pointed out) it rarely feels like a comic book movie. When Batman and The Joker are not on screen, there is little to suggest that this movie is anything other than a police drama and/or crime thriller. So grounded are the performances and the writing that it really does rise above the cliches to stand in a league of its own.
The movie is filled with top notch actors, all given substantial material to work with. Both the addition of Maggie Gyllenhaal to the cast as Katie Holmes’ replacement, and Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent improved the dramatic potential immeasurably. Eckhart in particular deserves a lot of credit, as does Gary Oldman in his role as Commissioner Gordon. There simply is no weak link in this movie.
The decision for Christopher Nolan to co-write the screenplay with his brother Jonathan instead of David S. Goyer was also a smart one. Goyer still helped with the story, but any of the clunky dialogue heard in Batman Begins has been completely eliminated, and we are left with many wonderful exchanges and endlessly quotable lines instead.
All of this is not to say that the movie is just filled with exposition and intense conversations. There’s plenty of action and suspense, lots of high flying aerial stunts on rooftops and skyscrapers (see it in IMAX if you can!) and stuff gets blown up real good. But the movie’s only real concern is telling a decent story and exploring the relationships between the various characters… everything else works in support of that purpose.
After all this praise, I do have a couple of minor complaints about The Dark Knight; one being that Christian Bale’s Batman is not quite as good as his Bruce Wayne (for some reason his voice cannot be both gruff and intelligible at the same time), and that some of his technology is a little far-fetched. The other minor quibble is that the movie is a little long (2 hours and 32 minutes to be exact), losing some of its focus towards the last 15 minutes or so. I almost wish that Two-Face would simply have been saved for the next film (insert standard Spider-Man 3 rant about having too many villains here), but his character arc helps to bring out one of the movie’s key themes.
These issues are trivial, however, when compared with the big picture. This movie flows effortlessly from beginning to end, and is simply a joy to watch. Years from now it will be remembered, not for the special effects or the costumes, but for the performances. Best comic book movie ever? I’d have to say… yes. Of course, it certainly helps that there are no characters with super powers here; the world of Batman is a relatively believable one. Not all comic book movies could follow this formula (nor would I want them to).
The thing that is interesting about The Dark Knight is that it may be the first superhero film that actually borders on being considered “high art” — the genre’s very own Godfather if you will. This makes it a very special and rare creature indeed, and one that has redefined the capabilities of a summer blockbuster. — Sean
SCORE: 
Recommended If You Like: Batman Begins, The Untouchables, Dick Tracy
Comments (55)
“ne of the weird things about The Dark Knight is that (as many others have pointed out) it rarely feels like a comic book movie.”
Very true. I mean, if anything, the more ridiculous things about Batman actually are my only nitpickings with the movie – overgadgetry, the gruff voice (although its for a purpose specifically his own protection)… but really the movie is more or less about the city of Gotham itself, theres a lot of people involved and its not afraid to spend time with side characters to bring a whole picture together of the situation the city is in. And in that sense I dare say the movie reminds me of the Wire, which is one of the best compliments I can give it.
As much as I like Bale, especially as Bruce Wayne, I have to say in this movie he seemed… replaceable, you know what I mean? He didn’t have to carry anything himself, its a real ensemble work. Eckhart needs more due for his portrayal of Dent, and yes, Ledger is the best comic villain ever, and beyond that, is going to end up an icon for generations to come.
Anyways, its funny this week that now – all the kiddies want to see Dark Knight even though its not much of a kids film, and the parents probably kept them away from Hellboy, even though it sort of is a kids film. Go figure.
Posted by Goon on July 20th, 2008“the first superhero film that actually borders on being considered “high art” — the genre’s very own Godfather if you will.”
Again, the lack of any actually super powers, and I think a psychological aspect, that even though Batman is in it, its not in the title, makes people inherently take it more seriously.
Posted by Goon on July 20th, 2008I agree wholeheartedly with your review Sean!
Just saw the movie and found it to be as complex as any novel or Oscar winning movie! It’s just that good. Filled with memorable well acted performances and dialogue that is both catchy and witty!
The length of the movie bothered you and others but for me the movie couldn’t be long enough…I couldn’t get enough and wanted more. This is the movie I have been waiting for, for years…the Dark Knight Returns, Batman Year One…the Batman that Frank Miller gave us! A man damaged by his past and rising above to fix a world he can’t fix…sacrificing it all, his body his life, his friends and his fortune to fix a past he can’t fix.
Now don’t get me wrong…I still love Tim Burton’s Version…even with it’s fault it was the closest approximation to the Batman of the comics I could get. As for the subsequent sequels that followed that were not Burton…well let’s just say I thought the franchise was toast.
But then along comes Nolan and Batman Begins…a solid movie I loved filled with some faults…ie K.Holmes…but an otherwise worthy depiction of Batman.
But that was just a set-up for this spectacular movie. It really is the Godfather of comic movies. The movie is heroic tragic, horrifying, intense and a true nail biter. This is the first time I felt the heroes (Heroes for the movie was filled with characters who virtuously fought for what was the law and what was right) might loose…not just the battles but the war of honesty and integrity.
Dare I say it the best comic movie ever? Yes I think I can…at this moment it is the best ever.
Posted by 1138 on July 20th, 2008So why was Katie Holmes replaced? I thought at the end of Batman Begins that her character was to leave until Bruce figured out his life’s path?
So what are the politics/rumours behind it?
Posted by Baychuk on July 20th, 2008I agree that The Dark Knight is a good film but I didn’t like it quite as much as you did. My biggest problem was the length. It was just too long in my opinion, but I guess there aren’t many movies that are 2 1/2 hours long that don’t drag a little. I do agree with everyone’s thoughts on Heath Ledger’s Joker. In my opinion the Joker really carried this film. If it wasn’t for Heath Ledger’s performance I think the movie could have been quite a bit worse. His Joker is probably one of the best villains I have ever seen in a movie and he is so worthy of at least an Oscar nomination.
Posted by Eric Mortensen on July 20th, 2008I agree that the movie probably would have been worse without The Joker, because then it wouldn’t have had a main villain! I don’t think there’s anything wrong with any one actor carrying the film, but I think the rest of the cast is extremely underrated in this case.
Tom: Katie Holmes apparently had a “scheduling conflict” from what I remember, but I’m pretty sure they just replaced her because so many people complained that she sucked in the first movie.
Posted by Sean on July 20th, 2008lucky bastard, i tried to see the dark knight opening night, completely sold out. EVERYWHERE!
Posted by Drew on July 20th, 2008Great review Sean. A common complaint I’ve heard is about the last twenty minutes or so but I’m glad you elaborated on how Harvey Dent’s story arc was essential to this story’s particular theme. I had no problems with the ending but I did want to address a detail which there seems to be a lot of confusion over. The following CONTAINS SPOILERS so you’ve been warned.
***********************SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT*****************************
Did Harvey Dent die? I was under the impression that he didn’t survive the fall. Batman and Gordon decide that Harvey should die a hero and that Batman will take the fall for Two-Face’s crimes. There was even a memorial for Harvey Dent but all of this aside, I know there are those who are arguing that Harvey survived or even stranger (I kid you not) that Harvey Dent died but Two-Face is still alive.
Just wanted to know what the consensus was on Harvey’s fate.
Posted by Nuno on July 20th, 2008This feels and looks like an old action/drama movie. Like some James Cameron film from the 90’s or Heat.
Posted by Ian on July 20th, 2008Oh, for fuck’s sake, I want to read a negative review!
(just kiddin’). This simply CANNOT be possible – not only is it the #1 movie of all time (according to IMDb), but also the highest weekend grossing movie of all time (in addition, tickets for the IMAX premiere were sold for 350 bucks on eBay!). I do NOT believe in this hype, which was founded by Ledger’s death …
Anyway, unfortunately I have to wait for at least three weeks to see TDK here in Germany – screw it!
Posted by Stefan on July 20th, 2008Here are a couple of negative reviews for a different perspective:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121632327909562803.html
http://www.salon.com/ent/movies/review/2008/07/17/dark_knight/
Of course, if you look on Rotten Tomatoes, all of the negative reviews are filled with hundreds of comments from fanboys spewing hatred. It’s almost enough to make you want to dislike the film in the first place.
Posted by Sean on July 20th, 2008It’s not the anticipation of a bad movie — I am sure I will like it as all the others do — it’s actually the hype which is not only a fanboyish behavior but also an intolerable one: just take a look at some of the comments which are attached to the negative reviews. People threaten the authors of these reviews and deprive them of their qualities (in writing about and analyzing films). John Campea mentioned this issue on the last ‘Movie Blog Uncut’ podcast and I have to admit he really was to the point.
Posted by Stefan on July 20th, 2008It’s simply sad to see how less people can actually handle films (in terms of analyzing them and coping with this form of art). But I guees a movie’s only purpose is to ‘entertain …
Posted by Stefan on July 20th, 2008The movie is a very well done movie but everyone is entitled to their opinion on it, like it or hate it. However, can’t we all be in agreement that John Campea isnt a credible source for opinion?
Posted by Captain N on July 20th, 2008“can’t we all be in agreement that John Campea isnt a credible source for opinion?”
Campea is Donny Don’t. Don’t do what Donny Don’t does.
Posted by Goon on July 20th, 2008Agreed that the Internet fanboys have turned into opinion Nazis by idiotically targeting legitimate and thoughtful criticism of The Dark Knight. Hopefully Mr. Jay Cheel has his own bat-cave to hide in after he (inevitably?) reveals his own criticisms of the film.
Posted by Joel on July 20th, 2008I just saw it about an hour ago and am still processing it. My wife, who doesn’t normally like that kind of film enjoyed it very much.
I loved the film and am almost ready to declare it the best comic book film ever, in my mind anyway. Except for some unrealistic tech, the movie portrayed what it would look like if such characters existed.
I really liked the fact that the supporting characters got such meaty roles, especially Gary Oldman (No stranger to psycho/dark roles himself). In fact the supporting roles were so prominent they almost swallowed up the Batman’s story. Look at the life, struggle and nobility of Jim Gordon and then look at the one dimension of Batman.
The characters with the least depth and meat were Alfred and Lucius. However thin, these characters are vital to Batman and the story. Alfred is the courage, wisdom and conscience of Wayne. Is is the only one who can see the fear and weakness of Batman. Lucius is the conscience too, but is also the means by which Batman can do the things he does.
The Joker was less of a person and more of a “force”. Heath did a great job, I enjoyed it completely. I even reveled in the “intangibles”, his movements and mannerisms, they added alot of color and menace to the character of the Joker. I liked that he had no history, no name, and no purpose, it was as if Hell sent a messenger to Earth.
Was the Joker the best villain ever? Not for me. that honor is reserved for John Cleese’s potrayal of Halfdan the Black in “Erik the Viking”. Seriously, other than Darth, Russell Crowe’s Ben Wade in 3:10 to Yuma is my fave. The Joker is certainly in my top list.
Here’s what I didn’t like:
No focus on the life of Bruce Wayne, no conflicts between his “day self” and “night self”…maybe next movie.
I liked the movie’s overall message on the nature of duality and sticking to your principles, it wasn’t profound, but it was explored well. When the dialogue shifted to philosophy, I felt that’s where it got a little preachy and the acting suffered. I saw where they were alluding to the War on Terror and the USA Patriot Act.
The whole thing with Lucius was silly and cool, of course you use the technology, but then you dispose of it and remove the temptation to use it again. Wish that could have been the case with the A Bomb!
I respect the message, however I disagree with it. Based on what I saw the Joker capable of, I thought the Batman was more than justified in killing him. He was too dangerous to be allowed to live and would always be a threat. I think the ends do justify the means at times. The Joker was a thinly disguised parable on Osama Bin Laden, who I feel should be killed two seconds after he is located.
Speaking of killing, why does Batman not kill? Michael Keaton’s Batman killed! Bale’s Batman gives the appearance of being more brutal, but in reality his Batman may be the most noble portrayal of the character, albeit darker and more obsessed.
Everyone on the good team was very concerned with not killing and yet when they raided the Joker’s hideout, they were ready to hose down hostages. As an ex-Swat officer the scene didn’t wash with me.
Having said those things, I really liked this film and I expect there will be many copycats in the near future, the true testament to it’s greatness.
Great review Sean and look forward to the discussion on the podcast.
Posted by Lord Dungbeetle on July 20th, 2008Man that was way longer than I intended….sorry!
Posted by Lord Dungbeetle on July 20th, 2008Do you think Jay hated this movie?
Posted by ShenEvil44 on July 20th, 2008Thanks Sean. I’m a huge Katie Holmes fan (on many levels) and didn’t think she was that bad in it.
Posted by Baychuk on July 20th, 2008I’m with you, Baychuck. I think that her character was underwritten in Batman Begins, and that she wasn’t given proper direction. Christopher Nolan should have been let go.
Just a bit more gossip. I read that people associated with Batman Begins didn’t like how her association with Tom Cruise during the time of Batman Begins was distracting attention away from Batman Begins. I think they thought that she didn’t do enough to promote the film itself.
On a side note, “everyone” thought that Kate Bosworth was a poor choice for Lois Lane. I wonder if she’ll be replaced in the next Superman movie.
I haven’t seen The Dark Knight (because I resist all hype), but it would seem to me from what I’ve read and confirmed here by Sean that it really is the best movie of all time. The ante has just been raised. Spider-Man 4, it’s your turn.
Posted by Reed Farrington on July 20th, 2008I have a serious question. Has the fight choreography and direction been improved from Batman Begins?
I think the problem is that in reality, no one can fight in a cape and rubber suit.
Posted by Reed Farrington on July 20th, 2008The films is great and all… but it is now sitting at #1 on IMDB’s top 250 list. That is ridiculous, no?
Posted by Jon Rocks on July 20th, 2008No, I think The Dark Knight deserves to be #1. And I haven’t even seen the film.
If Citizen Kane was #1, then I’d be suspicious. I mean, that movie was good for its time and all with its lack of steady-cam and baroque acting, but it’s not The Dark Knight.
Posted by Reed Farrington on July 20th, 2008Reed: I thought Bale’s movements still looked a little silly in this movie when it came to physical fights, but they do actually address it in the movie in an interesting way. Also, Nolan laid off the shaky cam this time, which was good.
As for this being called the best movie of all time, well, yeah it’s ridiculous, but I mean, we’re talking about a consensus on the internet here. As we’ve been reminded many times before, the internet is not the real world. Voters on IMDB are mostly male teenagers, so it’s pretty obvious why they would vote a movie like this #1. I’m sure it will drop over time.
FYI: Podcast won’t be recorded until tomorrow guys, sorry to disappoint.
Posted by Sean on July 20th, 2008Watching TDK, I had a bit of a surreal experience. I had a difficult time processing the film in my head. Of course it’s easy to talk about individual scenes and whatnot, but with the combination of how the scenes were shot and the performances, it blew my mind.
I’ve avoided any kind of review before watching the movie, but after seeing what some have said, I have to agree that it is a “high-art” film of the genre. Ledger with his subtext-rich acting giving me the arthouse peformance which totally impressed me.
Don’t expect this movie to be #1 on IMDB for very long, I think there are 120k more votes for The Godfather. Every movie drops off from their opening week voting. I remember Transformers and Live Free or Die Hard in the top250 just to name a few. But if it stays number one, I wouldn’t care. I enjoyed the movie immensely.
Posted by Primal on July 20th, 2008Jon Rocks, and some of the rest of you that seem to like the movie but think the reaction is out of hand…check this out:
http://www.quickstopentertainment.com/2008/07/20/opinion-in-a-haystack-the-dark-hype-bob-rose-72008/
Not to pimp my own shit, but I think I cover the subject of the insane fandom of the past few days in a very short and sweet manner. Let me know what you think.
Great review Sean…as always.
Posted by Bob the Slob on July 20th, 2008Good stuff, Bob. This film takes the cake of insane fanboydom and critical fellatio to new levels.
Posted by Jon Rocks on July 21st, 2008Bob the Slob, my favorite part was the smug self satisfied tone you affected while acting like you’re doing the world some favor.
Shorter version:
Oh no, people are excited about something! I’d better be the voice of reason and tell people to “CALM THE FUCK DOWN!!!!!!9/11″
Lame.
As if the IMDB polls actually measure anything.
Posted by Rusty James on July 21st, 2008Well Rusty– you have to admit that the reaction to this film has reached critical mass. It’s a bit overboard.
Posted by Jon Rocks on July 21st, 2008Who are you refering to specifically?
Posted by Rusty James on July 21st, 2008Also Bob the Slob, I noticed you stole Jay’s trick of inventing hypothetical movies some kind of point.
“Now, if we remove Batman, change characters names, keep the Joker as the villain but call him The Clown and show you a movie much akin to Michael Mann’s Heat (Nolan’s supposed inspiration for The Dark Knight) would you be nearly as excited even if it was of the same quality in the acting, directing, writing, and action department? No.”
Horray! You winzzzzz!
Posted by Rusty James on July 21st, 2008I reread the article and I noticed who it was written by. I didn’t realize I was talking to Bob Ross. Sorry ’bout my attitude man. I love your show, and I didn’t mean all that stuff I said. Your opinions on movies and stuff are really well thought out.
Posted by Rusty James on July 21st, 2008I reread the article and I noticed it wasn’t written by Bob ROSS it was written by Bob ROSE.
Eat shit Bob. You suck at movies.
Posted by Rusty James on July 21st, 2008Let’s hear it for a great British movie! Sorry- didn’t you know TDK is British? Like Harry Potter and James Bond. We certainly know how to make ‘em.
Posted by Jim Barratt on July 21st, 2008http://www.biggerpictureresearch.com
Just saw the film, and it’s definitely a thousand times better than Batman Begins, which I don’t like. Even Christian Bale was better, I would attribute this to him having to do less, and be less on screen. Not as much focus on Bruce Waynes supposed intense conflict and love problems helped the film. Getting David S. Goyer off to the side is an immense label of quality in the judgement of Christopher Nolan.
Aaron Eckhart was fantastic in the film. Heath Ledger was almost as good. But am I the only one who thinks these characters deserve better than the dull-looking crime thriller they’re put in? They both certainly look ambitious, but are neutered in a PG-13 kids film, which is a shame I think. Two-Face needs an opera. Even the venacular they use, constantly referring to Knights etc., seems to suggest the characters think they are in a grand cinematic piece, not a borderline TV-movie looking thriller. That’s the main criticism I have with the film, but I did like it very much. Even if I thought the ’style’ was non-existent and dull, I have to give credit to the car chase scene. It was a way better usage of the tankcar than before, and it’s nice to see filmmakers actually use their ideas for something, even if it does take 2 tries to get it right! I really liked how their introduced the motorcycle too, I was expecting him to just pick it randomly out of a garage to expand merchandising. I didn’t have a problem with the length, and personally I was happy to see Harvey Dent dealt with in a solid beginning-middle-end fashion.
I did long for a proper score in this. Having JNH’s simple, effective themes combined with Zimmer’s thumping synthesizer sound doesn’t really work. You either need the restraint of the former, or the audacity of the latter, the combination of the two feels at the same time unfulfilling and overpowering, I’m sorry to say. Again though, it was way better than it was in the first one.
3/4.
Posted by Henrik on July 21st, 2008Thanks Reed, for that input. I thought it would be something due to Mr.Cruise as opposed to her ability.
Posted by Baychuk on July 21st, 2008Ooops, I forgot to add that I really dislike the situation in any series that doesn’t have the original actresses/actors returning. I’m not saying I’ll dislike the new Batman series, which I don’t, its just that I’m big into continuity. It would be like having anybody but Bruce Campbell playing “Ash” in the Evil Dead series.
Posted by Baychuk on July 21st, 2008It’s funny you mention Evil Dead as an example of that Tom, seeing as Ash’s girlfriend Linda was re-cast three times throughout that series.
Posted by Jay C. on July 21st, 2008Now that I have had more time to think about it the movie boils down to this:
Two forces bearing down on each other and people caught in the middle. The film was really about the people caught in the middle and their stories. The Joker and Batman were less characters and more like plot devices. I am actually very satisfied with that arrangement.
One last nit picky thing….I was a little annoyed with Batman’s voice when he spoke for long periods of time.
I am still perplexed about the whole not killing thing.
I would like to hear Jay’s take and Sean’s analysis on some of those issues.
As far as the hype, I think it is a good thing that people are amped. I remember being that excited as a kid for films like Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Wars and and ET. It’s nice to see people talking about things other than religion and politics.
With the state of things in the US economy and soon to be, the world economy, (You too EU), I think 70’s, early 80’s style film escapism will be making a comeback. During that time you had two major types of film, doom and gloom sci fi and dramas (Which I like) and total fantasy fests like Star Wars (Which i like).
One final thing. I think it’s cool that a film can be anticipated and enjoyed by people from multiple nations. I like that we get to see more foreign film here in the US, and I’m glad that a guy in France or Japan can enjoy a US film just as much as I did. While TV and music for the most part has remained local, film has really become a shared global entertainment.
Posted by Lord Dungbeetle on July 21st, 2008I think Nolan will have to think mighty hard as what character in the Batman canon could be the villian in a 3rd installment. I don’t expect a new Batman film to be announced for at least for a year or more!
Posted by entertainmenttodayandbeyond on July 21st, 2008Rusty, sorry man, did I kill your dog by accident, jeez…haha…Anyway, to answer you, the only reason I care is because if films are like my “religion” then people seem really quick to change off dieties…I wasnt trying to be smug, I dont think I was doing anything important, and I was only writing it for those that kinda hate it when people jump the gun and declare everything THE BEST EVER right as they walk out the theater. I wouldn’t want to marry a random chick that just gave me a handjob…I have to get to know her a bit, feel shit out for a few years, repeatedly spend time with her…TIME man…
Plus I didn’t diss the movie, i’m agreeing with all the positive reviews so why are you telling me to eat shit. I dont eat shit, i drink piss, lots of it, hooker piss with a dash of milk. get it right man, and I fucking love Bob Ross!!!
Posted by Bob the Slob on July 21st, 2008I think some of us have a tendency to be suspicious of hype, just as much as others have a tendency to get caught up in it. All I can say is that this is a movie that’s actually worth getting excited over, in my opinion.
And I think we can all agree that Bob Ross was a lover, not a fighter, so let’s just chillax and enjoy some serene landscapes.
Posted by Sean on July 21st, 2008well said sean…well said.
Posted by Bob the Slob on July 21st, 2008I liked this, but it didn’t hit me as hard as everyone else. I don’t really know why either. I thought it was a standard movie, def not the top movie of all time either.
Posted by Paul on July 21st, 2008I just wanted to add, people call John Campea an idiot because he’s an idiot not because of his underwhelmed review of the Dark Knight. He can blame it on whatever he wants to blame it on, but anyone with that much respect for Michael Bay, or the kid from Heroes needs to be forever ignored.
Posted by Mike on July 21st, 2008I’m not sure if he’s going to get the oscar nod, but I know exactly what the number one costume this halloween is going to be.
Posted by Matt on July 21st, 2008“I’m not sure if he’s going to get the oscar nod, but I know exactly what the number one costume this halloween is going to be.”
Donna from Mamma Mia??
Posted by Mike on July 21st, 2008That is true, Jay. It was a slight irritant, but the girlfriend really only mattered for the first one.
Posted by Baychuk on July 21st, 2008Sorry Bob, I over reacted. Don’t eat shit.
One of my pet peeves is self appointed voices of reason. I flew off the handle and didn’t think it out. And then the whole Bob Ross debacle…
I also hate it when people tell me to CALM… THE… FUCK… DOWN… or whatever it was.
I think your article would’ve rang more true (thus inciting more lulz) if you cited specific examples rather than just some abstract fanboy community. So improper citation was also one of my problems.
Next time I try to write something funny I’ll tell you about it so you can call me an asshole and insult my methodology.
Posted by Rusty James on July 21st, 2008its all cool rusty. Like I said, Im a pissdrinker…and as the famous stereotype goes, pissdrinkers hate being called shit eaters…why? because we love PISS!
Posted by Bob the Slob on July 21st, 2008I can’t handle reading this overwhelming amount of comments at the moment, yet I still wanna throw my three pennies at this:
It was definitely way better than the first one. It was the best theatrical experience I’ve had this year as well. Here’s my lil’ review:
NEGATIVE (these things didn’t hurt it enough for me to not enjoy it):
1. The pacing problems were the same I had with the first one to a certain degree. I liken a director’s pacing to a soldier with a semi-automatic rifle. A good soldier wont pull the trigger until the clip is gone; they will make quick considerate bursts when necessary. Nolan chose to pull the trigger and hold it for almost the entire 2 1/2 hours. There are some exceptions but overall it was rapid fire.
2. That cell phone sonar thing took the movie far away from the real world feel and was completely unnecessary.
3. Batman was well lit way too much. In the interrogation scene why not have the lights shut off when Batman enters instead of the other way around.
4. Two-Faces suit was half burned and that didn’t happen when his face got burned. That means he did it sometime afterward and that takes us into Batman Forever wackiness. Even my Dad said that and he goes to the movies like once a year.
5. Maybe The Joker should have done a bit more laughing?
6. Batman was a little lispy when he stopped Harvey from interrogating that criminal. Christian has always had that problem (he’s still my favorite actor). The bat voice didn’t bother me otherwise. Were there no better takes?
7. Agreed. Batman’s mask is too bird like and fat.
8. What real-world villains will be able to trump Joker AND Two-Face? What story could possibly be MORE epic? The third movie is in trouble already.
All of those complaints were really minor in the scope of things and barely subtracted from my enjoyment.
POSITIVES:
1. The fight scenes were actually shot a lot better this time around. You could see what was going on when you needed too.
2. That Bat-pod sequence was great.
3. Heath Ledger. The cast in general was great and Maggie Gyllenhaal wasn’t perfect but definitely was an upgrade.
4. Two-Face’s face. Oh god it was excellent. Plus Eckhart was great.
5. The best shot of the year was when Joker was walking away in the nurses outfit and blew up Gotham Central. That was perfect I daresay.
6. I’m satisfied with the violent content and pleasantly surprised by how R-level most of it was. A lot of people get shot to death in frame. Don’t you think this wouldn’t have slipped through the NPAA back in 1989?
7. I’ve thought this since I was a four year old in theaters for Tim Burton’s version: A Batman that can’t turn his neck looks and is ridiculous. Christian Bale claims he thought of that for story and practical reasons and that was smart.
Diagnosis:
Posted by Ryan M. on July 24th, 20082nd best superhero movie of all time (Spider-Man 2 still wins to me). I need to see it a few more times before I go placing it on a list though.
Riddle me this who do you think will be the next villain?
Posted by Riddler on July 29th, 2008i was not a fan of batman until i saw this movie!!
but i think joker was taking more spotlight than batman himself.
gee.. i wanna more of joker. but too bad. RIP heath.
anyway, quick come up with another batman movie!
is two face still alive????
i cant wait!!
Posted by ann on July 29th, 2008the dark knight is a bad@#! movie.Even though ive never seen a heath ledger film he was awesome in this
Posted by joe on July 3rd, 2009Leave a Reply