Considering that I did a whole series of blogs on the Batman movies (yeah, I know, I didn't do the Adam West one, the 1930s serials, or Mask of the Phantasm) I figured that I'd at least write a little something about the latest film - The Dark Knight.
It's hard to write as much on this one as I did the others, considering I just saw it. All of the others I had seen at least a few times, and I had plenty of time to think about them. I don't have that advantage with the latest one, so a Part II will probably be in order, as I hope to see it in the theater at least one more time.
In short - I liked it. Is it possibly the best Batman movie ever? I don't like making those sorts of proclamations in a hasty manner, but I'll definitely say that it has the potential to be the best one ever. It has the potential to be the best superhero movie ever as well. Still, it's just too early for me to make that kind of a statement.
What's good about it?
All of the main characters have something important to do. I didn't feel as though any of the major parts were wasted, as I did with all of the pre-Nolan movies. I was especially pleased that Gordon got to do as much as he did, as he's integral to the mythology of the character.
They keep getting it right. Even though the current series of films aims for a "realistic" tone, they are most definitely true to the spirit of the comics. Sure, the change some story details, but the essence of all the characters is right out of the comics. Two Face is obsessed with random chance. The Joker represents chaos, and he's the total antithesis of Batman. Batman DOES NOT KILL. (Yeah, I know, - he killed in his first appearance and for the first few years of his comic. The fact is, his "no kill" policy has been a part of his mythology for over 65 years now.)
It's about something. It has an actual theme that can be applied to the real world.
The performances - Yes, Ledger is as good as they're saying. Everybody else doesn't feel overshadowed by him though, which is a testament to how good they are.
The action - bigger, better, more intense than the last one.
What was bad about it?
I drank a large iced tea with my minestrone soup before going to the movie, so I had to get up and pee twice. I hate it when I have to do that. Batman should have told me to just stick to the sandwich and a small glass of water.
My grade? Too early to say as of right now. Worst case? B. Best case? A+.
To be continued in the future, no doubt...
3 comments:
I too saw it. I loved it.
I shall stick with the "Adam West" Batman, thank you. The newer ones aren't just dark. They're dreary.
Dreary? I disagree. Both of the new ones actually have a pretty uplifting message - especially the new one.
For those who have seen it (but I'll be vague enough for those who haven't) I'm thinking about the situation with the two boats. Also, the main character's sacrifice is quite noble.
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