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Movie Review: Batman: The Dark Knight
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slowguy
Jul 18, 08 13:52
Post #1 of 27 (837 views)
Movie Review: Batman: The Dark Knight
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The Dark Knight is, undoubtably, the best Batman movie to date. With a dark and complex story, character depth, excellent performances, and non-stop action, The Dark Knight continues to drag Batman films back into the shadows; a direction begun with Batman Begins.
The Dark Knight story unfolds in Gotham City, approximately one year after the events of the previous film. The criminal underground has grown to fear the Batman, and a new District Attorney has brought hope that law enforcement and the city government might be headed in the right direction towards ridding the city of corruption and putting the organized crime bosses who have dominated in jail. With the new DA, Harvey Dent, gaining momentum, Bruce Wayne finally feels as if maybe the time is coming when Gotham will no longer need the Batman. Enter the Joker, who has his own plans for Gotham. A psychopathic criminal tour de force with no material goals, but a desire to spread chaos and to fold the city in upon itself, the Joker is essentially a terrorist, who begins with the petty and organized criminals, and works his way up the chain to get to Batman himself. At every turn, the Joker challenges Batman to push the boundaries of his own internal rule set; attempting to push the Dark Knight over the edge into a moral abyss. With the help of police Lieutenant Jim Gordon, Asst DA Rachel Dawes, and her love interest and DA Harvey Dent, Batman fights the fear and chaos that the insane villain spreads as he goes, and risks losing bits of himself and of those important to him along the way. As the Joker lays seige to the city, Batman comes to realize that Gotham still needs him, but maybe not in the way he envisioned.
The tenor of this movie is similar to Batman Begins. There is no laughing Jim Carrey or Tommy Lee Jones in a caricature type evil supervillain costume. Everything is dark and gritty. This tone is set largely by the outstanding performance of Heath Ledger as the Joker. Leading up to the movie, I was fairly convinced that all the hype surrounding his role was due, in large part, to his premature death. I was wrong. Ledger does a fantastic role bringing a new level of depravity and psychological depth to the role of the villainous clown, and, quite frankly, puts Jack Nicholson to shame. The rest of the cast is much the same as the first movie, with a few notable exceptions. Maggie Gyllenhaal replaces Katie Holmes/Cruise as Bruce Wayne and Harvey Dent's love interest, Rachel Dawes. Also new is Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent, previously played by Tommy Lee Jones. Eckhart does an admirable job playing the crusading District Attorney turned madman that fans of the comic books know as Two Face. Also back again are Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine as Bruce Wayne's confidants Lucius Fox and Alfred Pennyworth as well as Gary Oldman as Jim Gordon. Good performances are delivered by each actor, especially for a comic book movie.
The action in this movie is fairly non-stop. As the Joker ratchets up his maniacal schemes, the tension is palatable, and there are a ton of good action/special effects scenes, without delievering a CGI laden polished look. Although the movie is long at 2hrs and 32mins, the action, the plot, and the tension make the time go by quickly.
The Dark Knight is rated PG-13 mostly for violence. There is no real sexual material or foul language, but there is plenty of violence. Most of the violence consists of gunfire and explosions or hand to hand fighting. There is not much actual blood and guts stuff here, but the suggestion of lots of depraved violence. Personally, I wouldn't bring young children to the film, but I did see plenty of them in the theater.
Overall, if you are a fan of Batman Begins, you will certainly not be disappointed in this movie. The plot is surprisingly good for a comic book movie, and there is certainly lots of room for more sequels in the future. This is a much darker and more serious superhero movie than Ironman, but I'd say I enjoyed it at about the same level. Two thumbs up.
Slowguy
(insert pithy phrase here...)
erichollins
Jul 19, 08 20:57
Post #2 of 27 (756 views)
Re: Movie Review: Batman: The Dark Knight [slowguy]
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As I told Flaco, this is an entirely different movie than Ironman. Ironman was a fantastic movie because it had a good story, a decent plot, action, comedy, and just a fun time. I watched this movie thinking I was watching a crime drama and it was incredible. I agree that Ledger's performance did live up to the hype and does deserve a nomination. It is a very dark movie and I wouldn't bring any kids to see it either. The best parts of Ledger's performance are just the subtle things that he does, but I guess that is what any excellent performance is about. One thing that really was another character in the movie was the musical score. I may actually see this movie again in the theaters since I enjoyed it that much.
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Patience isn't a virtue. Patience is a waste of my time.
http://trainingoferic.blogspot.com/
Mike Lamb
Jul 19, 08 23:24
Post #3 of 27 (744 views)
Re: Movie Review: Batman: The Dark Knight [slowguy]
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Great movie. Question is, where does the series go next? They were clearly angling for a third, and it appears that Gordon's kid may be introduced as Robin. If I had to guess, I'd say that the plot revolves around Batman going into seclusion for about 5-6 years to let things die down. This gives enough time for the would-be Robin to hit teenage years and a new super-villain to arrive to bring Batman out of retirement.
Any other guesses? Cat woman making an appearance? Unless I missed it, I can't really see who the next villain will be yet...
f/k/a mclamb6
AmyCO
Jul 20, 08 5:41
Post #4 of 27 (705 views)
Re: Movie Review: Batman: The Dark Knight [slowguy]
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Well, shoot. My son, who is 7, and I were planning a double feature next weekend -- Wall-E and The Dark Knight. I warned him that I would have to get some input on whether The Dark Knight would be appropriate for him. I've told him that the movie would be scary in parts because of bad guys. He's an intuitive kid and is able to pick up on plot lines and undercurrents. I'd love to hear from any parents who took their kids to the movie and what their reactions to it were.
spot
Jul 20, 08 6:01
Post #5 of 27 (701 views)
Re: Movie Review: Batman: The Dark Knight [AmyCO]
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I saw the movie last night, and my wife both agreed that it would be a long time before we let our 8 1/2 year son old see it. It is a very dark movie, with some fairly disturbing elements.
Spot
Cervelo / Kuota Mafia Member
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AmyCO
Jul 20, 08 6:04
Post #6 of 27 (699 views)
Re: Movie Review: Batman: The Dark Knight [spot]
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Looks like our double feature will be a single. Neither my husband nor my daughter like movies, so I'm trying to groom my son to become my movie companion. The whole 7-year-old thing does narrow our choices, though:)
YaHey
Jul 20, 08 7:12
Post #7 of 27 (691 views)
Re: Movie Review: Batman: The Dark Knight [slowguy]
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My wife and I saw the movie last night. I have to be honest and tell you that I was not blown away. Maybe the hype had my expectations way too high for a movie based on a comic book. It may be the best of the Batman's, but it is not a great movie.
A few thoughts:
No way Heath Ledger deserves an academy award for his role. Give me a break.
I would not take a kid under the age of 13. This is a very violent movie.
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Parsnip
Jul 20, 08 12:45
Post #8 of 27 (638 views)
Re: Movie Review: Batman: The Dark Knight [YaHey]
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If im completely honest - i preferred the last one to this one - not to say this was a bad movie.
Ledger is brilliant - really plays the joker well - as he should be - a psychopath, not a comedian - this little lip licking thing he does is acting genius. Michael Cane does his usual Orite guv'nor routine - which isnt as annoying as it can be. Christian Bale is as good as ever, even if he does sound like hes gargling a bag of nails as batman. Maggie Gylenelahaaaleal is fairly offensive to the eye.
As for the movie being ok for kids - i dont see why not - yes its an extremley dark movie - but not much more than the first - there is no real explicit violence that springs to mind, and other than twoface, nothing is too gruesome - could be nightmares i guess - i dont have kids though, so i wouldnt know.
spot
Jul 20, 08 14:10
Post #9 of 27 (621 views)
Re: Movie Review: Batman: The Dark Knight [YaHey]
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This may be the only time I will ever say this, so here goes....Yahey, I agree with you. It was a good movie, but not great.
Spot
Cervelo / Kuota Mafia Member
"Mine goes to 11...."
BarryP
Jul 20, 08 14:22
Post #10 of 27 (618 views)
Re: Movie Review: Batman: The Dark Knight [slowguy]
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I wanted to add the the fight scenes were by far the best of any Batman movie with just the right amount (not over the top) martial arts.
I'm not usualy into comic book or action films, but I thought this one was good.
______________________________________________
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Tri_yoda
Jul 20, 08 16:13
Post #11 of 27 (605 views)
Re: Movie Review: Batman: The Dark Knight [erichollins]
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As I told Flaco, this is an entirely different movie than Ironman. Ironman was a fantastic movie because it had a good story, a decent plot, action, comedy, and just a fun time. I watched this movie thinking I was watching a crime drama and it was incredible. I agree that Ledger's performance did live up to the hype and does deserve a nomination.
It is a very dark movie and I wouldn't bring any kids to see it either.
The best parts of Ledger's performance are just the subtle things that he does, but I guess that is what any excellent performance is about. One thing that really was another character in the movie was the musical score. I may actually see this movie again in the theaters since I enjoyed it that much.
Maybe I am a little bit conservative, but I could easily see this being rated R (it is PG-13). Maybe kids today are exposed to more than I realize, but this movie is very dark and I hope our world does not seem so to children. This is certainly not for little ones (less than 10), I think the themes are a little bit mature for kids to handle.
It is really a phenominal film in every respect, it should be considred a drama more than an action or a superhero flick. The performances are compelling, the plot sufficiently complex, the special effects seamless (they do not distract, just enhance) and the direction and tone of the film are well executed. I could seriously see this as nominee for several awards, including best picture, director and best actor (Ledger). It is amazing the scope of his talent to see his Joker in contrast the role he played in Brokeback Mountain.
"Politicians and diapers both have one thing in common: they should be changed regularly and for the same reason."
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erichollins
Jul 20, 08 16:25
Post #12 of 27 (598 views)
Re: Movie Review: Batman: The Dark Knight [Tri_yoda]
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I went into this movie thinking that it was a crime drama and not a comic book movie so my view may be a bit different than the typical person's but it was up there with the likes of The Departed and Heat in regards to crime dramas.
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Patience isn't a virtue. Patience is a waste of my time.
http://trainingoferic.blogspot.com/
bouquek
Jul 20, 08 18:48
Post #13 of 27 (573 views)
Re: Movie Review: Batman: The Dark Knight [erichollins]
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I went into this movie thinking that it was a crime drama and not a comic book movie so my view may be a bit different than the typical person's but it was up there with the likes of The Departed and Heat in regards to crime dramas.
Actually, the best comic books are loaded with drama. The best comic book movies try to capture that drama.
erichollins
Jul 20, 08 18:52
Post #14 of 27 (571 views)
Re: Movie Review: Batman: The Dark Knight [bouquek]
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Most comic book movies I've seen lately are just full of action that gets in the way of the story (Hulk, Hellboy II, etc).
--
Patience isn't a virtue. Patience is a waste of my time.
http://trainingoferic.blogspot.com/
bouquek
Jul 20, 08 19:39
Post #15 of 27 (561 views)
Re: Movie Review: Batman: The Dark Knight [erichollins]
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I agree. I think Hollywood is still trying to capture the balance that great comic books achieve. It seems they got the formula more right with the Dark Knight. I also liked the Iron Movie for the same reasons you did but I also think it doesn't come close to capturing the complexity, depth and drama of the Tony Stark I grew up reading. Not that I would expect it too in a 2 hour movie.
deechee
Jul 21, 08 5:52
Post #16 of 27 (522 views)
Re: Movie Review: Batman: The Dark Knight [slowguy]
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Definitely not for children. I honestly do not understand any adult who brings a child under 13 to this movie.
I liked the movie, but I didn't have the same level of enthusiasm I did after seeing "Batman Begins". I think the movie should've been called "The Joker", because really, the movie is about him, not Batman. The movie felt long to me, and the first 30mins to hour felt very standard hollywood fare. Maybe I saw it too late in the night but I dunno... I'm not dying to see it again like "Begins"...
Mike Lamb
Jul 21, 08 7:32
Post #17 of 27 (498 views)
Re: Movie Review: Batman: The Dark Knight [Tri_yoda]
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I was actually wondering about the standards for PG-13 vs. R after watching Dark Knight. Now, I am certain there was a LOT of political pressure placed on the raters to shoe-horn a PG-13 rating in order to keep a wider audience, but still.
I guess the only thing that saved it was little cursing (was there any?) and the "bloodless" nature of the deaths. Still though...
f/k/a mclamb6
Marco in BC
Jul 21, 08 8:03
Post #18 of 27 (491 views)
Re: Movie Review: Batman: The Dark Knight [Mike Lamb]
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I guess the only thing that saved it was little cursing (was there any?) and the "bloodless" nature of the deaths. Still though...
if you are ever wondering about why things are rated the way they are you should check out 'this film is not yet rated', and yeah, lots of death *but* no blood shown, very little cursing, tons of violence and dark overtones = PG-13, one nipple = R, makes perfect sense, right?
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A wise man can learn more from a foolish question than a fool can learn from a wise answer.
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bluemonkeytri
Jul 21, 08 13:40
Post #19 of 27 (414 views)
Re: Movie Review: Batman: The Dark Knight [Mike Lamb]
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Therein lies the problem with Batman. Batman has always been the darkest and most complex of the big comic book heroes, but he's always been saddled with the most ridiculous of villians (the Joker excluded). Clock King. Penguin. The Riddler. Not much depth in those characters. The only other one I can think of is Mr. Freeze, whose motives are similar to Batman's (loss of a loved one) but who takes a different path. Too bad that 1. Spidey already took that angle with Doc Ock in #2, and 2. Arnold pretty much killed any sense of taking Mr. Freeze seriously.
Now, what about a Trailer Review of that Watchmen trailer.....
www.momslasagna.org, because Every Bite Saves a Life.
sleepy
Jul 21, 08 18:41
Post #20 of 27 (369 views)
Re: Movie Review: Batman: The Dark Knight [Tri_yoda]
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Couldn't agree more on the rating. This should have been rated R.
Personally, I liked Batman Begins better. This seemed to drag a bit in the middle, like they crammed two short movies into one long one. Good movie overall, but I think a bit over hyped.
Tri_yoda
Jul 21, 08 19:08
Post #21 of 27 (364 views)
Re: Movie Review: Batman: The Dark Knight [bluemonkeytri]
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Now, what about a Trailer Review of that Watchmen trailer.....
I have the original 12 issue Watchmen microseries. Was never really a comic book guy, but this was a very compelling read. They had talked about this movie for years (I think they even started it once before), but technology finally caught up to allow this movie to be made.
I will actually be surprised if they can make a good movie out of it. The story is a rather complicated and is dark, even compared to Batman. Would love to be pleasantly surprised though.
TeamBarenaked
Jul 22, 08 11:52
Post #22 of 27 (320 views)
Re: Movie Review: Batman: The Dark Knight [Mike Lamb]
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Unless I missed it, I can't really see who the next villain will be yet...
SWIMFAN
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bluemonkeytri
Jul 22, 08 12:31
Post #23 of 27 (302 views)
Re: Movie Review: Batman: The Dark Knight [TeamBarenaked]
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How about Christian Bale as the next villian.... :)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25794327/
www.momslasagna.org, because Every Bite Saves a Life.
Tri2HaveFun
Aug 16, 08 9:46
Post #24 of 27 (189 views)
Re: Movie Review: Batman: The Dark Knight [slowguy]
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After reading all the hype we finally went to see this movie with very high expectations. My wife, who loved the previous movie and was anxiously waiting to see this one, was so thoroughly disgusted she would have walked out if my son and I had not been there. Without a doubt this was the most violent Batman movie ever. Many of the scenes bordered on being like a horror flick. The movie ended up having no redeeming value as almost every "good" character gets killed. Bruce Wayne is made out to be a pompous rich blowhard. Untold numbers of police and ordinary citizens are either killed or seriously injured. One of the least credible scenes involved the destruction of the hospital, but much of what happened throughout was almost equally devoid of credibility. I could go on and on with how bad we thought the movie was including poor acting by just about everyone except Heath Ledger. It was also way too long, we got to the point of thinking how much more of this trash do we have to endure?
At the end of the previous Batman movie the audience in the theater we were at stood up and applauded. After this movie I heard several comments on the way out from people who felt just as we did - it was a complete waste of our money and time. We should have gone to see Wall-E instead.
Don
Tri-ing to have fun. Anything else is just a bonus!
DavidK
Aug 18, 08 6:45
Post #25 of 27 (127 views)
Re: Movie Review: Batman: The Dark Knight [Tri2HaveFun]
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I enjoyed the movie. It is, in large part, a well done chilling horror movie. I can see why you had the reaction you did. Particularly if you expected the Tim Burton style of Batman or even a repeat of the the last Batman movie.
But, having read many reviews, including the reviews here on Slowtwitch, I was fully aware of the tone and content of this movie before I bought my ticket. I am surprised that you were surprised.
David K
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