As many already know, The Dark Knight was probably the most anticipated and most hyped movie of the summer. Some critics and movie goers had no doubt that the movie would live up to its potential and more, while some were worried that a late release (technically the last of the big summer blockbusters) and all the surrounding hype (i.e. Heath Ledger's untimely death) would leave viewers flat. Right out the gate, some worries were quieted when movie theaters were selling out of all showings weeks in advance. Many theaters added additional late night showings just to accommodate the clamoring fans. The box office numbers did not disappoint and The Dark Knight surpassed previous records set by Spiderman 3's weekend record and IMAX record and broke the 3-day record previously held by Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. But will it hold now that so many people have seen it?
Our newest GameGirl and resident Batman fanatic, Heather, weighed in her thoughts and gave a unique comparison to Batman Begins.
Heather:
Easily, The Dark Knight could be the movie of the summer. Initially, I was worried about my expectations for this film and all the hype over Heath Ledger's performance. All of my expectations were fulfilled if not surpassed though. Heath Ledger delivered such an incredible performance as the one of the darkest portrayals of the Joker I've ever seen or imagined. The over-hype was very well deserved and his character is definitely Oscar nomination worthy. I was constantly in awe over how terrifying the Joker was...yet I couldn't get enough of him. So far Ledger's Joker is the best villain I've seen in a comic book film to date.
The script and action, in my opinion, were flawless. There was never a second of boredom nor did it feel like any scene was being dragged on. The dialog in TDK left you craving the next scene. The countless hints to the story line made me absolutely excited for the events to come. Compared to Batman Begins there was significantly more and better action that looked stunning. Also, the fight scenes were definitely superior due to the different camera work compared to Batman Begins.
I must hand it to Maggie Gyllenhaal who made Rachel Dawes a much better character in this film. Unlike the Rachel Dawes played by Katie Holmes that I found rather annoying. Rachel Dawes is a much more important character in this film because we can actually stand her. As for the rest of the cast of TDK each one of their performances were crucial and played with such perfection. Director, Christopher Nolan did such an amazing job with this line up, yet again.
Maggie Gyllenhall as Rachel Dawes
Overall, I think this film is the best this summer has seen if not one of the greatest for 2008. I am really looking forward to what critics have to say about this film and possibly an Oscar nomination for the late Heath Ledger. You definitely need to head out to the theater if you haven't already!
NuyoRiquena:
My thoughts may be a little different. Not to say I didn't love the movie - I did. I think I was just a little more critical of certain aspects. Heath Ledger as the Joker. Everyone has been asking, Was his performance really that good or was it hyped because he died? My answer, Both. Heath Ledger was an actor who dove into any role head first. It was only natural that we would find a way to make the role of the Joker his own. The nuances of the character, the incessant licking of the lips the twitching, were played perfectly.
I didn't know what to make of the Maggie Gyllenhaal switch in this movie. Honestly, she is a great actor and goes largely unnoticed because she favors the indie films. She did a great job and pulled off the dramatic ending, at least for her character, very well. Between Gyllenhall and Ledger, the movie had true acting, often lacking in many Summer movies because of the type of actors they are and brought depth to the movie.
Special effects there were aplenty! As you might expect, the movie was full awe-inspiring special effects. The (alleged) CIA tactic of sky hooking was my favorite. I also took a chance and went to see this one on the IMAX screen. Can I say, WOW! Some of the aerial scenes and action sequences felt as though they popped off the screen. I am usually a big one for spoilers and I was going to try and keep them to a minimum but I do have a few.
My criticisms of the movie were not ones that should keep someone from seeing the film. But rather, reasons I feel the movie could have been better. First, while you don't completely feel like you were in a theater for nearly 3 hours, there was no need to rush the introduction and the seeming demise of Two Face. It was set up so he could in theory reprise in a sequel, it was not necessary to rush into the villain with little character development. And Scarecrow in the beginning being reduce to some common street thug was unnecessary as well. I can tell where Chris Nolan was trying to go with the tie-ins and more, but it wasn't done fully so it was better left undone. I think he nearly crossed the line that all directors of this genre of movie fall victim to, too much. The Joker was more than enough villain for one movie. Okay so he turned Two Face, he can do that and not kill off Two Face in the same movie. [BTW, the Joker in a dress - classic!]
Aaron Eckhart as Two Face
All in all, while I hate jumping on a band wagon, it was a great movie and worth every penny.
This one has to get an A.
Further, a great addition to the movie was the lack of previews of trailers. Instead, they opted for one amazing movie trailer for The Watchmen coming out next year. I started reading this graphic novel a while ago and will now have to finish it before the movie releases. Make sure you are in your seats to see it, very worth your time!
