07/18: The Dark Knight
Cole:
Bobby:
Cole: Like, so good!
Bobby: The best superhero movie ever? Yes.
Genre: Action, Drama
Running Time: 152 min.
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13
Directed By: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart
The Dark Knight. Even its title sounds epic. For a movie to live up to all the immense hype surrounding this one, its important to have a great title. Fortunately, this movie has a lot more than just that to offer and completely lives up to the interest that has built around it since Batman Begins re-launched the Batman brand in 2005. Building on the theme of escalation at the end of that movie, this film aims for a much bigger target and ends up as much more than simply a summer superhero movie. Nearly every part of the film is pitch-perfect, including its intense action sequences, beautiful IMAX-infused cinematography, and fantastic performances from its cast, especially in the form of Heath Ledgers Joker. This movie stands alone among other comic book adaptations, and rivals even the best crime thrillers of the past decade.
Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) hoped to inspire the citizens of Gotham with his actions as Batman, and he succeeds with both the good, DA Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), and the bad, the Joker (Ledger). The two represent both ends of the spectrum struggling for control of the city, with Batman caught in the middle. Both Batman and Dent struggle with their moral restrictions in battling an enemy that holds himself to no limits. Batman himself wonders whether his quest will ever end, but with villains like the Joker running loose, the end seems a long way away.
The most refreshing thing about Batman Begins was that in director Christopher Nolan and star Bale it seemed the franchise finally had a team around it that cared for and understood the sources material. This trend continues in the latest chapter and expands with a more intricate story that allows the characters to battle their own psychological issues. The casting of Ledger was a particular coup, as he completely transforms into his character and delivers one of the most iconic in recent memory. Though he nearly dominates the film, Bale and Eckhart stand out as conflicted personas seeking their place in the world. Added to this are epic set pieces and action numbers that reflect Nolans mastery of the art. Theres little CG in any of the film which serves only to enhance the realism of the project. This is a superhero film done right and elevates the craft to the highest levels of celluloid greatness.
Bobby: The best superhero movie ever? Yes.
Genre: Action, Drama
Running Time: 152 min.
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13
Directed By: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart
The Dark Knight. Even its title sounds epic. For a movie to live up to all the immense hype surrounding this one, its important to have a great title. Fortunately, this movie has a lot more than just that to offer and completely lives up to the interest that has built around it since Batman Begins re-launched the Batman brand in 2005. Building on the theme of escalation at the end of that movie, this film aims for a much bigger target and ends up as much more than simply a summer superhero movie. Nearly every part of the film is pitch-perfect, including its intense action sequences, beautiful IMAX-infused cinematography, and fantastic performances from its cast, especially in the form of Heath Ledgers Joker. This movie stands alone among other comic book adaptations, and rivals even the best crime thrillers of the past decade.
Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) hoped to inspire the citizens of Gotham with his actions as Batman, and he succeeds with both the good, DA Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), and the bad, the Joker (Ledger). The two represent both ends of the spectrum struggling for control of the city, with Batman caught in the middle. Both Batman and Dent struggle with their moral restrictions in battling an enemy that holds himself to no limits. Batman himself wonders whether his quest will ever end, but with villains like the Joker running loose, the end seems a long way away.
The most refreshing thing about Batman Begins was that in director Christopher Nolan and star Bale it seemed the franchise finally had a team around it that cared for and understood the sources material. This trend continues in the latest chapter and expands with a more intricate story that allows the characters to battle their own psychological issues. The casting of Ledger was a particular coup, as he completely transforms into his character and delivers one of the most iconic in recent memory. Though he nearly dominates the film, Bale and Eckhart stand out as conflicted personas seeking their place in the world. Added to this are epic set pieces and action numbers that reflect Nolans mastery of the art. Theres little CG in any of the film which serves only to enhance the realism of the project. This is a superhero film done right and elevates the craft to the highest levels of celluloid greatness.
HS wrote: