The Dark KNight - Quick Review (909 hits)
Category: NoneRating: 0.76 on 39 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by Jack McCallum (View user info) at 2008-07-18 19:11:56 EDT
The Dark Knight kicks ass.
The story is great, there are some superb plot twists, the characters are played to perfection and there are a few dialogue scenes, yes, in an action movie, that were the highlights of the whole thing, for me anyhow (especially an interrogation between BAtman and the Joker).
Some people say the story is too dark. It's supposed to be dark. It's Batman.
Some people say it is too gruesome. It is supposed to be gruesome, specifically in relation to one disfigured character.
Some people say (and a fat assed San Francisco critic echoed the thought) that Heath Ledger's Joker wasn't as 'fun' as the Jack Nicholson version. The Joker is a murderous psychopath. He isn't supposed to be a clown, but trust me, you will laugh your ass off at times. At one point while committing a violent act and the Joker does a stiff-legged little skip-step like a happy toddler. Magic. Dark magic, but still magic.
As in Batman Begins, we have another comic book adaptation that should finally lay to rest the nightmares that were the old TV show, and the atrocities begun by Tim Burton. THIS is the Batman every Batman fan wants to see, and the ending of the movie is a great setup for another moody and dark sequel.
As for Heath Ledger, and this being his final complete role, all I can say is, well done, kid. This is not high art, but fuck those snooty artiste types. This is fun, and Ledger gave it everything he had. His face is pretty familiar to moviegoers, yet there are only one or two scenes where you can actually see him instead of the face of the character, if you know what I mean, yet aside from a few indistinct scars around his mouth, the makeup is (or looks like) nothing but smeared (and sweated away in some places) white pancake, lipstick, and mascara. Watch his face while you watch the movie. See what a superb job he does of staying in character. It's a shame he won't be reprising that role, but he's gone out with a bang.
User Reviews
Submitted by redskieslookfake (user info) at 2008-07-29 10:54:46 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I thought it was good - an 8/10
Heath was fine. Not amazing though. Just good. If he gets an Oscar then their standards are too low.
Bale was reasonable, but too soppy for my liking.
Maggie whatshername. I didn't feel anything when she died.
Submitted by mitchmarron (user info) at 2008-07-24 09:00:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Worst.Review.Ever.
This movie is one of the most hoverhyped pieces of crap since Spiderman 3.
Heath Ledger did a great job with the role... and that's about it. Unfortunately the movie lasts... what... 4.5hrs?? (that's what it felt like anyways) and he's only in about 20min of it, all in all.
Spoiler alert Maggie Gyllenhal dies at the end... woopdeefreakingdoo.
There I said it. Guess what, you won't care either.
She's not:
- interesting
- pretty
- funny
- significant in any way.
Yes there are some interesting plot twists... Yes Heath Ledger is great (although no where near oscar-worthy)... but the entire plot of the movie is ridiculous.
What kills this movie:
- Harvey Dent goes from heroic to malevolent... in 5min.
Makes.NO.Sense.
- The Joker, without money, without connections, without any real access to technology, and looking the way he does 24/7... manages to infiltrate banks, the mob, high security buildings and guarded hospitals completely undetected and unscathed.
- Batman is way over the top with sonar glasses and manages to disarm a dozen SWAT team members (without hurting them mind you) while soaring from floor to floor of a sky scraper, linking each member with a cable, then gently dangling them off a top floor, daisy-chain style.
Meanwhile we forget that earlier in the movie, a dog just about kills him through his suit!!??
So.freaking.ridiculous.
There's such a thing as suspension of disbelief in a movie... it's the understanding that you're going to have to let go of some preconceived notions of reality in order to 'get into' the film and be emotionally invested in it.
This one fails epically.
The only people who will like this movie are the mentally retarded or the nerdy fanbois who would pay $100 bucks for a brown paper bag filled with Stan Lee's pubic hair.
And yes I know stan lee is marvel, and batman is DC comics, and you getting angry at that just reconfirms you're a geek.
Submitted by Jack_McCallum (user info) at 2008-07-22 14:51:21 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by The_taste_of_Monkeys (user info) at 2008-07-21 10:01:38 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Perhaps yes the "dark" batman is the definitive version but most people seem to have forgotten that this is a reinvention from the original Batman who was indeed boring and camp.
Nevertheless Frank Miller FTW
--
Wiki spells it out in a straighforward way...
1940s
In his initial dozen or so appearances, starting with Batman #1 (1940), the Joker was a straightforward ***MASS MURDERER,*** with a bizarre appearance modeled after the symbol of the Joker known from playing cards. He was slated to be killed in his second appearance,[5] but editor Whitney Ellsworth suggested that the character be spared. A hastily drawn panel, demonstrating that the Joker was still alive, was subsequently added to the comic.[6]
For the next several appearances, the Joker often escaped capture but suffered an apparent death (falling off a cliff, being caught in a burning building, etc.), from which his body was not recovered. ***In these first dozen adventures, the Joker killed close to three dozen people.***
1950s and 1960s
In the 1950s and 1960s, following the imposition of the Comics Code Authority censorship board, the Joker shifted toward becoming a harmless, cackling nuisance. He disappeared from Batman stories almost entirely when Julius Schwartz took over editorship of the Batman comics in 1964.
Submitted by Jack_McCallum (user info) at 2008-07-22 14:47:42 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by PayMeLater (user info) at 2008-07-20 15:19:48 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
No one is bitching the movie is too dark, or too gruesome.
No one is comparing Heath Ledger unfavorably to Jack Nicholson.
--
DO YOU LIVE IN A FUCKING BOX IN YOUR PARENT'S BASEMENT?
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=dark+knight+%22too+dark%22
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=dark+knight+heath+ledger+jack+nicholson&spell=1
PS - I'm not bitching, I'm praising the film.
Submitted by The_taste_of_Monkeys (user info) at 2008-07-21 10:01:38 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Perhaps yes the "dark" batman is the definitive version but most people seem to have forgotten that this is a reinvention from the original Batman who was indeed boring and camp.
Nevertheless Frank Miller FTW
Submitted by FALLEN (user info) at 2008-07-21 09:40:53 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
You will not change peoples minds on a comic based movie ever.
"komics r stoopid kid films"
Whatever.
I gave up along time ago trying to convince people otherwise, and you should do the same.
As for the fun Joker vs. dark Joker.
statements like that come from those who are not fans of comics, they don't understand what the Joker is.
"hez a clown wit make up. he must be funny, y r u not funny mr.clown?"
because he's a fucking serial killer who once poisoned an entire classroom of 5 and 6 year olds.
as for Frankthebear and his squirle face comment. you know where I stand on that topic.
http://www.ubersite.com/m/117584
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2008-07-21 08:58:50 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Fuck this movie.
I watched "The Savages" this weekend and that was more than good enough.
Submitted by 200killerwasps (user info) at 2008-07-21 08:32:25 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by beer-turtle (user info) at 2008-07-19 13:46:11 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I saw this yesterday morning with a buddy of mine.
My favorite line in the entire movie (close tie between the brokeback reference and this one)
"Watch me make this pencil dissappear"
Submitted by PayMeLater (user info) at 2008-07-20 15:19:48 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
No one is bitching the movie is too dark, or too gruesome.
No one is comparing Heath Ledger unfavorably to Jack Nicholson.
The reviews have been overwhelmingly positive.
You're like some retarded Andy Rooney, constantly bitching about the most inconsequential shit.
You can't even stop complaining long enough to write a couple of paragraphs about a film.
No wonder you haven't sniffed two-legged pussy since Bubba was in diapers.
Okay, so maybe Bubba is back in diapers, but you know what I mean.
Get a blow job for fuck's sake.
Submitted by gAGGLE (user info) at 2008-07-20 08:49:19 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
go fuck yourself.
Submitted by Poots (user info) at 2008-07-20 07:38:59 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
One of the best films of all time in my opinion. The joker stole the show and Heath Ledger did a hell of a job playing that role. Better than Jack played it but I blame Tim i've-gotta-shoot-every-shot-in-a-fucking-studio Burton for that. That is not so much a slight to jack, who I believe did a fantastic job, as it is a nod to Heath i'm-never-playing-one-of-the-coolest-parts-ever-written-cause-i-like-mixing-prescription-drugs-and-booze Ledger. All those drugs may have been why he played it so well. Either way, hell of good film that I am seeing again next weekend.
Submitted by PepsiCoke (user info) at 2008-07-20 00:12:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Jack, how do you feel about Anheuser-Busch getting bought out by the Belgians?
Submitted by Jack_McCallum (user info) at 2008-07-19 23:14:52 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by beer-turtle (user info) at 2008-07-19 13:46:11 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I saw this yesterday morning with a buddy of mine.
My favorite line in the entire movie (close tie between the brokeback reference and this one)
"Watch me make this pencil dissappear"
--
Yeah, that really sets the tone for the character. Great audience reaction as well.
Submitted by PepsiCoke (user info) at 2008-07-19 20:58:02 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
http://www.ubersite.com/m/117707
A good review
Submitted by Hookhand (user info) at 2008-07-19 20:41:20 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
The only thing worse than this post is hearing Heath Ledger smack his lips every half second. I'm glad he's dead.
Submitted by sparkle_pink (user info) at 2008-07-19 18:30:31 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I'm excited for this film. I'm even going to see it in a theatre. I've seen like, 5 films in my entire life in a theatre.
Oh and I loved the old Batman television show and I'm not ashamed to admit it.
Submitted by Bubba2341 (user info) at 2008-07-19 18:28:15 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
PepsiCoke isn't the best to talk about community colleges. He failed fourth grade. Twice.
Submitted by beer-turtle (user info) at 2008-07-19 13:49:48 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Oh yeah I will say this though...
Not a single batman movie (Nolan OR Burton) has EVER been able to make the batcowl not look absolutely retarded while fighting the baddies. The foam rubber flexing and bobbing with the quick moves of the head is just silly looking.
Submitted by beer-turtle (user info) at 2008-07-19 13:46:11 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I saw this yesterday morning with a buddy of mine.
My favorite line in the entire movie (close tie between the brokeback reference and this one)
"Watch me make this pencil dissappear"
Submitted by PepsiCoke (user info) at 2008-07-19 13:14:57 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
>>>Submitted by Jack_McCallum (user info) at 2008-07-19 12:13:46 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
The problem Ledger and others like him face is that they are playing a comic book character and there will always be a bias against that kind of role. He was awesome, though. If you didn't know it was him you'd never guess. It's the first time I've seen the Joker done right- a playful who-gives-a-fuck psychotic. He doesn't have a hidden soft side, doesn't regret his actions, doesn't suddenly show a change of heart. He's fucking insane. The interrogation scene with the Joker and Batman -just the dialogue part-is spectacular.
And I don't know who thought of hiring Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman, but damn they bring real substance to those supporting roles.<<<
I love how you write "fuck those snooty artiste types" and then proceed to ramble on about all this stupid bullshit like a bad community college professor.
Submitted by polyamorousaj (user info) at 2008-07-19 12:57:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
The dialogue got a bit contrived at the end.
Submitted by Jack_McCallum (user info) at 2008-07-19 12:13:46 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
The problem Ledger and others like him face is that they are playing a comic book character and there will always be a bias against that kind of role. He was awesome, though. If you didn't know it was him you'd never guess. It's the first time I've seen the Joker done right- a playful who-gives-a-fuck psychotic. He doesn't have a hidden soft side, doesn't regret his actions, doesn't suddenly show a change of heart. He's fucking insane. The interrogation scene with the Joker and Batman -just the dialogue part-is spectacular.
And I don't know who thought of hiring Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman, but damn they bring real substance to those supporting roles.
Submitted by Bubba2341 (user info) at 2008-07-19 11:20:55 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by AsshOly (user info) at 2008-07-18 23:30:48 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I heard one movie review that said Ledger's performance was on par with Nicholson's RP McMurphy. That's some pretty high fucking praise.
==================
High praise be damned, I don't believe it. Now I have to see the movie.
Submitted by PepsiCoke (user info) at 2008-07-19 10:23:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Wall-E is pretty sweet
Submitted by Unabonger (user info) at 2008-07-19 03:32:37 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I was actually at the Daly City theater today, in line, waiting to see this.
"Four for the 9:30 Dark Knight"
"It's sold out, sir."
"It's 8...are you serious? Okay, I'll take the 9:20 Hancock."
"That's sold out too."
I guess everyone that wanted to see the 9:30 Dark Knight got fucked and decided to see Hancock instead.
needless to say I went home and did bong hits. I'm not allowed to see Wall-E until my chick gets back in town.
Submitted by bob (user info) at 2008-07-19 03:14:57 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
If Heath Ledger does not get the Oscar...I will be very, very pissed off.
Fucking brilliant he was.
Submitted by FilledwithHate (user info) at 2008-07-19 01:45:17 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Not seen it yet, but dark and gruesome is what I expect and hope for. I'll go tomorrow, and I can't wait.
Submitted by d_prime (user info) at 2008-07-19 00:46:32 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
"Roger & Ebert called it the best, if not the only, movie of the year where a leading actor recently died."
Submitted by AsshOly (user info) at 2008-07-19 00:08:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
pepsi and coke both taste like shit.
Submitted by PepsiCoke (user info) at 2008-07-18 23:49:13 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
What a necessary review.
I saw it and it was pretty average.
Submitted by AsshOly (user info) at 2008-07-18 23:30:48 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I heard one movie review that said Ledger's performance was on par with Nicholson's RP McMurphy. That's some pretty high fucking praise.
Submitted by billjenkins13090 (user info) at 2008-07-18 22:13:50 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
So did I (the below)
Submitted by Quint (user info) at 2008-07-18 20:44:18 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Little known fact, but Heath Ledger fucked Method's Mom before he died. True story.
Submitted by frankthebear (user info) at 2008-07-18 20:13:13 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
also saw the midnight showing. Maggie Gylenhall has a fat little squirrel face.
Submitted by Sinistral (user info) at 2008-07-18 20:10:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
The movie was great, although Batman's voice grated on my nerves just a tad.
The movie theater I saw it at fucked up though. First the lights came on during the movie, then when the Joker is captive in the room with just the one guard, the picture goes. Still hear the audio, though, and when the picture comes back Joker has escaped. Goddamnit.
Submitted by Jack_McCallum (user info) at 2008-07-18 19:54:06 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
H101, I don't want to give anything way. I avoid all spoilers before a movie, I like being surprised. I assume most people feel that way.
Jack Nicolson as the Joker? Danny Devito as the Penguin? Bullshit stunt casting, the kiss of death for a movie.
Aaron Eckhart (sp???) is excellent as Harvey Dent, btw, and Gary Oldman continues to play a restrained Gordon - good for him.
Submitted by hidden101 (user info) at 2008-07-18 19:40:21 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
what the hell kind of review was that, Jack? you basically just said "it's good, watch that shit!"
and don't knock Tim Burton's Batman. it was my favorite by far. i watched Batman Forever last night and it really misses the mark in my opinion.
anyway, i think this Batman is going to be fucking awesome. i know movie trailers are supposed to show the best parts to get you excited, but damn the trailers were awesome. i'm the kind of person that waits until everyone is done cumming all over themselves over a movie to watch it so i will wait a couple weeks to see it. maybe even a month.
Submitted by pen_name (user info) at 2008-07-18 19:16:13 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
SPOILERS
Saw a midnight showing last night. Ledger was so good I was pissed he lived at the end. There is no way someone else can reprise the role and pull it off as well.
Submitted by Jack_McCallum (user info) at 2008-07-18 19:13:06 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Holy typos, Batman!!!