I've never been a huge Batman fan. I've seen all the movies and of course the campy TV show. Haven't read any of the "real" stuff.
Enjoyed the Michael Keaton versions okay and the ones that followed (can't recall who played Batman in those--a blond man is all I'm remembering--well they were ... okay.
I saw Batman Begins several months after it came out and I really enjoyed it. So when I heard there was a sequel I figured I'd see it. When I heard Heath Ledger was playing the Joker, I really wanted to see it. Of all the previous Batman movies, the one where Jack Nicholson played the Joker was my favorite. So I was very curious to see how Heath would do following up on that.
I never go to see big movies on opening weekends--too many people. But I felt compelled to go today.
All this build up is just me trying to figure out what even to say about The Dark Knight...other than I'm blown away. It was a long movie--but never felt too long. There were, of course, plenty of action scenes, but there were also a lot of scenes without action--but they were just as riveting.
The storyline was terrific and gripping.
The special effects were marvelous.
The way a "comic book" character movie was used to delve into human character was awe inspiring.
The music was wonderful.
All the acting was terrific. Every. Single. Actor--was terrific.
However--Heath Ledger and his portrayal of the Joker blew them all away. He was mesmerizing. And I don't think because this was "his last film." He was just amazing. What a great loss.
I just
read a blog review which said:
Everyone should watch The Dark Knight (TDK) at least once. It matters little whether you are a fan of the Batman character -- this is a movie that transcends its origins and is recommended viewing for one and all.
Very, very true.
I guess this movie is blowing away the record books on attendance. It's worth it. The review above continues by saying:
A common review would be that TDK is the greatest movie based on a comic book, but that would be too-obvious a thing to say, and would also be doing the movie a disservice. The Dark Knight shines as a commendable work in itself. In many ways, the movie is the script. A script that is perfect, flawless, masterful, and drives the movie throughout -- this is one flick that doesn't have to rely on the crutches of action and explosions to carry it forward. The action serves to add to the movie's flavour, but it does not define TDK.
The actors are obviously inspired by the tight writing and exacting characterizations that the script offers -- everyone does a great job with his or her role, there isn't a single actor that brings the show down. And then there's (the late) Heath Ledger playing the Joker. Amongst all the good performances, the Joker -- ever the wildcard in the deck, steals every scene, every shot -- he is electric with his nuanced delivery, frightening through his expressions, hilarious in his body language, a presence through his makeup. It is a performance that is simply put, breathtaking. If there is a character that defines the dark soul of TDK, it is the twisted Joker. I pity the guy who has to fill Heath Ledger's shoes in future outings.
Since I'm unable to voice my own thoughts well about this movie. I'll just point above and say, "What he said."
Oh and BTW? There were a LOT of great trailers shown before the movie started. Not just Watchmen, which I've already talked about. But now I want to see the new Mummy movie, the new Bond movie and a few others that I can't even remember now. Oh! And I saw Sterling Brown briefly during the trailer for the new Dinero - Pacino movie, The Righteous Kill. I leaned over to Emily to say, "That's...." and she immediately said, "I KNOW Mom." I guess I must be doing *something* right anyway.
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