Who'd be crying after their films have made $1,115,000? And that another comic book film has come along and proven that the market is happy for more?
Personally I think that the Spider Man films are much more successful; I think no.2 is probably the best comic book film ever, just behind Superman.
And just case you missed it, here's what Robert Downey Jr. has been saying:
"I didn't understand The Dark Knight. Didn't get it, still can't tell you what happened in the movie, what happened to the character and in the end they need him to be a bad guy."
Downey Jr. suggested that the DC Comics adaptation was "highbrow" and required a "college education to understand".
He added: "You know what? F*** DC Comics. That's all I have to say and that's where I'm really coming from."
And just case you missed it, here's what Robert Downey Jr. has been saying:
"I didn't understand The Dark Knight. Didn't get it, still can't tell you what happened in the movie, what happened to the character and in the end they need him to be a bad guy."
Downey Jr. suggested that the DC Comics adaptation was "highbrow" and required a "college education to understand".
He added: "You know what? F*** DC Comics. That's all I have to say and that's where I'm really coming from."
He likes to live dangerously!
You know, this makes me feel so much better. So it wasn't just me then!
She's worth whatever chaos she brings to the table and you know it. ~ Mark Anthony
You know, figures aren't everything. They may seem to be everything, but alas, they are not!
You tell him Tiger!
Actually Dan, that was MJ who said that.
I know, that's why I said it. ) IMO it was among the greatest final scenes (and last lines) in the history of cinema; the fact that it was MJ, rather than Peter, who said it doesn't worry me. I'm confident enough in my masculinity not to allow things like that to get to me. :v
Close, but once again, the itsy bitsy spider comes up short (and in case you're curious Lexi, Iron Man got a 94% as well).
Unlike you Tony, I don't base my views on what critics think. :v I am fully aware that many critics consider IM and DK to be better than either of the first two Spider-Man films. I just don't agree.
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
Who'd be crying after their films have made $1,115,000? And that another comic book film has come along and proven that the market is happy for more?
Exactly. Rogue and Tony place so much emphasis on DK being number 1 that they don't notice that the Spider-Man films were still among the most successful films of all times.
Personally I think that the Spider Man films are much more successful; I think no.2 is probably the best comic book film ever, just behind Superman.
You know, we don't agree very often, but I agree with you on this. Although I'm not entirely certain what I consider to be the greatest comic book films of all time; Superman, followed by Spider-Man 2 are a brilliant choice that I wouldn't argue with at all.
And just case you missed it, here's what Robert Downey Jr. has been saying:
"I didn't understand The Dark Knight. Didn't get it, still can't tell you what happened in the movie, what happened to the character and in the end they need him to be a bad guy."
Downey Jr. suggested that the DC Comics adaptation was "highbrow" and required a "college education to understand".
He added: "You know what? F*** DC Comics. That's all I have to say and that's where I'm really coming from."
I was waiting for someone to bring that up. ) Did you see it Rogue? :v Tony, did you see what your beloved hero had to say about DC? )
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
Unlike you Tony, I don't base my views on what critics think. :v I am fully aware that many critics consider IM and DK to be better than either of the first two Spider-Man films. I just don't agree.
Oh, I know that. Sometimes, you don't even base your views on what the actual filmmakers thought. )
As to Downey's comments...I actually agree with many of them, although I also think he's saying some of that stuff just to be irreverent and ruffle some feathers (or maybe he's just PO'd that Iron Man isn't the No. 1 box office movie of 2008 anymore).
I really didn't like the ending to Dark Knight either. It is in keeping with the comics as Batman has gone rogue and played the "bad cop" on more than one occasion. But for a movie, it was an unsatisfying way to end the adventure for me. Truth be told, I'm really surprised the movie is doing so well at the box office. I was sure that such a dark and even downbeat film wouldn't be able to draw in the mainstream audiences. Shows you how much I know.
As to which series is better, to each his (or her) own. Personally, I depise the hand-wringing emo and offbeat scenes Raimi inserted into the films. When I read the comic Peter Parker was never such a pathetic dishrag. He was a nerd and something of an outcast but I don't remember it ever going to those extremes.
And just so you don't think I'm totally without feeling, you can have crying in a superhero film. I thought Chris Reeve's grief at Lois' death (and Pa Kent's) in Superman (probably still the best comic book movie overall) were very moving and well done. I found that emotion genuine, unlike the Spiderman films where it all just seemed manufactured to me.
I am fully aware that many critics consider IM and DK to be better than either of the first two Spider-Man films. I just don't agree.
Yes, I enjoyed Iron Man a lot, but it's not a patch on Spider Man or SM2. It doesn't really have an identity; it's just a fun popcorn film which is put together in much the same way as other superhero films like Fantastic Four etc.- it's just from slightly better people. Very forgettable but very decent.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
If it's a jealousy remark, then too bad. TDK owned the comic book movie summer, proof's in the pudding.
I think it's more likely to be a joke.
That's the way I took it because Downey's famous for being a wisea## with his remarks. Always has been. Like I said, if it had gotten personal with him from a rivalry standpoint, then too bad.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Unlike you Tony, I don't base my views on what critics think. :v I am fully aware that many critics consider IM and DK to be better than either of the first two Spider-Man films. I just don't agree.
Oh, I know that. Sometimes, you don't even base your views on what the actual filmmakers thought. )
Can I help it if I believe that when a film is ambigurous and/or open to interpretation, the filmmaker's view is not the only one that matters? :v )
As to which series is better, to each his (or her) own. Personally, I depise the hand-wringing emo and offbeat scenes Raimi inserted into the films. When I read the comic Peter Parker was never such a pathetic dishrag. He was a nerd and something of an outcast but I don't remember it ever going to those extremes.
And just so you don't think I'm totally without feeling, you can have crying in a superhero film. I thought Chris Reeve's grief at Lois' death (and Pa Kent's) in Superman (probably still the best comic book movie overall) were very moving and well done. I found that emotion genuine, unlike the Spiderman films where it all just seemed manufactured to me.
Fair enough. I don't agree, of course, but I think I'll call it a day on the Batman verses Spider-Man wars, although rest assured, it is only a ceasefire. The war will resume again. Your referring to Peter as a pathetic dishrag has ensured that. :v
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
Unlike you Tony, I don't base my views on what critics think. :v I am fully aware that many critics consider IM and DK to be better than either of the first two Spider-Man films. I just don't agree.
Oh, I know that. Sometimes, you don't even base your views on what the actual filmmakers thought. )
Can I help it if I believe that when a film is ambigurous and/or open to interpretation, the filmmaker's view is not the only one that matters? :v )
Quite right too- the audience's interpretation always matters more: once the makers have given it to the audience their intentions are no longer valid: only if their intentions and the audience's interpretation of the movie match do they matter.
Oh, I know that. Sometimes, you don't even base your views on what the actual filmmakers thought. )
Can I help it if I believe that when a film is ambigurous and/or open to interpretation, the filmmaker's view is not the only one that matters? :v )
Quite right too- the audience's interpretation always matters more: once the makers have given it to the audience their intentions are no longer valid: only if their intentions and the audience's interpretation of the movie match do they matter.
{[] Exactly. There are some films which are perfectly clear and straight-forward, but for those that aren't, I don't believe that the filmmaker's interpretation is any more important than anyone elses.
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
Looks like--in the U.S., at least--the Bat has fallen! BoxOfficeMojo is estimating that the anti-PC comedy Tropic Thunder has taken in $26 million, beating out The Dark Knight's $16.8 (Robert Downey Jr.'s revenge?). Still, TDK beat out the poorly-reviewed and crappy-looking Clone Wars, which made $15.5, and it's overtaken the original Star Wars on the list of all-time box office champs at $471 million total.
Vox clamantis in deserto
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
edited August 2008
I can live with TDK losing the top spot at the box office because it's still showing great legs with its money intake.
Okay...if this is true, than I have no real cause to see a third Nolan Batman film...
Cher will play Catwoman in the next "Batman" movie, the U.K.'s Daily Mirror reports.
The Oscar-winning actress and singer, 62, is in talks to star opposite Christian Bale in the third of the "dark" Batman films directed by Christopher Nolan, according to the tabloid.
A studio executive reportedly told the Mirror: "Cher is Nolan's first choice to play Catwoman. He wants her to portray her like a vamp in her twilight years. The new Catwoman will be the absolute opposite of Michelle Pfeiffer and Halle Berry's purring creations."
Rumors also have Johnny Depp starring as The Riddler, Angelina Jolie as Catwoman and Philip Seymour Hoffman as The Penguin in the follow-up to this summer's blockbuster "The Dark Knight."
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
edited August 2008
I wouldn't get too flustered by that article; I could be wrong but I can almost guarantee that the plastic & preserved Cher will not play Catwoman in this lifetime.
I don't think that anyone truly knows where Nolan's going with the franchise nor his villian of choice for the next one.
I figure that we won't get concrete details on the third installment until well after the DVD sales for TDK start rolling in around Christmas. In the meantime, all involved are too busy enjoying the box office ride with the cash the sequel's raking in.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
If I'm not mistaken, this is the same paper that also "reported" that Johnny Depp would be the Riddler and Philip Seymour Hoffman would be the Pengiun. Pretty big news considering there isn't a script yet; not to mention the fact than Nolan isn't even signed on to do another movie.
I often think some of these fallen "celebrities" start these rumors on their own just to get themselves a little free publicity; after all, just look at how many decades Cher has been out of the spotlight.
There is no way that 65 year old, plastic, tattooed mannequin will be Catwoman. This rumor has got to be 100% bogus.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
Having become possibly the last person in the world to watch The Dark knight I'm happy to say it more than lives up to the hype. In fact my only complaint is that the film is too short. I'm jesting of course because this film goes on forever but the highest compliment I could pay it is to say I wasn't bored once. The Dark Knight is a truly cinematic experience and paid off this viewer multiple times with new revelations and visually arresting set pieces. I think it probably raises the bar for all future blockbusters and is the most unique experience I have had in a cinema since accidently being locked inside one with two friends after a screening of a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film.
One problem I had with Tim Burton's two Batman films is they had a very studio bound atmosphere at times as a result of the gothic fantasy tone. They had some great moments but were ultimately somehow less than the sum of their parts. Christopher's Nolan's Batman films are by contrast set in what seems like a real city. By throwing open the world that Batman lives in, The Dark Knight creates a more realistic, modern tone that makes the film look much bigger in scope.
Nolan, a Bond fan, makes Bruce Wayne a very James Bondian character at times and Morgan Freeman's Fox character supplies Batman with cool gadgets and technology to use in various inventive ways. It's ironic really that the Bond films ditched Q for being too silly whereas The Dark Knight - a sombre and well, dark, film - still uses the character in a clever way for its own ends. The Dark Knight also includes one of the best James Bond pre-credit sequences never made when Batman attempts to kidnap a Hong Kong criminal from a skyscraper and escape via a waiting plane. There are moments in this film that had me sitting back in awe.
Some reviews of The Dark Knight had led me to believe that Christian Bale and Batman were a bit sidelined in this film by the villain. I didn't find that to be honest. I think casting Christian Bale - who is a bit of an old thesp - as Batman was a very clever move. His scenes with Michael Caine's Alfred are all a delight as is his quiet rapport with Morgan Freeman.
Heath Ledger has won numerous plaudits for his Joker and I have to say I think he deserves them. A woman in front of me was absently fiddling with the light on her phone at the start of the film and getting on my nerves in the subtle way that people in cinemas do. As soon as Heath Ledger's Joker first started to appear she gave the film her full attention. The Joker of the comics I read was often quite aristocratic. Jack Nicholson's Joker, though great fun, was played for laughs. Ledger's Joker is a force of nature. The late actor is compelling, strange and funny as the iconic villain and you can't help feeling a tragic sense of waste knowing that it was his last film. The sight of him bounding away from the hospital as it explodes in the background is a memorable image of a film that has many. Another thing about the Joker here is that he isn't given some slightly tiresome backstory like the villains in the previous Batman films. The fact that he's a bit vague and we never see him in a cliched villain HQ makes the character more enigmatic and frightening. He's just an unstoppable force at large somewhere.
Aaron Eckhart pitches it just right as Harvey Dent. The point of the character is that he can go either way and the actor does a good job with his task as Harvey's patience is tested. Maggie Gyllenhaal is a distinct improvement over the drippy Katie Holmes and Gary Oldman is again really good as Jim Gordon and has an expanded role in the film. Wherever you look The Dark Knight features interesting actors.
Is The Dark Knight a little pretentious? Probably, but I don't think it matters too much. You have to go for broke if you want to make an epic. I was suprised by how far they went at times. There are some suprisingly disturbing moments for what is, I suppose, essentially a summer blockbuster, like Batman being attacked by dogs and the Joker having a blade potrude from his shoes like Rosa Klebb before he kicks Batman in the stomach. It's a long way removed from the days of Joel Schumacher.
I loved the film. The Hong Kong sequence, the Batcycle on the streets of Gotham after a huge Batmobile chase. Incidently, the Batcycle chase with the lorry seemed from the trailer to be the big climax to The Dark Knight. It's a measure of how huge and ambitious this film is that it's really just another set piece nowhere near the end of the film. I also loved the scenes where Batman uses Sonar Vision later in the film.
There are countless moments or images in The Dark Knight that made me smile in a geeky way and it's great to see comic book films being made with this type of care and ambition.
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
Wow, arthur, great review...and I agree completely! {[]
This film has been a bit polarizing amongst fandom (don't we know how that goes!)...but IMO it works.
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Great review Arthur, glad to hear you enjoyed the movie.
BTW, did you ever see Iron Man? Seeing as you started that thread, I think you need to bring us all around full circle and post your thoughts there as well.
Tony, I did watch Iron Man in the end. I thought it was a good solid 4 out of 5 film and great fun. I'll try and bung a review in the Iron Man thread. All we need now is a Captain Britain film. I've put my name forward for the lead role. |)
By the way Tony, is Daniel Craig still James Bond or is it safe to come out yet?
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
Loved your review, Arthur. I'm glad that you enjoyed the flick. {[]
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
By the way Tony, is Daniel Craig still James Bond or is it safe to come out yet?
) I'm afraid not Arthur, looks like we have to remain in exile in the caves a while longer.
Speaking of which, and I'm not making this up, my brother had a dream the other night wherein Craig was dumped as Bond and replaced by Brosnan, who then graciously gave my brother and his ex-girlfriend's aunt (???) VIP seats at the press conference. He says the most vivid part of the dream was Babs Broccoli starting off the press conference by saying "There is no loyalty in Hollywood". )
Looks like some of us still haven't quite come to terms with the current state of the franchise, at least subconsciously.
And bringing this back on topic, there's a short article over at IGN with Dark Knight producer Charles Roven. Not much to report but it is important to note that an offer has been made to Nolan and nothing is going to happen until he decides whether or not he wants to do another one. So Cher can go back to hawking her products on TV as her services are still not required.
I loved Heath Ledger's skills as the joker, and it is sad to say it was his final role but I do think I have someone in mind to step into his role in DK3! His name is Joseph Gordon-Levitt , he has strong similarities to Heath and with the make-up he would fit right in. The last role I seen him in was Stop Loss, which his performance was great. Just my opinion, but you need someone who has some of the same characteristics.
Comments
Who'd be crying after their films have made $1,115,000? And that another comic book film has come along and proven that the market is happy for more?
Personally I think that the Spider Man films are much more successful; I think no.2 is probably the best comic book film ever, just behind Superman.
And just case you missed it, here's what Robert Downey Jr. has been saying:
He likes to live dangerously!
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/a122064/downey-jr-slams-the-dark-knight.html
You know, this makes me feel so much better. So it wasn't just me then!
Unlike you Tony, I don't base my views on what critics think. :v I am fully aware that many critics consider IM and DK to be better than either of the first two Spider-Man films. I just don't agree.
You know, we don't agree very often, but I agree with you on this. Although I'm not entirely certain what I consider to be the greatest comic book films of all time; Superman, followed by Spider-Man 2 are a brilliant choice that I wouldn't argue with at all.
I was waiting for someone to bring that up.
Oh, I know that. Sometimes, you don't even base your views on what the actual filmmakers thought.
As to Downey's comments...I actually agree with many of them, although I also think he's saying some of that stuff just to be irreverent and ruffle some feathers (or maybe he's just PO'd that Iron Man isn't the No. 1 box office movie of 2008 anymore).
I really didn't like the ending to Dark Knight either. It is in keeping with the comics as Batman has gone rogue and played the "bad cop" on more than one occasion. But for a movie, it was an unsatisfying way to end the adventure for me. Truth be told, I'm really surprised the movie is doing so well at the box office. I was sure that such a dark and even downbeat film wouldn't be able to draw in the mainstream audiences. Shows you how much I know.
As to which series is better, to each his (or her) own. Personally, I depise the hand-wringing emo and offbeat scenes Raimi inserted into the films. When I read the comic Peter Parker was never such a pathetic dishrag. He was a nerd and something of an outcast but I don't remember it ever going to those extremes.
And just so you don't think I'm totally without feeling, you can have crying in a superhero film. I thought Chris Reeve's grief at Lois' death (and Pa Kent's) in Superman (probably still the best comic book movie overall) were very moving and well done. I found that emotion genuine, unlike the Spiderman films where it all just seemed manufactured to me.
Yes, I enjoyed Iron Man a lot, but it's not a patch on Spider Man or SM2. It doesn't really have an identity; it's just a fun popcorn film which is put together in much the same way as other superhero films like Fantastic Four etc.- it's just from slightly better people. Very forgettable but very decent.
I could care less what Downey, Jr. says about DC. What do you think he's going to say when he works for the competition?
If it's a jealousy remark, then too bad. TDK owned the comic book movie summer, proof's in the pudding.
But out of the mouths of babes... :v
In the pic below is Downey and his son together. What's on the kid's t-shirt & belt buckle? Daddy not getting the props he deserves?
Looks like someone has their priorities right. :v
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
I think it's more likely to be a joke.
That's the way I took it because Downey's famous for being a wisea## with his remarks. Always has been. Like I said, if it had gotten personal with him from a rivalry standpoint, then too bad.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Fair enough. I don't agree, of course, but I think I'll call it a day on the Batman verses Spider-Man wars, although rest assured, it is only a ceasefire. The war will resume again. Your referring to Peter as a pathetic dishrag has ensured that. :v
Quite right too- the audience's interpretation always matters more: once the makers have given it to the audience their intentions are no longer valid: only if their intentions and the audience's interpretation of the movie match do they matter.
Isn't Batman the most emo superhero there is? He even dresses up in black and skulks around at night going on about how pained and tragic he is!
Domestic: $471,493,000 58.9%
+ Foreign: $328,600,000 41.1%
= Worldwide: $800,093,000
Not too shabby at all. B-)
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
http://dvd.ign.com/articles/900/900633p1.html
Cher will play Catwoman in the next "Batman" movie, the U.K.'s Daily Mirror reports.
The Oscar-winning actress and singer, 62, is in talks to star opposite Christian Bale in the third of the "dark" Batman films directed by Christopher Nolan, according to the tabloid.
A studio executive reportedly told the Mirror: "Cher is Nolan's first choice to play Catwoman. He wants her to portray her like a vamp in her twilight years. The new Catwoman will be the absolute opposite of Michelle Pfeiffer and Halle Berry's purring creations."
Rumors also have Johnny Depp starring as The Riddler, Angelina Jolie as Catwoman and Philip Seymour Hoffman as The Penguin in the follow-up to this summer's blockbuster "The Dark Knight."
I don't think that anyone truly knows where Nolan's going with the franchise nor his villian of choice for the next one.
I figure that we won't get concrete details on the third installment until well after the DVD sales for TDK start rolling in around Christmas. In the meantime, all involved are too busy enjoying the box office ride with the cash the sequel's raking in.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
I often think some of these fallen "celebrities" start these rumors on their own just to get themselves a little free publicity; after all, just look at how many decades Cher has been out of the spotlight.
There is no way that 65 year old, plastic, tattooed mannequin will be Catwoman. This rumor has got to be 100% bogus.
Very nice! I've gotta have that mask copy. B-) B-) B-)
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Too bad they aren't releasing one with a codpiece.
I should've seen that coming.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
One problem I had with Tim Burton's two Batman films is they had a very studio bound atmosphere at times as a result of the gothic fantasy tone. They had some great moments but were ultimately somehow less than the sum of their parts. Christopher's Nolan's Batman films are by contrast set in what seems like a real city. By throwing open the world that Batman lives in, The Dark Knight creates a more realistic, modern tone that makes the film look much bigger in scope.
Nolan, a Bond fan, makes Bruce Wayne a very James Bondian character at times and Morgan Freeman's Fox character supplies Batman with cool gadgets and technology to use in various inventive ways. It's ironic really that the Bond films ditched Q for being too silly whereas The Dark Knight - a sombre and well, dark, film - still uses the character in a clever way for its own ends. The Dark Knight also includes one of the best James Bond pre-credit sequences never made when Batman attempts to kidnap a Hong Kong criminal from a skyscraper and escape via a waiting plane. There are moments in this film that had me sitting back in awe.
Some reviews of The Dark Knight had led me to believe that Christian Bale and Batman were a bit sidelined in this film by the villain. I didn't find that to be honest. I think casting Christian Bale - who is a bit of an old thesp - as Batman was a very clever move. His scenes with Michael Caine's Alfred are all a delight as is his quiet rapport with Morgan Freeman.
Heath Ledger has won numerous plaudits for his Joker and I have to say I think he deserves them. A woman in front of me was absently fiddling with the light on her phone at the start of the film and getting on my nerves in the subtle way that people in cinemas do. As soon as Heath Ledger's Joker first started to appear she gave the film her full attention. The Joker of the comics I read was often quite aristocratic. Jack Nicholson's Joker, though great fun, was played for laughs. Ledger's Joker is a force of nature. The late actor is compelling, strange and funny as the iconic villain and you can't help feeling a tragic sense of waste knowing that it was his last film. The sight of him bounding away from the hospital as it explodes in the background is a memorable image of a film that has many. Another thing about the Joker here is that he isn't given some slightly tiresome backstory like the villains in the previous Batman films. The fact that he's a bit vague and we never see him in a cliched villain HQ makes the character more enigmatic and frightening. He's just an unstoppable force at large somewhere.
Aaron Eckhart pitches it just right as Harvey Dent. The point of the character is that he can go either way and the actor does a good job with his task as Harvey's patience is tested. Maggie Gyllenhaal is a distinct improvement over the drippy Katie Holmes and Gary Oldman is again really good as Jim Gordon and has an expanded role in the film. Wherever you look The Dark Knight features interesting actors.
Is The Dark Knight a little pretentious? Probably, but I don't think it matters too much. You have to go for broke if you want to make an epic. I was suprised by how far they went at times. There are some suprisingly disturbing moments for what is, I suppose, essentially a summer blockbuster, like Batman being attacked by dogs and the Joker having a blade potrude from his shoes like Rosa Klebb before he kicks Batman in the stomach. It's a long way removed from the days of Joel Schumacher.
I loved the film. The Hong Kong sequence, the Batcycle on the streets of Gotham after a huge Batmobile chase. Incidently, the Batcycle chase with the lorry seemed from the trailer to be the big climax to The Dark Knight. It's a measure of how huge and ambitious this film is that it's really just another set piece nowhere near the end of the film. I also loved the scenes where Batman uses Sonar Vision later in the film.
There are countless moments or images in The Dark Knight that made me smile in a geeky way and it's great to see comic book films being made with this type of care and ambition.
This film has been a bit polarizing amongst fandom (don't we know how that goes!)...but IMO it works.
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
BTW, did you ever see Iron Man? Seeing as you started that thread, I think you need to bring us all around full circle and post your thoughts there as well.
By the way Tony, is Daniel Craig still James Bond or is it safe to come out yet?
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Speaking of which, and I'm not making this up, my brother had a dream the other night wherein Craig was dumped as Bond and replaced by Brosnan, who then graciously gave my brother and his ex-girlfriend's aunt (???) VIP seats at the press conference. He says the most vivid part of the dream was Babs Broccoli starting off the press conference by saying "There is no loyalty in Hollywood".
Looks like some of us still haven't quite come to terms with the current state of the franchise, at least subconsciously.
And bringing this back on topic, there's a short article over at IGN with Dark Knight producer Charles Roven. Not much to report but it is important to note that an offer has been made to Nolan and nothing is going to happen until he decides whether or not he wants to do another one. So Cher can go back to hawking her products on TV as her services are still not required.
http://movies.ign.com/articles/905/905769p1.html