Wednesday, June 15, 2005

The Dark Knight Re-Returns

Batman Begins. Indeed. Because now that I've seen it, I could just as soon go on as though the first four Batman movies had never been made. Yes, including the Tim Burton ones.

Bear in mind that all of this is coming from someone who isn't that big a fan of comic books or superheroes, but for my money, the two Spider-man movies are the only superhero films that have ever been done better than the new Batman film. The cast is just incredible, and give true performances beyond the summer action norm. The movie manages to have a coherent plot (more than I feel I can say of the Burton pair), and not a trace of neon (up yours, Schumacher!).

This still wasn't top 100 material for me, but that would have been a truly exceptional accomplishment. Nevertheless, I'd probably rate it a B or B+ and recommend it. Based on the reactions of the group I went with, I would guess that fans of action films and/or comic books are going to like it even more than I did.

I'm ready for the next one. Mark Hamill or Crispin Glover as The Joker, anyone?

6 comments:

Shocho said...

That stupid idiot Gene Schalit (I hope I spelled his name wrong) reviewed the movie. He said this would be great if it were the first movie in the franchise. Does he get the concept of "prequel"? Then he said, "It's a comic book, where is the fun?" which I guess he mentioned in his Sin City review too.

I hate it when reviewers have a total preconception of a film, and give it a bad review when the film doesn't fit.

Anyway, still looking forward to the flick, probably see it on Saturday (some things never change). You know, I realized with the tempting Serenity preview at 10 p.m. on a Thursday that one of the things I like about movies is that I can see them when I want to. That's what makes them different from concerts or sporting events. Also why I'm not driven to see something on the first day.

DrHeimlich said...

It's really more than a prequel, even. This movie simply doesn't fit into the same "timeline" as any of the other movies.

As for "where is the fun," perhaps he should read the newspaper funnies.

GiromiDe said...

We'll try to see it ASAP, but our lives are in disarray for the next few weeks. I'm really looking forward to it as none of the previous Batman films really delved into the Bruce Wayne character. They just presented him as weird or, in the case of the horrific fourth film, a more introverted Adam West.

Regardless, my marks will likely be higher than yours, Doctor.

And, this is an official "reset" of the movie universe. Burton's and Schumacher's twins are to be forgotten. ...I guess.

Anonymous said...

Jennie said she'd go to this with me as I want to see it so badly. Now, that's love!

Brad said...

Saw it yesterday and was very happy with it. Everything I expected and a nip more -pun intended- !!!

I'm a big Batman fan and the way the movie was directed made me want all dark comicbook movies to be done the same way. Cast was great.

I was a bit disapointed to see that the movie Batman still was in bodyarmor though :(

I would love to have mark hamill voice dubbed over whoever plays the joker ala James Earl Jones/Vader. If this movie has sequels I hope they keep the same style and actors.

DavĂ­d said...

The problem with Mark Hamill as Joker is that, while he is certainly a fine voice actor, I don't think his live acting has improved from "good soap opera actor" status.

Brad's suggestion might work, though.