Heroes
During a conversation after I saw Iron Man a couple months ago, I stated that it was the best comic book movie I had seen. The main character was nuanced and likeable, while still being flawed. The supporting characters were well-cast, and all of the special effects and big set pieces helped to further the story. Although I liked Batman Begins more, I had to admit that Iron Man was a tighter film.
And then came Dark Knight. My only complaint upon my first viewing is that Bale's Batman voice gets a little grating. That's it. The only thing I didn't like. Now for the high points:
The Joker
Holy crap. From the screenwriter's decision to make him more of a malevolent force of nature than an actual person, Hans Zimmer's dissonant Joker's theme, the subtle (comparatively) but twisted scarring and face paint, all the way to Heath Ledger's complete abandon in the role, this is the best incarnation of the Joker, evar. Although I liked the movie as a child, I really don't think Tim Burton's Batman passes the test of time. I also think that Jack Nicholson is a largely overrated actor. Ledger now owns this character. My only real complaint is that I have no idea how they can cast someone else to play him in future films. It seems necessary to bring the character out of Arkham at some point, but if Nolan has the courage to do that,I hope that he a) waits for at least #4, and b) the casting gods smile upon him.
Two-Face
I was bummed that he died, but it made sense for the story. Eckhart's performance was top notch, and the make-up and visuals for the damaged part of his face were suitably horrific. The real accomplishment here was that the brothers Nolan managed to take the character from white knight to dark knight in two and a half hours, and I completely believed the transformation (unlike with whiny little Anakin). I think he was a character that could have been mined to greater depths in future movies, but I respect the choice they made.
Rachel Dawes
Thank the great movie gods, a real actress. The only thing better than Maggie playing Rachel, is Rachel dying to really bring the best out of the story and characters. I think Maggie G. could have done some cool things with this character had she gotten to her earlier.
Batman
Bale does a great job, but this movie is really an ensemble film. He is the best Wayne, and visually the best Batman. While I like that he tries to disguise his voice (because it's a good choice, realistically) I think they should work to find something a little less throaty.
Overall
Best comic book movie ever - even at 2.5 hours, just as tight as Iron Man. It is filled with the great themes and visuals of Begins, but the holes have been plugged (I'm looking at you Katie and Mr. Goyer). A+
And then came Dark Knight. My only complaint upon my first viewing is that Bale's Batman voice gets a little grating. That's it. The only thing I didn't like. Now for the high points:
The Joker
Holy crap. From the screenwriter's decision to make him more of a malevolent force of nature than an actual person, Hans Zimmer's dissonant Joker's theme, the subtle (comparatively) but twisted scarring and face paint, all the way to Heath Ledger's complete abandon in the role, this is the best incarnation of the Joker, evar. Although I liked the movie as a child, I really don't think Tim Burton's Batman passes the test of time. I also think that Jack Nicholson is a largely overrated actor. Ledger now owns this character. My only real complaint is that I have no idea how they can cast someone else to play him in future films. It seems necessary to bring the character out of Arkham at some point, but if Nolan has the courage to do that,I hope that he a) waits for at least #4, and b) the casting gods smile upon him.
Two-Face
I was bummed that he died, but it made sense for the story. Eckhart's performance was top notch, and the make-up and visuals for the damaged part of his face were suitably horrific. The real accomplishment here was that the brothers Nolan managed to take the character from white knight to dark knight in two and a half hours, and I completely believed the transformation (unlike with whiny little Anakin). I think he was a character that could have been mined to greater depths in future movies, but I respect the choice they made.
Rachel Dawes
Thank the great movie gods, a real actress. The only thing better than Maggie playing Rachel, is Rachel dying to really bring the best out of the story and characters. I think Maggie G. could have done some cool things with this character had she gotten to her earlier.
Batman
Bale does a great job, but this movie is really an ensemble film. He is the best Wayne, and visually the best Batman. While I like that he tries to disguise his voice (because it's a good choice, realistically) I think they should work to find something a little less throaty.
Overall
Best comic book movie ever - even at 2.5 hours, just as tight as Iron Man. It is filled with the great themes and visuals of Begins, but the holes have been plugged (I'm looking at you Katie and Mr. Goyer). A+