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Mush_Man29
Reviews
The Dark Knight (2008)
Certainly Dark - Worth The Wait
I must say I was excited for this movie since the instant BATMAN BEGINS appeared on screen at the end of the first film. It was always going to be good, and sadly, it was always going to be over-hyped by the advertising warhorses.
It is rare though, that a movie can surpass all the hype and pass all expectations on the film. Nolan (The Prestige, Begins) delivers on more than the Joker we remember from the 'Old Days' of Burton and Nicholson. Instead we're given a psychopathic sadist who pleasures from sheer anarchy.
All the hailing of Ledger's performance are grounded. Watching it will make you feel a different chill down your spine than you'd remember from any other film. It's impossible, quite literally to relate to The Joker. He gets inside your head with his stories of how he got his scars, makes you laugh at his sick jokes, then makes you instantly wonder why you're laughing.
If Ledger wasn't enough to horrify you - wait for Harvey Dent. Brilliantly portrayed by Aaron Eckhart as Gotham's 'fallen White Knight' and Batman's direct counterpart. His transformation will put Tommy Lee Jones' portrayal look like children's breakfast cartoons. Gyllenhaal had perfect chemistry with both Bale and Eckhart, Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman both work well as Batman's 'conscience' and of course, Gary Oldman as Lieutenant Gordon were all solid.
There are some major differences between The Dark Knight and Begins. Firstly, the music is extremely disconcerted compared with the 'majestic but unfinished' tones of Begins - but it suits the film's tone: Anarchy in every sense. There was a more solid singular villain (compared with the many in Begins) - but there was also a lot more henchmen in TDK. The martial art direction was faster and more efficient - as mentioned in the film, learning through experience.
I was disappointed at the role of Scarecrow in this film, it just felt like a loose thread and wasn't quite closed up or explained, and the ending, while it wasn't what I expected (others have said that it was predictable, but for me it wasn't) was solid and suited the film well.
All in all, this is a film that is quite close, if it isn't already, a masterpiece. Nolan has a great thing going and unlike previous 'Superhero' adaptations (Spiderman and Fantastic Four for example), there isn't campiness creeping in. In face, if Batman Begins was 10/10, The Dark Knight deserves a 12. Quite simply, the best possible sequel that could've been given.
If you watch this (which I implore that you do), you certainly won't regret it. One of the best movies of 2008 (I'll wait till Quantum of Solace comes out before I pass judgement) - but certainly a film worth getting excited for. If you don't like it, then that's also fine - but keep in mind that you probably thought Meet The Spartans was a good movie, so the rest of us won't take it to heart.
Stunning in every aspect, and exceeds all hype and expectation... Can't wait to watch it again, or for the Blu-Ray!
The Man from Earth (2007)
The Best Movie I Have Ever Seen
I heard about this movie after reading an article about the director Robert Schenkman thanking internet video pirates for sharing this film over the internet.
Thank John Oldman that they did.
This film is without a doubt, the most riveting, most intense film I have ever seen. All without a single shot being fired, no multi-million dollar explosions and not a shred of cheesy lines. Actually, it's 1:27 hours of 6 or so people sitting around a fire.
The Man From Earth was indeed, an intellectual film, with the greatest of insight. There was a scene which stuck in my mind about the discussion of Christianity and its links to Buddhism: I've spoken to a Buddhist monk AND a Christian priest prior to watching this film, and both believe that what is mentioned in the film may very well have been a staunch reality.
This film doesn't throw anything down your throat. The Da Vinci Code, for example, gave you a story to follow - The Man From Earth gives you a person. There are experiences which he won't remember, experiences that are a bit hazy - far from a blockbuster script where the "hero" will remember every detail and glorify himself.
The acting is first class, the director makes you feel as though you're part of the discussion. The first 8 minutes, for me, felt like a wait. From the 9th minute onwards, I had closed the door to my room, turned the volume up and sat hanging off every word.
THIS, is what science fiction is all about. Not futuristic spacecraft, but of something which may very well be a reality, something which you can actually believe is real. The suspense the viewer is left in, right up until the final moments, is simply fantastic.
I feel compelled to thank both the Director, Richard Schenkman, and the Writer, Jerome Brixby for what really deserves to belong very highly in IMDb.com's Top 250.
For someone who is only 18 years old, I truly believe that I won't ever see another film as fantastic as this in my life time. It simply cannot be described, I only hope that you manage to find a copy, even if it be on the internet, and watch this film.
I, for one, will be ordering the DVD next week.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
Finally, a Harry Potter film worth watching without throwing up
Having seen (and being bitterly disappointed by) the previous Harry Potter films, filled with cheesy grins and superfluous acting, I went in to see The Order of the Phoenix without too much expectation.
Ironically, my least favourite book in the series instantly became my favourite film. Yes, there is a LOT in the book(s) that have not made it into the film - the inclusion of Kreacher was barely added by special request of J.K Rowling - apparently it has reference to the final book according to her website. However, all these cuts are understandable. An author works with an endless budget of words, while Warner Bros were restricted by money, time and practicality - yet it has managed to make a fair movie worth remembering.
Great action sequences, screenplay that works well, and that touch of British humour (as was seen in The Goblet of Fire) lets us laugh, shudder, and cry. However, this time around, we're not laughing at how corny it is, nor shuddering at how much of a failure this movie is, and crying at the death of the Harry Potter "magic".
The film itself is wonderful. The attention to detail and the dedication put into the film, as well as the visual stunners - as with all Harry Potter films - make it a must watch for anyone who has seen a Harry Potter film, or indeed read a book.