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	The Dark Knight

	Starring: Christian Bate, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine Written By: Christopher Nolan Directed By: Christopher Nolan

I am a HUGE Batman fan and have prayed that this sequel would be better than the atrocious and inaccurate Batman Begins. Unfortunately, Hollywood again misses the mark.

I don't expect faithfulness to the comics and TV show to prevail over the Big Summer Action Flick, but the extent of inaccuracies is appalling. The first are obvious and maybe superficial. Let's start with the name. The Dark Knight?? Wasn't "The Dark Knight" the name of a Dragonlance book? Maybe they're trying to suck in fantasy geeks who will mistake this for a Lord of the Rings movie. It's just a sad case of a marketing department being more influential than the writers.

Some of the names have also changed. Vicky Vale is now Rachel Dawson (played by Maggie Gyllenhall, who is cute but isn't blonde). Commissioner Gordon is now LIEUTENANT Gordon, which is a slap in the face to our police and military services (yes, Hollywood, there is a difference between "Commissioner" and "Lieutenant").

But it's the bigger mistakes that really bother me as a fan. Yet again, there's a glaring omission. Batman is part of The Dynamic Duo, is he not? Where's Robin? How can there be a Batman & Robin without Robin? It's like having bananas without the daiquiri.

Another head-scratcher is the Joker. Heath Ledger gives an outstanding performance... if this were a Quentin Tarantino film! He is way too scary and gritty - more of a complete psychopath rather than the charmingly villainous clown from the comics. And the movie itself is way too dark, bleak, and frightening. Parents - this is not the Batman from the comics and tv show! This is like Martin Scorcese meets No Country for Old Men. Not for kids!

There are some hints at what could have been. Michael Caine returns as the hilarious Alfred the Butler (if he looks familiar, it's because he's Austin Powers' dad!). Morgan "Snakes on a Plane" Freeman is back as the inventive Luscious Fox, which sounds like a stripper or r&b singer's name to me. The attorney who turns into the Scarecrow from the first one is back, but played by a different actor, and this time he turns into Two Face, which is a pretty cool character from another Batman movie.

And I don't want to take away from Heath Ledger's performance, because it was great, if not befitting the character. (He doesn't even say his classic line, "Where does he get those wonderful toys?") But I heard recently that he was accidentally killed on the set. If that's true, it adds even more darkness to an already gloomy film.

And really, that's the problem. These aren't costumed superhumans - they're just crazy weirdos wearing stupid clothes. And that's what makes this movie most disappointing. The magic is gone. You don't feel like you're watching a fun and light-hearted superhero movie - this is gruesome, bleak stuff in what appears to be a 1970s New York backdrop.

Missing from Batman's utility belt - the fun.

RATING & SUMMARY:

Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 120 mins
Reviewer: Adamo el Guapo

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(7) Comments | Post A Comment

Comments:

Posted on: August 2nd 2008. Posted by: JohnJaySmith

Terrible review. You forgot to mention how lame it is that the Joker isn't rocking out to Prince! God you suck, El Goopo.

Well...

Posted on: July 23th 2008. Posted by: thejoker2893

Excuse me, did you even see this film? Sure, Gordon may start the movie as Lieutenant BUT after he catches the Joker they promote him to commisioner. Or were you not watching? Stop whining about what they left out! There are tons of Batman comics and THERE'S NO WAY THEY COULD FIT IT ALL IN ONE MOVIE! The movie is 2 1/2 hours as it is. Besides, this is probably not the last Batman movie in this series by Christopher Nolan. I'd be shocked myself if Robin didn't show up in one of them, although not very disappointed. HEATH LEDGER RECENTLY DIED ON THE SET? Get your facts straight. Heath Ledger died in an appartment building due to accidental overdose of prescription drugs. Sleeping pills. He was taking them because his part as the Joker was so intense he could barely sleep at night. And IF YOU SAW THE END OF THE FILM (spoiler alert!) you would see the Joker does not die, and in fact says, "I think we're destined to do this forever, Batman." And I think one can safely say that that's Christopher Nolan's way of hinting a return from the Joker. After all, the Joker never really goes away, does he? So stop whining about one line they left out. An incredibly misinformed review. Pay no attention to it. See the movie for yourself. Personally I think it's one of the best films ever made. And if you're an avid reader of the comics, be prepared for a few changes. I was, and I was totally fine with how they explained the Joker's beginnings. And I leave you with this. I've talked to about 12 or so friend about this movie... only one of them didn't like, and said it could have been better. 11 out of 12 people love this movie. Now normally, a good movie would be lucky to have 4 out of 5 people love it. See it for yourself...

Posted on: July 23th 2008. Posted by: XXXSkaPunk

Oh sure..spoil everything for me now. Great, thanks assface

Posted on: July 14th 2008. Posted by: Archangel

Definitely won't be seeing this piece of crap. Thanks for the heads up.

Posted on: July 12th 2008. Posted by: dck42069dck

"Honestly, I don't know what to say about this review..." Hmmm...sure seems like ya did.

The Dark Knight Review

Posted on: July 11th 2008. Posted by: axman

Honestly, I don't know what to say about this review. It has to be one of the most misinformed pieces I have ever read. First of all, The Dark Knight is a well known nickname for Batman and is used in comic titles such as The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller. Vicky Vale and Rachel Dawson are in no way related. Vale was a reporter and Dawson is a lawyer so one has nothing to do with the other. As to the Gordon issue, obviously this takes place before he is named Commissioner which I imagine he will be in this movie or later in the series. For many years there was no Robin. Batman did not start out having a teenage sidekick and since these movies reflect the beginning of his career as a crime fighter, Robin is unnecessary. Also if you don't think The Joker is a murderous psychopath I suggest reading The Killing Joke and to include the 'toys' line makes no sense considering its from another Batman movie that has nothing to do with the rebooted franchise/continuity. As for your comments regarding Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman, it is true they provide comic relief. In addition, anyone that only recognizes Michael Caine from Austin Powers and not classics like Alfie and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels should head to the video store. And you should seriously fact check since Morgan Freeman was in no way affiliated with Snakes on a Plane. That would be Samuel L Jackson. However, anyone who believes Batman should be endless quips and clever turns of phrase is obviously not familiar with the character at all. And the man who becomes Scarecrows is a completely separate character from Harvey Dent/Two Face. They are two separate characters and two separate villains. Also Scarecrow was a psychiatrist who ran a mental institution, not a lawyer. I wonder if you even saw Begins or if you are just incredibly lacking in attention to detail. I can only hope this is a joke. Otherwise, may God have mercy upon your soul.

Posted on: July 11th 2008. Posted by: xxx3

Either this is a really funny joke, or you have terrible taste in movies, man. I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt and figure this review is just in jest.