WWTBAM Bored

We saw The Dark Knight yesterday and I was definitely impressed. This film lived up to the hype and it's the best movie of this year I've seen. Very well acted, well written and tremendously exciting. Christopher Nolan has an understanding of the genre which pays proper respect to the dramatic underpinnings of the characters' travails while not neglecting the action and excitement.

Because Batman and his enemies do not have superpowers, the action scenes in this film are more grounded in reality than in most of the comic book films I've seen. There is CGI, but it is handled quite well and looks much more realistic than say, last summer's Die Hard 4, which had a similar set piece truck chase.

The film also benefits from the fact that it's not an origin movie and doesn't have to spend half its time showing how Batman came to be. It gets right into the story line and the two-and-a-half hours seems to fly by. The film has a solid terrific ensemble cast and Aaron Eckhart and Maggie Gyllenhaal make solid additions to old pros like Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman.

Which brings us to Heath Ledger as The Joker. Unlike Jack Nicholson (or the woeful TV version Cesar Romero), Ledger doesn't play the role strictly for twisted laughs. He is as warped as they come (although he gives different versions of why he's the way he is), and you always feel the pain in the performance. It's a very good performance, and is likely to get a Supporting Actor Oscar nomination (and possibly a win if the overall competition is light). However, it's not something that would rank at the top of all time screen villainy along the lines of Hopkins' Hannibal Lecter (or last year's duo of Javier Bardem and Daniel Day-Lewis). I feel that people wouldn't be talking up the performance nearly as much if Ledger were still alive. There's no one memorable scene like Lewis' milkshake scene or Bardem's flipping a coin. Ironically, a coin flip does figure into the movie prominently though. And Ledger does a great magic trick with a pencil.

Escapist entertainment seldom fares well at the Oscars, especially something that is a big summer blockbuster. However, I really feel this one will hold up, and the sky is the limit as far as box office is concerned. I would love to see a third Batman movie from Christopher Nolan with the right actress brought in to play the Catwoman.

silverscreenselect wrote:We saw The Dark Knight yesterday and I was definitely impressed. This film lived up to the hype and it's the best movie of this year I've seen. Very well acted, well written and tremendously exciting. Christopher Nolan has an understanding of the genre which pays proper respect to the dramatic underpinnings of the characters' travails while not neglecting the action and excitement.

Because Batman and his enemies do not have superpowers, the action scenes in this film are more grounded in reality than in most of the comic book films I've seen. There is CGI, but it is handled quite well and looks much more realistic than say, last summer's Die Hard 4, which had a similar set piece truck chase.

The film also benefits from the fact that it's not an origin movie and doesn't have to spend half its time showing how Batman came to be. It gets right into the story line and the two-and-a-half hours seems to fly by. The film has a solid terrific ensemble cast and Aaron Eckhart and Maggie Gyllenhaal make solid additions to old pros like Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman.

Which brings us to Heath Ledger as The Joker. Unlike Jack Nicholson (or the woeful TV version Cesar Romero), Ledger doesn't play the role strictly for twisted laughs. He is as warped as they come (although he gives different versions of why he's the way he is), and you always feel the pain in the performance. It's a very good performance, and is likely to get a Supporting Actor Oscar nomination (and possibly a win if the overall competition is light). However, it's not something that would rank at the top of all time screen villainy along the lines of Hopkins' Hannibal Lecter (or last year's duo of Javier Bardem and Daniel Day-Lewis). I feel that people wouldn't be talking up the performance nearly as much if Ledger were still alive. There's no one memorable scene like Lewis' milkshake scene or Bardem's flipping a coin. Ironically, a coin flip does figure into the movie prominently though. And Ledger does a great magic trick with a pencil.

Escapist entertainment seldom fares well at the Oscars, especially something that is a big summer blockbuster. However, I really feel this one will hold up, and the sky is the limit as far as box office is concerned. I would love to see a third Batman movie from Christopher Nolan with the right actress brought in to play the Catwoman.

I managed to catch a 10AM showing on Friday and was very impressed overall with the movie. My feeling was that Ledger's performance was very good but because of all the hype it didn't seem to be as good as I anticipated. It would have been better if he had had more screen time. It is a very intense movie and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

silverscreenselect wrote:Which brings us to Heath Ledger as The Joker. Unlike Jack Nicholson (or the woeful TV version Cesar Romero)

HEY!!!!!

silverscreenselect wrote:Escapist entertainment seldom fares well at the Oscars, especially something that is a big summer blockbuster. However, I really feel this one will hold up, and the sky is the limit as far as box office is concerned.

Is it escapist entertainment? I think of that as being sort of light and frothy, whereas I thought that this looked kind of dark and pyschologically twisted.

Still don't know if I can see it (I couldn't even look at the EW cover of Heath Ledger last week without yelping and cringing. I had to fold the cover back so I wouldn't see it), although we wouldn't go for a couple weeks when it's less crowded, so I'd have a chance to read some reviews. I might have to send the kids by themselves so they can report back to me. (Note: after my earlier railing about kids not seeing anything they want, I have to point out that they are not 'kids', they're teenagers). Their opinion, however, doesn't always help. They told me that Saw was 'no big deal'. Ha!

silverscreenselect wrote: I would love to see a third Batman movie from Christopher Nolan with the right actress brought in to play the Catwoman.

I wonder what Julie Newmar's doing? She still looks good.

LookingForHumorPoints wrote:

silverscreenselect wrote:Which brings us to Heath Ledger as The Joker. Unlike Jack Nicholson (or the woeful TV version Cesar Romero)

HEY!!!!!

You were, are and always will be totally fabulous, Butch!

Here's Fanny! wrote:

silverscreenselect wrote:Escapist entertainment seldom fares well at the Oscars, especially something that is a big summer blockbuster. However, I really feel this one will hold up, and the sky is the limit as far as box office is concerned.

Is it escapist entertainment? I think of that as being sort of light and frothy, whereas I thought that this looked kind of dark and pyschologically twisted.

No, it is not escapist entertainment, in the manner of "The Incredible Hulk" or "Iron Man". In some respects it could be called a "psychological thriller".

earendel wrote:

Here's Fanny! wrote:

silverscreenselect wrote:Escapist entertainment seldom fares well at the Oscars, especially something that is a big summer blockbuster. However, I really feel this one will hold up, and the sky is the limit as far as box office is concerned.

Is it escapist entertainment? I think of that as being sort of light and frothy, whereas I thought that this looked kind of dark and pyschologically twisted.

No, it is not escapist entertainment, in the manner of "The Incredible Hulk" or "Iron Man". In some respects it could be called a "psychological thriller".

It is a darker film, but in the eyes of a lot of Oscar voters, any movie that has a Happy Meal tie-in qualifies as summer escapist entertainment.

We haven't seen it yet.

Maddie and I saw Mamma Mia! on Friday, while Jeff was working and Emma was at a slumber party.

I'd love to see it tonight, but Emma is getting braces today and I am taking dinner to a friend who has transverse myelitis and is now paralyzed.

With the way that my world has been lately, I don't know if I am ready to see something dark and twisted.

silverscreenselect wrote:

earendel wrote:

Here's Fanny! wrote: Is it escapist entertainment? I think of that as being sort of light and frothy, whereas I thought that this looked kind of dark and pyschologically twisted.

No, it is not escapist entertainment, in the manner of "The Incredible Hulk" or "Iron Man". In some respects it could be called a "psychological thriller".

It is a darker film, but in the eyes of a lot of Oscar voters, any movie that has a Happy Meal tie-in qualifies as summer escapist entertainment.

Do I have to open my mouth wide for that "Happy Meal"? Or will someone do it for me?

angelina Jolie would make a FANTASTIC Catwoman.

KillerTomato wrote:angelina Jolie would make a FANTASTIC Catwoman.

Hey, where is the end of your Hawaii report?

christie1111 wrote:

KillerTomato wrote:angelina Jolie would make a FANTASTIC Catwoman.

Hey, where is the end of your Hawaii report?

In my twisted little mind. I've just been too busy (and too lazy, when imnot too busy) to finish up renaming the pics.

Thanks for the kick in the ass...I'll try to finish it up this week.
l

KillerTomato wrote:

christie1111 wrote:

KillerTomato wrote:angelina Jolie would make a FANTASTIC Catwoman.

Hey, where is the end of your Hawaii report?

In my twisted little mind. I've just been too busy (and too lazy, when imnot too busy) to finish up renaming the pics.

Thanks for the kick in the ass...I'll try to finish it up this week.
l

I have to admit, I looked at your pictures way back and the only ones I clicked on for a closer view were your towels. They fascinated me.

I'm also waiting for the reveal of the faint scar of the X that was carved into your tablemate's forehead when she coquettishly twirls her bangs.

Maddie and I saw Mamma Mia! on Friday

How was it?

t.

I know I'll be in the minority about this, but I wasn't blown away by the film. To start off with, I can't get past Bale's "Batman voice", it sounds like he's channeling Harvey Feinstein. Secondly, most of the twists and turns seemed pretty obvious to me, so I found it to be somewhat plodding. Plus it was looooooooooooooooooooooooong, I kept wondering (hoping) when it would end. I know it did $150 million+, but I'd take a Spider-Man movie instead anytime. Having said that, Heath Ledger was the movie, with Aaron Eckhart coming in second, and Bale third.

tlynn78 wrote:

Maddie and I saw Mamma Mia! on Friday

How was it?

t.

We loved it! We would totally go back and see it again. It was very difficult not to sing along to some of the songs.

I have to say though, that the lighting was not kind to some of the stars of the movie. In one of the outdoor scenes, you could see age spots on Pierce Brosnan's face.

We saw "The Dark Knight" today. It was good, Heath Ledger was good, but I am not sure if his performance was "Best Supporting Actor" caliber.
I enjoyed Christian Bale's performance, but really enjoyed Aaron's Eckhart as Harvey Dent.

Here's a conversation between me and my lovely daughter after we saw the movie.

Daughter: "I thought that Aaron Eckhart was a lot hotter as Two Face with half of his face gone."

Mom: "Ewww, why?"

Daughter: "He was all jaded and shit."

She's so my daughter.

PlacentiaSoccerMom wrote: With the way that my world has been lately, I don't know if I am ready to see something dark and twisted.

I thought you said your mom had already paid her annual visit?

a1mamacat wrote:

PlacentiaSoccerMom wrote: With the way that my world has been lately, I don't know if I am ready to see something dark and twisted.

I thought you said your mom had already paid her annual visit?

LOL.

PlacentiaSoccerMom wrote:

tlynn78 wrote:

Maddie and I saw Mamma Mia! on Friday

How was it?

t.

We loved it! We would totally go back and see it again. It was very difficult not to sing along to some of the songs.

I have to say though, that the lighting was not kind to some of the stars of the movie. In one of the outdoor scenes, you could see age spots on Pierce Brosnan's face.

We saw Mamma Mia last night. Surprisingly, the theater was almost full for a Tuesday night show. I can't recall the last time we were in a theater that was that full for a weeknight showing of a movie. Not surprisingly, there were only about ten men in the entire theater.

We found the movie was a lot of goofy, good hearted fun. Meryl Streep can sing quite well. Pierce Brosnan can't but you have to give him credit for being game and you have to give the film makers some credit for not dubbing in a better singing voice.