Movies on My List to See for 2008

What a way to start out the summer movie season! I really enjoyed this film and I think it's easily the best comic book adaptation yet. Everything in this film worked including the script, cast, direction, and special effects.

Personally, I found Jon Favreau's direction to be just pitch perfect for the project. He knows what works and he's able to realize how a film should be put together. His minimal use of special effects was refreshing and more than appreciated. As many reviewers have pointed out, the effects are secondary to the film, something that should be true with more films.

To acknowlegde the cast could take some time. In short, every seems just right for their role. Robert Downey Jr. was born for the role of Iron Man. He provides for the perfect action hero based on the fact that he's able to successfully mix humor with seriousness. I would loved to have seen more of Paltrow, but in the scenes she did have she was great. She had a perfect sense of the character was, plus she looked just gorgeous. Jeff Bridges provides his normal great supporting work. Once he gets inside the suit, I felt his acting was somewhat useless, but everything he provided up to that point was very beneficial. Terrence Howard had to small of a part, but word is that he plays much more into the sequel. I'll be looking forward to that.

The movie also becomes much more than an action film. With the subject of arms dealing, the movie raises many provacative questions which require thought. And although the fim never tells you which way to react, it does make people think about what is right.

Overall, the film was phenominal. If the sequel is released in 2010, i will be one of the first in line.

I went to the midnight showing of this film, and I must say that it was the best movie going experience of my life. Before this film I deemed midnight showings worthless, but never had I been so excited for a movie.

Simply put, this film is a masterpiece. A stunning achievement for everyone involved, and a film that stands as one of the best OF ALL TIME.

Everything about this film is just perfect. The cast, the script, the cinematography, eveything.

Christopher Nolan had already established his genius with previous films such as Memento, The Prestige, and Batman Begins, but it's with The Dark Knight that he shows us all that he really has. No only did he co-write the best comic book script ever, but he directed what is easily the best crime-epic of the past decade. Come Oscar time, directing and screenplay nods would be well deserved.

The cast of course is perfect. Come awards season, they are the only ensemble that deserves recognition. Each gets the chance to flesh out their character, to make us care for them. Each takes their performance to areas I never thought possible in a comic book movie. Christian Bale has been absent from some of the reviews, but the truth is that he is brilliant. Not not only the best Batman, but he brings things to the character that no other actor would be capable of. He's simply brilliant.

Still, this movie would not be quite what it is without the fearless performance of the late Heath Ledger. Leaving the theater, one can't help but think that Ledger would have become one of the greats had he continued on from here. He emerses himself completely in his role as the Joker, and in the process creates what I believe is the most memerable screen villian of all time. He has scenes which draw fear from the audience, and others that draw laughter. It's simply a brilliant performance. Come Oscar time, he'll be the only one worthy of the Best Supporting Actor Oscar.

The supporting cast is also great. Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine expand greatly on their characters. Throughout the movie we begin to know each of them better. Rarely do films allow the audience to feel an emotional connection with its characters, but through eveyone's performance it's possible here. Gary Oldman is also great, as is Maggie Gyllenhaal. Aaron Eckhart, as Harvey Dent/Two-Face, also deserves attention. His character makes much of this crime epic work, and many of the scenes hinge on his ability to flesh out his character. he does it though, and easily stands his groud in this talented group of individuals.

Another thing that should be pointed out is the lack of special effects used here. Nolan is a true storyteller, and therefore tends to cut back on these over the top, ridiclous CGI shots. Sure, there's some but only when nessicary.

The film also notably uses the fears of our country since 9/11. The videos made by the Joker are easily comparable to the films sent out every so often by Osama bin Laden. Truth is, the film prays on people's fears and in this day and age the film gets across this point more eerily then I ever thought possible.

In short, I could go on about this movie forever. There's so much to be said about the film, and subsequent viewings will only result in more praise.

So, in closing I encourage everyone to see this film. It's dark, haunting, and spectacular. A true testament to what movies should be, and how stories should be told.

It's nothing short of brilliance!

R.I.P. Heath Ledger

"THEY'RE ONLY AS GOOD AS THE WORLD ALLOWS THEM TO BE"

Quite simply, this is the best movie of 2008 (Yes, even better than the Dark Knight)

The film isn't Eastwood's best as director (that'd be hard to do) but it is still a stunning film, and rightfully should be placed with films like Mystic River and Letters from Iwo Jima.

Jolie follows up A Mighty Heart with another powerful performance. It should garner her a Best Actress nomination. The work she does is simply heartbreaking and completely brilliant.

The period look works well, and the overall story is tragic and very well crafted.

A MASTERPIECE!!!!