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The Reader

Director:Stephen Daldry
Released: 2008
Stars : Ralph Fiennes, Kate Winslet, Bruno Ganz
Genre: Drama/Romance
Country: USA/Germany

Post-WWII Germany: Nearly a decade after his affair with an older woman came to a mysterious end, law student Michael Burk re-encounters his former lover as she defends herself in a war-crime trial.

Part of my Oscar watch season, The Reader came a few weeks late to my local cinema and suprised me a great deal. Much attention has been given to the performance of one of my favourite actresses, Kate Winslet and I 100% agree with those critics. The Reader is an excellent film and one which is unfortunatly overshadowed by the likes of Slumdog Millionire and various other Oscar nominated films.

The Reader unfortunatly is American funded and by those Wenstein brothers, who are the only reason that this was up for best picture and perhaps for Stephen Daldry. Don't get me wrong Daldry's direction was very good just not Oscar worthy like the film in general. Without the backing of the Weinstin Brothers, this wouldn't have been receiving those awards; OScars and BAFTAs for example.

Just wanted to point that out. The Reader is an excellent film and suprised me enormously. What is just perfect about The Reader is that, despite being made for an English Language Audience, it feels very Geman orientated. Which for me is the key to any English Language based WW2 film or any other foreign orientated theme. What it does for the audience is that we can add meaning to what we are watching and really delve into each characters because they are very believable. The likes of Ralp Fiennes and Kate Winslet, for example, despite being English were very believable as German characters in the film. The film also sets the backdrop to Germany very well and the scenery around Germany was just brilliant and again added to meaning of the film for the viewer. One scene in particula which was extremly poignent, was the scene in which Michael visits Auswitz and goes in a series of rooms. What was brilliantly done here was the ommision of the soundtrack and just following Michael through what he is seeing. One to watch if you catch it at your cinema.

As metioned throughout the Media, Kate Winslet is just outstanding and highly believable. Thoughout the course of the film I was really feeling for her character and really believing this was Hana Schmitz that I was watching and not Winslet, playing Schmitz. Just brilliant! I hope to see her finally win the Oscar for this year because it was just brilliant to watch her on screen. Ralph Fiennes, brilliant as ever is great as older Michael as is Bruno Ganz as Michael's Law professor. A notable mention to newcomer David Kross who played his role with such innnocence and such a great performance. With the majority of the cast, from what I noticed, being German, I thought still kept the German theme going. For instance I felt like I was watching it in German because it was just done to perfectly.

The Reader, however does rush into the story a little fast and you really have to think for a bit as to watch just happened. I mean there are a few other tiny flaws that I noiced, but none other than the first one that make a difference. What Daldry does perfectly aswell is Michael's story as a boy, when he met Hanna, running alongside him as an older man. For some reason this let us as an audience get to know the character much quicker and establish a posistion with him before the two meet.

What is great is the chemistry between David Kross and Kate Winslet. For instance when thy first meet, you really feel for the both of them, which is difficult to say unless you catch the film. What is difficult to do when you what the film is feel negative towards the character of Hanna in any way. Trying to distinguish between the terrible things that she did as an SS officer and her relationship with Michael is very diffuclt to do. That is all down to Kate Winslet's brilliant performance.

Overall, The Reader is an excellent film and which should see Kate Winslet win her first Oscar. It's also one which shouldn't really be up for Best Picture as it's just not quite there in the 5 star films that I would normally regard in the Oscars. However, at the same time I think it has been forgotten as the other films have taken centre stage and because of Kate Winslet's performance. The Reader is a great film in it's own right and not just " Kate Winslet" film.

Highly Recomended

8/10

Slumdog Millionaire

Director:Danny Boyle
Released: 2008
Stars : Dev Patel, Irfan Khan, Anil Kapoor
Genre: Drama/Romance
Country: UK

The story of the life of an impoverished Indian teen Jamal Malik, who becomes a contestant on the Hindi version of "Who Wants to be A Millionaire?", wins, and is then suspected of cheating.

Slumdog Millionire has been heavily praised by critics both here in the UK and in the United States. Mainly due to its unique storyline and beautiful cinematography. Also heavily regarded as one of the best films of 2008. I really have to agree with that and more. Slumdog Millionire suprised me in many ways and is close to as perfect film as you can get.

Director Danny Boyle, whose films I must confess I have not seen a lot of, has been heavily underated both here and around the world. Recently Oscar nominated for his superb direction, I'm 80% sure he'll take home the oscar. The direction in this film is just wonderful to see. Shots that aren't often seen in many American films and ones which really add to the setting of India and give us as an audience a real taste of life in the "slums". What I loved about the opening sequence, or about 50 minutes into the film was that beautiful sequence where the two Brothers are chased by the Police. Added with briliant cinematography and a wonderful soundtrack it was just stunning to watch.

Slumdog Millionire, as I have just mentioned contains some absoulty stunning cinetography, and rightly socar nominated. It's just wonderful to watch a film that really gives us an insight into a world most western people just don't think about or know enough about. The shots of the town, Salim and Jamal lives in added with a touch of great lighting just looked great on the screen.

Slumdog Millionire is definatly not as "feel good" as the film poster makes out. It contains a few gritty scenes, that you will see when you watch them. You don't expect it when you walk in as it has not been advertised that way. In a way that adds to your overall view of the film and perhaps that's why I enjoyed it. Again this is due to the social context within the film. Like I said before, you just don't expect that to happen and a few times in the film, you wonder is that what life is like over there? Well it certainly is. The realtionship between Jamal and Salim is a very close one throught the film. Althought there is some question as to what exactly does Salim get into. Both brothers are left orphans at a young age, and Boyle depicts to us as the audience that many children are like Jamal and Salim. This is evident in the many photos and shots of children in the slums, most of them are orphans and are working for themselves. There is also a little use of documentry like filming in this film, which really does work.

The film tells 2 different stories; one- the story of jamal and the other Jamal and Latika. It's for the rags to riches sotry but also a sublot of romance. What was so engaging is that for many years Jamal was searching for Latika and didn't give up. Most likely a moral message delivered by Danny Boyle.

Acting in this film was done by mainly unknown actors. I think 2 BAFTA nominations for the acting came. It's brilliant to see Dev Patel, known to UK audiences in Skins, suddenly become a huge star around the world. Played the part of Jamal so well and unexpecdily for me as I didn't think someone from Skins could produce such a great performance. Would love to see what he does in the future.

Overall, Slumdog Milionire is every bit as good as everyone says it as and more. Close to a perfect film for me and one of the best film of 2008.

Highly Recomended

9/10

A Few Good Men

Director:Rob Reiner
Released: 1992
Stars : Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, Jack Nicholson, Kevin Bacon
Genre: Drama
Country: USA

In the heart of the nation's capital, in a courthouse of the U.S. government, one man will stop at nothing to keep his honour, and one will stop at nothing to find the truth.

A Few Good Men is one of those films that has been on my ?to watch? list for a long time. Mainly due to the fact that it?s one of the best films of the 1990,s one of the best court-rooms drams around and contains one of the most famous lines in cinema history. Plus I wanted to see Demi Moore in a role that I might actually like! A Few Good Men is a great film and one of my favourite films of the 1990?s.

A Few Good Men showcases many famous actors that were just coming into the limelight in the early 1990?s. Kiefer Sutherland, as Lt. Kendrick seems to depict many characteristics of what we know now as Jack Bauer and plays he role with an extremely patriotic tone. This is evident on many occasions when his character constantly refers to God, being someone he works for and stating about being a marine (much to the dismay of Tom Cruise?s character.) Kevin Bacon as Capt. Ross delivers a strong performance-as what would later be the prosecution. Noah Wyle as Cpl Barnes is a brief appearance and Cuba Gooding Jr, who would later appear in Jerry Maguire with Tom Cruise. All showcase a who?s who of Hollywood and produces an excellent film. Tom Cruise is excellent in one of the leading roles and just produces a great performance in the courtroom sequence. Cruise?s role in this film is probably one of my favourite films of his. Jack Nicholson produces another Oscar nominated performance and rightly so as he lights up the screen when he examined by Cruise?s character in the courtroom. You can?t help but get drawn into every scene he?s in because of the way he commands every scene. Just confirms to me just how much I admire his work. Also worth mentioning Demi Moore, who delivers one of the best performances that I?ve seen her in. Just a shame we don?t see much of that today.

A Few Good Men is directed pretty well by Rob Reiner. The last hour and a bit of the film is just excellent to watch and the time flies by when you catch that hour. Every bit of that hour is brilliantly put together and the dialogue just fits perfectly that you immediately are drawn into that scene. The part of the scene in which Nicholson?s character is cross-examined is just electric and filled with tension. The first part of the film is still as engaging and immediately keeps you watching. Mainly due to the chemistry between Demi Moore and Tom Cruise who really do make for a great one-screen partnership. However the film?s opening 40 or so minutes is not as engaging as the last hour. I would have liked to have seen the scene in which Nicholson tells Kendrick and Markinson to keep Santiago on the base, to have come in the first part of the film, as the film doesn?t flow as much as I?d like and it becomes confusing for the viewer. The narrative structure could have been better thought out. However the last hour and 10 mins certainly make up for that flaw.

Overall A Few Good Men is an excellent film with some great performances. One of the best films of the 1990?s and contains one of the greatest lines in cinema history. Defiantly worth checking out for Nicholson?s brilliant performance and the last hour.

Highly Recommended

8/10

My Beautiful Laundrette

Director:Stephen Frears
Released: 1986
Stars : Daniel Day Lewis, Saeed Jaffrey, Roshan Seth
Genre: Drama
Country: UK

An ambitious British Asian and his white lover strive for success and hope, when they open up a glamorous laundrette

My Beautiful Laundrette was one of those films which I've been meaning to see for a long long time. Not just because it's a classic British film but because it has only of my favourite actors (Daniel Day Lewis') first roles. This film is not only about the romance between a British Asian and a British guy but about Thatcher's 1980's Britain. It's defiantly one of my favourite films of the 1980's.

My Beautiful Laundrette, despite ageing a little, still maintains aspects of 80's culture that can be still prevalent in today's society. With aspects of British Muslim culture constantly questioned in today's society this is even more of an important film. Racism in relation to British Muslims has gone on recently in the UK and a strong part of our Media. Perhaps some aspects of the film is not relevant, for instance, the constant use of ?paki? wouldn?t be used in recent period films but only in the films of the 1980?s. Perhaps that?s an aspect that has aged the film a little but this film will always remain a strong depiction of life in Thatcher?s Britain for British Asians, and indeed gay men.

My Beautiful Laundrette is one of Daniel Day Lewis?s first acting roles; previously he?d played supporting roles. Day Lewis is a strong part of this film and delivers a strong performance, one which you can see what Stephen Frears say in him. Day-Lewis plays a great role as Johnny, school friend of Omar and certainly makes you empathise with him as a viewer. The acting in this film is a strong part of the construction of it. Like Day Lewis, Gordon Warnecke, in his first acting role delivers a great performance with such vulnerability and innocence. Right from the very first time we see the two characters meet, you can see the attraction and chemistry between the two characters; a relationship which is portrayed brilliantly by Frears. Also worth mentioning Saeed Jafferey as Omar?s uncle, who seems to crop in many British TV Shows and films.

The film is set in Thatcher?s Britain in 1985 and is mentioned by a few of the characters. The film contains examples of Individualism that was the main part of the 1980s, and many aspects of liberalism of the characters. Omar?s Uncle and members of their family seem to aspot characteristics of many of their white counterparts. For instance; owning many businesses, houses (evident in the scene where Johnny kicks out a tenant) and striving to succeed to their level. Once quote which is related to this is said by Omar?s uncle relating to being recognised as a Businessmen and not an Asian businessman. This doesn?t seem to be shared by Omar?s father; who constantly tries to get him to college;

Don't get too involved with that crook. You've got to study. We are under siege by the white man. For us education is power

And I think this is basically an underrated part of the film. The relationship between Omar and Johnny is not only the core of the film, but the backdrop that it is set in as well.

Overall, My Beautiful Laundrette has aged a little (possibly keeping it from a perfect film) but still is an important look into 198?s Thatcher Britain. An important look into the reactions towards British Asian?s entering jobs (previously occupied by white British males), racism and reactions towards homosexuality. Also worth watching to see one of Daniel Day Lewis?s first roles.

Highly recommend

8/10

If....

Director:Lindsay Anderson
Released: 1968
Stars: Malcolm McDowell, David Wood, and Rupert Webster
Genre:Drama
Country: UK

In an indictment of the British Boys School, we follow Mick and his mostly younger friends through a series of indignities and occasionally abuse as any fond feelings toward these schools are destroyed. When Mick and his friends rebel, violently, the catch phrase, "which side would you be on" becomes quite stark

If.... is considered one of the great British films of the 1960s and one of the best that our country has prodcued. If.... says everything about Britain; from the class system to the ridiculous public school system that we still have in this country over 40 years on. If.... is a bizzare, yet enagaging film which I admired a lot.

If.... was one of those films that I have been meaning to catch for ages. Yet I didn't realise just what an interesting film it was. Interesting,that relationships between the students and the house masters, one which is clearly lead by Travis(McDowell) and one which I'm sure is evident in many schools around the country. What is great about if... is that despite it essentially being about a public school, it draws upon aspects of all types of british schools. as you watch you begin to draw parrarells with your own education and reminise about many fellow students who have, like in the film-stood up to teachers. Comments indeed where you wish you could say something along those lines.




The thing I hate about you, Rowntree, is the way you give Coca-Cola to your scum, and your best teddy bear to Oxfam, and expect us to lick your frigid fingers for the rest of your frigid life."




What Anderson depicts in this film is just how ridiculous the public schoo system is. For instance we see the majority of the students somehow trying to make something out of their life, trying to be an individual. Mainly Travis and his three friends who have a rather revoultionary attitude to all things about sex, war and authority. Throughout the film the three gradually discuss parts of life and what they'd like to do, slowly drawing up to a climax.

If... is an incredibly surreal account of teenage rebellion and one which will capitvate and make you think. Anderson switches from b/w to colour on may occasions. Again, adding to the surrealness of it all. If is imepcably directed with some interesting crane shots.

If was McDowell's debut. From watching this I could see straight away why Kubrick picked him for the part of Alex in A Clockwork Orange. His mannerisms and charisma just shine in this film and you are really rooting for his character. Travis has some brilliant lines in this, made even more engaging by the delivery of McDowell. Also worth mentioning Arthur Lowe in a supporting role and the characters of Rowntree and the rest of the House masters.

Overall, If... isa suurealist take on a British Tradiation and with a revolutionary take on it. What is brilliant is just how relevent is still feels and it hasn't aged a bit. Close to perfection for me. Here are some other quotable lines..

One man can change the world with a bullet in the right place

Highly recomended.

9/10

Harold and Maude

Director:Hal Asby
Released: 1971
Stars: Bud Cort, Cyril Cusack and Ruth Gordon
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA




Harold is a depressed, death-obsessed 20-year-old man/child who spends his free time attending funerals and pretending to commit suicide in front of his mother. At a funeral, Harold befriends Maude, a 79-year-old woman who has a zest for life. She and Harold spend much time together during which she exposes him to the wonders and possibilities of life. After rejecting his mother's three attempts to set him up with a potential wife, and committing fake suicide in front of all of them, Harold announces that he is to be married to Maude. However, Maude has a surprise for Harold that is to change his life forever.




Harold and Maude, considered one of the great classic films of the 1970's and one of the great films of all time. One film which has always been on my "to watch" list and other films always got in the way. Luckily it was my DVD to be sent to me and sat down an watched it. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it suprised me a bit.

Firstly, Harold and Maude feels way ahead of it's time. With the Cat Steven's soundtrack, often used in Wes Anderson films, you feel like it was made 5 or 6 years ago. It still has a "fresh feel" to it, which is why it's still being watched even today. The Wes Anderson like presentation of the film, makes you want to keep watching and really gain an insight into the livs of Harold and Maude. Again, Cat Steven's soundtrack is key to the freshness of the film for me.

The film opens up with Harold walking down the stars, with Steven's OST and attempting another "fake suicide." Instantly we can see that character's deep and troubled. far away from life with his Mother. Harold is presented as a deep and troubled man, but also with a constant pale face, again reinforcing to us as the audience what kind of behaviour that you should expect from this character. Harold visits the psychiatrist, who's room is depicted as a set from a Kubrick film, i.e- huge , spacious room which feels like it is going to move in on you. The dialogue with the Psychiatrist is short, and with a hint of black humour, which again instantly puts you with the character-you feel what he is feeling. the acting of Bud Cort, as Harold is key to the presentation of his character. For example we wouldn't have thought of him that way if it wasn't for his portrayal.

The performance and presentation of the character of Maude is the exact opposite of Harold. Once they meet at funerals, you can see they are similiar. Maude, the care free woman seems to have the mind of a 25 year old but gives Harold advice on life and how to get the most out of it. Harlold makes Maude feel like a younger woman which makes for c harming on screen couple. I loved the uneasiness of Harold and the attitude of Maude, which seemed to gel together onscreen instantly. One of my favourite scenes is where they re-plant a tree that was originally in the street-then they stopped by the police. One scene to look out for.

Overall, Harold and Maude is one film to discover in American cinema. Harold and Maude is a classic indie like film that we have come to know today. Reminiscent of Wes Anderson films and slightly different to the Graduate, the film is one not to get grossed out by the content of the film but enjoy the chemistry between one of cinema's odd couple and a truely inspiring film.

I can guarantee you'll be humming Cat Steven's soundtrack to the film after...

9/10

Quantum of Solace

Year: 2008
Director: Marc Forster
Country: UK/USA
Genre: Action & Adventure, Drama
Stars: Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Gemma Arterton


Forensic intelligence links an MI6 traitor to a bank account in Haiti where a case of mistaken identity introduces Bond to the beautiful but feisty Camille, a woman who has her own vendetta. Camille leads Bond straight to Dominic Greene, a ruthless business man and major force within the mysterious organisation, Quantum.

That time has come again for another Bond film's release and I was once again there to catch it. Ever since I was 11, back in 1999 for the release of The World is Not Enough, I've caugh every Bond film since at the cinema. This time around the cinema was packed full of people of all ages. All I can say is Quantum of Solace equals Casino Royale but for me I prefer the realistic take on the story here than Casino Royale.

Althought I loved Casino Royale, it had a full cheesy moments which downgrades it's superiority over previous Bond's. What is great about Quanum of Solace is the realism inserted into the film by Marc Foster. Quantum has an Art House feel to it which I love, and it makes for an even more better film. Like many films released this year, it touches on upon world issues that are going on. The Dark Knight, for example touched upon our fears of Terrorism and this film uses the Oil situation in the west as the main part of the story. It's because of that I think many people have commented on the confusing plot. Having said that because it's a Bond film and the plot isn't always a necessry thing to focuss on.

Daniel Craig seems to be coming if not one of the best Bond's of all time. Surpassing even the great Sean Connery. His cold-blooded brutality creates his Bond as convincing as ever. This creates his appearance on screen as incredibly real and one which could be exsisting today. I have to see him in a few more films before he could become my favourite and surpass Connery. Judi Dench is brilliant as M and seems to be underated in many reviews. I think even her character could match Bond. The more films i see of them the more I'm convinced that's the way the writers are going. Gemma Arterton, who impressed me in Tess of the D'Urbevilles, made a brief appearance as agent Fields and was again impressive on screen. Would like to have seen more of her character than what was shown. Mathieu Amalric, was excellent as Dominc Green. Perhaps he was undeveloped and under-used but he definatly surpasses the previous Bond villian. Would also liked to have seen more of Jeffery Wright, as he makes for a great Felix Leiter.

One great strength of Quantum of Solace is just how great it's filmed. The stunning locations and photography, particularly at the end, make for an interesting film to watch. Many of the sequences were shot very very well and I loved one slow motion sequence shot against an opera, which related releated to the scene and film well. Would like to have seen a more intense build up to the arrival of Dominc Green, as I felt it was rushed a little and not allowing us to understand the character either.

Perhaps some weaknesses of the film, keeping it from being 5 stars, is the first half of the film. I felt a little underwhelmed throughout that and felt that there was something missing. The film does pick him in the middle and makes for a great film. I think the key to remember is that Bond films will never be perfect, some might say that films are never perfect but for me some are. Forster like Campbell previoulsy, is trying to move the franchise into a new era. This is evident in many scenes of the film. What's important to remeber is that, whilst doing that not everything you've seen in previous films will be in this one. The dialogue is less witty and more convincing, thus relating to the context of the film. Less action means that there is more focus on characters and the plot, meaning we can find deeper meaning within the film and enjoy it better. That's somehing I think the franchise will do in future films. Not only to move the franchise forward but to compete with other action films and add more meaning to Craig's Bond. After all this is only the second film he's in and the more he does the more we can get a sense of the way Craig plays his version of Bond.

Overall, Quantum of Solace takes a more emotional stance than Casino Royale. Less action and more meaning in the plot. Far more dialogue and attention to detail in the devlopment of characters. In only his second Bond film, Craig is shaping up to be one of the best Bond's if not the best. Both Casino Royale and his are pretty much equal in terms of quality. f I had to pick out of the two, it would be Quantum because of the realism it depicts. Without a doubt in my top 3 of the year so far!

Highly recomend. Go and see it when it reaches you a.s.a.p!

8/10

Funny Games

Director:Michael Haneke Released: 1997
Stars:Susanne Lothar, Ulrich Muhe, Arno Frisch and Frank Giering
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Country: Austria









Two psychotic young men take a mother, father, and son hostage in their vacation cabin and force them to play sadistic "games" with one another for their own amusement.

Funny Games is another one of those films everybody bare me has seen. Finally I found it in my supermarket this afternoon and just finished watching it. I have to admit that it toally blew me away. Funny Games is far more than a Horror, it's also a depiction of just how often Media violence is in our society and how much we take it for granted and almost let ourselved be entertained by this. Pure genuis!

The film opens up with a helicopter shot of the family arriving at their holiday home on the motorway. While watching this we are shown just how close the family, setting us up for one hell of a ride. This voyeristic technique makes us wonder why we are sitting here watching this and almost feel slightly instrusive on the family. That's the genuis of Haneke. I must admit that I didn't go too much on Hidden but this is abosolutly amazing. I can see some similarities in the two films there.

I know a lot of people will either love or hate this film I can see why but there are many different menaings to this film. For instance as I said beofre why, as a viewer you are sitting down to watch this and also questioning the viewing public as a whole. It also shows us parts which you might not fully be shown in an American film and almost plays upon that. Haneke uses emotions of the family almost as bait. The two men constantly play upon why the couple are crying and feeling this way and twisting it for their own amusement. There's no manipulation here as you might often find in a US film, you are given the opotunity to switch off, as one character says and question just how much violence you can take. Which I think is why this film is NOT pointless as some people have written here.

The characterisation in Funny Games is brilliant and key to the viewers understanding of the film. Both of the two main leads; Anna and Georg Snr are a middle class couple and very likeable indeed. As a viewer you can instantly releate to them and their son Georg. The film's path is not what you would expect as you really do warm to the characters. Oddly the representation of the two men: Paul and Peter are ones of such charm and sophistication that you don't feel that they're the villian on some stages. I'm going to admit that I did find the character of Paul very attractive indeed and didn't for a second think anything less-but that's another story entirely! Incidently Peter is also a man full of charm but is presented as less intelligent and an odd character.-we see this when Peter continuously calls him "fatty" which he hates.

Funny Games is also intelligently written and well paced. 1 hr and 40 mins flew by and left me utterly speechless afterwards, which of course is genuis on Haneke's part. Funny Games cleverly plays with the conventions of filmaking and asks the audience:

We're not up to feature film length yet. You want a real ending with plausible plot development".

Also has Paul looking at the camear and talking to the audience, which also gives the character as sense of arrogance to him and almost tells the audiene that he's in charge. What was the most clever thing about this film was the re-wind scene which did leave me slightly disturbed at what I had just watched.

Funny Games is one of the most disturbing films that I have seen and so cleverly written and filmed it's unbelievable. It'll leave you feeling horrified at what you've just watched and leave you wondering the why you watch violence in the media. Funny Games is a clever film and one which I highly recomend.

The Dark Knight

Director:Christopher Nolan
Released: 2008
Stars: Christian Bale,Heath Ledger,Gary Oldman
and Morgan Freeman
Genre: Crime/Drama/Thriller
Country: USA






Batman and James Gordon join forces with Gotham's new District Attorney, Harvey Dent, to take on a psychotic bank robber known as The Joker, whilst other forces plot against them, and Joker's crimes grow more and more deadly.



*Possible spoilers ahead*

After a year and a half long wait, the sequel to the brilliant Batman Begins(2005), is finally here and boy did I enjoy it! It surpasses all my expectations and is FAR SUPERIOR to Begins. A Sequel which is far better and will be remembered for doing so. I you thought Begins was good, you will be plesently suprised. The Dark knight is as great as everyone says it is and more I'm still finding the words to describe even several days after watching it.

Yes, before I started watching the film, I knew Heath Ledger's perfromance would be amazing in the role of the Joker, and I was right. I have to admit that it didn't suprise me one bit. The time that he took to perfect his rol and the perfection in his voice, mannerisms and behaviour is just outstanding. He's created a character that's incredibly menacing and even in a 12A film, scary to watch. I'm sure he'll receive a post homours Oscar nomation, winning it I'm not so sure. It'll be down to whether the Academy can avoid the snobbery that they have over blockbuster films winning at the Oscars. He's character was also very funny and had several one liners, which I did laugh at. I don't think I'll ever forget his performance. It'll always be in my top five of all time.

Christian Bale repises his role as the caped crusader and has obtained a far huskier voice, which was great to hear. Bale is now my favourite Batman and I'm sure others would agree. Even as Bruce Wayne he oozes coolness in every scene he's in. His Batman is far darker than many previously and makes for a great character to watch.Bale also plays he's character tremendouly well and should be given credit for that, Also worth mentioning Aaron Eckhart's tremendous perfromance as two-facem who I didn't think would be good at all. Worth mentioniong Gary Oldman's Lt Gordon, Maggie Glyyenhaal's and Morgan Freeman's perfromance aswell, who all delivered fine performances. I'd really like to see Bale get some sort of credit for his performance, as it really was great.

The Dark Knight's cinematography was absolutly breathtaking to watch. In particular the sublime, opening sequence, which was inspired by Heat-which you can see . The colours, and sequences filmed just added a little realism to the films, giving it that post 9/11 feel. It also adds a little fear to the viewer, for instance in the Mayot's funeral. It drwas upon real events, which is just superb. Talking of superbm that Opening sequence was outstanding to watch. One of my favourite shots was one of the Joker, in the middle of the street, in almost a God like stance. Everything in the scene is quite shocking to watch. The joker and his henchman don't just feel like characters in a film-where you can just write them off. These characters really feel real and the sounds of the guns shots, in this scene only emphathises this. One classic line which I won't forget by the Joker.

I believe what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger..

The screenplay in the Dark Knight has to be one of the finest that I've seen for a summer blockbuster...since..well forever. It is obviously responsible for some great lines in the film. The scenes with the Joker and Batmanl, for instance-The iterrogation scene. I'm sure the screenplay will be up for an Oscar ans it is one of the best parts of the film for me. Loved this line from Alfred..

Some men just want to watch the world burn!

Nolan has now set the bar for Great summer blocckbusters. Everything in the film is FLAWLESS. The running time of nearly 3 hours flew b. His direction is absoulty outstanding. I just hope BAFTA award him with a Best Director nod next year.

The Dark Knight contains some amazing camer shots. For instance, as I mentioned before-that opening shot of the Jokers-WOW. One sequence towards the end, was just sensational to watch. I just hope this is the start of great summer blockbusters to come.

The score by Hans Zimmer is just sensational to hear. Every single piece of music livens up every scene and just get an absoulte buzz, when you watch it. You can;t help but cheers and smile when you hear part of that score. Just mesmerising. I hope it gets awarded at next years Oscars aswell.

I really think the editing is one of the sucess points of the film. The pinning together of some scenes , two or three at some stages really addes tension to the scene and sheer joy for the viewer. This adds to the experience and really makes it one hell of an enoyable experience.

Overall The Dark Knight is an absoulte MASTERPIECE. Filled with sublime acting, cinematorgpahy, excellent editing, screenplay. Expect the Dark Knight to receive several BAFTA noms and some OSCARS noms. I can't tell you how great this film is and how musch I enjoyed it. You must go along and see it for yourself.

Oustanding.

Highly recomended

10/10