TheBlackKnight

by Craig

Directed by: Christopher Nolan.
Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckart, Michael Caine, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman.

<< "You see, madness is like gravity, all it takes is a little...push" >>

The story follows Batman a year after his accounter with Ra's Al Ghul and his thugs, the streets remain the same and Batman continues to do what he can with the help of newly appointed Commissioner, Jim Gordon and Gotham's new D.A, Harvey Dent. Before long a menacing madman called the Joker introduces something into Gotham that no one would have ever expected.

This is no doubt the hundredth review you have read on this film, massively hype for years by fans and recently by the general public, reviews have been pouring in by the bucketload...my review is simply just a reminder, from both an obsessed fan and a general moviegoer, that this film is beyond anyones expectations, especially mine and that it simply is outstanding.

Everything about the first film is simply raised in level here, everything seems to be in a new direction, yet never forgetting what made Begins so great. Christopher Nolan has always been my favorite director and he has simply proved it here by a mile. To many it might appear flashy that he has taken hold of the newest technology for the film with IMAX cameras etc and in the wrong hands it would have just been for show, but Nolan is god behind these cameras and the epic scope is deftly handled and perfectly assured, the man is long overdue to be recognised more...and Wally Pfeister simply dazzles with the assured tone on this epic scale, it adds such a lovely feel.

The Nolan brothers screenplay is simply remarkable and again, 'beyond' everything I expected from the film. I was one of the men who knew the film was going to be more than just a Batman film, the footage I saw showed it, the dialogue rang true of it and as I am no doubt repeating in this review, its more than you would ever expect. In Batman 89, the problem that feel on it was the fact that the storytelling was lax and Joker became a first rate character over Batman, who simply became third rate. Begins proved that Batman and Bruce Wayne can be powerful forces and complex humans and faces and TDK continues that power by adding so much more. Morally complex from every angle, its a perfect crime saga under the superhero cover. Each character is given special treatment and in one word, a 'soul'. Bruce Wayne must now face the facts of Rachael being with another man, especially the one appointed as the challenger to Batmans moral values on Gotham. Joker is never given a major origin story and thank god for that, because the direction of Nolans vision didn't need it. He's unrelenting, mysterious much like Batman yet so self destructive and simply one hell of a scary, menacing clown that promises anarchy and chaos.

I can't go on without mentioning something highly underlooked in films...the score. It is the first soundtrack I would have ever bothered to sit down and listen to throughout and for good reason. Its a rich force that blends beautifully with the complexities of the films morals and emotions, beautifully adding richness to every epic scene on screen, its up there as one of the greatest pieces of music I've heard that can add so much to the moving image.

You all knew I was getting to this...the performances. Christian Bale once again proves to be the greatest mix put on screen for these characters. As Bruce Wayne, he continues to show the charming and cheeky wit around the way he is seen in city, yet remains so human and battles the strong emotions with others as we all do. Aaron Eckhart simply blew me away, especially when everyone goes in for Heath. He's perfect...there I said it and easily blows Tommy Lee off the face of the earth. He's got the perfect charisma to play this all american man as D.A of a major city and really is a nice threat for Bruce in his personal life, because he is not only similiar in statue as the force of Gotham, but he has won Rachael over, who no doubt sees him as Bruce without the mask...and when Harvey changes into who he is destined to become, Aaron is scary as hell and really is compelling. Maggie Gyllenhaal is a great replacement over the horribly wooden Katie Holmes and is given more to work with this time around and she blends in just well....AND of course Heath Ledger. What more can I say that no one has already said? Many still believe an posthurmous Oscar win would be a sympathy vote, the truth is, if the man was still alive today, he would still win it for what is quite possibly the greatest villian to ever grace celluloid...and that will be argued. Equally unexpecting and expecting, his performance as the Joker will stand for a lifetime. Sure Ceaser and Jack will always have a face for Joker as the showman style of the character, but Heath is the dark side everyone knows from a 50+ year old character. Charismatic, dark, edgy and scary as all fucking hell, he breezes into every scene easily stealing it and delivering something so intense, so unexpected, yet so real. Its a performance to be remembered by someone who died so suddenly and whether or not he wins the truly deserved Oscar, he's already in the hall of fame in my eyes.

The Dark Knight is a fucking masterpiece. To be, of course as 'opinion', because no one can stand as being right, it is the greatest film I have ever seen and blew my obsessive and very high expectations right out of the water. Moral complex, beautifully captured, deftly controlled, greatly performed...simply great. I still can't say that the film is 'flawless', because I still believe no film can or ever will, but The Dark Knight comes damn close.

<< "You see, nobody panics when things go according to plan. Even if the plan is horrifying. If I told people that a gangbanger was going to get shot, or a busload of soldiers was going to get blown up, nobody would panic. It's all part of the plan. But tell people that one tiny little mayor is going to die and everyone loses their minds!" >>

by Kropotkin Mouzer

I must have seen this about 3 times already and still don't fully understand all the permutations, the overlap of "doubles" etc. The depth of the film is brilliant, I love its sci-fi grounding but realistic technology and implications, time travel on a personal basis.

Made with a budget of $6,000 and is one ofthe smartest time travel films that you will ever see. It does a good job in explaining what is going on in the time travel, and how it works, but it doesn't try and dumb it down so that the user can easily understand it.
Once they start to travel back and forth in time more and more, it becomes more and more confusing what is actually going on, but it still makes sense, you just have to think a lot while watching this film - and that is by no means a bad thing.

Entertainment Weekly | Lisa Schwarzbaum
Consider Primer a successful lab experiment with, as they might say in techie chat rooms, significant indie-cred applications, IMHO. Oh, and :-).

by Oscar

I can´t wait to watch this movie. I have the feeling that it´s gonna be better than the original.

by Alexander

''Gentlemen may talk of the age of chivalry, but remember the ploughmen, poachers and pickpockets whom they lead. It is with these sad instruments that your great warriors and kings have been doing their murderous work in the world. ''

An Irish rogue wins the heart of a rich widow and assumes her dead husband's position in 18th Century aristocracy.

Ryan O'Neal: Barry Lyndon

Barry Lyndon is sometimes considered a slow and tedious film, it is indeed past three hours in length, but this due mainly to the fact of the artistic flow of a film that strays not only to tell a story about a man who is by no means neither hero nor villain, but also one in which is in no real rush, taking the time for every tiny intricacy to sink into the mind and heart of the viewer, we the audience are left to marvel at the storytelling.

Some of the scenic images in Barry Lyndon are in themselves works of splendid art, rendered with a passion for the landscapes and the man-made structures within them. Stanley Kubrick makes it clear his appreciation for the era through the use of paintings, costumes and all of the above in perfect harmonic glory.

The myth that came about that all scenes were done using no artificial lighting stems from the very realistic lights during indoor takes, and some of them truly did not feature artificial light. This is but one of the many details that so easily conveys a sense of a realistic portray of the era, the 18th century and the time after the seven-year war in the later half of the Lyndon.

The impressive atmosphere and the wonderfully picturesque scenarios along with the fact that the entire plot moves at a calm pace makes this film a very pleasant experience.
The music bordering on Kubrick genius in which it actually becomes memorable long after Barry Lyndon has finished. Especially the piece of music played throughout, which also features on the credits. Also liked the piece of music accompanying, where Barry first kisses Lady Lyndon.

Ryan O'Neal as Barry Lyndon does an excellent job of portraying the unlucky man, marvelous how this individual chooses some of the courses that run through his life. Firstly his infatuation for his female cousin's affection which results in him getting sent away to him signing up to the English army. Then a twist of fate of him becoming enlisted in the Prussian Army. All resulting in his eventual meeting of Lady Lyndon, where even more trouble and drama ensues.
Marisa Berenson as Lady Lyndon really flourishes her part with beauty and elegance and later on with emotionally charged desperation as the film progresses and her husband's wild ways become apparent.

Barry Lyndon may be long, but on DVD it shines perfectly. Afterall thats what the intermission is for half way. Kubrick knows if he's going to do a theatrical film of William Makepeace Thackeray's novel he's going to need a substantial amount of material. Material which is crammed full of flavor, of passionate drama and of period perfection.

Barry Lyndon is another grand accomplishment from the late Kubrick. A masterpiece and an interesting study.

by Rebecca

I was so incredibly pleasantly surprised by this movie. I watched it only because of its popularity. I like to watch all the classics, even though more often than not, I dont care for them half as much as most ppl. But, I like to know what ppl are talking about. I thought Ferris Bueller would be just another 80s teen movie. Was I ever wrong! This movie is so much fun, and I am actually a little sad that I didnt watch it a long time ago. Ferris is an incredible character. You gotta love him.

by Alexander

''It is said that the Dragon Warrior can go for months without eating, surviving on the dew of a single ginko leaf and the energy of the universe.''

''Then I guess my body doesn't know I'm the Dragon Warrior yet. It's gonna take a lot more than dew, and, uh, universe juice.''

Po the Panda is the laziest animals in all of the Valley of Peace, but unwittingly becomes the chosen one when enemies threaten their way of life.

Jack Black: Po (voice)

Kung Fu Panda unsurprisingly was birthed by the wondrous Dreamwork people, for a start the animation and story are untouchable in quality executed to the highest standard.

We are told the story of a slightly overweight Panda whom has duties with his father in a Noodle restaurant. Panda dreams of becoming a great Kung Fu master while at the same time trying to please his father by saying his dream is comprised of taking over the Noodle heritage of his father. Yes you may have noticed ''his'' father per say, lacks resemblance or species to Panda funnily enough. When a choosing of the Dragon Master comes about. Panda rushes to see this tournament. What transpires next is him unwittingly getting chosen by Oogway, the Old Turtle Master.

Kung Fu Panda has such effortlessly smooth paced animation that fluidly speeds along at all times we the audience, scarcely get to notice the amount of work thats gone into every frame. Especially the action scenes which seem to thunder along in a dazzling array of splendor.

The voices are incredibly done and some I didn't even recognise. Notably Dustin Hoffman voicing Shifu, was superb, his voice instantly recognizable.
Jack Black as Panda excellent providing laughs, charm and charisma throughout as the main star of the film.
Other iconic voices are from a dazzling selection of actors and actresses such as Angelina Jolie voicing Tigress, Ian McShane as Tai Lung, Jackie Chan as Monkey, Seth Rogen as Mantis, Lucy Liu as Viper and even Michael Clarke Duncan as Commander Vachir pops up.
James Hong voicing Mr. Ping was instantly recognisable by ear, the actor from Golden Child & Big Trouble In Little China. Amusing how they made that of the bird character he plays to match a certain element of him from real life in the animation.

Loved how Kung Fu Panda begins with the drawing styled animation, then all the way through I was amazed how detailed Panda is on the whole capturing action, suspense and excitement mixed with comical fun and laughs galore.

Along with the masterpiece that is WALL-E, this offering from Dreamworks Kung Fu Panda shows that Pixar aren't the only ones with talent. A story with heart, of wonderment and of humour, Kung Fu Panda comes recommended to any lover of animated films.

by Lisa

Not a bad film but not exactly action packed and edge of your seat thrilling. It started off well with a decent plot, but when it really should have taken off, it stalled. Got boring towards the end but with just enough crap going on to make you keep watching. Tommy Lee Jones wasn't bad but the cover said his best performances since The Fugitive, and well, it was far from that. Ashley Judd always delivers as well. I suppose it was the cast that made this such a disappointment. When you hear their names you think of quality, and well, this just didn't live up to that. It had a lot of potential but didn't carry it through the whole of the film. Still, it was worth watching at least once, but don't be surprised if you are disappointed by it.

by Lisa

A real kick ass movie, that too many people are putting down. Yes, it's brainless and about as deep as a puddle but if that is not what you are looking for then don't want films that are many solely for that purpose. I love the Matrix-esk look of the film. Some of those bullet shots were just stunning. Both Anjelina Jolie and James McAvoy were both really great. Two really strong performances. Morgan Freeman made a really great addition to the cast as well. If your after a film that you don't have to think about but just enjoy then this would be a good choice. The plot was great and I loved that the ending wasn't exactly Hollywood friendly. It didn't shy away from things that might annoy audience members which was brave. A sequel would be interesting, although I don't think it would be quite as good. One to check out when you're in the mood for a real action film.

by Oscar

Death Note is based on the manga/anime, whisch I haven´t read/watched yet. So I´m not going to compare the three versions.

Death Note has an incredible and original story, where a young man has the power to kill anyone he wants to die just by putting a name of his book, called Death Note.

The film has a lot of suspenses moments and it´s very entertaining. The cast has some good performances and the Shinigami´s design is fantastic.

Death Note is great movie with a clever story and a good message at the end of the film.

by Lisa

I'm not usually into musicals but I actually enjoyed this film. Fun but with something serious to say at the same time. Hard to pull of in a lot of respects but Rent pulled it off nicely. The score wasn't bad at all either. The set up of the music and lyrics was a bit like they really were making it up as they went along as chorus and consistence in the lyrics didn't really exist. The performances were all excellent with some really lovable characters. Adam Pascal did a really brilliant job and his voice is amazing. You can just tell that Wilson Jermaine Heredia was made for his character as well. He was just born to play Angel. The rest of the cast did a really great job. I would recommend this film even if you're not usually into musicals. This one has a very urban and fresh feel to it that a lot of other musicals don't have.

by Oscar

Let me start saying that this movie is EPIC.

The Dark Knight is not the typical superhero movies. This film brings some air of a classic movie. The story is great and Nolan bring some realistic scenes to the film.

The cast is just AMAZING. Heath Ledger is a GOD and his performance as The Joker, he makes that the character looks SADISTIC, PSYCOTHIC and SCARY, and is THE BEST VILLIAN, Jack Nicholson looks ridicoulos in front of him. Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman is GREAT, definitely he´s THE BEST SUPERHERO, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer and George Clooney look like amateurs in front of Bale. Gary Oldman, Michael Cane and Morgan Freeman are perfect as their respectives characters. Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel Dawes was an Excellent alternative, she brings that strenght that the character needed, unlike Katie Holmes. Aaron Eckhart was GREAT as Harvey Dent, and his transform into two face was PRICELESS.

Christopher Nolan is the man, he´s one of the BEST DIRECTORS in film history, he may teach to Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher how to make a superhero film. His direction is fantastic and the script written by his brother and David S.Goyer is EXCELLENT. James Newton Howard and Hans Zimmer did a great job with movie´s soundtrack.

No words can describe such amazing movie, THE DARK KNIGHT IS A MASTERPIECE, ONE OF THE BEST FILM EVER MADE:

This movie deserves more than one nomination in the academy awards.