Christopher Nolan has taken the Batman franchise to places that it has never been. His second Batman film takes a great amount of emotion to even watch, let alone tackle an analysis of the film. We see in this film three of Batman's villain adversaries from Scarecrow, The Joker, and of course Two Face.
The Joker, played by the late Heath Ledger is the most colorful character in the film and embodies the very definition of anarchy, (winning a well earned although phostumous Best Actor Academy Award.) The villain in this film that truly makes me ponder what my own reaction to events like those in the movie however is Harvey Dent...AKA Two Face. Placing myself in his shoes, I can't see myself seeking revenge as he did, but I can't help but wonder how much faith in humanity I would have left if I were in his shoes. In the end, I suppose it would be only my faith that was left to sustain me. Harvey is a very sympathetic, and yet incredibly frightening and violent villain.
I also appreciate the historical reference that Harvey make to ancient Rome in this film, talking about giving complete power over to one person...a protector in a cities time of need. We know from history that this usually results in tyrannical rulers for generations to come. This film however gives such a power to the only man who did not want it, namely Morgan Freeman's character Luscious, and that is why in the end he is able to give that power back, after there is no longer a need for him to have it.
The Dark Knight shows that there is more to humanity that impulse and instinct. The people on the ferries tasked with destroying each other or if they did not to face the destruction of both boats by the Joker, prove that humanity stands for more that just base instinct and survival. We can stand for compassion, grace, and love, even to those that we may consider outcasts.
-David
So much can be said about The Dark Knight. It's hard to know where to start. When I saw this film in theaters, I wasn't really sure if I enjoyed it or not. Enjoy is probably not even the right word used to describe how one feels after watching this movie. It's incredibly well done, and one of the most amazing things about this movie is Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker. You don't even see Heath Ledger behind all the scars and bright red paint...you don't see the actor...you see the Joker. And it's scary. How do you negotiate with a character like the Joker? The answer is, you can't. He doesn't care who lives or dies. He doesn't care if HE lives or dies. He describes himself well when he says how he doesn't have a plan, he's "like a dog chasing a car, he wouldn't know what to do if he caught it." He is Anarchy. He wants to prove that he can break the best, which it's implied that he does, but I don't agree. He doesn't break Batman.
Aside from the Joker's performance, one of the key scenes that sticks out to me is when there are two groups on the boats, one boat full of convicts, the other full of non-convicted, ordinary people, trying to get out of Gotham. They are both given a detonator to the other boat, and told that if they don't blow up the other boat, they'll all die. So, do these "innocent" people decide to become murders, and kill convicts who "already had their chance?" And these convicts have killed before, so who's to say they care about anyone else beside themselves? Well, in the end, neither boat can kill the other, and this really shows how good people can be. Even in the face of their own death, they cannot take someone elses' life, and it is a defeating moment for the Joker. I think my exact words at that point in the movie were, "In your face!" The people of Gotham, both the innocent and guilty showed their true colors in that moment.
In the end, the decision is made to not reveal the un-doing of Harvey Dent, but to put the blame on Batman because one, he can handle it, and two, the people of Gotham need to remember Harvey as their white knight. Batman decides it's better to not tell the truth in this situation, because they need to keep faith, even if it's a lie, or at least not the whole story. I'm not sure I agree. I think the people of Gotham are strong enough to hear the truth, they show their strength in the boat scene. And if people find out the truth later...how much worse for them to lose their faith and their trust in the good people.
But, who knows. Maybe it needs to be that way for a reason. All I can say is I am definitely seeing The Dark Knight Rises in 2012.
-Bethany
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
"Batman Begins"
I remember seeing this movie in the theaters. I actually saw Batman Begins three or four times in the theater, even once at the IMAX in Spokane. Yes, it is that good. The story-line, the special effects, the acting...amazing. Michael Cane does an excellent job as the butler, loyal, full of wisdom. Morgan Freeman also plays a man of integrity, as does the actor who plays Gordon. And Katie Holmes and Christian Bale, Liam Niessen...and of course the actor who plays Dr. Crane. He plays crazy a little too well.
Gordon raises the question though, of how far do we go? Even though Batman's desire is to do good, and to restore Gotham City, there are consequences. Gordon basically says, if we start doing this, such as wearing heavier armor, the bad guys will up us one, to which we'll respond, to which they'll respond...you get the idea. And He leads us into the sequel actually with the Joker's calling card. A character with a "taste for the theatrics."
We're left with a bittersweet success. Yes, the good guys won...this time. But there are plenty of more bad guys out there. How long do we keep up the fight? How do we maintain our own integrity? We have to remember the reason why we're doing any of this, the reason behind our decisions, the reason behind our desire to do good. The reason we do what we do.
-Bethany
I remember being absolutely blown away by this film the first time that I saw it...and despite seeing it over an over again, it is one of those shows that doesn't grow old. instead, I find myself catching more and more each time that I watch it. Batman Begins completely separates itself from the more cartoony Batman films and TV shows that have preceded it. It is a dark film, but one that sheds a surprising amount of light on topics ranging from crime, class, justice, and vengeance.
There is alot to be said for the movie's central idea or theme which I believe to be Justice. The film however does not just ask 'what is justice and how does one define it' but it delves into deeper questions such as, how can we define a hero as someone who sees justice as the murder his parents murderer? How can we define a villain as someone who wants to see the elimination of crime? This film dares to ask what is injustice, and are we guilty of it? The next film in our list will of course be the second Christopher Nolan Batman film, which asks similar questions, but instead of the topics of justice/injustice we will find ourselves in search for a definition of evil. More to come on that.
Batman Begins is a film that leaves you hopeful in the chance of Gothams' resurrection as a shining jewel of a city, but also leaves you nervous in wondering what the future will actually hold for its police, citizens, and its hero.
-David
Gordon raises the question though, of how far do we go? Even though Batman's desire is to do good, and to restore Gotham City, there are consequences. Gordon basically says, if we start doing this, such as wearing heavier armor, the bad guys will up us one, to which we'll respond, to which they'll respond...you get the idea. And He leads us into the sequel actually with the Joker's calling card. A character with a "taste for the theatrics."
We're left with a bittersweet success. Yes, the good guys won...this time. But there are plenty of more bad guys out there. How long do we keep up the fight? How do we maintain our own integrity? We have to remember the reason why we're doing any of this, the reason behind our decisions, the reason behind our desire to do good. The reason we do what we do.
-Bethany
I remember being absolutely blown away by this film the first time that I saw it...and despite seeing it over an over again, it is one of those shows that doesn't grow old. instead, I find myself catching more and more each time that I watch it. Batman Begins completely separates itself from the more cartoony Batman films and TV shows that have preceded it. It is a dark film, but one that sheds a surprising amount of light on topics ranging from crime, class, justice, and vengeance.
There is alot to be said for the movie's central idea or theme which I believe to be Justice. The film however does not just ask 'what is justice and how does one define it' but it delves into deeper questions such as, how can we define a hero as someone who sees justice as the murder his parents murderer? How can we define a villain as someone who wants to see the elimination of crime? This film dares to ask what is injustice, and are we guilty of it? The next film in our list will of course be the second Christopher Nolan Batman film, which asks similar questions, but instead of the topics of justice/injustice we will find ourselves in search for a definition of evil. More to come on that.
Batman Begins is a film that leaves you hopeful in the chance of Gothams' resurrection as a shining jewel of a city, but also leaves you nervous in wondering what the future will actually hold for its police, citizens, and its hero.
-David
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
"Back to the Future"
Activate the flux capacitor! Prepare to be sent back to....1985! Or was in 1955? One of my favorites and a classic. This story is really an age old science fiction time travel story, and yet does not share that reputation as a 'sience fiction film.' The whole idea of the show is great, and the acting is just fun. (Who knew we would see Christopher Lloyd again so soon after Angels in the Outfield) Of course, the best part of this whole film is the Oedipus complex experienced by Marty and his mother. Pure and awkward hilarity! And like with any movie made in the 80's, you can't help but love the soundtrack. Especially with Marty's rendition of 'Go Johnny Go.' There are some good points to take from this film as well. Overall, it sends a messages that says stand up for yourself, and be confident in who you are and what you believe. Good messages from a great movie.
-David
First off, I just have to say that I do love 80's movies. Especially the music. And this movie is up there, in my humble opinion, as one of the best movies to come out of this time era. Back to the Future has a great cast, great plot, many comical moments, and is just plain fun! Michael J. Fox does an excellent job in his role as Marty. He really does the confused look well. And of course Christopher Lloyd. Where would we be without our mad scientist! He's got that wild crazy white hair sticking out in all directions, and those ginormous bug eyes...it's not too hard to believe that while he's brilliant, he's also a bit on the, well, "mad" side. And of course Biff. You do need a villian. And he plays his role of "the bully" to a tee.
Even though there are tense moments, and even though it is somewhat painful to watch George stumble through trying to ask Marty's mom out, as well as just watching his throughout much of the film, it is overall a fun and enjoyable piece of science fiction, that I find myself enjoying each time I watch it. It's a good one.
-Bethany
-David
First off, I just have to say that I do love 80's movies. Especially the music. And this movie is up there, in my humble opinion, as one of the best movies to come out of this time era. Back to the Future has a great cast, great plot, many comical moments, and is just plain fun! Michael J. Fox does an excellent job in his role as Marty. He really does the confused look well. And of course Christopher Lloyd. Where would we be without our mad scientist! He's got that wild crazy white hair sticking out in all directions, and those ginormous bug eyes...it's not too hard to believe that while he's brilliant, he's also a bit on the, well, "mad" side. And of course Biff. You do need a villian. And he plays his role of "the bully" to a tee.
Even though there are tense moments, and even though it is somewhat painful to watch George stumble through trying to ask Marty's mom out, as well as just watching his throughout much of the film, it is overall a fun and enjoyable piece of science fiction, that I find myself enjoying each time I watch it. It's a good one.
-Bethany
Saturday, October 9, 2010
"Austin Powers International Man of Mystery"
Right baby....so the reason I love this movies so much is because I love James Bond (as readers will discover once we reach the J's.) Austin Powers is a hilarious parody of the earlier James Bond films. I didn't actually much enjoy the second two Austin Powers movies, but this first one is hilarious. Whether it is a parody of a famous Bond assassin, "Oddjob" changed to the name "Random Task" in the Powers movie, or the elaborately staged execution of Austin and his assistant Vanessa, this film laughs at the spy genera over and over again. The sexuality is way overdone, the puns are awful, but I really see this as satire and think it is all pretty darn hilarious. This movie is a nice way to completely waste one and a half hours, but it is time well wasted if there is such a thing! Overall, I would have to say that this film is groovy baby..yea!!
-David
Austin Powers. Not a movie I would have probably chosen to watch on my own, but after marrying David, I've come to somewhat appreciate this type of humor. Especially when I think about how it's making fun of James Bond. There are some clever moments. And yes, there are those scenes that make you roll your eyes, but overall, it's a pretty funny movie, especially if you are familiar with James Bond. Groovy baby.
-Bethany
-David
Austin Powers. Not a movie I would have probably chosen to watch on my own, but after marrying David, I've come to somewhat appreciate this type of humor. Especially when I think about how it's making fun of James Bond. There are some clever moments. And yes, there are those scenes that make you roll your eyes, but overall, it's a pretty funny movie, especially if you are familiar with James Bond. Groovy baby.
-Bethany
Sunday, October 3, 2010
"Apollo 13"
There was a long period of time as a child that I wanted to fly in space. This film when it came out really cemented my desire to become an astronaut. My career choice has since changed obviously, but this film is still very special to me and I thoroughly enjoy it.
I truly think that this is one of Tom Hank's best performances, and the film (like the story) is of course riveting. I am just amazed at the skill of pilots, commanders, engineers, and all those involved in the rescue of Apollo 13. This story in some ways is even a truer testament to that well known American ingenuity than the first landing on the moon by Apollo 11 itself.
These days, I am saddened by the apparent lack of interest in space flight, exploration, and travel. The science, the exploration, the possibilities for discovery are enthralling to me, but unfortunately...it seems that the funding (or at least the willingness to fund) just isn't there. I truly hope someday that mankind, with it's new advances in technology since the first landing in July of 1969, chooses to return to the moon and learn more about our closest celestial neighbor.
-David
This is a classic favorite. Not only is this a very well done movie, it's a true story, which makes it even more incredible. Apollo 13 lived up to its superstitious number, one thing wrong after another, one of the astronauts gets sick with 104 temperature, machinery breaks, CO2 levels rise dangerously high...and this really happened. Wow. It's an amazing story, and really shows the intellect, skill, and determination of so many people, working together to bring the three astronauts home.
My husband and I have also watched When we left earth, a documentary on NASA and have heard the real Jim Lovett speak. Pretty incredible.
I also find myself watching this movie from the perspective of the wives, both with multiple children, trying to be strong, but fear of the unknown reflecting in their eyes. What these women went through, not knowing if they would soon be left without a husband, without their life companion...but this story does have a happy ending, as Tom Hanks says in the movie as Jim Lovell, "They called Apollo 13 the successful failure." They may not have made it to the moon, but in the end they accomplished what really mattered, they made it home.
-Bethany
p.s. I also have to add that my sisters and I, and a good friend were privileged to meet Tom Hanks through a dream granted for my sister through the Dream Foundation. She received a huge poster of the cover of Apollo 13 with Tom Hanks and Ron Howard's autograph and Tom Hanks crossed out and wrote on the poster, "Jenni, we have no problem." Awesome memory.
I truly think that this is one of Tom Hank's best performances, and the film (like the story) is of course riveting. I am just amazed at the skill of pilots, commanders, engineers, and all those involved in the rescue of Apollo 13. This story in some ways is even a truer testament to that well known American ingenuity than the first landing on the moon by Apollo 11 itself.
These days, I am saddened by the apparent lack of interest in space flight, exploration, and travel. The science, the exploration, the possibilities for discovery are enthralling to me, but unfortunately...it seems that the funding (or at least the willingness to fund) just isn't there. I truly hope someday that mankind, with it's new advances in technology since the first landing in July of 1969, chooses to return to the moon and learn more about our closest celestial neighbor.
-David
This is a classic favorite. Not only is this a very well done movie, it's a true story, which makes it even more incredible. Apollo 13 lived up to its superstitious number, one thing wrong after another, one of the astronauts gets sick with 104 temperature, machinery breaks, CO2 levels rise dangerously high...and this really happened. Wow. It's an amazing story, and really shows the intellect, skill, and determination of so many people, working together to bring the three astronauts home.
My husband and I have also watched When we left earth, a documentary on NASA and have heard the real Jim Lovett speak. Pretty incredible.
I also find myself watching this movie from the perspective of the wives, both with multiple children, trying to be strong, but fear of the unknown reflecting in their eyes. What these women went through, not knowing if they would soon be left without a husband, without their life companion...but this story does have a happy ending, as Tom Hanks says in the movie as Jim Lovell, "They called Apollo 13 the successful failure." They may not have made it to the moon, but in the end they accomplished what really mattered, they made it home.
-Bethany
p.s. I also have to add that my sisters and I, and a good friend were privileged to meet Tom Hanks through a dream granted for my sister through the Dream Foundation. She received a huge poster of the cover of Apollo 13 with Tom Hanks and Ron Howard's autograph and Tom Hanks crossed out and wrote on the poster, "Jenni, we have no problem." Awesome memory.
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