I watched this movie for the first time just a few months ago, and promptly got the idea to get it for Bethany for Christmas. I am not necessarily a big fan of "sports movies" but The Blind Side falls into different category along with movies like "Remember the Titans," and "The Natural." Truly moving sports films that have much more to do than just the love of the game.
"The Blind Side" in itself uses the football metaphor and takes it new directions. Allowing a boy from the projects to develop into something powerful, protective, and gentle (all qualities that are ironically a result of his hard life as a child.) Watching Michael develop his skills as a football player offer an insight into his character as a gentle giant, but also as someone who will protect those that he loves.
This is an amazing film and well worthy of the Oscar nominations, and best actress win achieved by Sandra Bullock. In all, it is a story about football, family, understanding what it means to be hospitable, and how to find the courage to trust those whom you look up to.
-David
On the DVD cover of The Blind Side it says, "Based on the extraordinary true story." Extraordinary. I couldn't have said it better. This is a movie you can feel good about showing your family. It's a movie about perseverance, hope, and love. We see a young man who has been neglected, abandoned, and is homeless, sleeping on people's couches some nights, the school gym on others. Michael Oher is portrayed as a very gentle spirit, who doesn't expect anything from anyone. He accepts kindness from others, but doesn't go looking for it.
Sandra Bullock does a brilliant job of playing Leigh Anne Tuohy, the woman who saw a young man in need and instead of looking the other way, she invited him into her home. She is an incredible example of the type of person I think we all wish we could be. She and her family show someone who has been neglected most of his life, if not all, what it is like to be a part of a family that cares and loves and takes care of each other.
Everyone in this movie does a great job, from the spunky kid who plays SJ (I told David I want to have a kid like him someday), the daughter, Tim McGraw, and the actress who plays Michael's tutor. I just love the scene when she discloses to Leigh Anne that she is a democrat. And later the comment is made by either Leigh Anne or her husband, "who'd thought we'd have a black son before we met a democrat?"
Anyway, this is a wonderful movie, and I would very highly recommend it. It's really nice to see Hollywood make a movie so positive and uplifting that is also based on a true story. Nicely done.
-Bethany
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
"Blazing Saddles"
Badges??!! We don't need no stinking badges!" What follows is the first of several Mel Brooks films that we will be reviewing. I have to say that I don't like everything that he has done, but the majority of his films crack me up. "Blazing Saddles" like many Mel Brooks films are full of very simple humor, lots of slapstick and puns. What he does so well, is poking fun at characters of different races and religions and backgrounds in his films, and yet in the end.., especially as in "Blazing Saddles" bringing all of these different backgrounds together to make for a happy ending.
Part of what I like about this film so much is getting to see Gene Wilder. He is a comic genius, and has so many weird quirks that fit so well in the character that he portrays. Mel Brooks is a great comedian as well, and his portrayal of the Governor in this film is a hilarious portrayal of the corrupt politician.
If you aren't overly offended by things that might be considered un-PC, and enjoy laughing at slapstick and simple but funny jokes, this classic film is for you!
-David
Mel Brooks. He did this film. That's about all you need to know. If you know Mel Brooks at all. Blazing Saddles is a fun, quirky film that I do enjoy and that pokes fun at so much, you just have to roll your eyes or laugh. I do enjoy the music, such as a group of railroad workers singing, "I get no kick from cocaine..." or Lily Von Stook and her lovely rendition of, "I'm so tired." In fact, I feel pretty tired myself and David had to nudge me a couple times as I kept trying to fall asleep during the end of this film. Not because it's not interesting, but I've seen it a couple times, and let's face it, I'm tired. Gene Wilder is also in this film and is of course as clever as ever, as is the actor who plays the sheriff.
You do have to appreciate Mel Brooks humor, and if you are unfamiliar with him as a director, you may want to do some research first. He's also responsible for films such as The Producers and Young Frankenstein. All in all, good satire and at times, just plain fun.
-Bethany
Part of what I like about this film so much is getting to see Gene Wilder. He is a comic genius, and has so many weird quirks that fit so well in the character that he portrays. Mel Brooks is a great comedian as well, and his portrayal of the Governor in this film is a hilarious portrayal of the corrupt politician.
If you aren't overly offended by things that might be considered un-PC, and enjoy laughing at slapstick and simple but funny jokes, this classic film is for you!
-David
Mel Brooks. He did this film. That's about all you need to know. If you know Mel Brooks at all. Blazing Saddles is a fun, quirky film that I do enjoy and that pokes fun at so much, you just have to roll your eyes or laugh. I do enjoy the music, such as a group of railroad workers singing, "I get no kick from cocaine..." or Lily Von Stook and her lovely rendition of, "I'm so tired." In fact, I feel pretty tired myself and David had to nudge me a couple times as I kept trying to fall asleep during the end of this film. Not because it's not interesting, but I've seen it a couple times, and let's face it, I'm tired. Gene Wilder is also in this film and is of course as clever as ever, as is the actor who plays the sheriff.
You do have to appreciate Mel Brooks humor, and if you are unfamiliar with him as a director, you may want to do some research first. He's also responsible for films such as The Producers and Young Frankenstein. All in all, good satire and at times, just plain fun.
-Bethany
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
"Blades of Glory"
Oh Will Ferrell, you are my guilty pleasure....wait, that came out wrong. I don't know what it is, but there are so many stupid little things in this movie that crack me up. The whole idea of a figure skating couple being two men is of course funny in itself, but there are so many hilarious awkward moments and lines thrown into the mix that makes "Blades of Glory" so much fun. This is a brainless, and ridiculous movie that is extremely quotable, (which makes it great in my book,) and extremely fun to watch.
I really enjoy seeing the Saturday Night Live alums of Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler in this as well. Anything with SNL actors from the early 2000's takes me back to the days of Celebrity Jeopardy and fantastic editions of Weekend Update. At times, "Blades of Glory" feels like a feature length SNL sketch it is so over the top....and so much fun. If you have an aversion to a little raunchy humor and alot of over the top slapstick and wisecracking, skip this film....if you like to laugh at the 'over the top-ness' of modern Olympic sport, and if you just like to laugh, "Blades of Glory" is a film you should try to catch.
-David
With the holiday season, our blogging has slowed down a bit...but we decided tonight was as good as any night to get back into it! Blades of Glory, a show we both have seen before, but we're excited to watch once again. It's a pretty fun comedy, goofy humor of course, but what else could be expected with this movie's cast. We have Will Ferrel, a.k.a. Chaz Michael Michaels and Jon Heder as Jimmy who really do a good job of showing their distaste for each other, and eventually, their brotherly love. We also have Amy Poehler from SNL and now Parks and Rec, and her real-life husband, something Arnett I think, playing brother and sister pair skaters. They are hilarious and do a good job of being over the top. In fact, everything is over the top, but it's suppose to be. That's the fun of this movie. And of course there are appearances from real life ice-skaters such as Scott Hamilton and Sasha Cohen.
I do have to caution our readers though that there are two scenes in this movie where I have to look away due to the "grossness" factor. One involves Will Ferrell in a wizard costume and the result of too much alcohol, the other with Jon Heder in a bathroom attempting to get a key. That's all I'll say, so just in case your squeamish like me, you might want to look away and have someone non-squeamish tell you when it's over. Overall though, funny movie, but you definitely have to like these types of comedies. It's not for everyone.
-Bethany
I really enjoy seeing the Saturday Night Live alums of Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler in this as well. Anything with SNL actors from the early 2000's takes me back to the days of Celebrity Jeopardy and fantastic editions of Weekend Update. At times, "Blades of Glory" feels like a feature length SNL sketch it is so over the top....and so much fun. If you have an aversion to a little raunchy humor and alot of over the top slapstick and wisecracking, skip this film....if you like to laugh at the 'over the top-ness' of modern Olympic sport, and if you just like to laugh, "Blades of Glory" is a film you should try to catch.
-David
With the holiday season, our blogging has slowed down a bit...but we decided tonight was as good as any night to get back into it! Blades of Glory, a show we both have seen before, but we're excited to watch once again. It's a pretty fun comedy, goofy humor of course, but what else could be expected with this movie's cast. We have Will Ferrel, a.k.a. Chaz Michael Michaels and Jon Heder as Jimmy who really do a good job of showing their distaste for each other, and eventually, their brotherly love. We also have Amy Poehler from SNL and now Parks and Rec, and her real-life husband, something Arnett I think, playing brother and sister pair skaters. They are hilarious and do a good job of being over the top. In fact, everything is over the top, but it's suppose to be. That's the fun of this movie. And of course there are appearances from real life ice-skaters such as Scott Hamilton and Sasha Cohen.
I do have to caution our readers though that there are two scenes in this movie where I have to look away due to the "grossness" factor. One involves Will Ferrell in a wizard costume and the result of too much alcohol, the other with Jon Heder in a bathroom attempting to get a key. That's all I'll say, so just in case your squeamish like me, you might want to look away and have someone non-squeamish tell you when it's over. Overall though, funny movie, but you definitely have to like these types of comedies. It's not for everyone.
-Bethany
Friday, November 26, 2010
"Big Fish"
You know when watching a Tim Burton film, it's going to be different, strange, and slightly odd. But I have not yet found myself not enjoying one of his movies. And this film, Big Fish, very well might be my favorite. If you have never seen this movie, I would highly recommend it, but do have some tissues nearby. It is a beautiful story, of a father and son's estranged relationship, and a son finally seeing who his father really is. The son goes through life struggling with the tall tales his dad always shares. He just wants to know the truth, he tells his father, he wants the facts. To which his father replies that he's been giving him the facts all his life. The son starts to see that while his father's stories may not be 100 percent accurate, there's more truth to them then he realized. And in the end, the son learns to be what his father needs, at the most important moment.
This is a story of a man's life, who is finding himself at the end of his life. It's about death. But the wonderful thing is, it doesn't paint death as a fearful and frightening thing. It shows it as another adventure. When I first saw this movie, it made me cry, and that was before I experienced the loss of my sister, who died almost two years ago from cancer at the age of 22. Watching it now, it hits me even more, just thinking about how important it is to celebrate one's life, during and after, no matter what age. My sister did that. She lived her life, as short as it was, to the fullest, and continues to be an inspiration to me and to many others. And she believed, as I do, that the adventure doesn't end when we die.
Big Fish reminds us to value and love those closest to us, to treasure the stories, the memories. To pass them on and to remember. As the son says near the end, by the passing on of his father's stories, his father becomes immortal. No matter what spiritual or religious beliefs you may have, I believe this story has a beautiful message that can teach us all how to love, and to be more than we think we can be, at the moments when it is needed most.
-Bethany
As quoted by Glenn Whipp of the Los Angeles Daily News on the cover of the DVD case...."Big Fish Is Tim Burton's Masterpiece." This film truly is a masterpiece of film, and most certainly the best film that Tim Burton has directed which is saying quite a lot, as I really enjoy most of his films. Big Fish evokes just about every known human emotion in two hours and five minutes. We laugh with Edward Bloom as he works for the circus, we hold our breaths as he parachutes into the Korean War, we smile seeing the way he wins over his bride, and we cry as we bear witness to one mans attempt to be remembered.
Big Fish is a beautiful collection of stories, myths, legends, half truths, and enchantment all rolled into the tale of the life of one man, Edward Bloom. The stories that he tells about his life are what makes this movie so much fun. I had an Great Uncle who very much reminded me of Blooms character. Several generations of nieces, nephews, children, grandchildren enjoyed being tucked in by my Great Uncle Vincent and going to bed with one of his stories which always started with "well sir....." (fill in story from here!) I don't know where he got the inspiration for all of his stories, but I will always remember them very fondly.
In Big Fish however, Bloom's son although once enthralled by his father's tall tales, finds himself now upstaged, embarrassed, and angered by his father's frequent storytelling tangents. What his son has to learn in the course of the film, is that these stories are not solely for entertainment, nor is it even important that the story is true or untrue. What is important is that the stories that Bloom tells are beautiful, and memorable. As Bloom faces his last days, an entire lifetime of storytelling is all that he has to keep him alive forever, and in the end, it falls to his son to carry on that legacy. I could write probably for pages about what parts of the movie is allegory, how to interpret that allegory, and how to see the stories Bloom tells as windows into our own lives. But to tell the truth, while such a conversation might be interesting, I think it stifles what Bloom would want us to take away from the story of Big Fish.....the pleasure and memory of a good story.
-David
This is a story of a man's life, who is finding himself at the end of his life. It's about death. But the wonderful thing is, it doesn't paint death as a fearful and frightening thing. It shows it as another adventure. When I first saw this movie, it made me cry, and that was before I experienced the loss of my sister, who died almost two years ago from cancer at the age of 22. Watching it now, it hits me even more, just thinking about how important it is to celebrate one's life, during and after, no matter what age. My sister did that. She lived her life, as short as it was, to the fullest, and continues to be an inspiration to me and to many others. And she believed, as I do, that the adventure doesn't end when we die.
Big Fish reminds us to value and love those closest to us, to treasure the stories, the memories. To pass them on and to remember. As the son says near the end, by the passing on of his father's stories, his father becomes immortal. No matter what spiritual or religious beliefs you may have, I believe this story has a beautiful message that can teach us all how to love, and to be more than we think we can be, at the moments when it is needed most.
-Bethany
As quoted by Glenn Whipp of the Los Angeles Daily News on the cover of the DVD case...."Big Fish Is Tim Burton's Masterpiece." This film truly is a masterpiece of film, and most certainly the best film that Tim Burton has directed which is saying quite a lot, as I really enjoy most of his films. Big Fish evokes just about every known human emotion in two hours and five minutes. We laugh with Edward Bloom as he works for the circus, we hold our breaths as he parachutes into the Korean War, we smile seeing the way he wins over his bride, and we cry as we bear witness to one mans attempt to be remembered.
Big Fish is a beautiful collection of stories, myths, legends, half truths, and enchantment all rolled into the tale of the life of one man, Edward Bloom. The stories that he tells about his life are what makes this movie so much fun. I had an Great Uncle who very much reminded me of Blooms character. Several generations of nieces, nephews, children, grandchildren enjoyed being tucked in by my Great Uncle Vincent and going to bed with one of his stories which always started with "well sir....." (fill in story from here!) I don't know where he got the inspiration for all of his stories, but I will always remember them very fondly.
In Big Fish however, Bloom's son although once enthralled by his father's tall tales, finds himself now upstaged, embarrassed, and angered by his father's frequent storytelling tangents. What his son has to learn in the course of the film, is that these stories are not solely for entertainment, nor is it even important that the story is true or untrue. What is important is that the stories that Bloom tells are beautiful, and memorable. As Bloom faces his last days, an entire lifetime of storytelling is all that he has to keep him alive forever, and in the end, it falls to his son to carry on that legacy. I could write probably for pages about what parts of the movie is allegory, how to interpret that allegory, and how to see the stories Bloom tells as windows into our own lives. But to tell the truth, while such a conversation might be interesting, I think it stifles what Bloom would want us to take away from the story of Big Fish.....the pleasure and memory of a good story.
-David
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
"Behind Enemy Lines"
I have to say that when I was younger, I really enjoyed this film, but as my tastes and my definition of a good movie has changed, I don't hold this film in as high a regard as I used to. To be quite frank...I see alot of things in this movie that remind me of exactly the type of war movie that 'Tropic Thunder' is making fun of. The score, the script, and especially alot of the action shots are just plain cheesy, and/or completely unrealistic. It is a nice idea for a story, and it is easy to root for Owen Wilson's character as a downed fighter pilot, but other than that there is little good I can say about this film. At the same time however I can't necessarily can it either because it is at least somewhat entertaining.
Perhaps the thing I appreciate most about 'Behind Enemy Lines' is that it is the only feature film that I know of that deals with the war in Bosnia, and the accompanying genocide that took place in that country during the 90's. I do appreciate the fact that here is a film that touches on that piece of world history that even today is still being played out with continued spats of violence, and a fragile truce between the warring factions in that slice of eastern Europe. At the very least, while not a great film, it can help us to remember some of the horrific events that took place in the Bosnian war, and hopefully help us to remember the cost of such events....so that we may do our part to prevent them from happening throughout the world.............Sudan.
-David
I think I've only seen this movie once before. It's good to be reminded that we were involved in the Serbia/Bosnian conflict, it's a conflict you don't hear much about. This movie takes place during that time featuring Owen Wilson in a non-comedic role. He does a decent job, though his talent is probably best used in more comical roles.
This certainly is not the best war movie we have, in fact it borders on cheesiness at times and brought to mind Tropic Thunder. What makes it cheesy? Well, some of the music they used seemed too modern and upbeat and just didn't fit what was happening on screen. And I didn't really like the slow-mo effects they used. Basically it seemed like they tried to make a war movie with "hip" or "modern" effects like you would see in the Matrix. I just don't think it fit very well. But even so, the basic story is good, and again, it's important to be aware of the types of conflicts and wars we've been involved in, to learn from and hopefully prevent further wars in the future.
-Bethany
Perhaps the thing I appreciate most about 'Behind Enemy Lines' is that it is the only feature film that I know of that deals with the war in Bosnia, and the accompanying genocide that took place in that country during the 90's. I do appreciate the fact that here is a film that touches on that piece of world history that even today is still being played out with continued spats of violence, and a fragile truce between the warring factions in that slice of eastern Europe. At the very least, while not a great film, it can help us to remember some of the horrific events that took place in the Bosnian war, and hopefully help us to remember the cost of such events....so that we may do our part to prevent them from happening throughout the world.............Sudan.
-David
I think I've only seen this movie once before. It's good to be reminded that we were involved in the Serbia/Bosnian conflict, it's a conflict you don't hear much about. This movie takes place during that time featuring Owen Wilson in a non-comedic role. He does a decent job, though his talent is probably best used in more comical roles.
This certainly is not the best war movie we have, in fact it borders on cheesiness at times and brought to mind Tropic Thunder. What makes it cheesy? Well, some of the music they used seemed too modern and upbeat and just didn't fit what was happening on screen. And I didn't really like the slow-mo effects they used. Basically it seemed like they tried to make a war movie with "hip" or "modern" effects like you would see in the Matrix. I just don't think it fit very well. But even so, the basic story is good, and again, it's important to be aware of the types of conflicts and wars we've been involved in, to learn from and hopefully prevent further wars in the future.
-Bethany
Saturday, November 13, 2010
"Beauty and the Beast"
If I had to choose one Disney princess I would like to be, it would most certainly be Belle. She and I share many similarities; she loves to read books, I love to read books, she sings, I sing, she's a brunette, I'm a brunette...you get the idea. If fact, when I was younger, I can remember arguing with a childhood friend over who was more like Belle, her or me. Oh the memories.
I do love this story. It is a story of a girl who doesn't seem to fit in with those around her. She's different from the others, and feels that there must be more for her than just an ordinary life. I wonder how many of us felt that growing up? How many of us still have that desire within us of wanting to do something extraordinary in our lives? Belle has this desire that I think is within all of us, the desire to be so much more than ordinary. The desire to hold that child like wonder that anything can happen, even something magical!
This story also teaches us to not judge a book by its cover, to borrow the old cliche. Belle learns how to see beyond the Beast's appearance, and see his potential for good, and for love. And she in turn falls in love, breaking the spell. What a beautiful story!
-Bethany
This is one of Disney's best films...simply put. As a kid I always enjoyed this movie for the great story, fantastic music, and wonderful fairy tale that it is. Now as a adult, I can glean even more however. What this film deals with is learning to see beyond the surface, and learning to not fear what you do not know. The beast of course, personifies both the fear of the unknown, and is the embodiment of a man with whom you have to look beyond the surface to truly see who he is. Even then, he himself has to "learn how to love" before we can even see him as anything more than a beast.
There are of course many more light hearted things that I love about this film. Things like Gaston's semi-automatic blunderbuss, and his fantastically chiseled features. Then of course the litany of french maid jokes that I can make whenever Lumiere is making passes at the dusting broom. (How weird is that.) To be honest, I like the characters as objects better than I do after the curse is lifted. Especially the beast...he just seems way more manly and cool as a beast duking it out with Gaston after being shot by an arrow.
Beauty and the Beast is a great film that is luckily still fun to watch, which in my opinion cannot be said about more than a few of the older Disney films. I am looking forward to the rest of Disney spread throughout our movie collection.
-David
I do love this story. It is a story of a girl who doesn't seem to fit in with those around her. She's different from the others, and feels that there must be more for her than just an ordinary life. I wonder how many of us felt that growing up? How many of us still have that desire within us of wanting to do something extraordinary in our lives? Belle has this desire that I think is within all of us, the desire to be so much more than ordinary. The desire to hold that child like wonder that anything can happen, even something magical!
This story also teaches us to not judge a book by its cover, to borrow the old cliche. Belle learns how to see beyond the Beast's appearance, and see his potential for good, and for love. And she in turn falls in love, breaking the spell. What a beautiful story!
-Bethany
This is one of Disney's best films...simply put. As a kid I always enjoyed this movie for the great story, fantastic music, and wonderful fairy tale that it is. Now as a adult, I can glean even more however. What this film deals with is learning to see beyond the surface, and learning to not fear what you do not know. The beast of course, personifies both the fear of the unknown, and is the embodiment of a man with whom you have to look beyond the surface to truly see who he is. Even then, he himself has to "learn how to love" before we can even see him as anything more than a beast.
There are of course many more light hearted things that I love about this film. Things like Gaston's semi-automatic blunderbuss, and his fantastically chiseled features. Then of course the litany of french maid jokes that I can make whenever Lumiere is making passes at the dusting broom. (How weird is that.) To be honest, I like the characters as objects better than I do after the curse is lifted. Especially the beast...he just seems way more manly and cool as a beast duking it out with Gaston after being shot by an arrow.
Beauty and the Beast is a great film that is luckily still fun to watch, which in my opinion cannot be said about more than a few of the older Disney films. I am looking forward to the rest of Disney spread throughout our movie collection.
-David
Sunday, October 31, 2010
"Batman The Dark Knight"
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
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
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