Jacob Destree’s Movie Blog

“The Dark Knight” has been smashing box office records and cashing in on universal acclaim since it was released July 18, 2008. Is it REALLY as good as everyone says it is?

Yes! And here’s “Ten Reasons You Must See the New Batman Movie:”

1. It’s Better Than “Batman Begins”

Every superhero franchise is obliged to cover the “origin story” in the fist film. Having explained who Batman is and why he does what he does (in “Batman Begins”), “The Dark Knight” expands the lore by analyzing the complicated ethics of vigilantism. It’s deeper, darker, and more entertaining than its predecessor.

The villains are better, too. The teaming of the Scarecrow and Henri Ducard in “Batman Begins” pales in comparison to the epic evil unleashed on Gotham City in the sequel. The Joker is truly terrifying, and Harvey Two-Face is truly tragic.

2. Heath Ledger’s Performance As The Joker

If he were still alive, Heath Ledger might have received an Oscar nomination for “The Dark Knight.” Now that he’s passed on, he will surely win it.

3. Introducing Harvey Two-Face

One of the great things about “The Dark Knight” is how it re-introduces familiar elements of the beloved Batman cannon. Arkham Insane Asylum is name-dropped several times. The Scarecrow is STILL alive, and survives the film to boot.

And then there’s Harvey Two-Face: Gone are the zebra-print suits and neon pink makeup of Tommy Lee Jones’ (“Batman Returns”) interpretation. Aaron Eckhart’s take on the role is at once more tragic and menacing than any previous incarnation of the famed villain.

4. The Ensemble Cast

Christian Bale is back as Batman. Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman make the most of their smaller roles. Gary Oldman expands on the importance of his character within the series. And Maggie Gyllenhaal replaces Katie Holmes (as love interest Rachel Dawes) so ably, you won’t even notice the continuity gap.

5. A Lesson In Superhero Ethics

“The Dark Knight” screenplay is by brothers Christopher Nolan and Jonathan Nolan. Together they have crafted a probing look at the ethical implications of vigilantism. Batman tries to do good, but he works outside the rule of law. The Joker does evil, poking carefully crafted holes into Batman’s moral absolutism. Harvey Dent is caught in the crossfire, a victim of chance.

Each of these three form an ethical triangle. They exist as opposing extremes, but require the others in order to exist in the first place. Not many superhero flicks dig this deep.

6. Death Of A Major Character

That’s right! Christian Bale’s Batman can’t save EVERYONE. His choices have consequences, and a major character is killed off as a result.

7. Director Christopher Nolan Brings His “A” Game

Nolan always delivers the goods. Whether it’s “Memento,” “Insomnia,” or “The Prestige,” he knows how to walk the line between easily consumed Hollywood productions and enduring art.

In “The Dark Knight,” Nolan delivers his best film, save “Memento.” It’s the best superhero film of the year.

8. The “Realistic” Special Effects

Let’s face it: Computer effects may be cheaper and more versatile than traditional effects, but they can still make a live action movie look like a cartoon.

Christopher Nolan knows this. His “Batman” films avoid CGI and feel more realistic as a result. When Batman fights a bad guy, it’s Christian Bale in a rubber suit– not a computer generated model (like “Iron Man” or “Spiderman”).

Especially memorable is the semi truck flipped 180 degrees onto it’s topside. Hopefully the DVD special features will cover exactly how this amazing action scene was realized.

9. The Joker’s Magic Trick

Look for this scene early in the movie. It’s quickly over, but it is also the most memorable magic trick you are likely to see this year.

10. It Really Is As Good As They Say

At the time of this writing, “The Dark Knight” rates 82% favorable at MetaCritic.com and 92% “fresh” at RottenTomatoes.com. User Reviews are even higher, scoring 9.2 at MetaCritic and 9.4 at the Internet Movie Database.

Conclusion

I DO have a few complaints, but they are minor: Batman’s cell phone surveillance system is too make-believe to buy into. The Joker’s pre-planning is never really touched on; every scheme falls into place no matter how ridiculously complicated it is. And even at 2 1/2 hours long, the story is rushed at times, glossing over the “connecting logic” from set piece to set piece.

However, upon final analysis, “The Dark Knight” is a smash success. It sets a new standard for a franchise that peaked (seemingly) in 1989. It is fun and scary, and accessible and engaging. Don’t miss the best movie of the summer!

Grade: A-

Is this the best Batman movie yet? The best Joker yet? I think it’s tied with 1989’s “Batman” and Jack Nicholson’s Joker.
Post your thoughts.

Tim Burton’s “Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street” (2008) is an enigmatic picture, to be sure. Part comedy, part horror, and part tragedy, it also happens to be a musical based on a Broadway play.

Johnny Depp was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of Sweeny Todd, a murderous barber out to avenge the death of his long lost love. His partner in crime is played by Helena Bonham Carter, who owns the bakery below his barber shop. Together they secretly murder London’s upper crust aristocrats, bake them into meat pies, and sell them to witless patrons.

Depp sings ably for a Hollywood star, and Helena Bonham Carter is his match in every way. The songs are well written and lyrically creative. But leave it to the hilarious Sacha Baron Cohen to steal the show! Cohen (known for his “Borat” and “Ali G” characters) appears in only two scenes, and makes the most of it. In the first scene he upstages Depp as they compete in a barbering contest to see who gives the fastest, closest shave in London. In his second (and final) scene, Cohen attempts to extort money from Todd. (You can imagine the results). As in “Talladega Nights,” Sacha Baron Cohen knows how to make the most of a small role.

However, despite the film’s light comic touches, much of “Sweeny Todd” is darker and more atmospheric than you may expect. Directed by the always reliable Tim Burton, Sweeny Todd’s London is a perpetual nightmare of black and green colors, shadows, stripes, and cobblestone. When the blood flows (or more precisely, sprays) the bright crimson colors streak across the screen like brush strokes. Burton mastered his craft long ago, and with “Sweeny Todd” continues to explore the instantly recognizable style we will one day call “Burtonesque.”

Yet Burton’s visual flair only carries the film part way. The trouble is, most of the plot developments are underwhelming. The story of Sweeny Todd’s daughter– her imprisonment in the home of an evil judge, and eventual rescue– is strangely insulated from Todd’s revenge scheme. (The two don’t even share a scene together!) Nothing overly consequential goes on until the final revelation of what REALLY happened to Todd’s long lost love, and that’s in the very last scene.

Admittedly, “Sweeny Todd” walks a fine line, and criticizing the plot may sound like quibbling. It is evident that Burton is trying to balance many different elements, continually shifting from comedy to horror, and social commentary to tragedy. What results is a strange brew of melodramatic musicality… But too much melodrama spoils the drama and dulls the comedy, so ultimately “Sweeny Todd” loses his “cutting edge.”

Grade: B-

What does “Burtonesque” mean to you? Burton’s best film? I say “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure.”
Post your thoughts.