I saw the Dark Knight this afternoon, and it was a fantastic movie. The story, special effects, editing, sound - everything about the movie was great. The movie had such a great ensemble cast, and the acting was fabulous. The producers were not happy that Katie Holmes was too busy watching Tom Cruise jump on Oprah's couch instead of promoting Batman Begins and decided not to invite her back to reprise her role as Rachel Dawes. They hired a real actress ( Maggie Gyllenhaal ) and I was happy that Mrs. Cruise was not on the screen. Of course one cannot watch this movie and forget for a second that the brilliance that was Heath Ledger died much - much too soon. The Oscar hype about his performance is right on the money - he was in a word ''amazing''. IMO, his performance will go down in film history as one of the most memorable villains that we have seen. It must be so bitter sweet for everyone involved in this movie to know that this will be such a huge success and to have lost such a great actor with so much promise. I would be surprised if this movie was not nominated for best picture. There are many more movies to be released in 2008, but I would be surprised if there were many in the same league as The Dark Knight.
I also saw Mamma Mia - and would say it was just OK. I loved the broadway musical, but the movie, not so much. It was not horrible, it was just not fabulous. Meryl Streep is not a real singer, but compared to Pierce Brosnen she was Barbra Streisand. I like Pierce as an actor and he is a fine man to look atm but singing is something he should put on his resume, and not take up again. The scenery was beautiful and there were some funny moments and some corny moments. They were sellling the movie soundtrack at the box office, if you are inclined to buy the soundtrack I would stick with the broadway release or buy a CD of Abba's greatest hits. Could be that because I had just seen such a fantastic Batman movie that I was not watching Mamma Mia with an open mind.
I saw Hellboy II a couple of weeks ago, and I really enjoyed the movie. Ron Perlman's Hellboy and the band of missfits really made up an entertaining couple of hours. The whole movie was full of such imagination in the characaters and an easy story line to follow. There is a fair amount of killing, but not really gorey violence. The movie ending is a real set up for a sequel, so I am looking forward to seeing Hellboy III.
Posted by: Barnabas Collins Date posted: Tue Jul 22 15:01:48 2008
Message: I think I'll attend The Dark Knight. I'm sure Miss Winters would like to attend with me.
I guess I'm the only person on the planet who has absolutely no interest in BATMAN. I got superhero movie overload around the time of the first SPIDER-MAN movie. And, frankly, going to see Heath Ledger in a movie where he plays something so dark and creepy is . . . well, creepy to me.
Posted by: Peridot Date posted: Mon Jul 21 14:45:31 2008
Message: Dot, thanks for the movie reviews. I have no interest in Hellboy but will probably see the other two. Years ago I saw the Mamma Mia! stage production in Boston so will most likely enjoy the movie. This one I can probably wait for on DVD. Over the weekend my niece saw the Batman flick and raved about it, especially Heath Ledger's performance. Leo wants to see it so hopefully we can all go soon.
Posted by: Denise Date posted: Mon Jul 21 13:43:42 2008
Message: I rarely go to the theater as I find it too cost prohibitive to drag my family to on a regular basis. That being said, I would like to see Mama Mia. Saw the stage production in Toronto and can easily watch without drawing comparisons.
I have absolutely no interest in Hellboy. As for the newest Batman flick, I can wait until DVD and then only if the guys in my house want to see it.
I saw "The Dark Knight" on Saturday. The special effects were great, and Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker was amazing. However, I thought the story was kind of confusing and hard to follow. Maybe I am not used to going to action movies? Did anyone else feel this way?
Before the movie, I noticed a man in front of us with three little girls. I thought to myself that he should not have brought such young children to see "Batman." Then the previews started. There was one for the next Bond movie and one for "The Mummy" -- both action-packed movies with some violence. The man turned around and asked me, "Is this the theater for 'Wall-E?'" I said, "No, this is for 'Batman.'" He said, "Oh! I thought these previews were too violent!" We laughed and he left the theater to go to another one. We were at a four-screen theater and the name of the movie was not posted outside the theater, so I could understand his mistake.
Posted by: rushlan Date posted: Sun Jul 20 15:38:37 2008
Message:
Dot I agree about the Dark Knight. I saw it at the early showing this morning, 9 AM, and it was fantastic. Heath Ledger's Joker is now my all-time favorite villian. He was mesmerizing. I think Christian Bale is the best Batman ever, actually the best Bruce Wayne ever, in the Batman series of movies. Great job by all, even Aaron Eckhart was terrific.
We saw Mamma Mia last night and I did enjoy it, but I don't think it is a great movie. It is a very fun movie. Meryl Streep was perfect and the young woman who played Sophie has a lovely voice. I think Pierce Brosnan could have used some singing lessons, but he was perfect for the part otherwise. My favorite character was Tanya, played by Christine Baranski, she certainly knows how to steal the scene. The Greek scenery is really quite spectacular.
Posted by: carmen Date posted: Sun Jul 20 2:29:35 2008
Message:
i can't wait to see dark knight!! that's great to know. BUT--i have to disagree w/mama mia. my 20 yr old daughter dragged me to go see it. i am NOT an abba fan but I LOVED IT! and we were stuck in the 4th row. my neck still hurts but it was fabby!!
oh my, i agree about pierce! but i think i read your topic before i went so i didn't expect much. i did like meryl street--no babs of course--but still entertaining! i applaud her for having the cajones to do that! she looked --they ALL looked--like they were having so much fun.
oh the scenery was to die for. i loved it.
i agree with you--i bet dark knight totally tainted mama mia for you. i'm glad i got it out of the way. now, onto dark knight!!
Posted by: AmyD Date posted: Sat Jul 19 9:50:04 2008
Message:
Thanks so much Dot!
From the trailer scenes of the dark night, I saw that Heath Ledger should definietly get an oscar for his performance. The man was totally in his role. But it's just so sad to go watch a dead man's stellar performance. i dont want to miss out on the move though so it will take me time to go watch it. Such a young life to end like this. :o(
Posted by: Megan Date posted: Sat Jul 19 8:33:46 2008
Message: Wow Dot, I echo your review of The Dark Knight. The movie is 2 1/2 hours long, but never ever dragged. I walked away (finally) feeling like I got my money's worth from going to the theater! I doubt there will be another movie this summer that will live up to it.
There was visible/audible audience shifting after Heath's first and second scenes, when he appears on screen. I think people were just uncomfortable knowing it was a fantastic performance he turned in, but that he's dead, it was kind of creepy. Anyways, people were clapping at the end of the movie, it was that good.
Posted by: Julianne Date posted: Fri Jul 18 23:52:24 2008
Message: I absolutely loved Mamma Mia!!!! I thought the scenery was beautiful, the songs were good and Meryl Streep really can sing! The whole movie was enjoyable and I will definitely buy the DVD when it comes out. I don't know why the critics are being so hard on it.........it is just a FUN movie and totally entertaining! Even hubby liked it, not as much as me but still he thought it was an "Okay" film. I have the soundtrack and play it constantly.
