Well, I've seen THE DARK KNIGHT...

[HTownCowboysFan]

...and it totally blew me away. I sat in stunned silence during the final credits as did just about everyone in the theater.

The term "comic book movie" doesn't fit with this film -- it transends the genre. I was simply awesome.

I'm under an embargo for the next 2 weeks, but I'll post a link to my full review when I can. But y'all...

Wow.

[theebs]

cool I am looking forward to it.

I just watched the first one again two nights ago. Cant wait

[ZeroClub]

How cool that you got to see it early.

The trailer looks fantastic and it certainly sounds like the film will live up to its anticipation.

[Achozen]

You're a fanboy, your opinion doesn't count...;)

[silverbear]

...and it totally blew me away. I sat in stunned silence during the final credits as did just about everyone in the theater.

The term "comic book movie" doesn't fit with this film -- it transends the genre. I was simply awesome.

I'm under an embargo for the next 2 weeks, but I'll post a link to my full review when I can. But y'all...

Wow.

Chuckle... I'm probably gonna insult you with this, but I'm just being playful here:

Nobody in here EVER thought you were gonna give that flick anything other than about 12 thumbs up, you've been shilling for it practically since the contract was signed to film it...

I'm sorry, but I seriously doubt that ANY Batman movie could possibly be the compelling film masterpiece you say it is... from the trailers I've seen, it looks like Ledger turns in an intriguing performance, but it's still a freakin' Batman movie, which means it's lightweight, escapist fare...

I look forward to seeing it, but I rather doubt that when it's over, I'll be adding it to my list of the ten best movies I've ever seen...

That said, I will read your review when you write it, so that I'll have a little better idea of what I'll be seeing when I do get a chance to catch it... I don't mean to discourage you from posting those thoughts, I'm just having a little fun with your over-the-top exuberance about a Batman movie...

[ZeroClub]

He did say it transcends the genre ....

It does look like this Joker is being played as a grim, demented serial killer type - which certainly runs counter to the old school lightweight comic movies of 30 years ago.

Not sure what there is to gain by taking potshots at a guy who isn't allowed to argue his point for another couple of weeks.

[theogt]

Mid July release?

Whose idea was this?

:(

[silverbear]

He did say it transcends the genre ....

It does look like this Joker is being played as a grim, demented serial killer type - which certainly runs counter to the old school lightweight comic movies of 30 years ago.

Not sure what there is to gain by taking potshots at a guy who isn't allowed to argue his point for another couple of weeks.

I had hoped it would be perceived more as poking GENTLE fun at his childish enthusiasm... if you read much of my posts, you'll know that I'm quite capable of being truly insulting if I wish to be...

But bluntly, I'll believe that any Batman movie can "transcend" the genre, when I see it for my own eyes... I'm pretty sure it will be the standard, dark morality play, with rather little in the way of plot, the only real difference being the job turned in by Ledger... I'll bet we see Batman fly, we see things blown up, and in the end, Batman wins...

Let's face it, for whatever reason the producers of that movie have given HTown a high level of access to the making of this film, and if he's even semi-normal (as I'm sure he is, he's even made fun of his own enthusiasm at times), that would have to make him predisposed to WANT to like this flick... I'm sure that even he would admit that he's not giving us an unbiased take...

But I'm not mad at him for his enthusiasm, I find it quite funny, but quite harmless... my nephew makes fun of my draft obsession, this is in that spirit... HTown, if I have offended you with any of this, you have my apologies...

[theogt]

Let's face it, for whatever reason the producers of that movie have given HTown a high level of access to the making of this film ... You might want to check out the link in his sig. In terms of Batman websites, it literally is the #1 on the web.

And no, being a devoted fanboy does not mean you're automatically going to love a film. Lots of devoted fanboys didn't like Superman Returns. Lots of (every?) devoted Batman fanboys hated most of the original Batman movies.

Do you like every move made by Jerry? Do you agree with every draft pick, cut, or signing?

Of course you don't.

[ScipioCowboy]

but it's still a freakin' Batman movie, which means it's lightweight, escapist fare...

I'll bet we see Batman fly, we see things blown up, and in the end, Batman wins... .

Do you think Shakespeare was substantially different during his day?

During fight scenes in Shakespeare's plays, packets of fake blood were installed beneath the actors' clothing, and would spray forth when characters were stabbed. English audiences of the day absolutely adored blood and violence.

Believe me when I say that, if Shakespeare had had the technology, his plays would've been filled with CGI explosions and people flying.

And I say this as someone who has very little interest in superhero action movies. I'm a horror guy myself.:D

[silverbear]

You might want to check out the link in his sig. In terms of Batman websites, it literally is the #1 on the web.

Yeah, that's undoubtedly the reason... and hey, there's nothing wrong with liking the folks who give you access that few are granted, that's just human nature...

And no, being a devoted fanboy does not mean you're automatically going to love a film.

C'mon, you've real all the posts he's made about this movie BEFORE he got that early screening, you KNEW he was in the tank for it going it...

And again, that's OK, I'm just having a little FUN with the guy's exuberance...


Lighten up, Francis... as I said, if HTown is offended, I apologize... and if he posts that I offended him, or PMs me to tell me that, I'll promptly cease and desist...

[silverbear]

Do you think Shakespeare was substantially different during his day?

During fight scenes in Shakespeare's plays, packets of fake blood were installed beneath the actors' clothing, and would spray forth when characters were stabbed. English audiences of the day absolutely adored blood and violence.

Believe me when I say that, if Shakespeare had had the technology, his plays would've been filled with CGI explosions and people flying.

And I say this as someone who has very little interest in superhero action movies. I'm a horror guy myself.:D

That's even worse... haven't seen a slasher flick since the original "Halloween", and I rather doubt that I'll ever waste my time on another of 'em...

But I WILL catch this movie, when it shows up on HBO... I've seen all the other Batman flicks...

[Yeagermeister]

That's even worse... haven't seen a slasher flick since the original "Halloween", and I rather doubt that I'll ever waste my time on another of 'em...

But I WILL catch this movie, when it shows up on HBO... I've seen all the other Batman flicks...

I'm with you on the waiting until it's on HBO.

[ScipioCowboy]

That's even worse... haven't seen a slasher flick since the original "Halloween", and I rather doubt that I'll ever waste my time on another of 'em...

As an undergrad, I had a professor of Renaissance literature who contended that, if writers such as Shakespeare and Donne were resurrected today, they would most easily relate to horror films of all the possible film genres. According to my professor, writers of Shakespeare's period often dealt with the balance between good and evil, and would understand characters such as Jason and Freddy because they embody the perpetual, ever-returning nature of evil.

Horror films (especially slasher films) are rightfully criticized for being overly formulaic and not being particularly sorry about it. However, on occasion, a new horror film will add a unique and paradigm-altering component to the genre. Unfortunately, as a new horror films spawns sequel after sequel, it loses those qualities that gave it artistic merit.

I enjoy horror films because of the themes with which they deal. It's certainly not the character development.:D

[silverbear]

As an undergrad, I had a professor of Renaissance literature who contended that, if writers such as Shakespeare and Donne were resurrected today, they would most easily relate to horror films of all the possible film genres. According to my professor, writers of Shakespeare's period often dealt with the balance between good and evil, and would understand characters such as Jason and Freddy because they embody the perpetual, ever-returning nature of evil.

Horror films (especially slasher films) are rightfully criticized for being overly formulaic and not being particularly sorry about it. However, on occasion, a new horror film will add a unique and paradigm-altering component to the genre. Unfortunately, as a new horror films spawns sequel after sequel, it loses those qualities that gave it artistic merit.

I enjoy horror films because of the themes with which they deal. It's certainly not the character development.:D

I'm just makin' fun of you, too... in the spirit of fairness, you can now mock me for loving B comedies-- you know, ones like Summer School, and Bachelor Party... I even like the Hot Shots! and Airplane movies, with their endless series of CORNY jokes...

[ScipioCowboy]

I'm just makin' fun of you, too... in the spirit of fairness, you can now mock me for loving B comedies-- you know, ones like Summer School, and Bachelor Party... I even like the Hot Shots! and Airplane movies, with their endless series of CORNY jokes...

I love Airplane...and Kitten Natividad.

[silverbear]

I'm with you on the waiting until it's on HBO.

Hey, I don't pay DirecTV 120 bucks a month to go watch a movie in a theater!!!

Or to look at it another way, BECAUSE I pay DirecTV 120 bucks a month, I can't AFFORD to go to the theater... can't tell you how much I miss those sticky floors, and the Raisinettes... :D

[Rampage]

Hey, I don't pay DirecTV 120 bucks a month to go watch a movie in a theater!!!

Or to look at it another way, BECAUSE I pay DirecTV 120 bucks a month, I can't AFFORD to go to the theater... can't tell you how much I miss those sticky floors, and the Raisinettes... :D
missing out on the 9 dollar tickets the 7 dollar popcorns the 5 dollar sodas and the 5 dollar twizzlers. plus whatever you're girl wants you're looking at 50 dollar movie and you don't even get to keep it. that's why i only go if i really think the movie is worth it which is once in a while with all the crappy movies that come out these days.

[silverbear]

missing out on the 9 dollar tickets the 7 dollar popcorns the 5 dollar sodas and the 5 dollar twizzlers. plus whatever you're girl wants you're looking at 50 dollar movie and you don't even get to keep it. that's why i only go if i really think the movie is worth it which is once in a while with all the crappy movies that come out these days.

Last movie I saw in a theater was "Heat", with Pacino and DeNiro...

[Rampage]

Last movie I saw in a theater was "Heat", with Pacino and DeNiro...
:laugh2:

[Yeagermeister]

Hey, I don't pay DirecTV 120 bucks a month to go watch a movie in a theater!!!

Or to look at it another way, BECAUSE I pay DirecTV 120 bucks a month, I can't AFFORD to go to the theater... can't tell you how much I miss those sticky floors, and the Raisinettes... :D

OK Pee Wee ;)

[DallasEast]

The Dark Knight will easily be the biggest movie of 2008.

Yep, I said it.

[silverbear]

OK Pee Wee ;)

Pornos are much more fun to watch at home, and you don't risk arrest...

[MrMom]

But bluntly, I'll believe that any Batman movie can "transcend" the genre, when I see it for my own eyes...


Funny you say that. This review does contain some spoilers, but the reviewer is pretty much just stressing the fact that Hellboy II and The Dark Knight have transcended the comic book movie genre. Here's a snippet.


Bottom line: these are films that are built to last. When someone says to me, “It’s just a comic book movie,” these are the films that make that statement pointless. Nothing has to be “just” a comic book movie or “just” a video game movie or “just” a remake or “just” a sequel. Every single time you set out to make a film, you have a chance to say something, a chance to genuinely affect your viewer. You don’t have to aim for “good enough.” Ambition is important, but HANCOCK proves that’s not enough. It’s ambition plus inspiration plus creative chemistry plus a little bit of dumb ****ing luck that all come together to make movies like these. But the only reason they accomplish anything is because Christopher Nolan and Guillermo Del Toro and all the remarkable madmen they collaborated with in bringing them to the screen... they all dared to drop the word “just” from their vocabulary. They aimed for art. They aimed for pure enduring cinema.
And, good god, we are richer for it.

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/37285

[HTownCowboysFan]

And no, being a devoted fanboy does not mean you're automatically going to love a film.

Agreed. I hated most of the films before BEGINS...including B89 -- and reviewed as such.

Look, I'm WAY more than a fanboy -- I wouldn't have been where I was this weekend if I was. This film is BAD-***.

Go see it -- in IMAX if you can. Then come tailgate with me this year on the blue lot so I can tell you "I told you so." ;)

Oh yeah, fanboys don't do this...

http://www.batman-on-film.com/TDK_junket_a-chat-with-chrisnolan_6-30-08.html

[the kid 05]

hey htown, i got an 8 year old bro whos dying to see this. He watches all sorts of horror movies and plays games sucha s GTA and Call of Duty, with his desensited brain would it still be to much for him or no? The theater right up the road is showing it in Imax and we both want to go see it but your original post has me worried a bit

[HTownCowboysFan]

hey htown, i got an 8 year old bro whos dying to see this. He watches all sorts of horror movies and plays games sucha s GTA and Call of Duty, with his desensited brain would it still be to much for him or no? The theater right up the road is showing it in Imax and we both want to go see it but your original post has me worried a bit

Don't take him. The Joker is F'ed...totally. I'm not taking my 7 year old as Chris suggested, but I'll take my 12 and 14 year old.

Really, it's off the chain and not for kids. :starspin

[the kid 05]

Don't take him. The Joker is F'ed...totally. I'm not taking my 7 year old as Chris suggested, but I'll take my 12 and 14 year old.

Really, it's off the chain and not for kids. :starspin

damn...sucks for him lol

[Rampage]

Don't take him. The Joker is F'ed...totally. I'm not taking my 7 year old as Chris suggested, but I'll take my 12 and 14 year old.

Really, it's off the chain and not for kids. :starspin
Sweet! i like how the director of these batman movies are making them more adult like and creepy.

[ChldsPlay]

Well, been planning on rewatching Batman Begins soon. So last night just for the hell of it I popped open my HD-DVD and the disc was mysteriously gone. I have no idea where it could have gone. I haven't watched that movie since shortly after it came out on HD-DVD. I always put movies back into their cases as well. The only thing I can think of is that someone stole it. I don't really know anyone who has an HD-DVD player though. It must have been last June when I went to a convention and brought it with me just in case anyone wanted to watch something. Had a lot of people in our hotel room so who knows.

Guess I'll have to pick up the Blu-ray next week though. Might as well get the box set while I'm at it.

[Achozen]

Well, been planning on rewatching Batman Begins soon. So last night just for the hell of it I popped open my HD-DVD and the disc was mysteriously gone. I have no idea where it could have gone. I haven't watched that movie since shortly after it came out on HD-DVD. I always put movies back into their cases as well. The only thing I can think of is that someone stole it. I don't really know anyone who has an HD-DVD player though. It must have been last June when I went to a convention and brought it with me just in case anyone wanted to watch something. Had a lot of people in our hotel room so who knows.

Guess I'll have to pick up the Blu-ray next week though. Might as well get the box set while I'm at it.
Damn, you got owned.

lol.

[HTownCowboysFan]

Guess I'll have to pick up the Blu-ray next week though. Might as well get the box set while I'm at it.

I'm giving away 15 BATMAN BEGINS Special Editions in Blu-ray...

http://www.batman-on-film.com/contests_dcdirect_TDK-1-June_6-10-08.html

Maybe you'll win.... ;)

[the kid 05]

htown my little brother offically hates you lol A) i told him you seen it and you wont tell me anything about it and B) you said it was to violent/grusem/dark and I told my mom and she said like i did "sucks for him" lol

[Aikmaniac]

HTown, that's awesome you had the chance to view the film. I'm looking forward to it as well.

BTW, silverbear, there's no horror movie that's ever compared to the original "Halloween"...just my opinion.

I agree that HTown's excitement for the movie may have him overexaggerating on some points, but I've read other film reviews of his as well...not of the comic genre...that are right up there with the critics themselves.

His exuberance reminds me of mine with Stallone movies. Been a fan of his for years and found myself again counting down the days until Rocky Balboa and Rambo came out. It felt like I was 10 years old again.

[ChldsPlay]

I'm giving away 15 BATMAN BEGINS Special Editions in Blu-ray...

http://www.batman-on-film.com/contests_dcdirect_TDK-1-June_6-10-08.html

Maybe you'll win.... ;)

I may just do that, questions are easy enough so it couldn't hurt.

[Bob Sacamano]

You might want to check out the link in his sig. In terms of Batman websites, it literally is the #1 on the web.

And no, being a devoted fanboy does not mean you're automatically going to love a film. Lots of devoted fanboys didn't like Superman Returns. Lots of (every?) devoted Batman fanboys hated most of the original Batman movies.

Do you like every move made by Jerry? Do you agree with every draft pick, cut, or signing?

Of course you don't.

I couldn't agree more, fanboys are the harshest critics if the director f's it up

I can't wait to see this movie, will be a nice break from the Batman and Robin's we've been so accustomed too

[Bob Sacamano]

As an undergrad, I had a professor of Renaissance literature who contended that, if writers such as Shakespeare and Donne were resurrected today, they would most easily relate to horror films of all the possible film genres. According to my professor, writers of Shakespeare's period often dealt with the balance between good and evil, and would understand characters such as Jason and Freddy because they embody the perpetual, ever-returning nature of evil.

Horror films (especially slasher films) are rightfully criticized for being overly formulaic and not being particularly sorry about it. However, on occasion, a new horror film will add a unique and paradigm-altering component to the genre. Unfortunately, as a new horror films spawns sequel after sequel, it loses those qualities that gave it artistic merit.

I enjoy horror films because of the themes with which they deal. It's certainly not the character development.:D

you ever see Funny Games? not exactly a horror movie, and not as bad as everyone keeps saying, but it was pretty good

[Bob Sacamano]

Don't take him. The Joker is F'ed...totally. I'm not taking my 7 year old as Chris suggested, but I'll take my 12 and 14 year old.

Really, it's off the chain and not for kids. :starspin

he looks like it in the previews, morose, disturbed, just like it should be

just 1 question, did you hate the Joker? I can't get into a movie unless I really hate the villain, last time that's happened was when Gary Oldman was kicking the **** out of Harrison Ford in Air Force 1

seriously, it's been that long since a movie has struck me like that, and I really rooted for the good guy

[ScipioCowboy]

you ever see Funny Games? not exactly a horror movie, and not as bad as everyone keeps saying, but it was pretty good

I had neither seen nor heard of it until you mentioned it. So I looked it up and Wiki, and it looks intriguing. I'll check it out. Thanks.

[MrMom]

http://www.filmwad.com/fw_images/2008/07/01/batman-small.jpg

[MrMom]

some new stuff in this domino's pizza trailer. this movie is shaping up to be epic. some advice to the diehards, if anyone is planning on going to check this out at an imax midnight show, i'd buy the tickets now. they're already up for sale.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=l_sxOvIzY7I

[HTownCowboysFan]

just 1 question, did you hate the Joker?

Oh hell yeah. Funny, I lobbied for that after BATMAN BEGINS. I interviewed TDK producer Emma Thomas and we talked about that. Here's that excerpt:

BOF: Oh yeah. There were two things that I lobbied for hard on BOF if you were ever going to use Harvey Dent or The Joker again was that one, you really would care about Harvey Dent -- that’d he be a true hero.

ET: Yeah, yeah absolutely.

BOF: And with The Joker, you had to hate him. And I did (laughs)! It's a "love to hate" thing. But you know, the writing for The Joker was fabulous, but the performance was AWESOME.

ET: Yeah, yeah. It’s really something isn’t it? He’s so…terrifying…the unpredictability…everything.

http://www.batman-on-film.com/TDK_junket_a-chat-with-emmathomas_7-1-08.html

[Bob Sacamano]

I had neither seen nor heard of it until you mentioned it. So I looked it up and Wiki, and it looks intriguing. I'll check it out. Thanks.

no problem

Oh hell yeah. Funny, I lobbied for that after BATMAN BEGINS. I interviewed TDK producer Emma Thomas and we talked about that. Here's that excerpt:

BOF: Oh yeah. There were two things that I lobbied for hard on BOF if you were ever going to use Harvey Dent or The Joker again was that one, you really would care about Harvey Dent -- that’d he be a true hero.

ET: Yeah, yeah absolutely.

BOF: And with The Joker, you had to hate him. And I did (laughs)! It's a "love to hate" thing. But you know, the writing for The Joker was fabulous, but the performance was AWESOME.

ET: Yeah, yeah. It’s really something isn’t it? He’s so…terrifying…the unpredictability…everything.

http://www.batman-on-film.com/TDK_junket_a-chat-with-emmathomas_7-1-08.html

oh man, I...CAN'T...WAIT

and I'm not even a big Batman fan, I just appreciate a good flick and this one looks tremendous

[ZeroClub]

The Dark Knight will easily be the biggest movie of 2008.

Yep, I said it.

DallasEast - your avi ... is it from "Hancock"? I just saw that movie this afternoon. I'd give it a solid B+. A good bit of fun and some nice action / special effects.

[Cochese]

Last movie I saw in a theater was "Heat", with Pacino and DeNiro...

Funny you say that, because I have read atleast two reviews of TDK that compare it with amazing crime dramas like Heat.

[HTownCowboysFan]

Funny you say that, because I have read atleast two reviews of TDK that compare it with amazing crime dramas like Heat.

There certainly is an element of HEAT in TDK. It's being called the "GODFATHER, Part 2" of this genre.

[ChldsPlay]

Funny you say that, because I have read atleast two reviews of TDK that compare it with amazing crime dramas like Heat.

I wouldn't call Heat amazing, and honestly I can't really think of any crime dramas that I would refer to as amazing either. Departed was above average though.

[DallasEast]

DallasEast - your avi ... is it from "Hancock"? I just saw that movie this afternoon. I'd give it a solid B+. A good bit of fun and some nice action / special effects.
Yep. ;)

[ChldsPlay]

DallasEast - your avi ... is it from "Hancock"? I just saw that movie this afternoon. I'd give it a solid B+. A good bit of fun and some nice action / special effects.

Really? I thought the fx were pretty bad by today's standards. Definitely subpar for a 4th of July weekend blockbuster.

Overall it was a mildly enjoyable movie. Very disjointed. I suspect there will be an unrated director's cut.

[Cochese]

Really? I thought the fx were pretty bad by today's standards. Definitely subpar for a 4th of July weekend blockbuster.

Overall it was a mildly enjoyable movie. Very disjointed. I suspect there will be an unrated director's cut.

The reviews I read said the stuff they cut was much much better than the stuff they left in.

[BrAinPaiNt]

Found these on the net, figured you might like them...

http://i29.tinypic.com/2uthvv9.gif

http://i28.tinypic.com/16c9x55.gif

http://i31.tinypic.com/2ca3k1.gif

http://i28.tinypic.com/2ptpa3d.gif

[Cochese]

I love seeing the Joker on LaSalle street in Chicago.

[HTownCowboysFan]

I will be free from my embargo on July 8th, so I'll post my review then. Seems all the midnight showings on the 17th are selling out.

[Crown Royal]

Chuckle... I'm probably gonna insult you with this, but I'm just being playful here:

Nobody in here EVER thought you were gonna give that flick anything other than about 12 thumbs up, you've been shilling for it practically since the contract was signed to film it...

I'm sorry, but I seriously doubt that ANY Batman movie could possibly be the compelling film masterpiece you say it is... from the trailers I've seen, it looks like Ledger turns in an intriguing performance, but it's still a freakin' Batman movie, which means it's lightweight, escapist fare...

I look forward to seeing it, but I rather doubt that when it's over, I'll be adding it to my list of the ten best movies I've ever seen...

That said, I will read your review when you write it, so that I'll have a little better idea of what I'll be seeing when I do get a chance to catch it... I don't mean to discourage you from posting those thoughts, I'm just having a little fun with your over-the-top exuberance about a Batman movie...
lol @ this post.

[HTownCowboysFan]

lol @ this post.

Uh, I was RIGHT, wasn't I? Not bad for a "shill." ;)

[DallasEast]

Chuckle... I'm probably gonna insult you with this, but I'm just being playful here:

Nobody in here EVER thought you were gonna give that flick anything other than about 12 thumbs up, you've been shilling for it practically since the contract was signed to film it...

I'm sorry, but I seriously doubt that ANY Batman movie could possibly be the compelling film masterpiece you say it is... from the trailers I've seen, it looks like Ledger turns in an intriguing performance, but it's still a freakin' Batman movie, which means it's lightweight, escapist fare...

I look forward to seeing it, but I rather doubt that when it's over, I'll be adding it to my list of the ten best movies I've ever seen...

That said, I will read your review when you write it, so that I'll have a little better idea of what I'll be seeing when I do get a chance to catch it... I don't mean to discourage you from posting those thoughts, I'm just having a little fun with your over-the-top exuberance about a Batman movie...:lmao: Can't wait to read your thoughts about the movie now, SB. :)