The Dark Knight The Dark Knight Fan Review Thread

[dimmutaker]

Ok july isn't here yet, but a cople of people here, myself included, had the great oportunity to see TDK early so let's post the reviews here for everyone to see

My partner works(asst mgr.) at a muvico theater here in tampa, fl and he took me this morning to what he told me was a screening for hellboy just for the employees.. Anyway when the movie started to roll it wasnt hellboy but the dark knight.... Of course me beign the sentimental and stupid guy i started to cry cause, first it wasnt an imax experience LOL(althought i already have tickets to see it on the 18th 3 times).. and second cause truly i wasnt expecting to see it this early.... Anyway so enough about me

This movie is a masterpiece, truly amazing in every word.. I havent seen a movie in which incorporates a lot of feelings into a 2 1/2 hours, until this one... funny, sad, pissed off, happy, amazed, joyful, SHOCKED, all this in one of another is going to pop up in you.... The characters and actors are amazing.. Starting from Rachel, which in this movie you really feel connected to her, in a way a friend, true friend, would be... Harvey.. In him you see someone who can really do a lot of good in a courtroom instead of beign outside kicking people asses. Great performance by Aaron and is true what people have said out there, you truly feel sorry and pitty for him. In one way he didnt want it to be two-face and u can REALLY sense his pain, and i will go further as to feel it.... Alfred is amazing as always. He cares about bruce a lot. You can see that in this movie, just like in begins, he's trying to talk bruce out of the batman idea, NOT directly, but with words... Gordon, still a little reserved, respect and is thankful for batman to be a hand against crime and corruption. Of course, as a lot of u guys know, that doesnt last long. From maroni to scarecrow all of them, even with little parts, all of them had a purpose in this movie....

Bruce.. God.. Nolan has created a movie so moving so powerful, that is like you can relate in some form with bruce/batman.... In begins you see that he knows that batman WILL be a force for good and he knows that in due time all of gotham will be with him. You can't say the same thing on this movie... You feel the weight of gotham in his shoulder. He knows that he will be back to "normal", thanks in part by 2 people, and most of all he knows that he will be with rachel, after batman is done.. Anyone can relate to that in some way or another.... Bruce have faith that in the end he will no longer be batman. When the movie is over for u guys, u can be damn sure, that when he was little and he fall into that hole and all the bats came after him, that was his fate, to be batman, to be some sort of securty for the people of gotham, to be an enemy against corruption, to be feared by a lot of people... Bruce realized that he created something that will never be broken, not even after death.... Anyway u guys get my point.. this movie was so good..

Joker... Everything that was said about heath and joker is true... This joker will be remember in 10 20 30 years from now.... He's an iconic figure in this movie... And im glad that... well let's say that i had concerns about joker, and im glad

Spoiler

he doesnt die so i expect another great actor to take the role

....


The most surprising thing was that i thought, thanks to the virals, reviews etc, that joker was gonna be the center of this movie... NOP bruce/batman is.. and that put a smile on my face ....


This movie will grab you and will never let you go.... Once the credits start rolling, the only thing that will be in you mind is, that in part u changed forever, that it took a lot time for you to see this masterpiece, that after all the spoilers and high expectations this movie took you by surprise at how AWESOME is, that chances are that you will see this movie at leat 2 more times(like me), and at the end after a lot of emotions went through your mind and soul that only question remains....

Spoiler

and everything has to be answer in a 3rd part

10/10 AMAZING

 

[Nathan Petrelli]

I just got back from the screening. I'm speechless, I don't know how to write a review to do it justice, so I'm not going to.

Dont believe the hype about Heath Ledgers Joker. Why? Because they under sell it. You don't realize your watching Heath Ledger. You get caught up in it, you don't see an actor on screen. You see a homicidal, psychotic, schizophrenic, insane, chronic lying unpredictable genius. You feel the obsession The Joker has for Batman. He was taken away way to ****ing early from us, this role will go down in HISTORY. You will talk about it just like you did with Marlon Brando as the Godfather.

Harvey Dent/Two-Face was also incredible. I'm upset that

Spoiler

they killed him off at the end though

Christian Bale, Morgon Freeman, the new Rachel Dawes, forgot her name and Michael Cain were also at there best.

Also, the Jokers speech on Madness and being Insane. Wow, just wow.

This movie will go down in the history books.

 

[Bobman13]

HEY!!!!! i just saw the movie last night at navy pier! I had to take overnight to cath my breath and digest it all. I will not put spoilers on here so feel safe to read on. Anyone that has been involved in the virals will get such a HUGE payoff seeing this movie. There are so many little things in the movie just for us. Name drops and things on screen. Especially the first sequence after the prologue CFB 4 LIFE!!!! To say Heath Ledgers performance in this movie is oscar worthy is downplaying it my friends. He is HILARIOUS, DEMENTED, and HORRIFYING all at the same time in every single frame. For anyone living in chicago this movie is an ode to us and our city. The all IMAX city sweeps with leave you breathless and with goosebumps running up your arms. I cannot say enough about this movie, except that it is absolutely GIGANTIC. This film is the new benchmark for superhero . . . no scratch that just plain action movies from now on. It is just MASSIVE! I wanted it to start over again as soon as it was done. I will be seeing you all in Woodridge tomorrow night to get AWESTRUCK all over again. I literally cannot wait to see this with a brand new audience and fell the excitement and the tension. Only 24 more hours of waiting kids . . . live through it knowing you will be changed and ruined forever cinematically!!!!!

 

[jmc]

JMC Review - Spoiler Free

As a fan of Batman for many years it would be easy for me to go into The Dark Knight caught up in all the hype and excitement, but as I’ve learned on previous occasions, the movie nut in me is always compelled to proceed with caution regardless of the subject matter. Viral marketing and kick arse trailers were finally going to put their money were their mouth was.

The results: Every so often a sequel out does it’s predecessor, it’s rare, in fact I can count one hand films worthy of falling into that category. The Dark Knight now joins that list. Chris Nolan’s sequel not only tops Batman Begins, it does it such that it makes the original look like Fantastic Four. To put it bluntly, if Batman Begins was the benchmark for the modern comic adaptation, The Dark Knight just set the bar higher. The comparison to ‘Godfather II’ is just, this is in every way a film that shows that the superhero genre need not be simple plot and special effects, that these type of films can be more than live a action cartoon, no, what Chris Nolan has done with the genre now has created a piece that will stand above the rest for many a year to come, elements of gritty cop drama, psychological thriller, film noir, detective story, all rolled into one. Batman Begins was just the overture, The Dark Knight is the symphony.

To label this as a mere ‘comic book movie’ (a term I hate to begin with) is an insult to the film makers and cast, The Dark Knight is a complex tale, an intelligent film, as such it requires you to concentrate and actually watch what’s happening, be warned this is not Iron Man or Spider Man, those expecting an easy on the eyes popcorn flick will be in for a rude shock, this is the first June-July blockbuster I can recall that really doesn’t feel like one. In fact, I’d go so far to say that Nolan has created a new kind of genre, an Intelligent Blockbuster, something I’ve longed to see Hollywood do, for too long we have been fed rubbish in the form of crappy action flicks overloaded with annoying FX, cheesy dialogue, one dimensional characters and second rate actors, The Dark Knight with it’s smart script and killer cast could very well change the way the June-July Blockbusters are made, hopefully for the better.

The comparisons to Heat and The Departed are totally spot on, every scene in this film could easily have been a scene in a Mann or Scorsese flick, It’s quite violent, it really does push the boundaries of an M15+ rated movie (Aussie equivalent to PG-13), in fact I’m actually surprised it managed to get such a low rating, the only thing that probably saved it was the lack of blood coz it really is quite heavy at times. The warnings that this film is not for little kids is accurate, let them watch Adam West or The Batman, this film is not for them, The Joker alone would give them nightmares. The use of Chicago as Gotham really gives The Dark Knight it’s authenticity, it just feels so real, you really forget that the characters you’re watching are based from a comic book, the city is immaculately shot and looks beautiful, if Chicago gets a rise in tourism in the next few months, they can thank Nolan.

The cast is great, Bale now seems totally at home in the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman, he owns this character, he plays the cocky side of Bruce perfectly, yet also plays the lone individual fantastic as well, this is clearly a man who’s fighting a one man battle. The world is clearly on Bruce Wayne’s shoulders in this film as the beast that he’s created starts to take it’s toll, the citizens want Batman’s head, with the Joker the one fuelling the fire.

Oldman is great, like Bale he own’s the character of Gordon, his struggle to bring control to increasing kaos see Oldman take the character up a level this time round, gone is the lone good cop from film one, this guy is now in command. The relationship between Gordon and Dent is very tense at times, whilst they want the same result, there is a mistrust between them which boils over later in the film.

Maggie Gyllenhall is a welcome addition and makes greater impact to her character in 5 mins than Katie Holmes did in the whole of Batman Begins, one wonders how much better the Rachel character could have been if she was present 3 years ago. The Rachel character is so much more likeable this time around although a small complaint is the she seems to have little to do, but that doesn’t take away anything from Gyllenhall.

Michael Caine doesn’t put a foot out of place, his Alfred character is great again, not only that, but he gets some great lines and as usual Caine delivers them perfectly. Morgan Freeman is sharp as ever, his scenes with Bale are fantastic. All be it brief, both actors time on screen is welcome.

For the two biggest additions to the cast, it seems fitting to write the most about them. Firstly, Aaron Eckhart, who has finally brought to the screen the Harvey Dent character that I’ve waited years for. Eckhart’s Dent is really tragic. A man trying to do what’s best for Gotham only to have his world fall apart around him, Eckhart really is great, he brings a strong performance as Dent, he could easily have strayed into the background given the Joker’s presence but Eckhart more than holds his own. Whilst Eckhart’s time as Two-Face is brief, the change is character is dramatic, gone is the once White Knight of Gotham, arrived has a crazed man determined to instil his own form of justice by the flip of a coin to each and every person. Eckhart really is the surprise of this film, I fully expected him to get totally overshadowed in the wake of Bale and Ledger, but he really stands tall as Harvey Dent and as Two Face.

Lastly, the late, great Heath Ledger. One word: Mesmerising. For those who thought Jack Nichalson’s Joker could never be topped, here is the proof against that argument. The character is a sick, twisted, insane, individual. His enjoyment for terror and death is shocking, and his sense of humour that accompanies is disturbingly dark. When Ledger said this Joker was more about the eyes he wasn’t joking, he has soulless eyes, lost in mind of insanity, hellbent on turning Gotham into his own playground of death and destruction for his own enjoyment. His arrogance as he tells the city what’s coming to them, his defiance of both the authorities and the criminal underworld, as was written in the virals, he lives life without rules. As expected no explanation is given to the characters’ origins, but that lack of knowledge about him makes him all that more terrifying a character. The character is unpredictable, his mood changes in an instant, laughing hysterically one moment, a few seconds later he’s stone cold. You don’t feel anything for this character. Ledger pulls out the finest performance of his short career, he is unrecognisable, not a hint of him exists in that character, not in look, not in body, not in voice, what ever he did in that hotel for 6 weeks has come off perfectly, for someone who claimed to be neither a fan of comics or of comic adapted films he has nailed this character to the letter, you’d swear he had been practising to do this role his entire life, the ease in which he does it is incredible. We’ve never seen as good a Joker as this captured on film before, and I’m going so far to say there will never be as good a Joker captured on film ever again. This will be one of the, if not the supporting performance of the year, and whilst award season is a good 6 months away, anything less than an Oscar nomination will be a slap in the face and a complete insult to the legacy Heath leaves with this film.

On the director side of things Nolan has upped the ante in film 2, the action sequences a bigger, the cinematography is superb, fans will be pleased to know that the much critised close camera work for the fighting has been minimised this time round, Nolan has instead opted for more visually dynamic shots that will more than satisfy those critical of the previous films sequences. Gotham City is a character in and of itself, such epicness, such scale, all beautifully shot. The controversial new Bat suit works great on film, it clearly has more mobility this time round than it’s predecessor. The Batpod, awesome! I thought the Tumbler couldn’t be topped in terms of coolness, I was so wrong, this is a vehicle that any motorcycle loving freak would die for. The story is solid, and with the exceptions of one or two lines, the dialogue is great.

So all is fantastic then, right? Um, well not so fast! Every great film needs its flaw, and for The Dark Knight it’s main sticking point for me is its length. I think the critics are correct with this complaint, I know some will cry foul at the thought that a Batman film can never be too long but at 2 1/2 hours long, the Dark Knight could have used a few cuts. The great irony is that even though it could stand to be trimmed by 20min, I wouldn’t have a clue as to what to cut out (maybe the Hong Kong story line could have used some trimming), it’s a strange paradox, it feels like if it were shorter it would be almost perfect, but really, this is just a minor set back that doesn’t effect the film. Another minor issue is Dent turn from good guy to bad guy feels a little too quick, but again, it doesn’t effect the film, no film is perfect, even the best have nagging issues.

The term masterpiece has been thrown around by several critics for this film and although it a term which I think gets used a little too lightly sometimes, I think over time this will be considered as such. It is the benchmark for not just comic adaptations, but the June-July Blockbusters as well, and it’s a benchmark that may take many a year to top. I watch a hell of a lot of movies (probably more than I eat hot meals) and although it’s still early in the year and there are many a film to come, it’s my firm belief that the Dark Knight is the first superhero / comic adaptation to have a genuine shot at Oscar nomination, whether it can win is another story, but it will be hard to see the Academy not reward The Dark Knight with at least nomination, for all the complaints of the Academy never focusing on mainstream movies, come award season, The Dark Knight is going to be pretty hard for them to ignore. The question is whether the Academy can look past the Cape, the Cowl and Clown Makeup and see the film for what it is, not for the subject matter. And for all the talk of Oscar nomination for Ledger, I believe Eckhart is more than equal for a supporting nominations, he’s that strong (even Oldman could be an outside chance too). And to not consider Nolan for equal recognition in directing would be a travesty, I’ve often feared that Nolan would be one of those directors who’s work will always appreciated but never rewarded, this should be the final wake up call to Hollywood that this man is one of the most gifted in the industry.

I walked into the cinema really nervous, something that hasn’t happened to me since I was about 8 years old, I sat patiently through the various ads of local car dealerships and Italian Restaurants, the upcomings attractions and finally sat through 2 1/2 hours of some of the most intense, smart and visually spectacular film making I’ve seen in years. I walk out somewhat in state a shock, trying to digest what I'd just witness, an awesome film. This is a movie film schools around the world will be showing their students. Nolan has delivered an Intelligent Blockbuster, one that will have you on your seat the whole way through. Batman Begins was the Batman film I’d waited my whole life for, The Dark Knight was beyond my wildest dreams.

And lastly, to film makers of the next big comic adaptation to hit the screens, you have my sympathies, you have a very tough ask ahead of you.

Score - a solid 9 from me.

 

[Buster Bluth]

Just got back from my screening. I'll keep it short. I thought it was very, very good, verging on great, but fell just short. Partly because of the subplots, partly because of the length (which really didn't feel TOO too long because of the excellent and relentless pacing), and partly because I felt the big chase scene lacked legitimate excitement.

There was tension throughout, however, and I think this is a movie that probably improves upon repeat viewings. Therefore, I won't really review it in greater detail until I've seen it again (it puts you through the wringer).

 

[ross2287]

Just got back from the prescreening. This is truly an epic film. Heath is amazing. There are definitely some unanswered questions for the next one. Maybe I'll post a full review later, but for now I'm just too excited.

 

[silverskull_86]

Just got ome from seeing it. If you're sitting there reading this now, WTF are you doing here?!?

Get your backside to your local cinema and watch The Dark Knight A.S.A.P!!!

 

[spanish39]

Unbelievable how good this film was. Heath nailed Joker, took himself right out of the character and let it be its own entity. Two-Face looked great, but

Spoiler

why kill him off

Glad David S. Goyer kept his word and

Spoiler

let Joker live, nice nod to teasing us with the Jokers fall to his death ala '89

So much to talk about, I could literally ramble for an hour or more. The hospital scene with Ledger as he blows it up....priceless.

 

[Batman>all]

wait so Two Face won't be the villain for the 3rd?

 

[Visiting Arkham]

Please, please mark spoilers.

 

[Galvanize]

I really really loved this film. It takes everything from the first film, builds on it and makes it better.
The cast are outstanding. I really hope Ledger is nominated for an Oscar because he definitely deserves to be nominated. He is just pure, twisted, raw chaos. His Joker is funny but also completely frightening, unhinged and intelligent. This is a performance thats sure to be remembered.
Oldman is fantastic in this also. He is such a great actor and he completely shines. One of the best persormances ive seen him give.
Bale is also excellent. He slips in and out of his Batman and 2 x Bruce roles with ease. I thought he was great in Begins but here he is even better.
Hats off to Eckhart too. His angry moments are something else. I was a bit shocked to see that at first as i am used to him playing it cool but i loved his portrayal of Harvey. For me he completely nailed it.
Maggie was a lot better than Holmes and i only wish she had been in Begins. She was just a lot more believable in this role.
Caine and Freeman are as always in top form.
The Nolans have crafted a well thought out script. I love the direction in which they have gone with this.
Nolan is one of those great directors working today and for me his work since Memento has been nothing short of excellent and its on show here again. He weaves his stories in and out of one another building up to one hell of a last 30 minutes.
The action was also turned up a notch this time as is the drama. It honestly feels like the movie is going a million miles an hour and wont let up.
When alls said and done it wont be everyones cup of tea but its everything i wanted out of a Batman movie and so much more, hell its all i wanted out of a superhero movie and so much more.
Its my fave movie of the summer so far and definitely my fave film of the year and i cant wait to see it again.

A+

 

[Terry]

I'm a man of few words...

AMAZING!

SEE IT ASAP!

 

[d.k.]

Wow
Simply amazing film

 

[Wade]

I too caught a viewing of the film tonight in Northeast Florida. And I agree with the words above. Not only is this film a masterpiece, but it is an EPIC.

Besides that, I really don't know what else to say. Since I left the theatre, I've been speechless. It is such a powerful film. There are scenes, especially the ending, that fill you with such a joy that it gives you a sense of euphoria for the next couple of hours.

I, personally, am proud of Heath Ledger's performance. He nailed it on the head in every shape, form, and complexity. From witty comments, to spontaneous acts of violence, and to personal mannerisms and actions. You will find yourself laughing in shock and amusement at the things he does. I really enjoyed the hints towards the Joker's origin, meaning his scars, but you the viewer never fully know given his insanity. Ledger's Joker is a character which cannot be compared to any other in motion picture history. It's just that damn good! Beware of the "magic trick"!

As one said above, Gyllenhall gives so much more to the role of Rachel than Katie Holmes ever could've had. Her words have personality.

Eckhart's Harvey Dent, like Bruce Wayne, is a character of many emotions and...complications. All in which one can relate to and understand. His transformation into Two-Face is heartbreaking.

As for my other thoughts, they all are just mashed up in my head. There are flaws in this film, yes, but they are diminished by the true golden efforts of all of those who worked on this film. I could provide spoilers, but I choose not to as I want you all to walk into it as I did, unexpecting. This is a movie going experience that you will not forget.

I sure as hell can say this. While Nolan definitely sets the bar for the comic film genre, it also sets the bar for comic books themselves and the intricate story lines.

"He is.....The Dark Knight."

~Wade

 

[TLBorlando]

You wrote an excellent review JMC, much appreciated. I tend to like longer films with many subplots - so I'm anticipating The Dark Knight will be one of the best films I will ever see. Thanks again for your review!

 

[MegaGeek]

To all those who viewed this before me, I just have this to say.. you are better then me. that is all.

 

[Stringer]

How were the crowd reactions?

 

[ArkhamAsylum]

Hoooooolllyyyyy HELLL! i must say...nolan is an artist...he can move every which way he chooses. if theres anything i enjoyed as an artist about this flick....its the fluidity. it will go smooth, have plot...tell a great story...then you will hear jokers "theme" every time that man is on screen...the tempo/rhythm/camerawork COMPLETELY change...it is...of course....as EVERY TIME J is on screen...the movie is in utter and complete CHAOS!! 10/10 and my heartfelt tip of the hat. thank you, nolan.

 

[Wade]

My crowd loved it. They cheered and applauded on different occasions. Erupted in laughter when it was appropriate. Most of them even stayed until after the credits, hoping there was more. There wasn't. lol

 

[Galvanize]

How were the crowd reactions?

The crowd i seen it with seemed to lap up every minute. People were cheering throughout and than when it finished it got a massive applause.

 

[inflames]

edit.

 

[redfirebird2008]

My crowd loved it. They cheered and applauded on different occasions. Erupted in laughter when it was appropriate. Most of them even stayed until after the credits, hoping there was more. There wasn't. lol

How was the end credits music? Batman Begins has my favorite end credits ever. So much so that I always watch the movie all the way through because I love listening to the end credits music so much. So what did you think of TDK's overall and in comparison with BB's?

 

[ChicageauxTiger]

OFFICIAL REVIEW:
"Yeah ... I liked it." --ChicageauxTiger

 

[inflames]

does the movie end on a somber note or?

 

[Girl_Wonder]

Just got back from Dallas screening.

It was amazing.

No, that word does not even do the movie justice. Never in my life have I been in a theater and heard silence..literally, during certain scenes the crowd was just so involved in the movie, almost afraid to blink. Then they laughed at parts, cheered, it was almost well coordinated t: but enough of them,hehe, on with the movie.

When we first get a glimpse of The Joker it's just his back, and man, the first thing I thought of was, Aw Heath. It made me so sad. But then it happened. The clown mask came off(after,er, being put on) and all I saw from then on out was The Joker. He is hilarious, he is terrible, he is indeed a freak, who loves to test the limits of mankind and his morality. If ever there was a chance for a comic-book character/protrayel to earn an Oscar it is Heath. It was indeed not be sympathy, but well deserved. His mind is just, crazy, yet he is simple- he just wants destruction. So while his past is a bit of mystery his intentions are clear, he wants to see the world burn. He is an agent of chaos, as he explains. He just wants to exploit man. Can he? Or will he be disappointed? You'll have to see if everything really goes, as according to plan.

Harvey Dent- I know some people have read spoilers and seem unhappy with how Dent's storyline goes. But believe me, this character was developed well. And everything that happens to him is as it should be.

Rachel- I never minded Katie Holmes, but I do prefer Maggie.

L. Fox- Morgan Freeman is an amazing actor, I wish they could have given him more to work with, but each time this character is on screen- it matters.

Alfred- I like him much, much more than in Batman Begins. He has some of the best lines. He truly knows Bruce Wayne the best.

Gordon- Harvey Dent might be Gotham's White Knight but in my eyes, it's Gordon. He is good, through and through. An amazing character in the storyline. For a bit I was surprised at something that, um..happens. But,well, lets just say I am incredibly happy with this character.

and the man of the hour, Bruce Wayne/Bruce "Playboy" Wayne/Batman.
Now, I just want to say I would have been nice if they focused a bit more on him but I think in the next movie they will rectify that. Ok now on to the next bit, actually, I'm not sure what to say. Batman..Bruce..whoever, is just so, complex. He struggles, he loses, he wins, yet loses. It's true what some have said, things are worse off for Batman, but he is an even better protector than before. The ending of this movie just gave me utter chills. The lines that are uttered are just so true.

I really would have liked an extra hour to this movie. I didn't even realize close to 3 hours has passed until the credits came up.
Also I am glad most people waited to see the tribute to Heath, and applauded. I think this Joker will be iconic. He is so, terrifying, so, oh, he is a lunatic, but one with a plan, no matter what he says. No villain can ever top this Joker. No one.

10/10. Yes it has it's flaws, but that's human nature, I won't condemn it for that. In my eyes it was a beautiful, frightening, entertaining, and well thought out movie. It also provided more laughs than anticipated. It had it all. Now let's do this movie a favor, lets make this weekened the best opening weekend ever.

~Stephanie

P.S. it's after 1 am, sorry for any spelling errors.