The Dark Knight Rises The TDKR General Discussion Thread - - - Part 152

[Decepticonus]

Batgod doesn't bother me. I can do both easily, and you make a good point that we haven't see it in the films yet.

 

[The Shape]

Yeah. I, for one, am ready for BatGod, and it perplexes me to see so many people scoff at the idea. I don't think it robs him of his human fallibility. Even in "BatGod mode", he still makes mistakes and has emotional reactions to things.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Batman is his intellect, and his incredible will which pushes him to learn EVERYTHING he can about the world to be prepared for ANY kind of scenario -- martial arts, criminal science, physics, toxicology, weapons, escapology, espionage, the ability to withstand mind control or telepathy, etc. Batman is the definition of a "polymath". Not only is he the world's greatest detective, but as Superman once put it, he's the "most dangerous man on Earth".

His immense knowledge and preparedness for almost any given scenario are a huge part of the character, and it's especially necessary that we see this when he's working with the Justice League. It's his "superpower". Having a BatGod-esque Batman doesn't mean he won't be relatable or an interesting, complex character. It definitely means we'll see him kick some serious ass, though.

The way Downey's Sherlock Holmes fought is what I picture goes through Batman's mind every time he takes on a thug or opponent.

 

[georgec]

I'd like Batgod as long as Kid Rock does an accompanying song called 'I Am the Batgod'.

 

[BatLobster]

^Hahahaha.

I think there are just different shades of BatGod. Pre-DCAU/BTAS Batman probably qualifies as BatGod, which is probably a nice healthy balance. But it can also a be a bit of slippery slope to borderline parody "Goddamn" Batman. "I'm perpetually sad and angry, yet I'm awesome at everything, chicks dig me, I'm rich, and always right!", etc.

Honestly I have no problem with getting BatGod in the upcoming movies, as it's what's needed for the DCU. It's a different way of enjoying the character and just getting to revel in his coolness. And to be honest, if you power up Batman to BatGod level he OUGHT to be saving that world with his skillset and not just dedicating his life to stopping petty crime and a revolving door of Arkham escapees that he arguably created. That's where I kind of have a problem with BatGod, cause it just plays into the negative "necon's wet dream" stereotype of Batman to an almost humorous level. BatGod in the Justice League on the other hand, is absolutely necessary.

 

[shauner111]

Right. It's needed for the Justice League without a doubt.

 

[JackWhite]

I'm assuming these next Justice League films won't bring much of the heavy drama like the Nolan films, so yeah, Bat-God should happen right about now. But I'm like you Shauner, I don't want Bat-God in the future solo films. Give me a Batman like in the third act of TDK and most of BB, and go from there. He can still make mistakes from time to time to add to the stakes, but he's been around the block more than a few times so it's all in a days work for him.

While we are talking about future solo Batman films, I'd love for the focus to be on Bruce's ongoing relationships with already established villains. I want Alfred and even the villains themselves to call Bruce/Batman out on how he needs the revolving door of Arkham to keep spinning so he has a purpose and something to fight for. That's kind of the psychological angle I'd like for future solo Batman films.

 

[Chip Chipperson]

listening to Kevin Smith's Fatman on Batman podcast, specifically part 2 of his commentary for Batman and Robin, some guy on twitter told him that in TDKR Batman in costume was only in the movie for 21 minutes.

Batman is in 13% of the entire movie.

Bravo Nolan

 

[BatLobster]

Our own Travesty did the math on Batsuit screentime for all the movies a long time ago. Nothing new here.

Bravo Chip.

 

[Chip Chipperson]

Our own Travesty did the math on Batsuit screentime for all the movies a long time ago. Nothing new here.

Bravo Chip.

ah, I was not aware of Travesty's fine work.

I just hope Lord Nolan will forgive me for my ignorance. NOLAN PLS

 

[BatLobster]

Our Lord Nolan is a merciful deity, fear not.

On a serious note, thanks for the heads up that Fat-Man on Batman is back. It's been ages, I had stopped checking. Listening now.

 

[Chip Chipperson]

It's always a great listen, hope he can get his buddy Affleck do to the show one day

 

[BatLobster]

He had better.

 

[Pfeiffer-Pfan]

I don't think they hang out these days. Apparently, Smith is lucky if he gets an e-mail exchange from Affleck once in a while.

Rumour has it, Mrs. Ben Affleck put a stop to the friendship.

 

[craigdbfan]

Too much weed smoking.

 

[BatLobster]

They don't hang out anymore, but Smith did mention that he did exchange a few e-mails with Ben recently and Ben said that he would love to come on the show at some point. I'm sure that wouldn't be until after the movie comes out though.

 

[Pfeiffer-Pfan]

It's weird that Smith found out about the Batman gig the same as the rest of us. Affleck knew how much Kevin would flip out and they didn't even have so much as a quick phone call. Sad how friendships can deteriorate.

 

[Blitzkrieg Bop]

I used to love Kevin Smith, but now he just seems like a troll. Take off that ****ing hockey jersey.

 

[Pfeiffer-Pfan]

I used to love Kevin Smith, but now he just seems like a troll. Take off that ****ing hockey jersey.

He seems bitter about alot of things in life... and it shows.

 

[Kane52630]

Yeah he's unbearable to listen to now and his recent films are absolute trash. Zack and Miri was probably the last good thing on his resume.

 

[BatLobster]

He seems bitter about alot of things in life... and it shows.

Really? He seems like a pretty down to earth guy to me that's well-aware he still has a pretty awesome life all things considered. He's SMoviemakers podcast is great, shining a light on young and upcoming indie filmmakers and trying to give back to that community.

So let's see...happily married, still making movies with his friends and able to do it outside the studio system so he has freedom, pumping out podcasts nonstop with his friends, making easy money doing public speaking appearances, all while smoking tons and tons of weed. Yeah, I'm sticking with he's likely a pretty happy camper, and nobody besides his shrink has a real leg to stand on if they want to claim otherwise.

I'm sorry, but the guy did a podcast where he got really stoned and came up with the dumbest horror idea, and then was able to go off and make a $5 million dollar movie based on that podcast, and even got Johnny Depp to be in it. Then went off and filmed a spinoff of that movie starring Depp's daughter and his own daughter. Even took some that weight off in the process.

It's not like he had some huge fall from grace. His movies were never successful at the box office. But he gets to keep doing his thing because he has a niche audience. Not a bad deal. I haven't gotten any hugely bitter vibe from him in recent years, other than maybe the plane incident. If you're referring to Superman Lives, I highly doubt he's still bitter about that. Sure, maybe he holds a bit of a grudge against Burton, but I can't imagine it's something he's actively angry about in 2015.

To be honest, it's hard to think of too many public figures who have handled failure with as much grace and humor as he has. Say what you will, but the guy certainly knows how to take it on the chin.

Sorry for the rant, but I've always been a fan of Smith as a person if not always the biggest fans of his movies. Also, Jersey represent.

 

[Pfeiffer-Pfan]

If you're a fan, you're a fan. I'm not saying he can't be admired, but as Kane said, he's become unbearable these days. He can be down right petty at times and is very rarely professional when a situation calls for it.

Just my personal view.

 

[shauner111]

Petty about what though?

 

[BatLobster]

Fair enough. I'm not saying everyone has to like him either. He can be a bit overbearing with his omnipresence in geek culture and the fact that he's often looked to as a representative of all geeks, which isn't fair.

But overall, I can't help but like the guy. Something of a local hero for me, and I know somebody who got to spend a day on the set of Cop Out with him and had nothing but good things to report. He had no connections whatsoever either. He was just at one of his Q&As and didn't get to ask his question because they wrapped it early. His wife said he should reach out to Kevin about it. Next thing you know Kevin invited him to set.

 

[Kane52630]

Petty about what though?

http://www.mtv.com/news/1634755/kevin-smiths-online-rant-gets-heated-response-from-film-critics/

 

[georgec]