The Dark Knight--Spoiler FREE

[K]

^ Ah...thanks, Chris! I appreciate your help!

[Earth 2 Chris]

It's the immersive quality of TDK that works so well for me. You feel like you've been transported to this alternate, and very real-seeming, world for 2 1/2 hours. The complex crime-thriller plot is totally engaging, rather than so much time-filler as it is in so many gangster movies or cops-and-robbers action films. You actually care about what's going on, and, even more amazingly, about what is happening to these people. That is a very rare accomplishment in any movie, let alone a so-called "superhero" movie, where the "GOSH/WOW!" factor tends to supercede all other concerns.

Do you actually care about Vicki Vale in the original Batman? If she died, for example, would you shed a tear, perhaps hang your head in sorrow, or would you just shrug and keep munching your popcorn? She's just another plug-in, like most characters in most comic-book movies. The characters in this film, on the other hand, live and breathe. They seem like real people that we're glimpsing through some kind of documentary footage. There has never been such a realistic superhero movie; even Batman Begins seems like a fantasy film in restrospect. That is the achievement that makes TDK so unique, so powerful, and part of what makes it a "great" film rather thasn just a "very good" film.

We're on the same page again. VERY well said.

Was the movie true to the comic books? I don't know enough about Batman comics and the origin of some of the villains to know.

It is true to the spirit of the comics, without being exactly like any one incarnation. The Batman/Gordon/Dent team is similar to The Long Halloween mini-series. Some of the Joker's actions are actually very reminiscent of his earlierst appearances, and the classic "Laughing Fish" two-parter. Again, there are elements of Batman: Year One, which Begins mined quite a bit.

The Nolans and Goyer really distilled the best of Batman into a cohesive new reality. Much like Timm and co. did in BTAS all those years ago.

Chris

[K]

Can any of you comics fans just say, without revealing anything specific:

Was the movie true to the comic books? I don't know enough about Batman comics and the origin of some of the villains to know.

Also, I did catch the "cat" reference, so maybe Catwoman's on the horizon?

[Vortigern99]

It's the immersive quality of TDK that works so well for me. You feel like you've been transported to this alternate, and very real-seeming, world for 2 1/2 hours. The complex crime-thriller plot is totally engaging, rather than so much time-filler as it is in so many gangster movies or cops-and-robbers action films. You actually care about what's going on, and, even more amazingly, about what is happening to these people. That is a very rare accomplishment in any movie, let alone a so-called "superhero" movie, where the "GOSH/WOW!" factor tends to supercede all other concerns.

Do you actually care about Vicki Vale in the original Batman? If she died, for example, would you shed a tear, perhaps hang your head in sorrow, or would you just shrug and keep munching your popcorn? She's just another plug-in, like most characters in most comic-book movies. The characters in this film, on the other hand, live and breathe. They seem like real people that we're glimpsing through some kind of documentary footage. There has never been such a realistic superhero movie; even Batman Begins seems like a fantasy film in restrospect. That is the achievement that makes TDK so unique, so powerful, and part of what makes it a "great" film rather thasn just a "very good" film.

[huedell]

Wow guys... I think I stand alone (or at least feel alone) when I say this... It was a very good movie, but I didn't feel it was as GREAT as everyone else. It lacked the charm Batman Begins had for me. Ledger was brilliant, but the movie overall felt very long to me. I wanted to walk out saying "This was the BEST comic movie EVER." But I can't say it was. I need to see it again I guess.

Just got back from TDK---and I agree every iota with your post---"good"
not "great"----but Ledger was great and basically carried the movie.

[MIB41]

BRILLIANT. Believe the hype. The film lives up to every speck of it.

[twilitezoner]

I caught the late show last night. It's a good movie and I enjoyed it. That being said, Wall-E is still my favorite movie of the summer. Pardon me while I get my body armor on....
George

LOL. Is Wall-E still being referred to as Johnny 5 Jr.

[ramsey37]

I caught the late show last night. It's a good movie and I enjoyed it. That being said, Wall-E is still my favorite movie of the summer. Pardon me while I get my body armor on....
George

[twilitezoner]

Wow guys... I think I stand alone (or at least feel alone) when I say this... It was a very good movie, but I didn't feel it was as GREAT as everyone else. It lacked the charm Batman Begins had for me. Ledger was brilliant, but the movie overall felt very long to me. I wanted to walk out saying "This was the BEST comic movie EVER." But I can't say it was. I need to see it again I guess.

They were showing Batman Forever and Batman & Robin on tv over the weekend and comparing those with this one is beyond night and day. Especially Tommy Lee Jones as Two-Face.

[Daremo]

Wow guys... I think I stand alone (or at least feel alone) when I say this... It was a very good movie, but I didn't feel it was as GREAT as everyone else. It lacked the charm Batman Begins had for me. Ledger was brilliant, but the movie overall felt very long to me. I wanted to walk out saying "This was the BEST comic movie EVER." But I can't say it was. I need to see it again I guess.

[twilitezoner]

You know what guys? You sold me on Maggie...she's real...yeah...she's not Angelina Jolie-looking...but then again...who is, lol.

I'm beginning to like her...thanks to you...you are making me appreciate her more and more.

Maggie is real and she's good, but she's not real good.

[Vortigern99]

And isn't it the point that we can have as many super-models as he wants, but the smart girl-next-door is beyond him?

This!

[toys2cool]

Dude, if you call her ugly one more time...!

lmao! ok ok I'll stop

Funny thing i'd still..umm.. how do I say this with out sounding nasty.Tap that Ace

[Earth 2 Chris]

Box Office Mojo is saying it's the biggest opening weekend of all time, at over $155 MILLION!!!

And everyone was all ga-ga over Indy. Hah!!!

Chris

[The Bat]

forget about another sequel they can't top this. But hollywood is all about making money so they will make another batman. i just won't see it.

Gee...there's $7.00 the Studio won't get. I hope Warner Brothers will be able to stay afloat.