Gotham City’s Grave New World

...In other words, Ansen, you don't know what you're talking about. But take heart -- after all this is over with, there'll be a Queen Latifah or some such light-hearted romp that you can review. Maybe something with ballet or opera in it. Pixies and elves will inspire your best review ever. But you're out of your depth here...

Batman isn't "fun" -- that's why the first franchise was killed by George Clooney. Jack Nicholson didn't play The Joker for Tim Burton -- he played Jack Nicholson in whiteface. The '80s/'90s franchise needed to be killed off, because other than the first Keaton, they all sucked. This series by Nolan is the first to treat The Batman as a serious character instead of an episode of "Super-Friends" or that Adam West character. The Joker is a murderous sociopath, and Ledger did his job well. The Batman is a bare-knuckled embodiment of vengeance, and Bale did his job well.

If you're looking for "fun", look elsewhere -- The Batman has been dark for a long time now.

I really enjoyed the last Batman movie ??? Batman Begins. But even before Heath Ledger's death I was contemplating skipping Dark Knight. When I heard the shocking news of Ledger's overdose, I knew I'd never see this film. Some have said that Heath's immersion in the role of Joker unsettled him, may have contributed to the medications he was taking. I feel like if I were to attend this Batman film, I'd somehow be an accomplice to his tragic death.

If we demand movies that are so dark that actors playing in them must seek psychiatric help, what does that say about our society? There is enough darkness, violence and evil in the real world. I'm not going to watch it as entertainment.

Wow. I really don't mean to beat a dead horse here, considering the majority of comments left by the readers before me, but this reviewer has no clue about Christopher Nolan's series of Batman movies. The Burton/Schumacher movies have absolutely nothing to do with Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. From the outset, this new Batman series was announced as being significantly darker and more realistic than any previous Batman incarnation on film, hearkening back to the original comic books and the Frank Miller interpretation. It was not intended to be a continuation of any previous Batman storyline, and needs to be considered its own body of work.

Also, Mr. Ansen apparently didn't pay very close attention to this movie. The Dark Knight was not completely humorless; the interactions between Bruce Wayne and Alfred were laced with witty repartee, and The Joker had plenty of hilarious, albeit dark, comic relief. There were numerous occasions throughout the midnight showing I attended where the audience erupted with laughter.

The Dark Knight is a spectacular piece of film making. It's rare when a movie is executed this well. Christopher Nolan and his team accomplished exactly what they set out to do: create an epic and compelling story that was worthy of following Batman Begins. Anybody who enjoyed the first film in this series will be completely blown away by The Dark Knight. The writing, acting, cinematography, special effects, and music are all exquisite. The Dark Knight is definitely the complete package and does not disappoint.

They have already made the "fun"/ridiculous batman shows. So now it is time to explore the real batman and not the "fun" batman. These movies are supposed to be realistic. So do you really think that a guy who saw his parents murdered when he was just a boy, travelled the world in order to learn how to take on evil, and now lives in the dirtiest city imaginable would act lighthearted and be having "fun"? YEAH RIGHT!!!!

Although the film has a dark outlook, is it completely devoid of humor or humanity? There are some clips (granted, I have not viewed the film) of scenes available online that show even the dour Bruce Wayne has a a sense of humor, despite taking himself too seriously (and he wouldn't be so wonderfully tortured if he didn't take himself seriously). I'm referring particularly to scenes with Christian Bale and Michael Caine.

David, did you see Batman Begins? Your comments about Tim Burton and 'fun' are a little passe now. If the kind of fun you want is a return to the campy shtick of the Schumacher films, then count me out.

This is the way Batman needs to be staged - the character has moved on from the 1980's.

YOU SUCK AT LIFE!!!!!!!!

It seems this reviewer went into the movie without an understanding of the character. Batman is certainly in the superhero genre, however he is not a superhero. He is a detective. He has more to do with with Film noir type stories than he does with various "supermen". Unfortunately because of the 60's batman and the Joel Schumacher movies people have a distorted view of the character.

Nolan has said this will be a more realistic and darker approach for the character so dont bash it because it is what he sad it would be.

This is why i hate critics sometimes. They complain about the smallest things and trash a film that gets hyped up. Sure, Nolan keeps the camera close to the action, but it more realistic action than what other comic book movies provide which is done all by CGI majority of the time. If you want silliness, then go watch the campy batman from the 60's or Tim Burton's and Joel Shumachers take on the Batman.

This is why i hate critics sometimes. They complain about the smallest things and trash a film that gets hyped up. Sure, Nolan keeps the camera close to the action, but it more realistic action than what other comic book movies provide which is done all by CGI majority of the time. If you want silliness, then go watch the campy batman from the 60's or Tim Burton's and Joel Shumachers take on the Batman.

dear david:

if you want to see a "fun" batman movie, there are already four of them at your local video store.

most of us want to see something a little more substantive.

xoxo

the viewing public

dear david:

if you want to see a "fun" batman movie, there are already four of them at your local video store.

most of us want to see something a little more substantive.

xoxo

the viewing public

Mr. Ansen,

You wrote an interesting review and I can appreciate your desire for a more light-hearted Batman. Indeed, Batman has been many things to many people over the years (ie. Bob Kane's vigilante, Dick Sprang's superhero, Adam West's fun sitcom, Bruce Timm's atmospheric cartoon).

However, for you to merely state that you want a "fun" Batman without providing some history or context for your readers about the character displays not only your ignorance, but prejudices the work of many serious writers and artists.

It is a fine thing to hold shallow, baseless opinions. But as a professional critic, such opinions do a disservice to us all.

Nothing against Knock up I loved it but it is not a top ten movie (2007 list) So probably you know what kind of movies David Ansen find great. The new Batman movie is going to be long, but with a rich story and great acting that you see in the previews already plus 6 action scenes recorded in Imax there is nothing to worry about it. Remember Iron man was great not for the action (it didn't had to many) but the acting and the story was good.

Mr. Ansen,

You wrote an interesting review and I can appreciate your desire for a more light-hearted Batman. Indeed, Batman has been many things to many people over the years (ie. Bob Kane's vigilante, Dick Sprang's superhero, Adam West's fun sitcom, Bruce Timm's atmospheric cartoon).

However, for you to merely state that you want a "fun" Batman without providing some history or context for your readers about the character displays not only your ignorance, but prejudices the work of many serious writers and artists.

It is a fine thing to hold shallow, baseless opinions. But as a professional critic, such opinions do a disservice to us all.

When you have a movie like knock up in the top ten list of the 2007 movies ..... You probably know why he didn't like the dark knight that much. Nothing against Knock up I loved it but is not a top ten movie.