Now Playing: The Dark Knight

I'm not sure if there is a better way to see a movie than going to the 12 o'clock premier. It makes the movie that much more exciting. Not that a film with the anticipation and prestige of a title like Batman needs any added excitement. Anyway, I made it to the theater for the premier, and I gotta say, after the first movie, I was expecting quite a bit out of the film, and I had a good amount of confidence that I wouldn't be disappointed.

The film continues where the first left off with Batman being introduced to the new villain in Gotham, The Joker, played by the late Heath Ledger. The Joker, the most recognizable of Batman's classic foes, is made out to be a manipulative loony anarchist. He seems to be obsessed with the psychology of both Batman and the people of Gotham, testing their limits of humanity with desperation and vengeance.

Also, as with the first, Batman, although busy with maintaining his playboy status, still manages to keep a love interest, Rachel Dawes, who is played by Maggie Gyllenhaal (previously Katie Holmes). I just read on wikipedia that it was due to scheduling conflicts...weak excuse, Ms Holmes. I was a bit torn up by this decision, due to my celebrity crush on her, but I quickly got over it during the movie.

The film also introduces the familiar villain of Harvey Dent or more commonly known as "Two-Face". I'm not gonna ruin any of the surprises, but Aaron Eckhart plays an excellent part as the chance taking "bad guy".

The movie as a whole is unlike any other brand of superhero franchise out there at the current time. While it seems as though most modern superhero flicks, referring mostly to movies taking place in the marvel universe, attempt to add some comedy and lighter moments to the film, Christopher Nolan opted to take a much more dark and serious route. This is mainly due to the excellent performance by Heath Ledger. His portrayal of the Joker is pure demented terror. I personally would be shocked if it wasn't an Oscar-winning performance. Truly a shame that the young actor recently passed away.

In conclusion, I would go so far as to say this is the best movie I have seen in some time. I would recommend seeing it ASAP, and definitely catching up with the series if you missed out on Batman Begins. The Dark Knight truly is the pinnacle of the barrage of modern superhero movies, and I'm really crossing my fingers that the series continues.

Enjoy,
t0ny

Sountrack: Dan In Real Life

Happy Tuesday ya'll. Today is kind of an unusual post, unusual because I'm not usually one for soundtracks. However, a few days back I rented the movie Dan In Real Life with Steve Carrel. I just saw his face and rented it, I'm a pretty big fan, not sure how you can't be. But anyway, it ended up being a 'cute' romantic comedy, which I am in no way above. I gots feelings too, heh. The supporting cast was pretty impressive too, with Dane Cook, the dad in Frasier, and the lady that replaces Toby in the Office.

But anyway, the real stand out was the soundtrack. The majority of it is done by a Norweigen artist by the name of Sondre Lerche, and let me tell you it could be the 'feel-good-pick-me-up' you've been looking for. There are also some appearances by Regina Spektor, A Fine Frenzy and his band that goes by the name of 'Faces Down'. I'm definitley going to check out his other work, in which he goes by either Sondre Lerche and the Faces Down or Sondre Lerche and the Faces Down Quartet. It's just some real uplifting feel good pop with a bit of a swing vibe.

So definitley check out the movie, unless you are too manly. Oh yeah, and the soundtrack :) I should start giving more soundtracks a shot. Lesson learned...

Sondre Lerche lastfm : here


See you on the other side,
t0ny