The Dark Knight

[MaxPhactor23]

I think the Riddler could fit well into Nolan’s world. As a matter of fact…I know he could. He’s one of Batmans most psychological villains, an aspect these new batman films adore. They’re almost too intelligent for their target audience. Plus Riddlers entire shtick is based solely upon the mind. With his story dependant scripts, how couldn’t Nolan make that work?

Typically most casuals have only been exposed to a Riddler that’s a copout Joker. Their only ties toward Edward Nigma would be the late Frank Gorshin’s Joker-like comedy portrayal and Jim Carrey’s blatant homage to Gorshin. Either way, he was basically the Joker with a riddle gimmick. Riddlers more modern incarnations are vastly superior. They’ve offered far more depth. He’s been made very much into his own man, no longer living in the Jokers shadow.

He’s now played as a brilliant mastermind, typically cold and calculating, but with extreme obsessive compulsive disorder underneath the sharp exterior. The twist is that he’s now become very well aware of the riddles being the direct reason for his downfall, yet he still is overwhelmingly compelled to leave them. The flaw in an otherwise great crook. He’s having to battle his very own ego with every crime he commits. If he doesn’t leave his clue, would he get away with it? But where’s the fun in that? No riddle and no chase. He considers crime an art form, and his riddles are his exposition. It’s an impossibility for him not to leave them, no matter how badly he may, deep down, want to. They’ve almost become a part of him. He goes stark raving mad when confronted by a criminal questioning his methods, oftentimes even turning violent when they suggest for him to not leave a clue.

Play up that closet OCD madness and you’ll have a hell of a good movie villain. Just give him a chance.

[The Man]

I think the Riddler could fit well into Nolan’s world. As a matter of fact…I know he could. He’s one of Batmans most psychological villains, an aspect these new batman films adore. They’re almost too intelligent for their target audience. Plus Riddlers entire shtick is based solely upon the mind. With his story dependant scripts, how couldn’t Nolan make that work?

Typically most casuals have only been exposed to a Riddler that’s a copout Joker. Their only ties toward Edward Nigma would be the late Frank Gorshin’s Joker-like comedy portrayal and Jim Carrey’s blatant homage to Gorshin. Either way, he was basically the Joker with a riddle gimmick. Riddlers more modern incarnations are vastly superior. They’ve offered far more depth. He’s been made very much into his own man, no longer living in the Jokers shadow.

He’s now played as a brilliant mastermind, typically cold and calculating, but with extreme obsessive compulsive disorder underneath the sharp exterior. The twist is that he’s now become very well aware of the riddles being the direct reason for his downfall, yet he still is overwhelmingly compelled to leave them. The flaw in an otherwise great crook. He’s having to battle his very own ego with every crime he commits. If he doesn’t leave his clue, would he get away with it? But where’s the fun in that? No riddle and no chase. He considers crime an art form, and his riddles are his exposition. It’s an impossibility for him not to leave them, no matter how badly he may, deep down, want to. They’ve almost become a part of him. He goes stark raving mad when confronted by a criminal questioning his methods, oftentimes even turning violent when they suggest for him to not leave a clue.

Play up that closet OCD madness and you’ll have a hell of a good movie villain. Just give him a chance.

Well, if those AICN hints come to pass, then a third movie would pretty much have a open field to fill. It all comes down to casting and savvy scripting with these villains. A correct actor and characterisation for The Riddler could indeed work - as long as he didn't ape The Joker too much.

As for a possible Catwoman? It takes more than looks. Halle Berry is gorgeous, but that film was heinous beyond repair.

[muttjones]

Cos of the timezone differences, australia gets the movie half a day before USA!!!!!!!!!:p :p

[bennihana123]

Cos of the timezone differences, australia gets the movie half a day before USA!!!!!!!!!:p :p
Curse you Aussies....

[muttjones]

i'll just hop down on my kangaroo to the cinema and watch it on your july 17th. :p :p :p

[Niteshade007]

He’s now played as a brilliant mastermind, typically cold and calculating, but with extreme obsessive compulsive disorder underneath the sharp exterior. The twist is that he’s now become very well aware of the riddles being the direct reason for his downfall, yet he still is overwhelmingly compelled to leave them. The flaw in an otherwise great crook. He’s having to battle his very own ego with every crime he commits. If he doesn’t leave his clue, would he get away with it? But where’s the fun in that? No riddle and no chase. He considers crime an art form, and his riddles are his exposition. It’s an impossibility for him not to leave them, no matter how badly he may, deep down, want to. They’ve almost become a part of him. He goes stark raving mad when confronted by a criminal questioning his methods, oftentimes even turning violent when they suggest for him to not leave a clue.

Play up that closet OCD madness and you’ll have a hell of a good movie villain. Just give him a chance.

I don't know how I feel about. I mean, I'm all for Villains with depth, but the OCD thing seems too much like a gimmick. I can see it being written poorly and it'll come across as fake and out of place. Plus I just don't find him that interesting. A villain who leaves riddles? It's just not something that appeals to me. I must admit, however, that I am not that well versed in Batman villains. I remember the ones from the cartoons as a kid, and of course the movies, but I don't know the comics, so I don't know who else they could go with. Given the real world approach, Riddler would make the most sense of the ones I know. I mean, he wouldn't seem completely ridiculous like someone like the Mad Hatter would. And he isn't someone who wouldn't exist in the world, like Mr. Freeze or Penguin (Burton's version, anyway), or he isn't an out and out monster like Clayface, Man-Bat, or Killer Croc (is that the character's name? It's been a long time since I've seen the cartoon). Bane is another that would fit in to today's world, but again, I don't find him interesting. He's just pure strength, and although I remember an episode where he and the mobster's girl tried to plan a takeover, I still didn't view him as intelligent.

I'm just not sure that the Riddler is enough. Not that I'm saying cram in as many villains as you can, but the Riddler just wouldn't be interesting enough to carry the movie. Especially considering you have two such iconic villains as the Joker and Two-Face in the last one. It would be a let-down most likely. But I definitely wouldn't want to see Two-Face and Riddler in the same movie again, and I don't think Nolan wants to do that either. Maybe that's what he's thinking, but I think he wants this to stand on it's own legs, and making the same villains share the same movie is just bringing in another tie to this trilogy with the old series.

[bennihana123]

Well, if those AICN hints come to pass, then a third movie would pretty much have a open field to fill. It all comes down to casting and savvy scripting with these villains. A correct actor and characterisation for The Riddler could indeed work - as long as he didn't ape The Joker too much.

As for a possible Catwoman? It takes more than looks. Halle Berry is gorgeous, but that film was heinous beyond repair.
I can't find the AICN hints... do you have a link?

[The Man]

I can't find the AICN hints... do you have a link?

Here you go...

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/37263

[agentsands77]

Well, if those AICN hints come to pass, then a third movie would pretty much have a open field to fill.
In the talkback, three AICN different reviewers confirm those hints, and Devin of CHUD.com did as well in his comments. TheMovieBlog's review also seemingly comments on the subject. It's pretty much a done deal.

Two Face dies, ladies and gentlemen.

[The Man]

In the talkback, three AICN different reviewers confirm those hints, and Devin of CHUD.com did as well in his comments. TheMovieBlog's review also seemingly comments on the subject. It's pretty much a done deal.

Two Face dies, ladies and gentlemen.

Daring, indeed.

[MaxPhactor23]

In the talkback, three AICN different reviewers confirm those hints, and Devin of CHUD.com did as well in his comments. TheMovieBlog's review also seemingly comments on the subject. It's pretty much a done deal.

Two Face dies, ladies and gentlemen.

GAAAAAH! How could they?

[bennihana123]

Here you go...

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/37263
Thanks


Spoiler Alert: I THOUGHT TWO-FACE WAS FOR THE THIRD MOVIE!! WAHHH!!!

[agentsands77]

GAAAAAH! How could they?
If you know the context of said event, it's a natural narrative choice.

[MaxPhactor23]

If you know the context of said event, it's a natural narrative choice.

Well I don't know the context, but I doubt I'll agree. It's a waste of a good character and sequel set up. Why would they not expand him, especially a character of such psychological depth? Terrible literary decision. This is a role that deserves screen time! You don’t throw him away.

[agentsands77]

Why would they not expand him, especially a character of such psychological depth? Terrible literary decision. This is a role that deserves screen time! You don’t throw him away.
They didn't throw him away, and he gets more than his fair share of screentime. Harvey Dent/Two-Face is the core of THE DARK KNIGHT, and the focus of the climax. The advertising has been centered on the Joker, but it's the Joker that's the secondary element here (Nolan has even said as much himself).

[MaxPhactor23]

They didn't throw him away, and he gets more than his fair share of screentime. Harvey Dent/Two-Face is the core of THE DARK KNIGHT, and the focus of the climax. The advertising has been centered on the Joker, but it's the Joker that's the secondary element here (Nolan has even said as much himself).

And yet he's not two-face until around the end, being called the Venom of this film. That's not a good comparison. Comparing anything in this to Spider-Man 3 is not a complement. I still say it's a waste!

[agentsands77]

And yet he's not two-face until around the end, being called the Venom of this film.
One reviewer who made that comparison elaborated that he didn't mean it in a bad way. Just in terms of comparison, that he only comes in for the last half-hour (which is after the Joker's in custody, and is thereby entirely dedicated to Dent's storyline). But he reiterated that the whole film was about Harvey Dent, and that it doesn't at all feel like a waste.

And remember how long Two-Face is in THE LONG HALLOWEEN, widely considered the definitive Two-Face story? Well, that's roughly how long we get him here. But with a considerably more dramatic finale. If you don't think that's enough time to do the character justice, well, that's unfortunate. But it suits me just fine.

Venom didn't work because 1) he was a crappy character, 2) he was shoehorned into the film and served no narrative purpose, and 3) when his character was actually around, Raimi had no idea how to use him. None of that is the case here in THE DARK KNIGHT. And given how reviews are praising Two-Face, I think we can safely say that Nolan's narrative choices seem to have pleased the initial reviewers (the same can't be said of Venom).

[MaxPhactor23]

One reviewer who made that comparison elaborated that he didn't mean it in a bad way. Just in terms of comparison, that he only comes in for the last half-hour (which is after the Joker's in custody, and is thereby entirely dedicated to Dent's storyline). But he reiterated that the whole film was about Harvey Dent, and that it doesn't at all feel like a waste.

And remember how long Two-Face is in THE LONG HALLOWEEN, widely considered the definitive Two-Face story? Well, that's roughly how long we get him here. But with a considerably more dramatic finale. If you don't think that's enough time to do the character justice, well, that's unfortunate. But it suits me just fine.

Venom didn't work because 1) he was a crappy character, 2) he was shoehorned into the film and served no narrative purpose, and 3) when his character was actually around, Raimi had no idea how to use him. None of that is the case here in THE DARK KNIGHT. And given how reviews are praising Two-Face, I think we can safely say that Nolan's narrative choices seem to have pleased the initial reviewers (the same can't be said of Venom).

I don’t know. Would you not rather him survive? The role can still be good, don’t get me wrong. I’m borderline obnoxiously excited for this film. I’ve got a bigger Batman collection then anything else. I’m very passionate and I’d like to think I have a profound understanding of the psyche’s of the characters. There’s a lot more there then in most comic ensembles. Just I feel they’ve lost so much potential for an incredible sequel and an expanded Two-face. Naturally a second film appearance would only give the character more depth. I’m at a loss as to why they’d axe that chance. And Two-face has a very small role in Long Halloween, but he does return for the sequel (Dark Victory). Comic book films have the curse of terrible third installments. A storyline trilogy with continuity ties would insure that the third film be off to a good start. Two-face is the perfect main villain for the next installment. I’m all for the Riddler…but he can’t run a menacing movie all by himself. He's not crazy enough to pull off the entire thing, nor can I see big action scenes erupting from his character. He's not A-game, he works far better as a minion i.e. scarecrow! I can’t see this as being anything but a bonehead move.

[agentsands77]

I don’t know. Would you not rather him survive?
To be honest, no. After his origin story, I think Two-Face kind of plateaus as a character. No need to have him return. I thought this even before we had news that he would die. And the way they've worked it out in the story for THE DARK KNIGHT seems so powerful and affecting, it's worth it.

And Two-face has a very small role in Long Halloween, but he does return for the sequel (Dark Victory).
But THE LONG HALLOWEEN wasn't written to be dependent on a sequel, and is the better Two-Face story of the two. DARK VICTORY doesn't really do anything for Two-Face that THE LONG HALLOWEEN already hadn't covered.

A storyline trilogy with continuity ties would insure that the third film be off to a good start.
There's going to be continuity ties in part III, make no mistake about that. THE DARK KNIGHT has something of an open end.

[The Man]

To be honest, no. After his origin story, I think Two-Face kind of plateaus as a character. No need to have him return. I thought this even before we had news that he would die. And the way they've worked it out in the story for THE DARK KNIGHT seems so powerful and affecting, it's worth it.


But THE LONG HALLOWEEN wasn't written to be dependent on a sequel, and is the better Two-Face story of the two. DARK VICTORY doesn't really do anything for Two-Face that THE LONG HALLOWEEN already hadn't covered.


There's going to be continuity ties in part III, make no mistake about that. THE DARK KNIGHT has something of an open end.

Edited: point already made.

[Niteshade007]

I’m all for the Riddler…but he can’t run a menacing movie all by himself. He's not crazy enough to pull off the entire thing, nor can I see big action scenes erupting from his character. He's not A-game, he works far better as a minion i.e. scarecrow! I can’t see this as being anything but a bonehead move.

I agree completely. But, as someone who is clearly a fan, who do you think would work best with the Riddler in a movie to give it that menacing feel?

[Indy&HanFan]

we're going to see it in imax when it comes out. it looks like it will be good.

[Niteshade007]

An incredibly positive, spoiler-free review (http://movies.ign.com/articles/884/884876p1.html).

[The Man]

An incredibly positive, spoiler-free review (http://movies.ign.com/articles/884/884876p1.html).

His [Ledger] is the definitive movie Joker, and he owns the role and achieves a level of abject insanity that is terrifying as it is irresistible.

[|ZiR|]

Yeah, like anyone would dare to give Heath's Joker a bad review, even if it blew chunks.

[The Man]

Yeah, like anyone would dare to give Heath's Joker a bad review, even if it blew chunks.

Should he earn a posthumous Oscar nomination, let's hope it doesn't turn into cringworthy smhaltzfest. Remember when they wheeled out Christopher Reeve to a standing ovation and conjured tears? That was quite horrible...

[Niteshade007]

Three interviews. The first one is with Aaron Eckhart, and there are some mild spoilers about his costume. No image is shown, the interviewer does describe some of it. It's great, though, Eckhart really seems to care for his character, and seems very comfortable with an interviewer.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6XzwDDnZOyY&hl=en"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6XzwDDnZOyY&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Next is Maggie Gyllenhaal, and the interviewer gives away a MAJOR spoiler, kind of upsetting Gyllenhaal. If you don't want to hear it, skip the first minute or so, because she does have some nice things to say about Ledger and his performance, and although she doesn't cry or anything over dramatic like that, she does seem to genuinely miss him and have a tremendous amount of respect for him as an actor.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ioDKR6v7r1Q&hl=en"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ioDKR6v7r1Q&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Last is Gary Oldman. Oldman is a great actor, but he doesn't seem comfortable in interviews. His arms are crossed, his answers delivered slowly, and although he doesn't say anything negative about his fellow actors, he mentions "surprises" while working with them.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JvMrdA9pjzQ&hl=en"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JvMrdA9pjzQ&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[|ZiR|]

Thanks for posting these, Niteshade007. Maggie came off very well spoken, which is odd because I've always thought she was a bit touched. I agree with what she says about Ledger, too.

But I absolutely loathe that interviewer and his inconsideration for spoilers.

"I thought the way I asked it was clever enough--"

WELL IT WASN'T. Now go shave your bloatee.

[ResidentAlien]

But I absolutely loathe that interviewer and his inconsideration for spoilers


I was thinking the same. And I hate how he only has like 3 questions that he asks everyone. And I hate how he said "bring their A-game" in all three interviews. Ugh. He's terrible and the sight of him made me want to punch a puppy in the face....


...but yeah... cannot wait for this movie...

[Niteshade007]

Oh yeah, the interviewer seems like a douche. Especially in the Gyllenhaal interview, although he was pretty bad in all of them.

[The Man]

Shall we ever tire? Not just yet...

<object width="450" height="378"><param name="movie" value="http://www.traileraddict.com/emb/5308"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.traileraddict.com/emb/5308" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" allowscriptaccess="always" width="450" height="378"></embed></object>

[ResidentAlien]

WOW! Best trailer yet.... I'm floored...

[Shortie]

How is Two-Face involved in this movie? I really haven't been following this movie (despite being anticipated) because the Batfans on Super Hero Hype scare me. :p

Is 2F a cameo setting up for BM 3 or is he is a disappointing role like Venom & Iron Monger?
:p

[The Man]

It's positively moving. Ahem...

http://www.empireonline.com/news/temp/darkknight.asp

[bennihana123]

The 18th can't come soon enough

[Niteshade007]

How is Two-Face involved in this movie? I really haven't been following this movie (despite being anticipated) because the Batfans on Super Hero Hype scare me. :p

Is 2F a cameo setting up for BM 3 or is he is a disappointing role like Venom & Iron Monger?
:p

Harvey Dent, the man who becomes Two-Face is a major character in this one. Apparently, the last half hour is about him being Two-Face. Rumors are that he dies at the end of the movie, though.

[ResidentAlien]

Rumors are that he .


While I'm well aware of the rumors, most aren't. PUT A ****ING SPOILER TAG ON IT.


Mods, could we fix that?

[Crusade>Raiders]

Hey ResidentAlien, we agree on something! The Dark Knight will be ****ing incredible, possibly best movie of the year material.

[agentsands77]

There should be spoiler tags on that. And actually, Two-Face's death isn't a just a disconnected rumor anymore. It's pretty "locked in," as it were. AICN's Moriarty (about the only worthwhile contributor on the site) came out and confirmed it point blank, stating that it was entirely clear in the film, and that we see the body and funeral thereafter. He went on to praise what it did for the story. This is alignment with the comments of plenty of other AICN reviewers, and CHUD.com's Devin (who despite a lot of criticism for BATMAN BEGINS, ended up liking THE DARK KNIGHT, albeit not to the same extent as many of the other reviewers).

[Niteshade007]

While I'm well aware of the rumors, most aren't. PUT A ****ING SPOILER TAG ON IT.


Mods, could we fix that?

Sorry, I wasn't thinking.

[MaxPhactor23]

I agree completely. But, as someone who is clearly a fan, who do you think would work best with the Riddler in a movie to give it that menacing feel?

Hm! Now that's what I've been dwelling on. My man...it's a darn good question. The more I think about it, the more I think perhaps it is best to steal away from another Riddler/Two-Face based storyline. Ugh! I think we’d all agree that it didn’t go well the first time. Hah! We’d def. need a more “real world” character for Nolan. You couldn’t pull out Mr. Freeze or Clayface, for obvious reasons.

Instead of a specific character to go along with Riddler, I’ll just go through whom I think has potential. I wouldn’t mind seeing the Ventriloquist, plus he’s never been done before, but then he’s not especially popular or well known. I think he’d certainly be scary as hell though. To be honest…I would not mind Ra’s Al Ghul returning. I hope that’s not somewhat of a copout answer. He's secretly still been running the show behind closed doors. If you’re going to bring back one character, he’s the one. Throw sexy Talia into Gotham City too. I think you could also throw in Poison Ivy, but you’d have to change her a lot. Remove her more fantastical abilities and just make her an eco terrorist. That’s right up Ra’s alley, she’d make the perfect pawn, plus it‘s especially relevant to today’s world. If you’re familiar with the original three seasons of Batman: The Animated Series, Ivy was much more reality based. Just axe the over-the-top man-eating giant plants she seems to always have.

Catwoman could work, but somehow I don’t see her happening. She’s been too scarred by her solo movie. I’m still not sure if you can actually call that a Catwoman movie. Ugh! Make her an animal rights extremist, but don’t go any route like the Halle Berry film. That much is obvious. I actually rather like Catwoman in Batman Returns. She was defiantly the bright spot of the picture.

[Crusade>Raiders]

I always wanted Two-Face and Ra's for the third film, but I don't want one overshadowing the other like Ra's > Scarecrow in Begins. I think they are both two of Batman's greatest foes(in fact, 2nd and 3rd behind the Joker for me), and they deserve all the screen time they should get.

Then again, maybe it should be just one villain. It worked fine for Batman '89, and we don't want too many rogues, or else we end up with a Spidey 3 debacle(with Venom getting 15 mins of screentime).

[agentsands77]

Well, first off, I think the third installment needs to feature a plethora of "costumed criminal" types. After the Joker, Gotham City should have an exhaustive collection of this kind of nutbags. That's where folks like the Ventriloquist and the Mad Hatter could fit in.

And the Riddler, if he is selected for the third film, will have to be really differentiated than the Joker was in THE DARK KNIGHT, given the mind games the Joker plays with Batman. It would probably be best to pull a BATMAN: HUSH, and have the Riddler be the secret mastermind behind everything.

Other possible foes include Catwoman (she would bring out all the right story elements between her and Selina Kyle), Hugo Strange, David Cain (perhaps hired to kill Batman), and Bane (if painted in a more intelligent light, without the venom element, he could be effective). Nolan should also feel free to create characters as he see fit... he might be able to construct one hell of a villain.

To be honest…I would not mind Ra’s Al Ghul returning.
I would. Seems way too repetitive, and I think the third installment will need to avoid any "doomsday villain plot" and go for something more interesting.

At any rate, Nolan said the door's closed on Ra's as far as he's concerned.

Make her an animal rights extremist, but don’t go any route like the Halle Berry film.
I don't think Catwoman needs to be an animal rights extremist (that angle makes me groan, to be honest). Keep her as the sexy, playful, half-good, half-bad figure she's been in comics like THE LONG HALLOWEEN, DARK VICTORY, and CATWOMAN: WHEN IN ROME.

[|ZiR|]

Do you think we'll see Robin in the third one? Does Nolan like Robin?

He could be played by Shia LaBeouf.

edit: OMG, 1,000th post. And it included SHIA. Awesome.

[agentsands77]

Do you think we'll see Robin in the third one? Does Nolan like Robin?
He didn't entirely rule it out, but he said that he didn't think we'd ever see Robin. Nolan's not a fan of the character.

[|ZiR|]

He didn't entirely rule it out, but he said that he didn't think we'd ever see Robin. Nolan's not a fan of the character.

Why? I don't really like Robin either but if a certain character wont be returning for the 3rd film for certain painful and permanent reasons, Robin could fill that void.

Also, what do YOU think of Robin?

[MaxPhactor23]

They won’t bring Robin in. Christian Bale said he’d…well…bail! He’s very opposed to the boy wonder. It won’t happen as long as Nolan is attacked to the project.

[agentsands77]

Why? I don't really like Robin either but if a certain character wont be returning for the 3rd film for certain painful and permanent reasons, Robin could fill that void.
Admittedly the introduction of Dick Grayson could work there and provide a really solid, redemptive arc. I don't think he could work as Robin, though, in the way Nolan has established this universe - Batman endangering a little kid causes too many problems - but Wayne taking in someone like himself and mentoring him could be very effective indeed.

But I don't think that's the only way to fill the void. Given where Batman is left at the end of THE DARK KNIGHT, there's a lot of different directions in which to take the sequel.

Also, what do YOU think of Robin?
Depending on the writer, he can be awkward. But when he's handled right, he's great. I love him in DARK VICTORY.

[MaxPhactor23]

Robin...meh! No comment! :sick:

[agentsands77]

Robin...meh! No comment! :sick:
Not a DARK VICTORY fan?

[Niteshade007]

Hm! Now that's what I've been dwelling on. My man...it's a darn good question. The more I think about it, the more I think perhaps it is best to steal away from another Riddler/Two-Face based storyline. Ugh! I think we’d all agree that it didn’t go well the first time. Hah! We’d def. need a more “real world” character for Nolan. You couldn’t pull out Mr. Freeze or Clayface, for obvious reasons.

Instead of a specific character to go along with Riddler, I’ll just go through whom I think has potential. I wouldn’t mind seeing the Ventriloquist, plus he’s never been done before, but then he’s not especially popular or well known. I think he’d certainly be scary as hell though. To be honest…I would not mind Ra’s Al Ghul returning. I hope that’s not somewhat of a copout answer. He's secretly still been running the show behind closed doors. If you’re going to bring back one character, he’s the one. Throw sexy Talia into Gotham City too. I think you could also throw in Poison Ivy, but you’d have to change her a lot. Remove her more fantastical abilities and just make her an eco terrorist. That’s right up Ra’s alley, she’d make the perfect pawn, plus it‘s especially relevant to today’s world. If you’re familiar with the original three seasons of Batman: The Animated Series, Ivy was much more reality based. Just axe the over-the-top man-eating giant plants she seems to always have.

Catwoman could work, but somehow I don’t see her happening. She’s been too scarred by her solo movie. I’m still not sure if you can actually call that a Catwoman movie. Ugh! Make her an animal rights extremist, but don’t go any route like the Halle Berry film. That much is obvious. I actually rather like Catwoman in Batman Returns. She was defiantly the bright spot of the picture.

I agree with some of your thoughts. While a more real world Ivy would work well with Ra's, I wouldn't want to see him back. I'd rather get an all new villain, although Liam does a great job. I sort of like the idea of Talia, but not Talia and Poison Ivy together. I'm not sure if Talia and the Riddler would work though. I think Talia is a good way to link the three films together, but if written poorly could seem gimmicky. I hate the idea of Ventriloquist. Sorry, but he's lame.

I agree, Michelle Pfieffer in Batman Returns was the best part of that movie, and really the only reason I watch it. She gives such a great performance. I think it would be hard to top.

Keep her as the sexy, playful, half-good, half-bad figure she's been in comics like THE LONG HALLOWEEN, DARK VICTORY, and CATWOMAN: WHEN IN ROME.

I agree with this, although I'm not familiar with the comics. I do like the fact that Catwoman is morally ambiguous, and that could play off of Batman's own ambiguity.

..sHugo Strange, David Cain (perhaps hired to kill Batman), and Bane (if painted in a more intelligent light, without the venom element, he could be effective). Nolan should also feel free to create characters as he see fit... he might be able to construct one hell of a villain.

I'm only familiar with Bane, and I wouldn't really care to see him back. Could you describe the others you mention?

And I don't think that Nolan should create his own villain. Maybe a mobster or something, but the Batman villains are classic. Not that I don't think he could do a good job, I'd just rather see villains we are familiar with shown in a different light.

[agentsands77]

I hate the idea of Ventriloquist. Sorry, but he's lame.
He'd be a fun cameo to demonstrate all the loonies who've showed up, not all of whom are menacing. I think diversity among the costumed criminals will be an important thing to show in the third installment.

I'm only familiar with Bane, and I wouldn't really care to see him back.
If he were done right, as he was in some of the comics, he'd be pretty effective. What's your issue with the character?

Could you describe the others you mention?
David Cain (http://en.dcdatabaseproject.com/David_Cain_%28New_Earth%29) and Hugo Strange (http://en.dcdatabaseproject.com/Hugo_Strange_%28New_Earth%29). These links give a good run down of the various interpretations and histories of these characters (Hugo Strange has had a more varied history than David Cain).

[Niteshade007]

He'd be a fun cameo to demonstrate all the loonies who've showed up, not all of whom are menacing. I think diversity among the costumed criminals will be an important thing to show in the third installment.

True, but I think it might seem like they were just trying to cram as many villains in there as possible to appease fans. See Spider-Man 3.


If he were done right, as he was in some of the comics, he'd be pretty effective. What's your issue with the character?

Well, my knowledge of Bane is solely from the cartoon and the crapfest that was Batman and Robin. But from what I saw, Bane just didn't strike me as very intelligent. A pure, nearly unstoppable force, sure, but I like a little more depth to characters. He lacked any.

David Cain (http://en.dcdatabaseproject.com/David_Cain_%28New_Earth%29) and Hugo Strange (http://en.dcdatabaseproject.com/Hugo_Strange_%28New_Earth%29). These links give a good run down of the various interpretations and histories of these characters (Hugo Strange has had a more varied history than David Cain).

Thanks for those. Of the two, I like Cain better (Strange seems, well...strange). I can see Cain working as an accomplice to the Riddler or whoever the mastermind is in the next one, while still retaining some depth and not just being the typical "muscle" character.

[Goonie]

Robin...meh! No comment! :sick:

Bring back Chris O'Donnell with rubber nipples! :sick: No wonder on SNL they created Ace and Gary.

[|ZiR|]

Bring back Chris O'Donnell with rubber nipples! :sick: No wonder on SNL they created Ace and Gary.

I always thought the Bat-nipples were sexist because Alicia Silverstone's costume didn't get any.

DOUBLE STANDARD MUCH?

[Michael24]

I always thought the Bat-nipples were sexist because Alicia Silverstone's costume didn't get any.

DOUBLE STANDARD MUCH?
Believe it or not, from what I've read Joel Schumacher wanted Batgirl's suit to have nipples as well, but WB thought that was taking things "too far." Go figure. :down:

As for Robin, it's a shame he still has that "golly gee" stigma hanging over him. I think Batman: The Animated Series proved that, in capable hands, Robin can be a well-written character and a viable asset to Batman.

[agentsands77]

True, but I think it might seem like they were just trying to cram as many villains in there as possible to appease fans. See Spider-Man 3.
I think it would be entirely clear what they were doing (and it's not like villain cameos are anything new to this franchise after Zsasz showed up in BEGINS).

And SPIDER-MAN 3's problems wasn't too many villains, it was that Raimi didn't handle any of them properly and didn't how to prioritize them. It was pretty much a trainwreck all around. Christopher Nolan > Sam Raimi.

Well, my knowledge of Bane is solely from the cartoon and the crapfest that was Batman and Robin.
Well that explains it. Bane's a better character than you have reason to think. And even if he wasn't, there's no reason Nolan couldn't take an okay character and make something great out of him/her.

Heck, now that the big three have been used up (Joker, Two-Face, Ra's), Nolan's pretty much left with simply "okay" characters who are good in small doses, but aren't massively compelling. Even the Riddler's not really capable of carrying a film as its main foe in any of his current forms... he'd need a real overhaul.

I can see Cain working as an accomplice to the Riddler or whoever the mastermind is in the next one, while still retaining some depth and not just being the typical "muscle" character.
I'd actually like to see Cain hired by the shambles of the criminal element, or even the government. I'd like to see Batman having to handle a lot of separate threats (and Nolan's already proved himself adept at handling loads of characters and storylines, so that shouldn't be a problem).

[Crusade>Raiders]

Again, way too many characters will be too much, I really think two will do fine instead of trying to be like Hush or the Long Halloween and have a different villian every ten minutes. A realstic Riddler and Bane could work, now that you mention it. Riddler would be the brains to Bane's brawn(not to say Bane is stupid, Knightfall proved that to be quite the opposite), and they could be some really disturbing characters when brought into Nolan's world.

Oh, and don't be dissing Raimi. Spidey 2 > anything Nolan has released so far.

[agentsands77]

Again, way too many characters will be too much, I really think two will do fine instead of trying to be like Hush or the Long Halloween and have a different villian every ten minutes.
Nolan successfully juggled plenty of villains in BEGINS, and has apparently done so in the DARK KNIGHT as well. BATMAN BEGINS has Henri Ducard/real Ra's, fake Ra's, Jonathan Crane, Carmine Falcone, Zsasz, and Flass. THE DARK KNIGHT has Joker, Two-Face, Salvatore Maroni, Jonathan Crane, Reese, and quite a few more.

Therefore it's not much of a biggie to have more than three villains. It just means that Nolan will thusly prioritize them according to the needs of the story.

Oh, and don't be dissing Raimi. Spidey 2 > anything Nolan has released so far.
Not from where I'm standing. SPIDER-MAN 2 was only slightly less awful than SPIDER-MAN 3. SPIDER-MAN 2 might just be the most overrated superhero flick ever. Every single one of Nolan's films runs circles around the Spider-man franchise, which has never popped its head above mediocrity.

[|ZiR|]

Believe it or not, from what I've read Joel Schumacher wanted Batgirl's suit to have nipples as well, but WB thought that was taking things "too far." Go figure. :down:

Well, the more you know! And I *always* forget that Schumacher was responsible for running the franchise into the ground. I only remember him for The Incredible Shrinking Woman, and The Lost Boys; both of which were AWESOME.

As for Robin, it's a shame he still has that "golly gee" stigma hanging over him. I think Batman: The Animated Series proved that, in capable hands, Robin can be a well-written character and a viable asset to Batman.

I agree. That episode of B:TAS were Robin meets that girl who turns out to be only an avatar of Clayface literally depressed me. That show got too dark sometimes.

[MaxPhactor23]

Not from where I'm standing. SPIDER-MAN 2 was only slightly less awful than SPIDER-MAN 3. SPIDER-MAN 2 might just be the most overrated superhero flick ever. Every single one of Nolan's films runs circles around the Spider-man franchise, which has never popped its head above mediocrity.

I'll agree tenfold. I've never understood how the Spider-Man films got so popular. I think they're sub par at best. I think Raimi is a terrible director. When he was rumored to direct the Hobbit...I was tempted to hire an assassin. Hah! Nolan could and has written circles around his work.

[The Man]

http://www.empireonline.com/images/image_index/hw800/28185.jpg

[Deckard]

http://www.empireonline.com/images/image_index/hw800/28185.jpg

Ok so heres my deal with this, I'll let them slip this one last poster in and say, yea, it looks pretty cool, but I think like 11 or something posters is enough already. They went overboard however, with way too much Joker writing all over this one. It just comes across cheesey. Shame because just the hahaha in the bat shape alone, would have been much cooler and stood out a bit more.

[MaxPhactor23]

http://www.empireonline.com/images/image_index/hw800/28185.jpg

Now this I must own and frame! Calling this a movie poster does it an injustice. This...this is art.

[graz]

I'll agree tenfold. I've never understood how the Spider-Man films got so popular. I think they're sub par at best. I think Raimi is a terrible director. When he was rumored to direct the Hobbit...I was tempted to hire an assassin. Hah! Nolan could and has written circles around his work.

Spider-man 2 remains my favourite superhero movie a good balance of fun and drama in my opinion. I found Batman Begins dull by comparison. All about what you like in the end isn't it?

[The Man]

This message is not aimed directly at any individual poster:

I hope a 'Heath Vs. Jack' Internet smackdown isn't in the brewing. I love Nicholson's Joker for what he is and people don't need to suddenly start trashing that portrayal in order to show absolute fidelity to Ledger's incarnation.

Christ knows we've encountered quite a lot of people rubbishing aspects of the original Indy trilogy in order to justify the shortfalls in Crystal Skull.

Such debates indicate the mentality of the mere fanboy. Let's all be bigger - and smarter - in our approach to The Dark Knight.:up:

[Agent Z]

This message is not aimed directly at any individual poster, but is a cheapshot that I hope to sneak under the belt at any rate:

I hope a 'Heath Vs. Jack' Internet smackdown isn't in the brewing. I love Nicholson's Joker for what he is and people don't need to suddenly start offering honest opinion and analyzing that portrayal in order to show what I have already determined, in my one-way thinking, will be an absolute biased fidelity to Ledger's incarnation, and which will crush my part-time bromance with Jack's work.

Christ knows we've encountered quite a lot of people magnifying aspects of Crystal Skull, while downplaying similar faults found in the original Indy trilogy.

Such thinly-veiled attacks indicate the mentality of this mere fanboy. Let's all be bigger - and smarter - in our approach to The Dark Knight than I was in posting this request.:up:


Agreed! :up:

[The Man]

Agreed! :up:

Hmm. That's a little nasty of you, isn't it, Z? You couldn't be more off-beam with your interpretation (hack-job) of the original post.

[graz]

This message is not aimed directly at any individual poster:

I hope a 'Heath Vs. Jack' Internet smackdown isn't in the brewing. I love Nicholson's Joker for what he is and people don't need to suddenly start trashing that portrayal in order to show absolute fidelity to Ledger's incarnation.

Christ knows we've encountered quite a lot of people rubbishing aspects of the original Indy trilogy in order to justify the shortfalls in Crystal Skull.

Such debates indicate the mentality of the mere fanboy. Let's all be bigger - and smarter - in our approach to The Dark Knight.:up:

Ummm..I think alot of people have been happy to recognise the merits of the original trilogy - they have just pointed out that all the films have had faults.

I don't think you can dictate how people should justify their reasons for liking/disliking something. What if I hate The Dark Knight and you love it and I say stuff like 'this film isn't fit to kiss the arse of the original Batman' or some such inflamatory nonsense? Is that allowed? :p

(What if I compare it to Ace Ventura? Do you see my point yet? )

[iLUVINDY]

Now this I must own and frame! Calling this a movie poster does it an injustice. This...this is art.

I agree, that Poster is awesome, truly a piece of Art!!!

[The Man]

Ummm..I think alot of people have been happy to recognise the merits of the original trilogy - they have just pointed out that all the films have had faults.

I don't think you can dictate how people should justify their reasons for liking/disliking something. What if I hate The Dark Knight and you love it and I say stuff like 'this film isn't fit to kiss the arse of the original Batman' or some such inflamatory nonsense? Is that allowed? :p

(What if I compare it to Ace Ventura? Do you see my point yet? )

Is inflammatory nonsense allowed? Haven't you answered your own question here?

I'm greatly excited by The Dark Knight and by Ledger's by-all-accounts-brilliant portrayal of The Joker. I was referring to the fact that people on the web are already spouting guff about how this performance 'sh!ts' on Nicholson's. Why does it? Why should it? Preference is one thing; ignorant dismissal of one great performance or movie in order to proclaim fanboy orgasm over another is simply ignorant and irritating. If I thought such an honest opinion would be bastardised and editing for the sake of an argument, I wouldn't have posted it.


http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-21182.html


"I don't need to see the Dark Knight to tell you that Ledger is the better Joker."

What a ridiculous f*cking statement. I'd be just as appalled if this moron suggested Nicholson was 'best'.

[Michael24]

This message is not aimed directly at any individual poster:

I hope a 'Heath Vs. Jack' Internet smackdown isn't in the brewing. I love Nicholson's Joker for what he is and people don't need to suddenly start trashing that portrayal in order to show absolute fidelity to Ledger's incarnation.

I agree. Though from all the talk going around, I'm already under the impression that, just because this is Heath Ledger's final (complete) role, anybody who dares to say they didn't like his performance will automatically be labeled an idiot and flamed out of existence. I don't really like this whole "he's dead so he's a genius and you should agree" mentality that seems to go around whenever a young rising star dies.

[graz]

@The Man

Well yes, I agree with you on the Joker point. It is stupid to say things like that before you've seen the film.

My point was, that I could accuse you of saying ignorant and irritating about KOTCS because I don't agree with you (because some of the stuff you've said has been well over the top in my opinion), but I wouldn't because I respect your right to an opinion even if I think its wrong (and you seem a decent bloke).

You can't dictate opinion - if someone wants to say Nicholsons Joker interpretation was rubbish and Ledgers is great once the movie comes out - surely they are entitled to do so? :confused:

[Nurhachi1991]

I will see the movie but I think I'm the only one who does not like Batman! Talk about a worthless hero his biggest enemy would be the credit card company if they cancelled his card than he would be powerless!

[The Man]

@The Man

Well yes, I agree with you on the Joker point. It is stupid to say things like that before you've seen the film.

My point was, that I could accuse you of saying ignorant and irritating about KOTCS because I don't agree with you (because some of the stuff you've said has been well over the top in my opinion), but I wouldn't because I respect your right to an opinion even if I think its wrong (and you seem a decent bloke).

You can't dictate opinion - if someone wants to say Nicholsons Joker interpretation was rubbish and Ledgers is great once the movie comes out - surely they are entitled to do so? :confused:

Of course they're entitled to. It's just a pity that some believe that one simply has to be bashed in favour of another. What would be wrong if people appreciated both?

[Crusade>Raiders]

Not from where I'm standing. SPIDER-MAN 2 was only slightly less awful than SPIDER-MAN 3. SPIDER-MAN 2 might just be the most overrated superhero flick ever. Every single one of Nolan's films runs circles around the Spider-man franchise, which has never popped its head above mediocrity.

:confused: :confused: :confused:

Yeah, agree to disagree.

[agentsands77]

:confused: :confused: :confused:
Is it really that shocking? I know I'm not alone on this one.

I just look at the Spidey films and see weak performances from miscast actors, awkward scripts with consistently poor dialogue, mediocre action sequences, and no sense of real visual style. So yeah, they left me unimpressed. I wanted to like 'em - I like Spider-man, in general - but I don't think they did anything interesting.

We'll see how they hold up in 10 or 15 years, but I imagine they won't hold up very well at all.

[graz]

Of course they're entitled to. It's just a pity that some believe that one simply has to be bashed in favour of another. What would be wrong if people appreciated both?


Yes I agree. Nicholsons Joker was great, but I think Ledger's will be a quite different interpretation and should be assessed entirely on its own merits.

A bit like the fact that the KOTCS was good in its own right but the original trilogy was just as... (:D sorry, I really am just pulling your chain now!:D ).

[Niteshade007]

I will see the movie but I think I'm the only one who does not like Batman! Talk about a worthless hero his biggest enemy would be the credit card company if they cancelled his card than he would be powerless!

Take it back! Get the hell out of here!

Just kidding, of course. I think the main reason that I like Batman is because he had a cartoon and several movies out when I was a kid. I know that sounds stupid, but without that, I probably wouldn't be a fan if it weren't for those things. The movies that came out when I was older, like Spider-Man, X-Men, Fantastic Four, etc. don't appeal to me because I don't know anything about the characters. I didn't grow up with them. Really, the only superheroes I had any familiarity with were Batman and Superman, and Superman was just boring. I mean, the guy is too perfect. Batman wasn't even a real super hero, just an man who with cool gadgets and a mask. Plus, there was Catwoman and Batgirl.

I think it would be entirely clear what they were doing (and it's not like villain cameos are anything new to this franchise after Zsasz showed up in BEGINS).

Stupid question...who is Zsasz? That cameo went over my head.

And SPIDER-MAN 3's problems wasn't too many villains, it was that Raimi didn't handle any of them properly and didn't how to prioritize them. It was pretty much a trainwreck all around. Christopher Nolan > Sam Raimi.

True, but I think that the film could get too cluttered. Some people even think that this film gets a little too cluttered (okay, well, I think one or two reviewers did). Obviously if the cameo is small and just to show a nutjob, then it'll probably be okay, but I'd hate to see this franchise suffer the same fate as Spider-Man's.

Heck, now that the big three have been used up (Joker, Two-Face, Ra's), Nolan's pretty much left with simply "okay" characters who are good in small doses, but aren't massively compelling. Even the Riddler's not really capable of carrying a film as its main foe in any of his current forms... he'd need a real overhaul.

I actually never found Ra's that interesting, actually, even as a kid, which is why I was surprised that they used him in Begins. I think he works well in that movie, but I wouldn't put him up there with Two-Face and the Joker. Really the only two recognizable villains left are Riddler and Catwoman. Well, the only ones that would work in the real world. People like Mr. Freeze and Penguin probably wouldn't. Well, maybe Penguin. Although I read that Nolan didn't want to do Penguin, but then MaxPhactor said that was incorrect, so I don't know.

I'd actually like to see Cain hired by the shambles of the criminal element, or even the government. I'd like to see Batman having to handle a lot of separate threats (and Nolan's already proved himself adept at handling loads of characters and storylines, so that shouldn't be a problem).

True, and it wouldn't seem too much like a replay of the first where Scarecrow is working for Ra's.

[The Man]

The first five minutes...

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_movies_blog/2008/07/dark-knight-the.html

APOLOGIES IF THIS CONTRAVENES FORUM POLICY!
THIS MAY DISAPPEAR SOON!

[|ZiR|]

What's the source on that video? Is it actually the first five minutes of the movie? Because those last few shots of the batmobiles seemed very random.

It looked more like a promo or teaser.

Awesome find, either way. :up:

[The Man]

What's the source on that video? Is it actually the first five minutes of the movie? Because those last few shots of the batmobiles seemed very random.

It looked more like a promo or teaser.

Awesome find, either way. :up:

I think it's the IMAX promo, but up until the montage at the end, that seems to be the actual opening five minutes.

[agentsands77]

Stupid question...who is Zsasz? That cameo went over my head.
See here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zsasz).

True, but I think that the film could get too cluttered.
It could, and it's something to watch. But I think Nolan could handle himself okay on that front.

I actually never found Ra's that interesting, actually, even as a kid, which is why I was surprised that they used him in Begins.
Ah, but you said you weren't familiar with the comics, correct? In the comics, Ra's is up there, one of the best-characterized of Batman's foes. SON OF THE DEMON and DEATH AND THE MAIDENS are two great stories dealing with the character (I'm especially fond of the latter). The animated series and BATMAN BEGINS didn't really do justice to the character.

[StoneTriple]

I've been a Batman nerd since the 60s, when I was a little kid. I had the comic books, made my own cape, and I never missed Batman on TV. Every week I either watched the new story, or I anxiously anticipated the conclusion to the previous week's story. I was always there - at the same Bat time, same Bat channel.

For me, when the 1989 Batman was released, it was what Batman had always been in my imagination. To me, it was perfect - Keaton, his portrayal of Wayne, the Batcave, the darkness, the mystery - all of it. Not to mention, the coolest Batmobile there has ever been.

The 1989 Batman will always be my favorite by far. The second Burton outing was just a little too weird – a little too Tim Burtony. The Schumaker films were nearly unwatchable – a new costume every time, stories that were a mess, and too many feather boas. I don't care for multiple villains either. To me, that distracts from the main narrative and thins the overall story.

I enjoyed Batman Begins. However, I thought way too much time was spent on history and back-story. I don't care to know how or why he learned martial arts. Nor do I care to know the entire story behind the batmobile. I also don’t really care for the way Begins tries to make Batman\Wayne an ok guy. I don’t want Batman to be an ok guy. He wouldn’t be. He’s a vigilante that dresses up like a giant bat to fight criminals – that’s someone with a fairly severe mental disconnect.

I much prefer the darkness and mystery of Batman89. Which brings me to my only serious criticism of the Nolan films; the high-contrast cinematography. I really don't like how well-lit and sharp everything is. For me, that literal removal of the darkness also takes away the character's darkness. Dark Knight seems even more well-lit\high-contrast than Batman Begins. Again, I don’t really dig the two villain deal either. I’m fine with them revisiting the Joker. Dark Knight is the 1940s Joker, not Burton’s 1970s Joker, so it’s not really a remake that way.

I will say - hats off to them replacing Katie Holmes. Man, she’s tough to watch;

“Wait you could die....*turns script page*...At least. Tell me your name.”

Maggie Gyllenhaal is infinitely more talented and believable - and she’s much more attractive and alluring.

I also think I may be suffering from advance-trailer-saturation-fatigue.

Unless a bunch of people want to go after work one night (and they happen to pick a night when there isn't a Yankees game) - I'll probably just wait for Dark Knight on cable.

[Agent Z]

Hmm. That's a little nasty of you, isn't it, Z? You couldn't be more off-beam with your interpretation (hack-job) of the original post.

You know what, reading it back now, it was nasty. I can't apologize enough. Seriously man, I'm sorry I posted it.

I wasn't even having a bad day. The post just caught me wrong. I've had my fill of haters* pm'ing me and thread after thread after thread telling me, through snotty insinuation mostly, that my opinion and defense for liking KOTCS must be faulty and insincere. It gets old, really old, because I feel I have an obligation to respond to pm's at least, and it just ends in me repeating myself over and over again.

While I still think your post was hypocritical, even if it was unintended hypocrisy, I still don't think it deserved the lashing I threw out. My apologies again. :hat:




* For the record, I don't think "The Man" is a hater, per se. I don't even think "Agent Spalko" is. They both may disagree with that sentiment, but I enjoy the humor they bring to their posts.....ok, and Agent Spalko's username and avatar I'm partial to.

Now, that recently-banned Mothy cat though......http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v676/MissionCodeZ/Nope.gif

[Nurhachi1991]

See I did not grow up watching Batman as a kid although I was aware of it. So thats why I;m not really into it. Looks like a great movie though! :D

[Agent Z]

I also think I may be suffering from advance-trailer-saturation-fatigue.

I hear ya. I don't know what it is, but I just can't get jazzed for this film.

Perhaps because I lived through Tim Burton's Batman era, long before the internet age, 1,000,000,000 cable/satellite channels, and ten times as many feature films per calendar year were around to dilute the experience. When I was a young one and the Batman hype was everything....man, what I would give to feel that level of excitement again. I still get amped for certain films, but it's probably a struggle from being a jaded adult...

I also tire of Superman and Batman fighting the same damn villains every time out. Screw the masses and target demographics! :down:

[graz]

* For the record, I don't think "The Man" is a hater, per se. I don't even think "Agent Spalko" is. They both may disagree with that sentiment, but I enjoy the humor they bring to their posts.....ok, and Agent Spalko's username and avatar I'm partial to.

Now, that recently-banned Mothy cat though......http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v676/MissionCodeZ/Nope.gif

I agree with you there - as critics go they are at least entertaining and make some effort to justify their points with good humour. :up:

[No Ticket]

Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy posted on his personal site that he saw the film on June 30th and that "It seemed as if everyone was trying to make the same movie." He had the same opinion I had, that the original Batman and Batman Returns were the best batmans so far (even after Batman Begins)... but this movie changed his mind.

And since I seem to have similar interest/tastes to this guy... I'm excited more than ever for this film.

[The Man]

You know what, reading it back now, it was nasty. I can't apologize enough. Seriously man, I'm sorry I posted it.

I wasn't even having a bad day. The post just caught me wrong. I've had my fill of haters* pm'ing me and thread after thread after thread telling me, through snotty insinuation mostly, that my opinion and defense for liking KOTCS must be faulty and insincere. It gets old, really old, because I feel I have an obligation to respond to pm's at least, and it just ends in me repeating myself over and over again.

While I still think your post was hypocritical, even if it was unintended hypocrisy, I still don't think it deserved the lashing I threw out. My apologies again. :hat:




* For the record, I don't think "The Man" is a hater, per se. I don't even think "Agent Spalko" is. They both may disagree with that sentiment, but I enjoy the humor they bring to their posts.....ok, and Agent Spalko's username and avatar I'm partial to.

Now, that recently-banned Mothy cat though......http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v676/MissionCodeZ/Nope.gif


It's okay. It did seem out of character...:D

Now back on topic: is what I posted above the full first five-minutes or could it have been slightly trimmed?

[The Man]

And so say all of us...

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/37328

[TheMutt92]

The first five minutes...

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_movies_blog/2008/07/dark-knight-the.html

APOLOGIES IF THIS CONTRAVENES FORUM POLICY!
THIS MAY DISAPPEAR SOON!

Thank God thats poor quality or I was actually going to watch it! Thank you God!!! July 18 cannot get here fast enough!

[TheMutt92]

And so say all of us...

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/37328

Personally, I wouldn't mind Robin showing up later (much later). I mean, if anyone could get Robin right it'd be Nolan, wouldn't it?

[The Man]

Personally, I wouldn't mind Robin showing up later (much later). I mean, if anyone could get Robin right it'd be Nolan, wouldn't it?

I'm none too keen on hearing any more about "Master Dick". It simply sounds too...saucy.

[graz]

I'm none too keen on hearing any more about "Master Dick". It simply sounds too...saucy.

You seem to know alot about Batman - where did the name 'Robin' come from? I've often wondered since his name is Dick it never made much sense to me..

Thinking about it, wouldn't it be great if he was just called Dick. Then the villians could say to Batman: 'Whose that Dick next to you?'

(sorry, I'm being juvenile...:cool: )

[The Man]

You seem to know alot about Batman - where did the name 'Robin' come from? I've often wondered since his name is Dick it never made much sense to me..

Thinking about it, wouldn't it be great if he was just called Dick. Then the villians could say to Batman: 'Whose that Dick next to you?'

(sorry, I'm being juvenile...:cool: )


Bruce: I can't cope with this alone, Alfred. I need Dick.

Alfred: Really? *flutters eyelids*:up: :rolleyes:

[graz]

:D Nothing like a bit of childish innuendo is there?

[The Man]

:D Nothing like a bit of childish innuendo is there?

Food for the soul, my friend...:up:

[The Man]

Ooh, Matron!

http://bp2.blogger.com/_UMJH0YWa8SA/R_WERSYu9lI/AAAAAAAAAJs/0JEo9wCdjyw/s1600/joker1.bmp



The joke turns a little blue...

http://bp0.blogger.com/_UMJH0YWa8SA/R_WFayYu9nI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/tIEpevoeesQ/s1600/joker3.bmp

[Niteshade007]

Another montage, this was shown at Wizard World, whatever that is.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9rw3-0BOyXo&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9rw3-0BOyXo&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[The_Raiders]

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wUPBgYeanZ0&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wUPBgYeanZ0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[MaxPhactor23]

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BqJeHW53Lp0&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BqJeHW53Lp0&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Stick with it until the end. It shows an entire scene in english. Awesome...and funny! Glad to see some of that Joker humor.

[TheMutt92]

I'm resisting. I really wanna get the full experience when it actually comes out, not little bits and pieces all over youtube and IGN.

[The Man]

http://joyhog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/joker3.jpg

[TheMutt92]

http://joyhog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/joker3.jpg

The moment I saw this pic I knew the film was going to rock my socks!

[The Man]

The moment I saw this pic I knew the film was going to rock my socks!

Psychotic, cross-dressing, gun-toting mass-murderers always warm the cockles.

[michael]

It says on wikipedia that the Scarecrow is in this one as well, never been a huge fan of Batman, so I don't really know much about the story.

[The Man]

It says on wikipedia that the Scarecrow is in this one as well, never been a huge fan of Batman, so I don't really know much about the story. Would it just be a minor role?

I'm not quite sure - though I can't see him having the same screen-time as in Batman Begins.

[StoneTriple]

I hear ya. I don't know what it is, but I just can't get jazzed for this film.

For me, it's the year-long viral marketing*, multiple official web sites, and more damn teaser one-sheets than I can count. The pre-release hype has become over-saturation for me. I'm really tired of the film now and it isn't even out yet.


*I'm not a fan of viral marketing. It feels like a gimmick. A film should be able to stand on it's own. A teaser one sheet and a trailer or two should be more than enough.

[Goonie]

http://joyhog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/joker3.jpg

I had a good laugh when I saw this pic. I was thinking psychotic Ronald McDonald.

[RelicHunter]

Heath Ledger is the definitive Joker. Period. If anyone is interested in seeing pics I am on the last stages of my joker costume for the movie premiere. :)

[The Man]

Heath Ledger is the definitive Joker. Period. If anyone is interested in seeing pics I am on the last stages of my joker costume for the movie premiere. :)

Oh, do post! Nothing like that happens over here. People don't have the balls to have fun in that fashion, while I don't have the balls to be the only one...;)

[The Man]

EW goes Gotham...

http://img2.timeinc.net/ew/covergallery/img/2008/jul112008_1001_lg.jpg

http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20210206,00.html

[RelicHunter]

Oh, do post! Nothing like that happens over here. People don't have the balls to have fun in that fashion, while I don't have the balls to be the only one...;)

I am working on my last piece, (the shirt). I anticipate it to be done by next week sometime. At that point I am going to do a dress rehersal of sorts and take some pictures. As soon as I do I will post them here. So far the outfit is highly authentic, so I look forward to posting the pics here to see what everyone thinks.

[The Man]

I am working on my last piece, (the shirt). I anticipate it to be done by next week sometime. At that point I am going to do a dress rehersal of sorts and take some pictures. As soon as I do I will post them here. So far the outfit is highly authentic, so I look forward to posting the pics here to see what everyone thinks.

Any make-up, fake scars?

[RelicHunter]

Any make-up, fake scars?

I have done two makeup tests. I will upload the pictures by the end of the weekend for your viewing and complete costume pics by the end of next week. when I do please let me know what you think.:)

[TheMutt92]

I have done two makeup tests. I will upload the pictures by the end of the weekend for your viewing and complete costume pics by the end of next week. when I do please let me know what you think.:)

Can't wait, my brother did the Joker for this past halloween. Since we had only seen bits of Heath's look back then, his costume was a slight mishmash of that Joker meets the animated series one. Year before that he was Two-Face, I mean, Batman has the coolest villains to dressup as! Think about it: no one could really dress up as Abomination or Doc Ock or Iron Monger for Halloween. Batman is ultimate when it comes to halloween costumes!

[Insomniac]

I really wanted to make a joker costume but don't think there is enough time too before the premier any quick tips/links to get a cheap joker costume?

[Niteshade007]

I'd love to see your costume as well, RelicHunter.

Here's a cute spoof on the trailers. It's made by teenagers, so it's not the best quality, but I thought it was pretty funny.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8sYBqhOEdRQ&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8sYBqhOEdRQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[The Man]

The first five minutes...

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_movies_blog/2008/07/dark-knight-the.html

APOLOGIES IF THIS CONTRAVENES FORUM POLICY!
THIS MAY DISAPPEAR SOON!

The clip has now been vamoosed.

[The Man]

The Ledger swansong comes home...

http://www.smh.com.au/news/film/family-and-friends-gather-for-ledgers-dark-finale/2008/07/05/1214951111539.html

...and Spalko is on the guestlist!

[The Man]

Chris Nolan spills some beans...

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/movies/la-ca-nolan6-2008jul06,0,4287617.story?page=2

[TheMutt92]

I'd love to see your costume as well, RelicHunter.

Here's a cute spoof on the trailers. It's made by teenagers, so it's not the best quality, but I thought it was pretty funny.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8sYBqhOEdRQ&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8sYBqhOEdRQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

I love this video! Found it yesterday.

[Kingsley]

Trough all these months I wasn't very excited about the new batman movie.
Before seeing Kotcs, I even saw "the dark knight" as a dangerous competitor for my beloved Indy. Now I have nothing to fear, because Kotcs left me with mixed, but ultimately, indiferent feelings. Indy 4 had its chance to be "THE 2008 movie", but they spoiled it. So let Batman be the king this time (like in 89) again. I can wait Nolans movie with a healthy grade of excitment now, far from being hyped.

From what I saw, Ledger is doing a fine job as the joker. But Burtons Batman (with Nicholson and Keaton) will always have a place in my hearth.

Still, I wouldn't mind an '89 revival in the box office. Nolan and Co seem to be putting their passion and talent in this movie in a way Lucas and Spielberg seem to have forgotten (the last poster is a wonderful evidence!)

[ResidentAlien]

http://backseatcuddler.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/heath-ledger-joker-01.jpg



Also, a SPOILERIFIC new picture of the Joker. SERIOUSLY a potentially HUGE spoiler. Click at your own risk...


http://images.showhype.com/uploads/photos_large/2008/04/04/heath-ledger-joker-02.jpg

[The Man]

http://backseatcuddler.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/heath-ledger-joker-01.jpg



Also, a SPOILERIFIC new picture of the Joker. SERIOUSLY a potentially HUGE spoiler. Click at your own risk...


http://images.showhype.com/uploads/photos_large/2008/04/04/heath-ledger-joker-02.jpg

I posted that image a couple of days ago, but it didn't show. Since it is rather spoilerific, perhaps my failure is just as well...;)

[The Man]

Is this new?

http://content8.flixster.com/photo/11/08/47/11084750_ori.jpg

[muttjones]

http://content8.flixster.com/photo/11/08/47/11084750_ori.jpg

does anyone else have a problem with batman's neck? i think its too big. In the cartoon and most other films and stuff the mask does not drape over the neck so much. I know it adds to the fear of batman cos he's all hunched and menacing but do you reckon its too much? when i watched batman begins he looked very clunky and non-agile.

[The Man]

does anyone else have a problem with batman's neck? i think its too big. In the cartoon and most other films and stuff the mask does not drape over the neck so much. I know it adds to the fear of batman cos he's all hunched and menacing but do you reckon its too much? when i watched batman begins he looked very clunky and non-agile.

I think the batsuit in The Dark Knight is the first one which allows Batman to actually turn his head. The neck-area does seem quite bloated in certain shots of Batman Begins...

[TheMutt92]

Is this new?

http://content8.flixster.com/photo/11/08/47/11084750_ori.jpg

Nope. Old, very old. Not even a real teaser poster as far as I am concerned. Came out just as news on production was seeping out.

[agentsands77]

Also, a SPOILERIFIC new picture of the Joker. SERIOUSLY a potentially HUGE spoiler. Click at your own risk...


http://images.showhype.com/uploads/photos_large/2008/04/04/heath-ledger-joker-02.jpg
That image has been around for a while. Since the "nurse Joker" pictures were first released.

[The Man]

That image has been around for a while. Since the "nurse Joker" pictures were first released.

It's refreshing to see him without the make-up...

[The Man]

Ten minutes behind the scenes...

http://www.moviesonline.ca/movienews_14977.html

[TheMutt92]

Ten minutes behind the scenes...

http://www.moviesonline.ca/movienews_14977.html

Nice find!

[agentsands77]

It's refreshing to see him without the make-up...
Quite. It's a wonderful reference to a bit from BATMAN #1.

[The Man]

Quite. It's a wonderful reference to a bit from BATMAN #1.

During the lead-up to Burton's Batman, Nicholson apparently read a story called The Man Who Laughed, or something like that. Does that tale have an influence on the original DC Joker?

Edit: Just found this - another drooling review...

http://uk.reuters.com/article/filmNews/idUKN0735325820080707

[The Man]

The first verdict from CHUD...

http://chud.com/articles/articles/15382/1/REVIEW-THE-DARK-KNIGHT-NICK039S-TAKE/Page1.html

Even if Heath Ledger had survived, the inclusion of the Joker and how he compared to Cesar Romero, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Hamill would be the number one draw to the film and I'm glad to say that Ledger has created the definitive version of the character.

[MaxPhactor23]

No one will beat Mark. No one.

[The Man]

No one will beat Mark. No one.

I've never seen the Hamill cartoon...

[agentsands77]

No one will beat Mark. No one.
I love Hamill, but I do think Ledger has a good chance of being better. More dramatic weight, more threatening, and all that.

[agentsands77]

I've never seen the Hamill cartoon...
:eek:

Go out and rent (or buy) BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM. Now.

[The Man]

:eek:

Go out and rent (or buy) BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM. Now.

I may, indeed...

[TheMutt92]

:eek:

Go out and rent (or buy) BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM. Now.

Is that the one w/ the PG-13 cut?

[agentsands77]

Is that the one w/ the PG-13 cut?
No. The one with the PG-13 cut is BATMAN BEYOND: RETURN OF THE JOKER, and is decidedly inferior to MASK OF THE PHANTASM. Still worth a look, though.

[TheMutt92]

No. The one with the PG-13 cut is BATMAN BEYOND: RETURN OF THE JOKER, and is decidedly inferior to MASK OF THE PHANTASM. Still worth a look, though.

Thanks for the insight. :hat:

[The Man]

A brief history of Ol' Smiley...

http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1590412/story.jhtml

[ResidentAlien]

:eek:

Go out and rent (or buy) BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM. Now.


Indeed. Mask of Phantasm is my favorite Batman movie. Better than Batman Begins even. All MUST see it. And the animated series is love.

[Agent Spalko]

I also really enjoyed Batman: Subzero. :up:

[Niteshade007]

It still didn't compare to Mask of the Phantasm. I'd love to see that made into a good live-action movie.

[TheMutt92]

Quick thing, don't know if this has already been discussed but...

I was watching Thank You For Smoking today (good movie!), and it just so happen that both Aaron Eckhart (one of the reasons I was watching the movie) and Katie Holmes were in it. Watching the film, I realized Katie Holmes wasn't half bad as people seem to make her out to be. Sure she wasn't perfect in Batman Begins, but then again she was up against a stellar cast. Now I'm glad we got Maggie Gyllenhal (kinda wish we had her from the beginning for continuity's sake), but I don't think Katie would've been that bad. And she had chemistry w/ Eckhart, which would've been perfect for The Dark Knight! I don't know, like I said this is probably a rehash but, what do you guys think?

[No Ticket]

:eek:

Go out and rent (or buy) BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM. Now.

Indeed... Hamill pretty much nails the characterization of the Joker.

[Crusade>Raiders]

Yay Mask of the Phantasm = Best Batfilm fans! That movie is incredible, perfectly capturing both Bruce Wayne AND Batman. Great story, animation, voice acting; just the whole thing.

Which reminds me, it contains one of my favorite moments ever. I think Batman-on-Film said it best, but thats for another thread :)

Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker were great too. Sub-Zero was pretty good.

And finally, Batman: The Animated Series = best American cartoon ever made. To disagree would be to lie.

Edit: The thing that kept Sub-Zero from being great was how drawn out it was. It felt like it could have worked better as an episode of the series than a full-length movie. Take "Heart of Ice" for example. This is the episode that transformed the Mr.Freeze character from C-list Batman thug with a cool gimmick(pun not intended) to a tragic villain who seeks to be reunited with his love. Its really well-done episode, one of the best in the series, and thats saying a lot.

[No Ticket]

When I think back to the original Batman animated series (well, the one from 1992/93)... I distinctly always remember that episodes (was it the first?) with the Joker riding the conveyor belt in the junkyard and as he goes along he passes in and out of darkness... and when it's dark his eyes and smile are piercing and it's just so creeeepy!

I also love that episodes where all the bad guys are at the same place telling there story of how they "Almost got him." ... in fact, that probably is the name of the episode. And at the end, Batman is one of the guys or something and catches them all. I think that's the same one where the Joker hooks Batman up to an electric chair and it gets electrified whenever the audience in a room laughs... and he has gassed them with something to make them laugh at anything and he makes Harley read from the phonebook... thus electicuting Batman. haha.

Then there's that awesome episode where the Joker steals this poor fat guy's wallet and tells him that he'll contact him one day year's later for a favor and when he does he makes him push a cake into a room.. then he is stuck "glued" to the handle and can't get out and when he tells the Joker, "I thought you said I could go home?!" He says, "I never said in how many pieces!"

Man so many good episodes. It really was the best cartoon EVER. Another cool thing about it, animation wise that is... is I believe it was the first to paint all the backgrounds on black to give the cartoon a darker feel.

[fixer79]

Batman: The Animated Series = best American cartoon ever made. To disagree would be to lie.


I hear ya!
That series was one of the reasons I decided to study animation!
Too bad it didn't last...

I remember seeing the first episode of 'The Batman' expecting the quality of Batman:TAS... Boy, was THAT a disappointment!

Anyway, if you guys are interested in TAS, I really recommend this book:

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/006107327X.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/Batman-Animated-Paul-Dini/dp/006107327X

[The Man]

does anyone else have a problem with batman's neck? i think its too big. In the cartoon and most other films and stuff the mask does not drape over the neck so much. I know it adds to the fear of batman cos he's all hunched and menacing but do you reckon its too much? when i watched batman begins he looked very clunky and non-agile.

http://sify.com/movies/hollywood/fullstory.php?id=14711460&cid=2360

[muttjones]

i think it would be really cool if the batman mask had eyes similar to the animated series. I think the coolest thing about the cartoons is that in the dark only his eyes can be seen. It would be cool if batman in the movie had shiny coverings over his eyes :cool: so that they would reflect the light when the rest of his body is dark. This is what annoys me the most about the live action. They just make circle holes for his eyes rather than the slanted eyes from the cartoon. I know its basically impossible but it would be really cool!!!!.

[graz]

Talking of eyes (I think I agree with you BTW), it bugs me how they design the Batsuits so that they have to put black eye makeup on the actor (because the holes are too big). In Batman Returns, when he rips his mask off it is really noticeable because in the shot just before he does it - the eye makeup isn't there (otherwise he would have panda eyes in a dramatic scene!).

Anyone else notice this? It always amuses me to think of him pasting on the black eye make up before he rushes off to get the bad guys! :p

[The Man]

Talking of eyes (I think I agree with you BTW), it bugs me how they design the Batsuits so that they have to put black eye makeup on the actor (because the holes are too big). In Batman Returns, when he rips his mask off it is really noticeable because in the shot just before he does it - the eye makeup isn't there (otherwise he would have panda eyes in a dramatic scene!).

Anyone else notice this? It always amuses me to think of him pasting on the black eye make up before he rushes off to get the bad guys! :p

It's also pretty funny how Bale lowers his voice as Batman when speaking to people who know him as Bruce Wayne. The old methods of disguise, eh?;)

[muttjones]

this is my fav pic i've seen so far

<a href="http://s277.photobucket.com/albums/kk62/wilcofilm/?action=view&current=whysoserious1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk62/wilcofilm/whysoserious1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[The Man]

Oh, dear Jesus, thank you! THANK YOU!!!*

http://www.cinematical.com/2008/07/08/michael-bays-rejected-the-dark-knight-script/

*Having read it, someone's pulling our chains

[Crusade>Raiders]

I also love that episodes where all the bad guys are at the same place telling there story of how they "Almost got him." ... in fact, that probably is the name of the episode. And at the end, Batman is one of the guys or something and catches them all. I think that's the same one where the Joker hooks Batman up to an electric chair and it gets electrified whenever the audience in a room laughs... and he has gassed them with something to make them laugh at anything and he makes Harley read from the phonebook... thus electicuting Batman. haha.
.

Yeah, "Almost Got 'em" is my favorite episode. It explained where Batman got that giant penny from(Two-Face), and the Killer Croc was hilarious.

Croc - Batman came nosing around. He was coming closer, and closer

Ivy -And?

Croc- I THREW A ROCK AT HIM!

The room goes silent

Croc-...it was a big rock :(

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtV3BuznAdg

[The Man]

New TV spots...

<object width="450" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.traileraddict.com/emb/5358"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.traileraddict.com/emb/5358" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" allowscriptaccess="always" width="450" height="350"></embed></object>

<object width="450" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.traileraddict.com/emb/5359"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.traileraddict.com/emb/5359" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" allowscriptaccess="always" width="450" height="350"></embed></object>

<object width="450" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.traileraddict.com/emb/5360"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.traileraddict.com/emb/5360" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" allowscriptaccess="always" width="450" height="340"></embed></object>

<object width="450" height="378"><param name="movie" value="http://www.traileraddict.com/emb/5361"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.traileraddict.com/emb/5361" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" allowscriptaccess="always" width="450" height="378"></embed></object>

<object width="450" height="378"><param name="movie" value="http://www.traileraddict.com/emb/5362"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.traileraddict.com/emb/5362" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" allowscriptaccess="always" width="450" height="378"></embed></object>

<object width="450" height="378"><param name="movie" value="http://www.traileraddict.com/emb/5363"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.traileraddict.com/emb/5363" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" allowscriptaccess="always" width="450" height="378"></embed></object>

[The Man]

i think it would be really cool if the batman mask had eyes similar to the animated series. I think the coolest thing about the cartoons is that in the dark only his eyes can be seen. It would be cool if batman in the movie had shiny coverings over his eyes :cool: so that they would reflect the light when the rest of his body is dark. This is what annoys me the most about the live action. They just make circle holes for his eyes rather than the slanted eyes from the cartoon. I know its basically impossible but it would be really cool!!!!.

Check out TV spot 15, 0:22 seconds!

[Crusade>Raiders]

I just saw this clip of Two-Face a minute ago. It doesn't show his whole face, but the concept art was true.

www.whysoserious.com/myhero

I believe thats the site

[Crusade>Raiders]

Ok, you still wanna see what Two-Face looks like...here he is...kinda:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sxXdNbn7yE

[fixer79]

i think it would be really cool if the batman mask had eyes similar to the animated series. I think the coolest thing about the cartoons is that in the dark only his eyes can be seen. It would be cool if batman in the movie had shiny coverings over his eyes :cool: so that they would reflect the light when the rest of his body is dark. This is what annoys me the most about the live action. They just make circle holes for his eyes rather than the slanted eyes from the cartoon. I know its basically impossible but it would be really cool!!!!.

The main reason they don't give the movie version of Batman the shiny eye lenses is the fact that you don't see the actor's eyes or where he's looking at...
It wouldn't work.

Where it did work was in the latest Ninja Turtles movie... During the day you see their normal eyes and at night they become light slits. Of course, that wasn't live action ;)

Anyway... About those trailers and Tv spots...
I bugs me a bit that they use that 'subtle Lamborghini' joke that much... It makes me think of a 'The Fast and the Furious'-type movie...

[MaxPhactor23]

The Batman cowl will have white lenses (albeit briefly) in Dark Knight. They can even be seen in one of the commercials.

I completely agree with those who said Batman: The Animated Series is the best American cartoon ever produced. I watch (at least) an episode or two a week. It’s bloody brilliant. They even raised the bar for relatively insignificant to downright lame character. Suddenly even Clayface, Mr. Freeze, and Mad Hatter were dramatic, tragic, and interesting. Completely revamped them into character worthy of attention. Characters you actually gave thought to. Bruce Timm and Paul Dini are two of my heroes. To this day the entire animated series is not only the best representation of Batman as seen in comics, but arguably the best version of Batman outside of the comics. Period. Few of the movies have been great, I’d argue only two are good films (excluding Mask of the Phantasm), and those few that managed to be…still don’t compare to the series. That’s saying a lot. Calling it a cartoon is an injustice.

My personal favorite episodes are: Heart of Ice, Perchance to Dream, Jokers Favor, Beware the Grey Ghost, Laughing Fish, Dreams in Darkness, Clay face (Part 1-2), Almost Got ‘Em, Riddlers Reform, and Second Chance. Truth be told almost every episode is great though, very few clunkers.

<a href="http://s98.photobucket.com/albums/l265/MysterioManifesto/?action=view&current=0708081259.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l265/MysterioManifesto/0708081259.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

This is just a really quick photo I took with my phone. This was my first go at the make-up. I used ivory water-based paint, lipstick, and eyeliner. The water paint looked awesome at first, but cracked fast. I forgot to put some sort of moisturizer on my face first. I was just experimenting with what does and doesn't look good, checking for the premiere. I want to look my best for opening night. I’ve still got a lot to try.

[ResidentAlien]

I just saw this clip of Two-Face a minute ago. It doesn't show his whole face, but the concept art was true.

www.whysoserious.com/myhero

I believe thats the site


You're only like 2 weeks late on that.



But A+ for effort.

[Agent Spalko]

<a href="http://s98.photobucket.com/albums/l265/MysterioManifesto/?action=view&current=0708081259.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l265/MysterioManifesto/0708081259.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

This is just a really quick photo I took with my phone. This was my first go at the make-up. I used ivory water-based paint, lipstick, and eyeliner. The water paint looked awesome at first, but cracked fast. I forgot to put some sort of moisturizer on my face first. I was just experimenting with what does and doesn't look good, checking for the premiere. I want to look my best for opening night. I’ve still got a lot to try.

Robert Smith from The Cure?

[MaxPhactor23]

Hah. I get rockers all the time.

[Crusade>Raiders]

You're only like 2 weeks late on that.



But A+ for effort.

Take what I can get :up:

[The Man]

Hah. I get rockers all the time.

Who plans to grace the premiere dressed as The Joker dressed as a nurse? I know I do...

*contemplates leg-wax*

[MaxPhactor23]

Who plans to grace the premiere dressed as The Joker dressed as a nurse? I know I do...

*contemplates leg-wax*

Hah! I've been meaning to shave...

[The Man]

Is this the genuine article...

http://www.superheroflix.com/news/06/29806.php

?

[The Man]

More juicy screencaps*...

http://bp3.blogger.com/_n3eH1jI8AZ8/SHM2318P9rI/AAAAAAAAFjU/G5OYmweercc/s1600-h/tdk+screen12.jpg


*possible spoilers

[QBComics]

This movie will be a masterpiece. I cannot wait for it! (Even though i'm a bit late in saying so but I've been keeping up) This will by far, be the best Joker ever. :up:

[fixer79]

This will by far, be the best Joker ever. :up:

"What did you saaaay?"

http://www.batmania.com.ar/wallpapers/wallpaper413.jpg

:p

[DocWhiskey]

I took place in the Citizens for Batman Viral marketing tonight. It was a lot of fun. Got free t-shirts and other swag AND got to see the Bat signal casted on the Sears tower.

[The Man]

The box-office rumble begins...

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/dark-knight-sells-out-fastest/story.aspx?guid=%7BB5BD65BB-6F91-4F77-BE86-ECA4086909B8%7D&dist=hppr

[The Man]

Okey-dokey - let's see how long this baby stays up...

<object width="450" height="358"><param name="movie" value="http://www.traileraddict.com/emb/5367"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.traileraddict.com/emb/5367" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="450" height="358" allowFullScreen="true"></embed></object>

[TheMutt92]

Okey-dokey - let's see how long this baby stays up...

<object width="450" height="358"><param name="movie" value="http://www.traileraddict.com/emb/5367"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.traileraddict.com/emb/5367" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="450" height="358" allowFullScreen="true"></embed></object>

Still resisting.

[The Man]

Still resisting.

Give in. Give in to your desires...*


*The quality still sucks ass

[QBComics]

Okey-dokey - let's see how long this baby stays up...

I've watched this like ten times already and it still as good as it was before. :whip:

[Agent Z]

I've watched this like ten times already and it still as good as it was before. :whip:

Wait until you see the full movie... ;)

[The Man]

Wait until you see the full movie... ;)

Hast thou been blessed with a preview?!

*pants like dog in passion*

[Crusade>Raiders]

Words fail to describe how awesome those first 5 minutes were.

[The Man]

Words fail to describe how awesome those first 5 minutes were.

Love that opening track-in towards the building and then...BOOM!

[Crusade>Raiders]

That opening scene was better than the first four films.

[Agent Spalko]

Step aside, Dr. Jones...

Batman Movie Sends U.S. Theatres Scrambling To Open Doors

9 July 2008 7:04 AM, PDT

Tickets for the new Batman movie The Dark Knight are so in demand, movie theatres across America plan to open all night to accommodate filmgoers.

The film, which officially opens in the U.S. next week, has sparked a frenzy among American moviegoers, who want to catch a glimpse of Heath Ledger's highly-anticipated performance as The Joker as early as possible.

Some movie theatres across the U.S. have added 6am screenings for film fanatics who can't be accommodated at the earlier midnight and 3 am showings.

Online ticket vendor Fandango.com reports over 1,500 showings for The Dark Knight have been added to theatre rosters across America. In a recent survey, the website estimated 38 per cent of ticket buyers planned to take time off work to see the superhero flick.

Batman Begins, the series' last installment, earned over $200 million (GBP100 million) at the U.S. box office after opening in the summer of 2005.

[Michael24]

I was a little underwhelmed by that clip of the first six minutes (it just seemed like a typical bank robbery sequence to me), but maybe things will improve? I mean, is it supposed to be a surprise that the lead bank robber turns out to be the Joker? Because I thought it was pretty obvious from the first shot of him standing on the sidewalk holding the mask in his hand. I'm going into this movie with pretty low expectations after Batman Begins, so maybe that's a good thing?

[Raiders112390]

Step aside, Dr. Jones...

Batman Movie Sends U.S. Theatres Scrambling To Open Doors

9 July 2008 7:04 AM, PDT

Tickets for the new Batman movie The Dark Knight are so in demand, movie theatres across America plan to open all night to accommodate filmgoers.

The film, which officially opens in the U.S. next week, has sparked a frenzy among American moviegoers, who want to catch a glimpse of Heath Ledger's highly-anticipated performance as The Joker as early as possible.

Some movie theatres across the U.S. have added 6am screenings for film fanatics who can't be accommodated at the earlier midnight and 3 am showings.

Online ticket vendor Fandango.com reports over 1,500 showings for The Dark Knight have been added to theatre rosters across America. In a recent survey, the website estimated 38 per cent of ticket buyers planned to take time off work to see the superhero flick.

Batman Begins, the series' last installment, earned over $200 million (GBP100 million) at the U.S. box office after opening in the summer of 2005.


I've known what side of the fence you've sat on since AICN sent you here. But now you've confirmed it.

[Agent Spalko]

I've known what side of the fence you've sat on since AICN sent you here. But now you've confirmed it.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/marcymichelle1991/joker.jpg

[HovitosKing]

I was a little underwhelmed by that clip of the first six minutes (it just seemed like a typical bank robbery sequence to me), but maybe things will improve? I mean, is it supposed to be a surprise that the lead bank robber turns out to be the Joker? Because I thought it was pretty obvious from the first shot of him standing on the sidewalk holding the mask in his hand. I'm going into this movie with pretty low expectations after Batman Begins, so maybe that's a good thing?

I was a bit underwhelmed by the clip too...damn. Maybe I'm expecting too much here...

[TheMutt92]

Give in. Give in to your desires...*


*The quality still sucks ass

Thats half of why I'm not watching it.

Actually, I just bought Batman: Gotham Knight today (the animated inbetweener for BB and TDK). Quite good, I liked it a lot. A little weird in some parts, but the last two segments kick some serious a$$! Kevin Conroy is great as usual.

[Raiders112390]

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/marcymichelle1991/joker.jpg

It seems you only know how to reply with pictures.
I'm not up on the latest AICN strategies, is that one of them?

[TheMutt92]

Thats half of why I'm not watching it.

Actually, I just bought Batman: Gotham Knight today (the animated inbetweener for BB and TDK). Quite good, I liked it a lot. A little weird in some parts, but the last two segments kick some serious a$$! Kevin Conroy is great as usual.


Also, if you know what to look for, there is some stuff from TDK in there.

[Nurhachi1991]

Who cares that was nothing compared to the opening of Indy.............. Its just Batman nothing new. The Joker is cool though.

[Michael24]

Actually, I just bought Batman: Gotham Knight today (the animated inbetweener for BB and TDK). Quite good, I liked it a lot. A little weird in some parts, but the last two segments kick some serious a$$! Kevin Conroy is great as usual.
I was thinking about picking this up, but are the other segments better than the one called "Field Test?" I watched that one about a week or two ago on Comcast On Demand and thought it was rather lackluster, but some of the other segments seem promising. (And "Field Test" was in an Anime style, which I typically don't care for.) I was also curious about this because I'm a big Kevin Conroy fan (I even run a KC website) and was anxious to see him back in action as the Bat, though his voice seemed at odds with the style of "FT."

[Kingsley]

I've known what side of the fence you've sat on since AICN sent you here. But now you've confirmed it.
Interesting theory about our Agent Spalko's motivations :rolleyes:

Still, I must admit I'm disappointed about Indy 4 almost so much as he/she.
And Batman is finally growing in me now, tough I wasn't very fond of it, and all its Ledger/Joker stuff. I'm a Bale fan.
But, as with Indy 4, it will be the movie itself what will win my sympathy or not.

[TheMutt92]

I was thinking about picking this up, but are the other segments better than the one called "Field Test?" I watched that one about a week or two ago on Comcast On Demand and thought it was rather lackluster, but some of the other segments seem promising. (And "Field Test" was in an Anime style, which I typically don't care for.) I was also curious about this because I'm a big Kevin Conroy fan (I even run a KC website) and was anxious to see him back in action as the Bat, though his voice seemed at odds with the style of "FT."

The last two are awesome and more action packed. Overall I'd give it a 4/5, and yes they are all anime (each segment being a different styles of anime. The last two are the best animated in my opinion). Though quite contrary to your opinion, I liked "Field Test".

[Michael24]

All Anime? Only one or two segments looked like Anime in the ads, while the others appeared to be different entirely from Anime. :confused:

Maybe I'll just NetFlix it first.

[Agent Spalko]

It seems you only know how to reply with pictures.
I'm not up on the latest AICN strategies, is that one of them?

A little fight in ya... I like that.

http://craigbe.typepad.com/movieblog/WindowsLiveWriter/image_40.png

[Nurhachi1991]

A little fight in ya... I like that.

http://craigbe.typepad.com/movieblog/WindowsLiveWriter/image_40.png




http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa28/rockybalboa91/startrek2khan.jpg


KHAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Agent Spalko]

I'M CAPTAIN KIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRKKKKK!!!

http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/startrek/images/thumb/c/c4/I%27M_CAPTAIN_KIRK.jpg/300px-I%27M_CAPTAIN_KIRK.jpg

[Nurhachi1991]

Have at YOU!!!!!!!!!



http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa28/rockybalboa91/56886147_c6456de0c1.jpg




Beat that Spalko.

[Agent Spalko]

http://www.lovelongandprosper.com/pix/gorn.jpg

[Deckard]

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj32/deckard86/WFT07AvJzH.gif http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj32/deckard86/WFT07AvJzH.gif

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj32/deckard86/kirk.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj32/deckard86/250px-Kirk.gif http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj32/deckard86/250px-Kirk.gif

[Nurhachi1991]

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa28/rockybalboa91/cage-talosian.jpg

[Agent Spalko]

Just downloaded the soundtrack. Reminds me a LOT of Gladiator. This movie is going to be VERY VERY VERY dark!

[The Man]

This man is rather confident...

http://daily.stanford.edu/article/2008/7/10/stusViewsTheDarkKnightWillBeTheGreatestFilmOfAllTime

[TheMutt92]

Just downloaded the soundtrack. Reminds me a LOT of Gladiator. This movie is going to be VERY VERY VERY dark!

Nice to know you've taken a break from the pic war.

[The Man]

Just downloaded the soundtrack. Reminds me a LOT of Gladiator. This movie is going to be VERY VERY VERY dark!

Is James Newton Howard involved this time or is it just Hans Zimmer?

[The Man]

The TIME verdict...

http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1821365-2,00.html

This Joker is simply one of the most twisted and mesmerizing creeps in movie history.

[TheMutt92]

Is James Newton Howard involved this time or is it just Hans Zimmer?

Yeah its both of them.

[bonoferox]

Dont know if these were posted here yet, but look at your own risk at Two-Face

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...t316/2face.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...316/2face2.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...316/2face3.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...316/2face4.jpg

Edit: Well crap, all removed....

[The Man]

To the Batphone!

http://blogs.inquirer.net/m-ph/2008/07/11/batmannokia6205-dark-knight-le-phone/

[fixer79]

To the Batphone!

http://blogs.inquirer.net/m-ph/2008/07/11/batmannokia6205-dark-knight-le-phone/

LOL
But what do they mean with "Unfortunately for us in this part of the region, all these are only available in the US"?
I've seen a whole bunch of advertising posters for that baby out here...

In fact, they sell two Nokia Batphones out here. One at roughly 150€ and a cheaper one at 70€.

That cheap one's got my name on it! ;)

[No Ticket]

This was just plain amazingly awesome! haha.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sYBqhOEdRQ

[TheMutt92]

This was just plain amazingly awesome! haha.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sYBqhOEdRQ

I think someone already posted this, but still hillarious!

[Crusade>Raiders]

Jett's review: Dude is like the biggest Batman fanatic in America. No spoilers.

http://www.batman-on-film.com/TDK_TDK-review_billramey_7-8.html

How in the hell do you write about something that leaves you completely speechless?

[The Man]

Jett's review: Dude is like the biggest Batman fanatic in America. No spoilers.

http://www.batman-on-film.com/TDK_TDK-review_billramey_7-8.html

How in the hell do you write about something that leaves you completely speechless?

That's it. Let us not contain our excitement any longer. Let us do...the Batgroove!

*Does Batgroove*

[Goonie]

One more week. I can't wait!:up: :cool:

I will be disappoined if Batman doesn't climb into a lead-lined fidge to survive that explosion shown in the trailer though.:gun: I kid, I kid.

[TheMutt92]

One more week. I can't wait!:up: :cool:

I will be disappoined if Batman doesn't climb into a lead-lined fidge to survive that explosion shown in the trailer though.:gun: I kid, I kid.

I would cheer in the theatre.

"Batman just did an Indy!"

[bonoferox]

whysoserious.com has a place where you can get free tickets to an advance tuesday ngiht screening. I was too late to get the Indianapolis ticket :(

Edit: Well I just called my friend and it turns out you get two tickets when you sign up and one is mine :)

[DarthMickey]

there's going to be allot of dissapointment when this Movie opens.It will be just like Indy and Krystal Skull.I will see it in 2 days and post the info.

[Niteshade007]

I am beginning to think that the hype is almost too good to be true. I don't think it would have gotten as many glowing reviews as it did though if it is horrible. I'll see come the 18th.

Here's a list of 60 reviews (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0468569/board/thread/111002089) (apparently, I haven't read them) from IMDb.com

[No Ticket]

Wow 60 positive reviews...

hmm.

I refuse to believe it's that good! haha.

[TheMutt92]

They reviewed it on Ebert and Roeper last night. Both Richard Roeper and Michael Phillips gaves the film a big recommendation, saying thats it probably a movie that deserves to be seen more than once in theatres. The video should be up on their official site sometime this Tuesday (for the most part spoiler-free).

Also, I know a lot of people have been saying Heath Ledger deserves an oscar nod, in addition to this, Roeper suggested a potential.... wait for it... Best Picture nomination??? Could this be possible?

[DocWhiskey]

Also, I know a lot of people have been saying Heath Ledger deserves an oscar nod, in addition to this, Roeper suggested a potential.... wait for it... Best Picture nomination??? Could this be possible?

Most critics who reviewed it have called it a "Masterpiece". Hell, One critic compared it's greatness to the Godfather, The Untouchables, and Heat. So I'm expecting to be blown away.

[fixer79]

Roeper suggested a potential.... wait for it... Best Picture nomination??? Could this be possible?

Whoa! Now that would be cool!
:up:

[agentsands77]

If stuff like STAR WARS, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, and LORD OF THE RINGS can garner Best Picture nominations, I don't see what's necessarily keeping THE DARK KNIGHT out of the running, assuming it's as well-executed as the reviews suggest.

[Agent Spalko]

This is going to be THE movie of the year and possibly the decade. And here we... go.

[sandiegojones]

I'm sure this is every bit as good as people claim. Batman Begins was a perfect batman film. They key is sticking to the comics! Imagine that! Only Iron Man has come as close to staying true to the character. Batman Begins was based on "Year One" and a dash of "The Long Halloween". "Halloween" also dipped into a Godfather type mafia story which added weight to the narrative.

The Dark Knight derives a greater portion of it's plot from "Halloween" (the Harvey Dent plotline) and its take on the Joker from "The Killing Joke".

Nolan is a skilled director who knows when to let the story tell itself.

[Agent Spalko]

Batman Begins was not a perfect film. It deviated from Year One tremendously and lost its focus and Crane shouldn't have even been involved. It's about a half hour to 45 minutes too long. It really should have remained focused on Ras Al Ghul and the League of Shadows. Take the first hour of Begins and pick up with The Dark Knight and to me Batman begins here.

[sandiegojones]

Batman Begins was not a perfect film. It deviated from Year One tremendously and lost its focus and Crane shouldn't have even been involved. It's about a half hour to 45 minutes too long. It really should have remained focused on Ras Al Ghul and the League of Shadows. Take the first hour of Begins and pick up with The Dark Knight and to me Batman begins here.
That's your opinion, which I gladly do not share on most subjects. You cannot put everything into a film if you desire to keep it within a reasonable running time.

[Agent Spalko]

Running time has nothing to do with it. Tha Dark Knight is also 2 and half hours. The point is that Nolan tried to cram in too much into Begins. I would have saved Scarecrow for the third film. The real story is about the corruption of Gotham and the League of Shadows. Crane feels thrown in to the contrived plot about vaporizing the fear toxin not to mention Katie Holmes takes him out like a chump.

[sandiegojones]

I would have ...
There's your problem right there! When you go to film school and direct a film lets see how you juggle storylines. You can debate my opinion all you want, but you certainly can't change it. To me BB is perfect. :up:

[Agent Spalko]

There's your problem right there! When you go to film school and direct a film lets see how you juggle storylines. You can debate my opinion all you want, but you certainly can't change it. To me BB is perfect. :up:

Just like all the other fanboys wearing rose-colored glasses who think KOTCS is a perfect film. Fact, Batman Begins is flawed. It's an excellent film but hardly derivative of the comics. Nolan's take on Batman is admitedly more James Bondian. The Bat didn't even have the Batmobile in Year One. He had to rely on his street-smarts and intuition honing his detective skills. And where was Talia? I would have preferred her over Rachel Dawes. Another reason why Nolan should have kept the focus on Ras and the League of Shadows. The Dark Knight will eclipse Begins. This will be the new Empire Strikes Back where the sequel takes the first film and makes it better.

[Agent Crab]

I never watched Batman Begins.

The only Batman films I seen was the 60's one, The 89 version, and Batman Returns.

I will see this movie, however.

[Forbidden Eye]

The Dark Knight will eclipse Begins. This will be the new Empire Strikes Back where the sequel takes the first film and makes it better.


I love how you know this before you've even seen it.

[Agent Spalko]

I love how you know this before you've even seen it.

Mark my words. It will be so.

[Raiders112390]

Mark my words. It will be so.

Spalko likes to go in knowing a film before it's even hit the screen. It's what he/she/it does, makes up it's mind before even knowing anything. A very close minded individual.

[agentsands77]

It's an excellent film but hardly derivative of the comics.
It was very derivative of the comics. It might not have reguritated everything found in the comics (as is only right... Nolan's not here to reproduce, but to provide a new take on what's come before, as is the task of any writer approaching the character), but it was very connected to the comic book history of the character.

[Agent Spalko]

Spalko likes to go in knowing a film before it's even hit the screen. It's what he/she/it does, makes up it's mind before even knowing anything. A very close minded individual.

I was right about KOTCS. I'm almost always right on my predictions.

[Forbidden Eye]

I was right about KOTCS. I'm almost always right on my predictions.

Exactly. That's why you named yourself after a character from it. :rolleyes:

[Agent Spalko]

I challenge all of you Skull lovers to prove me wrong. I will be accepting your humble apologies by the end of the week. :p

[sandiegojones]

I was right about KOTCS. I'm almost always right on my predictions.
Please, what makes you an authority! You were only right about your opinion of KOTCS. That doesn't make you right or speak for others.

Perfection is subjective.

You sound like that petty critic in Ratatouille. You seek to criticize films, not enjoy them. Like I said before, you make something and then see how other criticize.

I predict that you'll lead a very lonely and shallow existence!

[sandiegojones]

The Dark Knight will eclipse Begins. This will be the new Empire Strikes Back where the sequel takes the first film and makes it better.
Nobody was saying that The Dark Knight won't or can't be better. I just stated that to me Begins was a perfect Batman story. I would expect the same from Nolan in a sequel. I could give a rat's a$$ what you think!

What the hell is your point?

[Michael24]

Nolan's not here to reproduce, but to provide a new take on what's come before, as is the task of any writer approaching the character),
So it's okay when Nolen does a new take on Batman, but not Tim Burton? Yeah, that makes sense. :confused:

I do hope that The Dark Knight is good. I didn't care for Batman Begins at all (though it was a step up from Batman & Robin), but I like to think The Dark Knight can only go up from that point and be somewhat of an improvement. Though I think a lot of people are jumping the gun on his "Heath Ledger better win an Oscar" hoopla. So far, I've seen nothing from the ads and clips to suggest his performance is that worthy. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe I'm not. I'm just not a fan of all this "he's dead so we need to worship him" mentality that happens when a lot of young popular celebrities die suddenly.

I'll probably go see this when it comes out, but maybe during the second or third week. I'm not that pumped for it, so I can wait a bit.

[Forbidden Eye]

I'm looking forward to The Dark Knight, just not extremely pumped and counting down the second until midnight showing type of excited I was for Indy.

I grew up with the Indiana Jones franchise while I've had really no affection for Batman growing up. It's also been a lifelong dream of mine to see an Indy film on the big screen. I've already seen a Batman movie on the big screen, so that only weakens the thrill in comparison much more.

But still, I do like Batman. Probably my favorite superhero. And I also greatly admire Christopher Nolan as he has yet to make a film I didn't like. I'm also interested in the performance that was mostly responsible for Heath Ledger's demise. But unlike the die-hard fans, I'm by no means expecting a life-changing historical event that will change the way I view the world. I'm just expecting a very fun 2 hours or so at the cinema like with BB.

But what do I know. I'd still argue A New Hope is a better movie than Empire.