Review of the Dark Knight

So I went and saw The Dark Knight Thursday night/Friday morning. I caught a midnight showing at the Sunrise Multiplex Cinema in Valley Stream, New York. They had about 5 screens dedicated to show this film in the midnight hour. Accordingly, since The Dark Knight is the most hyped film in my immediate memory, probably about 1000 people showed up- it was the most people I've ever seen at that particular theater in my life- this is considering the recent history of that theater (the shooting during The Godfather Part III, the metal detectors at the doors, etc.). The experience itself was a solid opening night experience.

Christopher Nolan and the entire cast and crew deserves all the credit in the world. I've been telling people that I couldn't think of 10- no 5- films that were better than The Dark Knight released since the year 2000. Yes, The Dark Knight lived up to all the hype and then some.

The film is driven by a complex and intriguing plot. Despite the 2 hour 32 minute run-time, the film wasn't "action-packed" but rather methodically put together and moved by quite quickly. There were easily three or four concurrent themes throughout the film- the Dark Knight/White Knight disparity between Bruce Wayne/Batman and Harvey Dent/Two-Face respectively, the love triangle between Rachel Dawes, Harvey Dent and Bruce Wayne, the clash between the Joker and the Batman, the development of Two-Face/Harvey Dent's downfall, the Joker's motives- I can't continue without spoiling things. What do I have to say about the plot at the end? All of the 2 hours and 32 minutes were used to the up-most efficiency; yes it's long, but each and every minute of it was necessary.

The Dark Knight also featured perhaps the best cast for a superhero movie ever. Christian Bale, one of my personal favorite actors, presents the best Batman/Bruce Wayne seen on any screen since Batman: The Animated Series. He is believably intimidating as Batman while he's equally aloof with flashes of manifested inner conflict as Bruce Wayne. Heath Ledger has been getting a tremendous amount of accolades after his performance as the Joker. He took the gimmicks out of the Joker and turned him into the truly terrifying anarchistic villain/terrorist. Ledger was able to successfully let millions of viewers suspend their reality without question. Overlooked is Aaron Eckhart's performance as Harvey Dent/Two-Face. Dent, in some ways, is the primary protagonist of the film as you watch the White Knight of Gotham become Two-Face in classical tragedy fashion. Eckhart doesn't fail to deliver as Dent. Maggie Gyllenhaal, one of my favorite actresses today, added a depth to Rachel Dawes' character that was painfully missing in Katie Holmes' version and is more than just a damsel in distress. Gary Oldman plays a very genuine and sincerely honest Jim Gordon. Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman play the butler Alfred Pennyworth and Lucius Fox respectively and do what they do best: play wise father figures.

The one word to describe this film? Balance. Everything is perfectly balance. Nothing overshadows anything else from the entire film. Not any of the characters or performers (like Jack Nicholson as the Joker in Batman), not the background (Batman & Robin), not the camera work. Everything is in perfect harmony. It's this symphonic nature of the film that let The Dark Knight transcend the comic book/superhero genre to become a truly great film.

I've heard comparisons being made between this film and films like Heat and The Godfather, Part II. I was wary at first, but the truth is, both are valid comparisons. I believe the Oscar hype this film has- this is a great film. I can't name 10 films better made since 2000 (oh no, this is gonna be a list now).

Go see it.

Sitting,
Greg

P.S.- no, seriously. Go see it. Like, right now. Go to your nearest theater- buy a ticket- and watch.

Hyping the Dark Knight up

Well, summer just started a week ago, the summer movie season is in full swing. Unfortunately I can't say I've watched too many of the ones I wanted to get to. I only had the chance to see Iron Man and Indiana Jones- I'm itching to see The Hulk, Get Smart, and Wall-E. But above all these, there's one film I've been waiting for this summer: The Dark Knight. It's slated to come out July 18th- less than a month away.

The trailers have all left me personally wanting more- this Batman looks nothing like any TV or film Batmans before (the best before this was probably Batman: The Animated Series). The Joker is a sadistic anarchist with a sick sense of humor- getting the camp out of the classic image of the Joker. Chris Nolan isn't going to skimp and effort for a film now, especially after beauties like Batman Begins and Memento.

The list of talent is impressive as well. Christian Bale and Heath Ledger are/were in consideration for best actor of our generation- ditto for Maggie Gyllenhaal but for best female actor. Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine are excellent actors who provide well-seasoned talent in playing 'mentor' characters.

All signs point to a movie that's being hyped tremendously.

Well VH1 got a viewing of The Dark Knight and put up a review of it. What's their verdict? "It's the best Batman movie ever made, hands down."

Who's excited?

In growing anticipation,
Greg

TV, baseball, movies, and life reflections

This is me talking about anything and everything that I haven't mentioned.

First of all, my school kicks ass at lacrosse. We crushed Duke's dreams yet again- that's 3 out of the last 4 years, the one year that we didn't crush Duke's dreams, they were crushed by an ill organized house party and the subsequent allegations of rape. As a result of that one particular event, they've become pariahs that the popular media roots for. Oh well, we put those little bitches in their place. I have no sympathy for them. (My, I am quite the ruthless fan!)

Second is TV in general. I've been doing a lot of watching recently- mostly online ironically enough. The four shows I watch regularly, The Office, House M.D, Scrubs, and The Big Bang Theory, all saw their season finales.

The Office's end was satisfactory and leaves me yearning for more. I hope they have some interesting things planned for season 5 and whatever their spinoff will be.

House's season finale was also great. They kill off a semi-major character that viewers have become accustomed to- they teased it in seasons past, but they actually did it. I was impressed. Those two shows were examples of shows that did positive things despite the writers strike.

Scrubs' "season finale" was a disappointment, especially considering the gaffe in continuity (involving Dr. Kelso- that's all I'll say). They really suffered because this would have been the last seaons if it weren't for the strike. After all the finale was what was supposed to be the 9th episode of the season- the true finale is put off. They have to put it off for one more year- which isn't so bad, but it'll be on a differnt network at a different time- what a bitch.

The Big Bang Theroy's seaons finale was too good- I need to know what happens next. My enthusiasm for that particular show says too much about what I think of myself. Oh well.

Moving on, how about those Yankees? They actually put together a winning streak. Starting pitching hasn't absolutely bombed while the offense is finally living up to the "Bronx Bomber" nickname. I'm glad that Jason Giambi (and his golden thong), Robinson Cano and Alex Rodriguez decided to join us. You know what will make me happy, IPK to continue pitching like he did a couple of nights ago, Phil Hughes to pitch like Phil Huges once he comes back, and Joba being Joba in the starting rotation. Then I'll be a happy Yankee fan.

I haven't said too much about the medium known as cinema in a long time. I just saw the new Indiana Jones movie. What'd I think? Well it's not going to be the best movie I'll see all summer, but it was fun. I think it was so difficult to top the first three, especially with an older Indiana Jones. The Communists are upset about it, but we needed a dastardly enemy to the same effect as the Nazis in Raiders. In a lot of ways, this movie was an homage to Raiders. The enemy uses and pursues the same thing Jones does, Marion is literally back, and the sequencing of the action and plot movement are parallel. Plus, the bad guys both melt at the end. But I will say, aliens are kinda ridiculous. Fun film still, I recommend it with a large tub of popcorn.

I saw Iron Man back when it opened at the Senator theater about a month back- YES GO SEE IT IT'S AWESOME OMG!!1 Robert Downey Jr. as an actor really carried that film considering how limited Iron Man's actual presence in the film was. Plus there was the little cameo in the end (after the credits) that has me excited.

On to life. I don't have much to say about that. Read my haikus, I say plenty in those.

On and about,
Greg

John Adams

Recently I've been hooked by HBO's new mini series, John Adams. It's a period piece that's been painstakingly constructed for material realism- of course there are some artistic liberties taken, but it's noting like say The Patriot or The 300. At least the liberties taken turn John Adams into a more interesting character than what I remember from American History class: the most uninteresting founding father. Freakanomics does a good job at pointing out all the little historical incongruencies so far in this post.

I'm not so thrilled about the choice of Paul Giamatti playing John Adams- I still have memories of him being completely blue in Big Fat Liar. I'm also not much of a fan for the weird camera shots- why are half the shots canted? why are the canted shots not canted in the same direction? is there a meaning or reasons to these canted shots? why is the camera doing a quick pull in during the scene entering Liberty Hall? There mere fact that I have to ask these questions make the camera work suspect in my opinion- the camera work should add to the story, not distract.

However I will say that I am impressed by the choices of David Morse as George Washington and Tom Wilkinson as Ben Franklin- they're great! I have no idea who plays Thomas Jefferson, but he's great too. Also, is it just me or are the women of the Adams family uncompromisingly beautiful? The make-up (or lack-there-of) is great and the dialog is amazing.

Whatever the case is, I encourage anyone to watch it. HBO films does not fool around.

Ten Best Movies that go well with Coffee

I was bored and I decided to make a top 10 list of something I think I know a little something about. Keep in mind, this is a very limited list due to it's by me- a single person with his own personal biases and limitations (like all those movies I haven't seen- sorry no "Coffee and Cigarettes" in this list).

Without any further adieu, I give you the Ten Best Movies that go well with Coffee.

Generally, I'm going to be choosing a specific type of movie right? I mean, what would go well with a 2-hour long drinking of coffee? A couple of things I think of that are necessary are thought provoking stories, dialogue the way we wish we'd all speak, a defining stylistic ambiance in the film, and other general fodder for conversation- over a cup of joe.

10. "Fight Club" (1999) by Dave Fincher

I had a hard time deciding to put this in here. The theme is thought provoking- an anarchistic rebellion against contemporary consumer culture. There's also that crazy mindfuck of a twist- but I'm not so sure this is such a good thing. The movie is quite intense with the fighting. Will caffeine help you deal with that? I can't say. Well, at least anarchy is still a coffee-cup topic of conversation.

9. "There Will Be Blood" (2007) by PT Anderson

This is all about the dialogue. Daniel Day-Lewis' character is so over-the-top. This film has produced the latest in the long line of cinematic catchphrases. But beyond the dialogue, there's more to be engrossed by. The themes of insanity and Johnny Greenwood's score are things that should put your caffeine buzz to good use.

8. "Withnail and I" (1987) by Bruce Robinson

This is a highly underrated British comedy. Here, it's all about the quick and witty banter between the number of characters we see throughout the film. The best thing about the conversation is that none of it feels contrived (yes, I'm looking right at you Juno). All of it is natural and completely believable coming from the characters. Given a cup of coffee, there'll be enough great lines for you to stew over.

7. "No Country for Old Men" (2007) by the Cohen Brothers

When discussing this movie, make sure your coffee is as dark as you can take it. This movie is so wonderfully dark- it's outlook on life is pessimistic and nihilistic. Doesn't that sound like something hipsters in coffee shops would talk about while flexing their philosophies? Everything about the film only goes to accent this dark and nihilistic outlook- from the soundtrack, the conversation, the acting- everything. Also, it doesn't hurt that it was the best film made last year.

6. "The Lives of Others" (2006) by Florian Henckel von Donnorsmarck

Compared to the previous films, this film has a more positive outlook on things. Themes tackled in this movie contribute to it's agreeable tendencies with coffee. Things like the nature of love, the nature of obedience and duty, the notion between right and wrong, rebelling against a corrupt institution- all such perfect things to discuss over a cup of coffee. The pacing of the film also contrasts nicely with a caffeine buzz- it's very deliberate and gives the viewer enough time to soak the entire scene in.

5. "Amelie" (2001) by Jean Pierre-Jeunet

This is the happiest film on this list. Carefree is the adjective to use here. Between the colors, the soundtrack, the voiceovers, and those little asides that are sprinkled throughout the film, this is quite the charming and carefree film. Of course the big theme of conversation here is love. The Frenchness of this film feeds well into the coffee-shop intellectual culture that spawned from France in the 18th century.

4. "Wild Strawberries" (1957) by Ingmar Bergman

The first Bergman film on this list, this is a very deep introspective film. Dealing with themes like love, loss and nostalgia to tickle the juices in the brain, this film is where it's at. This is one of those films where afterwards, one has the urge to make a new insight into oneself. Considering that's one of the many favorite pasttimes of coffee-drinkers, this film makes the list quite well.

3. "Reservoir Dogs" (1992) by Quentin Tarantino

Want to see an example of great dialogue in a film? This is it. The dialogue is second to none. It's not particularly realistic, but at the same time it's not as contrived as you'd think. Also given the high-strung mood, there's a kind of sick dark humor throughout the film. More than anything else, it's the style of this film that makes it so appealing to coffee. Cheap black suits, thin black ties, and Ray Ban Wayfarer sunglasses- throw that in with some entertaining dialogue and you have something you'll enjoy talking about.

2. "The Seventh Seal" (1957) by Ingmar Bergman

Remember what I said about Bergman's other film? Take that and now throw in the question of "Does God exist?" instead of your boring ol' life. It's existential examination into what the nature of religion, God and salvation is. That's not even mentioning the amazingly classic characters that have been satirized to the point of staleness (like Death). This is one of those films where you always pick up something new about it every time you watch it- it never gets old. The film seems to entice almost a cathartic flow of existential and generally philosophic thought into any viewer's mind. Great to hold over coffee conversations.

1. "Annie Hall" (1977) by Woody Allen

The best film for coffee conversation in my opinion. The film in itself is a coffee conversation by Woody Allen about relationships through his semi-autobiographic character. The little asides throughout the film, literally looking into the memories of Alvy Singer, are captivating. It's funny, the conversation is great, there are memorable characters and lines, unique ways of presenting what's going on (like subtitling what the characters are actually thinking while carrying on a fluffy conversation). The film as a whole has very subtle charms while talking about one of the most vexing human emotions.

And with this list, I enter the ranks of pretentiousness. Thank you. Until next time...

From the depths of the Library at Johns Hopkins University...

Hello, hello, and greetings to all from the depths of the Milton S. Eisenhower Library at Johns Hopkins University! I've currently been in here for the last 7 hours or so writing a paper (I'm so screwed). Enough about me- let me say some things that's been on my mind recently.

First thing, the Oscars were this past weekend. A couple of thoughts: I'm very pleased the academy didn't pull a clunker like last year giving Scorsese Best Picture for the piece of crap that was The Departed. (I understand the man deserved an Oscar after all those horrible snubbs, but The Departed, frankly, sucked.) No Country For Old Men deserved every reward it earned. I might go as far and say it was snubbed a couple awards, namely for Sound Editing. I mean, The Borne Ultimatium won for that but before No Country, did anyone know what a silenced shotgun sounded like? did the subtle background noises (or lack thereof) not add to the dark intensity of the film? I feel horrible for PT Anderson and There Will Be Blood. It was such a great film its own right but didn't get the recognition it could have gotten had it been released another year. I was pleased that Daniel Day-Lewis got the Oscar for Best Actor- he deserved that one ("I DRINK YOUR MILKSHAKE- I DRINK IT UP!" might be one of the greatest lines ever). One last thing I'll say about this: how did Cate Blanchett not win Best Supporting Actress for her role in I'm Not There? I mean, during the film, I forgot it was a woman playing this Bob Dylan character. I think that was the most upsetting thing about this year's Academy Awards for me.

Another thing: I've been sitting here in the library for the last couple hours and I've come to the conclusion that the soundtrack to Amelie might be the best thing to listen to while studying. First, it's great mood music- makes you want to be active or productive or something. Second, it makes you feel great- you want to be happy or in love or something. It's perfect. I recommend you listen to it while studying or doing work the next time.

It hurts me to try and follow the primaries right now. So much crap being flung back and fourth in the media... it makes me ashamed of studying this. I really hate electoral politics right now- if you want to talk about the nonsensical and petty character of politics, congress is no better (don't they have anything better to do?).

I'm gonna go get another cup of coffee (is that number 7 today?) and get back to work now. I have a long night ahead of me.

Edit: One more thing: This coming Thursday (March 6) I'll be preforming stand up with 13 other comics from Hopkins at the Arnello Theater in the basement of Levering. This is prelims for DC Improv's funniest college competition. The show will feature 13 of us, me included, and 3 professional comics, one as a host and two as the closing acts. If you guys aren't doing anything, please come support us. Thanks a lot.