Tuesday, July 22, 2008

The Dark Knight Vs. Iron Man

Well, having just seen the Dark Knight on Friday, I have to admit, this summer has really shaped up to be one hell of a blast for us comic book fans. And the offerings are getting a load better too, instead of just being a steaming load. Like "League of Extraordinary Gentlemen", or "HULK."


Iron Man effectively started off the summer blockbuster season with a bang. Literally. We had our first true "Marvel Studios" film, that delivered everything the fans wanted and more. We got a movie that stayed as true as possible to the source material, yet updated it (As the source material even does periodically) and gave us a movie that didn't dumb down the character, the universe and more importantly... didn't get turned into a "rubber character". Bat-nipples anyone? Ugh. We got a sleek, very comics authentic and still real world authentic suit. We got a wise talking, smart ass of a hero that probably was about as big a jerk as some super villans we got in movies, except this jerk learned that he was a jerk and did something about it. And hey... he didn't even end up in bed with the sexy Gwenyth Paltrow. Which is something of an amazement really, doesn't she have a love scene in every movie she does?

Then we got the Hulk. Hulk smash GOOD. I haven't seen it yet, personally, why? I dunno... lazy.
And then we got "The DARK KNIGHT"

But I did see The Dark Knight and I have to say, "this is a comic movie?" If it doesn't get some kind of Oscar nod, I'd be shocked. It had quite a bit going for it. A very demented and disturbing Joker, the likes of which we have never seen, even in the comics. At least with this intensity. I mean look at this guy. He's nuts. He even LOOKS crazy. This is a Joker that would make ya wet yourself if you saw him in ANYWHERE. Cesar Ramero and Jack Nicholson got nothin' on THIS Joker. I won't give too many spoilers, but he's a particularily brutal Joker. His "disappearing pencil trick", the "come on and get me" scene. Oh yeah he's not your daddy's Joker. But then if you're trying to portray a serial killer, pyschopathic clown who is a complete nihilst. Then Heath Ledger did it exactly right.
Although in the words of Alfred "Can't be reasoned with ... some just want to watch the world burn." Right on Alfie. Right on. Micheal Caine was in excellent form in this movie. The whole supporting cast was bang on this movie. Even more so than they were in Batman Begins. I have to wonder what we'll get in the next movie...
But Batman was definately not without his toys in this flick. He had the nifty sweet Bat-pod, that he got after... well let's just say something happens to his main ride and this is what he's left with. I wish my car could produce something like this! And the sequence it first sees some action is truly truly amazing. The Bat's got skills, I'll give him that!




You really have to give a film maker credit for giving us a movie with such strong leads and giving them the freedom to really make the roles their own. Bruce/Batman is far more sure of himself this movie. His balls are firmly in his armor and he's usin' them. As Bruce he's far more comfortable and as Batman he's finally in the role for real. Although what a wuss... he wants a cowl that lets him turn his head. Oh boo hoo... like Keaton or Kilmer, or Clooney had to turn their heads. LOL. But seriously, even Batman in this movie saw the inherant flaws of the suit and fixed them.

He even got some action in the MCU - the Major Crimes Unit, which Lt. Gordon is in charge of and even interrogates the Joker. Which is pretty cool actually, seeing him working so closely with the cops and not winding up in cuffs. I have to admit, it was a pretty enjoyable scene, seeing Batman really take matters into his own hands, while Gordon watched.


All in all, it was everything fans expected and more. Although I would NOT recommend this movie for Young Bat-Fans, as its pretty intense and violent and well, Joker would give kids nightmares. But for the adults and teens, its a kick arse flick that restores your faith in comic films.
So... who won this round? Tough call. Batman already blew past Spider Man 3's record... but will it keep it? Possibly... very possible. Although MY vote is still for Iron Man.

Yes, Comic Films CAN be good!

Until next time... keep facing forward true believers!

Oh and enjoy this little... match up created by the amazingly talented "ItsSomeRandomGuy!"

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



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