The Dark Knight Falls Short to it's Predecessor
Disclaimer: I'm sure that most will not agree with this blog. However before you send me hate mail, read the whole thing. If you can at least see where I'm coming from, that's all I ask.
Recently it was announced that Catwoman and Bane will be the new villains in 2012's highly anticipated flick "The Dark Knight Rises." There is no doubt in my mind that this newest movie will be the highest grossing film of the year, and who knows, maybe of all-time. The Dark Knight (from now on I'm just going to write TDK) got so much press, so much love and kudos, that the anticipation for the next (and last?) installment will be a box office smash.
I'm sure it will be a good movie just like the last one. You better re-read that last sentence. I wrote "good" and not "amazing," or "best movie ever." I'll never forget the feeling of disappointment I had when I left the theater after watching TDK. I had hyped myself up for it since Batman Begins had come out, and was ready to have my socks knocked off. I will be the first to admit that that may have been my first problem. I expected too much. However I have watched TDK many times since, and always find something about it that pisses me off.
"Batman Begins is superior to TDK." I cannot tell you how many times I have been laughed at, or berated for saying that sentence. Frankly, I don't care. The funniest part about it to me is that people who have never even seen Batman Begins argue this point against me. They are just parasites who latch onto whatever is perceived as "cool" and believe all the hype for anything without thinking for themselves. I'm going to list my reasons why TDK falls short, and why Batman Begins is a better movie. But before I do that, I will say that I loved The Joker. Heath did a fantastic job, and I have nothing bad to say about anything the Joker did, except for one thing that I will get into momentarily. I seriously found myself rooting for the Joker throughout the movie, which is not a good thing when you're watching a Batman movie.
My first reason is not really any one's fault, and some would argue shouldn't be held against the film. How many people hated the way the left the Joker hanging? I would have preferred him to fall to his death, eerily similar to Nicholson's death in Batman '89. Nope just left him hanging with guns pointed at him. Rumors say that Joker was supposed to be in the 3rd film, and just left him there because at the time it was supposed to leave you "hanging" for the next film. Going further into this, there were even rumors of more scenes of Joker getting sentenced to Arkham and even meeting Harley Quinn in the process. Whether this is true or not, I don't think it matters. What does matter is that hopefully they just leave us to assume that he's locked up never to be heard from again. Others say they wish he would be recast for the next film. Uh, no. There is no way to recast that character, even though others are screaming for Johnny Depp, Leo Dicaprio, or whoever. I do wish there would have been some way to wrap it up nicely. Now I know you are screaming saying, "THEY DIDN'T KNOW HE WAS GONNA DIE!" I realize that, but the bottom line is, it affected how I viewed the movie, and people who loved the movie even agree with this one. Poor Joker just left to hang out and dry.
Two-Face also did a nice job in the film. I wish he wasn't blonde, but I won't nick-pick that bad. However wouldn't the movie had been more effective if they just saved him to the end of the film, and set up the next one with him being the main villain? In my head, I thought the climax of the film would have been Harvey getting burned, everyone mourns. Cut then to him in the hospital bend, he flips his coin in the air, probably in slow-motion, it lands on the "evil" side he clenches it in his hand then a close-up of an evil grin. Movie over. That's what Batman Begins did with the Joker cards in the final scene, and it left you wanting more. TDK was way too long, and didn't leave you wanting more. That could have been eliminated without all the Two-Face scenes. Seriously, who would you rather see Batman fighting in his final film, Catwoman or Two-Face? Clearly a no-brainer.
Maggie Gyllenhaal was absolutely horrible as Rachel Dawes. Again, this wasn't entirely their fault. Damn you Tom Cruise! However she completely changed the character from a brooding girl next door with a thirst for justice, to a whiny, confused, follower. And here's my shallow comment of the day: the girl is ugly! Don't believe me, take a look. Would a billionaire really be in love with her? Really? Katie Holmes sure, but not Maggie. I was so happy when she died I couldn't believe it. (Fancy that!)
"We are tonight's entertainment!" Everyone remembers that scene. The worst part of that scene should have been, "Well hello beautiful." (Because as we have already established, he clearly couldn't be talking to Rachel.) However unfortunately it's not. Joker lets Rachel drop out the window and Batman plunges after her to the rescue both falling on top of a car and smashing it-AND NEITHER IS HURT! I'll take it with a grain of salt that Batman has on a suit of "armor," and is fine, but what about Rachel? This really bothered me, but it gets worse. The scene ends after that. Did I miss something or aren't we supposed to assume that Joker is still up there looking for Harvey. Joker has already been established as a lunatic and a murderer. So wouldn't it be logical that he kill everyone at the party and tear Bruce's penthouse to shreds looking for Harvey? Nope nothing happens, and he apparently leaves quietly while taking out the trash as he goes. This scene wasn't fully thought out. This in essence is the total opposite of Batman Begins. Every scene in Batman Begins was well thought out and you truly felt like this could happen in real life. TDK lost a lot of that quality in my eyes, and made it a lot less desirable.
The smugglers pick up Bruce Wayne out in the ocean. However they pick up Batman in China? So do these low-life’s know Batman's true identity? Or are we to believe that maybe he had different smugglers do different jobs? Just something to think about, again because the movie wasn't entirely thought out.
Another scene that bothers me is the one with the ferries. It drags on FOR-E-VER! I would be all for removing it from the movie completely, but then everyone would say, "NO! You can't do that, it shows how Joker thinks that when the going gets tough, everyone will 'eat' each other. But, Batman proves that there are some good people left in the world." Ok fine. But cut out the part of the asshole saying, "No one wants to get their hands dirty? Alright fine I’ll do it." Then long dramatic pause, followed by a wimp out. Have the people panic, show the big black dude throw it out the window, the end. (Of the terrible scene anyway. It took away too much from the final showdown of Batman vs. the Joker)
It's too bad the Tumbler got blown up because making Batman drive a tank, is pretty much the coolest idea ever. I'm nervous that they will give him a "sports car" type in the new film that we are accustomed to seeing. I would way rather fight crime in the Tumbler than a Mustang with wings on it. The Batpod was alright in theory, but just seemed too much like a down-grade. It was necessary I realize, but stupid things like him ramping off the wall were a little much. And by a "little much," I mean ridiculous, crappy-looking to the point that Adam West may have been driving the damn thing. Start the video at 2:39 if you don't believe me.
They sure made Scarecrow into a little bitch didn't they? Man I thought he was great in Begins, but Batman made short and sweet work of him. They may have been better to just leave this out, and then say that Scarecrow had already been captured. No love for the Scarecrow! (I'm noticing a trend here with the villains, aren't you?)
Falconi made you think he would blow your head off at time, and he was a legit bad ass. Maroni not so much. He seemed to be more of a hands-off kind of guy, and that made him look weak in comparison. Not a real big deal, but it does making Begins look stronger. (I will also point out that with Two-Face and Joker, a real strong mob boss wasn't totally essential, but still I hold my ground.)
And for my final point. Every time I re-watch the movie, it becomes more and more obvious how poor of job Christian Bale did. I don't think he mailed it in, but something seemed odd about him. The scenes as Wayne especially. Maybe he was depressed because he had to make out with Maggie? I know I would be. I can't put my finger on it, but whatever he is doing; I hope it doesn't carry over into the next film. Believe it or not, I don't have problem with Batman's voice. Everyone makes fun of it, but I think it's cool. (Plus I do a really good impression of it.) It does sound different in TDK though.
Again I will repeat that I do like The Dark Knight. I just don't think it's worth all the attention it got. (Except for the Joker, it was deserved, but Joker can't carry a Batman movie, Batman has to.) In my opinion Batman Begins is better, and probably the best superhero movie of all-time. I'm interested to see The Dark Knight Rises, but I don't have my hopes up too high. Maybe that will make it more enjoyable for me.
- "I'M NOT WEARING HOCKEY PANTS!"
Recently it was announced that Catwoman and Bane will be the new villains in 2012's highly anticipated flick "The Dark Knight Rises." There is no doubt in my mind that this newest movie will be the highest grossing film of the year, and who knows, maybe of all-time. The Dark Knight (from now on I'm just going to write TDK) got so much press, so much love and kudos, that the anticipation for the next (and last?) installment will be a box office smash.
I'm sure it will be a good movie just like the last one. You better re-read that last sentence. I wrote "good" and not "amazing," or "best movie ever." I'll never forget the feeling of disappointment I had when I left the theater after watching TDK. I had hyped myself up for it since Batman Begins had come out, and was ready to have my socks knocked off. I will be the first to admit that that may have been my first problem. I expected too much. However I have watched TDK many times since, and always find something about it that pisses me off.
"Batman Begins is superior to TDK." I cannot tell you how many times I have been laughed at, or berated for saying that sentence. Frankly, I don't care. The funniest part about it to me is that people who have never even seen Batman Begins argue this point against me. They are just parasites who latch onto whatever is perceived as "cool" and believe all the hype for anything without thinking for themselves. I'm going to list my reasons why TDK falls short, and why Batman Begins is a better movie. But before I do that, I will say that I loved The Joker. Heath did a fantastic job, and I have nothing bad to say about anything the Joker did, except for one thing that I will get into momentarily. I seriously found myself rooting for the Joker throughout the movie, which is not a good thing when you're watching a Batman movie.
My first reason is not really any one's fault, and some would argue shouldn't be held against the film. How many people hated the way the left the Joker hanging? I would have preferred him to fall to his death, eerily similar to Nicholson's death in Batman '89. Nope just left him hanging with guns pointed at him. Rumors say that Joker was supposed to be in the 3rd film, and just left him there because at the time it was supposed to leave you "hanging" for the next film. Going further into this, there were even rumors of more scenes of Joker getting sentenced to Arkham and even meeting Harley Quinn in the process. Whether this is true or not, I don't think it matters. What does matter is that hopefully they just leave us to assume that he's locked up never to be heard from again. Others say they wish he would be recast for the next film. Uh, no. There is no way to recast that character, even though others are screaming for Johnny Depp, Leo Dicaprio, or whoever. I do wish there would have been some way to wrap it up nicely. Now I know you are screaming saying, "THEY DIDN'T KNOW HE WAS GONNA DIE!" I realize that, but the bottom line is, it affected how I viewed the movie, and people who loved the movie even agree with this one. Poor Joker just left to hang out and dry.
Two-Face also did a nice job in the film. I wish he wasn't blonde, but I won't nick-pick that bad. However wouldn't the movie had been more effective if they just saved him to the end of the film, and set up the next one with him being the main villain? In my head, I thought the climax of the film would have been Harvey getting burned, everyone mourns. Cut then to him in the hospital bend, he flips his coin in the air, probably in slow-motion, it lands on the "evil" side he clenches it in his hand then a close-up of an evil grin. Movie over. That's what Batman Begins did with the Joker cards in the final scene, and it left you wanting more. TDK was way too long, and didn't leave you wanting more. That could have been eliminated without all the Two-Face scenes. Seriously, who would you rather see Batman fighting in his final film, Catwoman or Two-Face? Clearly a no-brainer.
Maggie Gyllenhaal was absolutely horrible as Rachel Dawes. Again, this wasn't entirely their fault. Damn you Tom Cruise! However she completely changed the character from a brooding girl next door with a thirst for justice, to a whiny, confused, follower. And here's my shallow comment of the day: the girl is ugly! Don't believe me, take a look. Would a billionaire really be in love with her? Really? Katie Holmes sure, but not Maggie. I was so happy when she died I couldn't believe it. (Fancy that!)
"We are tonight's entertainment!" Everyone remembers that scene. The worst part of that scene should have been, "Well hello beautiful." (Because as we have already established, he clearly couldn't be talking to Rachel.) However unfortunately it's not. Joker lets Rachel drop out the window and Batman plunges after her to the rescue both falling on top of a car and smashing it-AND NEITHER IS HURT! I'll take it with a grain of salt that Batman has on a suit of "armor," and is fine, but what about Rachel? This really bothered me, but it gets worse. The scene ends after that. Did I miss something or aren't we supposed to assume that Joker is still up there looking for Harvey. Joker has already been established as a lunatic and a murderer. So wouldn't it be logical that he kill everyone at the party and tear Bruce's penthouse to shreds looking for Harvey? Nope nothing happens, and he apparently leaves quietly while taking out the trash as he goes. This scene wasn't fully thought out. This in essence is the total opposite of Batman Begins. Every scene in Batman Begins was well thought out and you truly felt like this could happen in real life. TDK lost a lot of that quality in my eyes, and made it a lot less desirable.
The smugglers pick up Bruce Wayne out in the ocean. However they pick up Batman in China? So do these low-life’s know Batman's true identity? Or are we to believe that maybe he had different smugglers do different jobs? Just something to think about, again because the movie wasn't entirely thought out.
Another scene that bothers me is the one with the ferries. It drags on FOR-E-VER! I would be all for removing it from the movie completely, but then everyone would say, "NO! You can't do that, it shows how Joker thinks that when the going gets tough, everyone will 'eat' each other. But, Batman proves that there are some good people left in the world." Ok fine. But cut out the part of the asshole saying, "No one wants to get their hands dirty? Alright fine I’ll do it." Then long dramatic pause, followed by a wimp out. Have the people panic, show the big black dude throw it out the window, the end. (Of the terrible scene anyway. It took away too much from the final showdown of Batman vs. the Joker)
It's too bad the Tumbler got blown up because making Batman drive a tank, is pretty much the coolest idea ever. I'm nervous that they will give him a "sports car" type in the new film that we are accustomed to seeing. I would way rather fight crime in the Tumbler than a Mustang with wings on it. The Batpod was alright in theory, but just seemed too much like a down-grade. It was necessary I realize, but stupid things like him ramping off the wall were a little much. And by a "little much," I mean ridiculous, crappy-looking to the point that Adam West may have been driving the damn thing. Start the video at 2:39 if you don't believe me.
They sure made Scarecrow into a little bitch didn't they? Man I thought he was great in Begins, but Batman made short and sweet work of him. They may have been better to just leave this out, and then say that Scarecrow had already been captured. No love for the Scarecrow! (I'm noticing a trend here with the villains, aren't you?)
Falconi made you think he would blow your head off at time, and he was a legit bad ass. Maroni not so much. He seemed to be more of a hands-off kind of guy, and that made him look weak in comparison. Not a real big deal, but it does making Begins look stronger. (I will also point out that with Two-Face and Joker, a real strong mob boss wasn't totally essential, but still I hold my ground.)
And for my final point. Every time I re-watch the movie, it becomes more and more obvious how poor of job Christian Bale did. I don't think he mailed it in, but something seemed odd about him. The scenes as Wayne especially. Maybe he was depressed because he had to make out with Maggie? I know I would be. I can't put my finger on it, but whatever he is doing; I hope it doesn't carry over into the next film. Believe it or not, I don't have problem with Batman's voice. Everyone makes fun of it, but I think it's cool. (Plus I do a really good impression of it.) It does sound different in TDK though.
Again I will repeat that I do like The Dark Knight. I just don't think it's worth all the attention it got. (Except for the Joker, it was deserved, but Joker can't carry a Batman movie, Batman has to.) In my opinion Batman Begins is better, and probably the best superhero movie of all-time. I'm interested to see The Dark Knight Rises, but I don't have my hopes up too high. Maybe that will make it more enjoyable for me.
- "I'M NOT WEARING HOCKEY PANTS!"
While I enjoy Bale as Batman it will be interesting to see who they cast to play batman in the next movie after the dark knight rises when he and Christopher Nolan leave the movies... his biggest issue is his Batman voice, it is horrible. The sad part is the actor who does the best voice difference between Batman and Bruce is Keven Conroy who did the voice in the Animated Series. While I enjoy the Nolan/Bale take on Batman I think after this next one I will be ready for a new take... as long as it isn't Joel Schumacher
ReplyDeleteI remember you saying that you thought Bale seemed off in TDK as well. Do you think he doesn't care anymore or what? Some scenes were worse than others, but man it really irritates me that I can't stand Batman in that movie, and love the Joker! I know he did great, but man it just doesn't seem right.
ReplyDelete