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Big Openings: July 18,
2008
By Myles
Hughes
THE DARK KNIGHT is
bigger than expected!
Well, here we are. The latest chapter in the Batman saga has arrived,
heralding one of the most anticipated releases of the summer and perhaps
the year. But does it hold up to the almost unprecedented hype? Let’s
take a look. Also this week, we have another musical adaptation. And
here we go….
THE DARK KNIGHT
Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Gary Oldman,
Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Michael Caine
Synopsis: As Batman starts to crack down on the mafia in Gotham City (as
aided by Lt. Gordon and D.A. Harvey Dent), he finds himself challenged
by a sinister psychopath known only as The Joker.
Critics: Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins was largely revered as
being a successful reboot of the franchise, featuring a more realistic,
crime-drama-esque approach to the pulpy source material. The latest film
continues in that bold tradition by playing more like Heat or
The Departed than Spider-Man or Fantastic Four.
Critics have almost overwhelmingly praised this as one of the most
mature, psychologically complex treatments of a superhero to grace the
silver screen. This is abetted by a tight script that keeps the twisting
and turning plot moving at a relentless pace, and a fantastic ensemble
lead by Christian Bale, Aaron Eckhart, and Gary Oldman. The real
show-stopper of the pic is the late Heath Ledger, who has been hailed as
having created one of the most iconic screen characters in the last
decade, and perhaps the scariest villain since Hannibal Lecter (now
where have we heard that comparison before?)
Oscar Potential: Best Cinematography and Art Direction, as well as a few
other Artistic/Techs, seem assured. Heath Ledger seems destined for a
Best Supporting Actor nomination, and there is talk of the film
transcending its genre to earn nods for Best Screenplay, Director, or
even Picture.
Verdict: As of this writing, I have seen the film, and will presumably
have more to say on its merits as an awards contender in the weeks to
come. But for sheer, visceral entertainment mixed with intelligence and
haunting grace, look no further. This film is not to be missed.
MAMMA MIA!
Starring: Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Amanda Seyfried, Colin Firth,
and Dominic Cooper
Synopsis: A young girl who has never met her father decides to invite
three men who could potentially be the one to her wedding in this
musical based on the songs of ABBA.
Critics: Though this latest screen musical does offer some entertaining
numbers, along with a few strong performances (notably from the
always-reliable Streep), Hairspray this ain’t. The bulk of the
film is said to lack a sense of propulsion and energy required to make a
stage show work in a movie. In addition, much of the cast lacks the
singing talents required to properly carry the songs, resulting in an
overall experience that may be less than satisfying to most moviegoers.
Oscar Potential: A few Artistic/Techs perhaps, but no more.
Verdict: If you’re a fan of the show, you may have fun. But there are
better movie musicals out there.
Also worth checking out
if you haven’t already:
WALL-E – Say what you will about The Dark Knight’s
prospects, but this is the summer movie that is guaranteed to go to the
Oscars, and with good reason.
HELLBOY 2: THE GOLDEN ARMY – Action-packed and entertaining, if
you’re looking for an excellent summer blockbuster, look no further.
JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH – If the kids are itching for
the movies and they’ve already seen WALL-E and Kung Fu Panda,
this should be an excellent choice.
Coming soon:
SWING VOTE – Kevin Costner may have lost his touch in recent
years, but his latest comedy could still be entertaining, if not exactly
Oscar-worthy.
VICKY CHRISTINA BARCELONA – Woody Allen’s latest received a warm
reception at Cannes, and could signal a return to prominence for the
classic writer/director.
WATCHMEN – Okay, so 2009 is stretching the limits of “coming
soon”, but hot damn does that new trailer look amazing. Fans of the
comic rejoice; this pic seems to be in the right hands.
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