The Dark Knight

The hype has been established. Ledger for a posthumous Oscar nomination buzzing around the Internet. Single day and weekend sales records shattered by what absolutely must be called the cinematic event of the summer, if not the entire year. I settle into my seat in the IMAX theatre and await what many are calling the best superhero film ever, and one of the best movies of the decade. Richard Roeper (one of my most respected sources) even commented that "Ledger doesn't have to steal every scene he's in because he walks in and owns it from the get-go. This is one of the funniest, creepiest, darkest, most interesting and most amazing performances I've seen in any movie this decade." If that isn't praise coming from an expert, I don't know what is. The lights dim, and after an amazing look at next year's Watchmen, the film begins.

From the opening scene, there is a feeling that this is something different. Not your run-of-the-mill action film, or superhero film for that matter. Maybe it is the knowledge that Chris Nolan has revived a franchise from the depths of comic book purgatory (see Joel Schumacher's mid 1990's debacles). Maybe it is the strangely darker tone that is taken from the opening bank robbery. My personal feeling is that it is a superbly well-rounded feature; from the music, to the old fashioned stunt work (as opposed to CGI), the acting and perhaps best of all, the writing.

Nolan wrote the screenplay with his brother Jonathan, and manufactured the heart behind what will certainly be the most talked about performance of the year - Ledger's Joker. As great and interesting a character as the Joker is, he is only a layer of this complex story that ponders morality and justice amidst a chaotic world consumed with uncertainty and fear. The emergence of District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhardt) takes center stage as the focal point of the story and shines as a beacon of fragile hope for the city, but also accentuates the nefarious nature of the criminal elements that plague the notorious Gotham City.

The Dark Knight is filled with excellent actors who must have been clamoring for their roles, and most impress even with minimal screen time. A noted upgrade over the most recent incarnation is Maggie Gyllenhaal who replaced Katie Holmes as the eye candy/love interest Rachel Dawes, and adds a dimension of humanity and acting ability beyond that of a tree. Gary Oldman gets more screen time on this time around as well as the incorruptible police Lieutenant Gordon.

Acting and story aside (as if that weren't enough), the score is amazing and the stunts are reminiscent of the times before computers made things like transforming cars a reality. The explosions are real, and although some of the fight scenes are a little hard to see due to the dark night, they are impressive nonetheless.

Heath Ledger must be mentioned, as he is the reason for much of the buzz, and it is fully deserved. It is tragic what happened, but he will forever be remembered for his final and finest role of a short yet distinguished career. He portrayed the Joker with undeniable emotion and terror. He conveys his sociopathic tendencies with such nonchalance that it is eerily believable. From the awkward walk to the eccentric talk to the creepy lip-smacking, he brings an intrigue and intensity to the screen that I haven't seen from a character in a long time. His body language and posturing alone is worthy of praise that even the most experienced and respected actors around have taken decades to earn. It is unfortunate that he won't be around to accept his Oscar next year. Excellent film, a true must-see for the summer and the year. IMAX optional. 10/10.

Hellboy 2

Guillermo del Toro's fantastical vision of a world inhabited by creepy crawlers, goblins, beasts, the unwanted spawn of Satan, and a man made entirely of a smoky gas (as well as others) leaves the viewer dazzled by the creativity and outstanding visual effects. The story is nothing new; kind of a mesh between the Lord of the Rings, X-Men, and Ghostbusters, but the delivery is spot-on action comedy at its finest.

Ron Perlman is the quintessential misunderstood superhero who loves cats and candy, and just wants to be loved by the people who he secretly protects from the creatures of the dark. He plays Hellboy with such blase frankness that it is impossible to imagine anyone else delivering his understated lines. Aside from his machismo, there is a detectable shred of humanity, as evidenced in his Barry Manilow duet with the fish man Abe, which is not quite as awkward as it sounds, but somewhat fitting and endearing.

The story unfolds quickly and with wild action sequences involving CGI creatures such as tooth fairies, a giant tree creature, and a walrus-looking beast with a retractable metal fist. The compelling thing about this film is not the story or even the creatures, but the sheer imagination and detail that is put into each and every special effect-filled scene. Del Toro has been building a reputation in this arena since he directed Blade 2, since which time he has done Hellboy and Pan's Labyrinth. He has stepped into both writer and producer roles as well and is working on both the Hobbit and the Hobbit 2, which should both be amazing if his inventive style continues to evolve.

It is difficult to credit the film with an interesting story, or even great acting, but what is truly original is the characters and the world in which they live. Even things as innocuous as a flashback to when Hellboy was a young boy are brilliantly done, complete with intentionally antiquated claymation technology depicting the story within the story. The pace moves swiftly and there is noticeable meticulous attention paid to every detail within this film. Truly an enjoyable piece, I have to give it high marks for the originality and direction. 8/10.

Hancock

Hancock is the story of a reluctant superhero who has feelings of isolation and loneliness due to his unique superhuman speed and strength. His major character flaw however, is the emotional barrier that he has created after unsuccessfully trying to be the hero that the people of LA desperately want him to be. That, and he is an alcoholic.

This is truly a different take on the typical superhero genre, with an added element of compassion and humanity. There is still the suspended disbelief, good comedic scenes and excellent special effects (although a little shaky at times), but this is something we haven't seen before. The tight leather outfit is openly mocked, and Hancock's slovenly drunkard for all intents and purposes creates a visual antithesis of a traditional superhero.

Hancock woke up at a hospital with no memory of how he got there and upon signing out was told to put his John Hancock on the release papers. Thus, his identity was created. Will Smith plays the character wonderfully with exceptional physical presence and attitude. He is a master of comedic timing, and coupled with Jason Bateman, this film kept a smile on my face...until the end.

It's a great idea and story, a brilliant cast (I can't say enough about how great Bateman is - he may be the funniest actor alive) with the addition of Charlize Theron, it has all the makings of a true summer blockbuster, and the eventual box office gross will corroborate that statement. There was a feeling in my gut that I couldn't quite get over near the end though. Peter Berg is a great filmmaker, but he bucks the system with his non-conformist approach. He did that with Very Bad Things, and he did it with the Kingdom. I think the problem is that he is trying to create a comedy, a drama, a bit of suspense and some audience-shocking tragedy all at the same time. It is an unfamiliar feeling, and I kind of wish that he had stayed on the course before the plot twist.

The plot twist. I won't spoil, but it changes the direction of the film completely and even though there has to be the formulaic protagonist personal growth through conflict and resolution, this particular one didn't seem to fit the mold that the first 3/4 of the film created.

Although the title suggests that Smith is the main character, I would argue that it is more of a buddy picture with he and Bateman adding value and reassurance to each others lives from start to finish. I can't complain about that though, the two of them had a very natural dialogue and interaction and made it entertaining and watchable.

I have to give Berg credit for the originality aspect of the story and for landing an outstanding cast and using them wonderfully. I just had some minor issues with the way that the climax played out. Excellent acting all around, great idea and story, and the effects were pretty good (a little shaky and at times on the cheap side). 7/10