Leave everything you know about the comic book version outside the theater. Fortunately, I was not familiar with the comic book version, or at least the Bane/Batman story, so that was the easy part. I will go back and read it to catch up, though. I had some discussion with some of the guys from ScifiFX and Fellowship of the Geeks about the movie, me being the only one who had not seen it yet, about how true it was to the original. I’ve learned a long time ago to not try and compare a movie to the original source material. In only a few cases has it translated well. This is the Dark Knight character, a dirtier, grittier, and darker Batman who does what it takes to save Gotham.
The first thing that jumped at me and made me physically yell at the screen (in a good way) was the bat pod or motorcycle. We didn’t really get to see it used to it’s fullest abilities in The Dark Knight (affiliate link), but it definitely gets put through it’s paces in this one. Trust me, you’ll love it! And the ‘Bat!’ I can’t say enough; I want one. That is all.
A great addition to the movie was Anne Hathaway as Selena Kyle. Though she is never referred to as Catwoman, her profession gives her away. Anne plays her perfectly (noticed how I didn’t go there) and is an integral part to the story.
I loved Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s character though the hype that John Blake received leading up to the movie release was maybe a bit overblown. He was a great character and a true hero, but not as great as I had anticipated. I think if the hype had been downplayed a little, I would have been blown away.
In certain spots the movie can seem to be slow, but only because there is so much information to put out. But it doesn’t stay that way for long. The over-all story is very good and it keeps you on the edge of your seat. Once the bat guano hits the fan and the siege of Gotham starts, you learn how truly evil Bane is and really start thinking to yourself that this is not going to end well.
As for the ending, it does tie itself up and you are left knowing that Gotham is safe and everything will be okay. I am man enough to say that I shed a tear here and there for the characters, and I was happy with the movie. Fanboys and girls might differ but for those of you who love a good action movie with memorable characters and awesome story will not be disappointed!
If you’ve seen the movie, what did you think?
Looking for something fun to do in Dallas this Labor Day weekend besides sit around a grill and roast as you cook your wienies? Animefest is back and it looks like a lot of fun! Though I’m not a hardcore anime or manga fanatic (not my generation, I guess) I do recognize some of the guests and the projects on which they’ve worked. Here’s the guest list.
