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June 21, 2005
The Dark Knight Has Returned
On my way up to Randolph to see Batman Begins on Sunday I had asked the three other people in my car a myriad of 'what if'/'either or' questions such as, If you had to choose between the ability to fly at up to 150 mph or have the power to instantly teleport anywhere you wanted which one would you decide to have? These sorts of things come in handy as diversions especially while sitting in traffic on 93 near Boston. One of the last questions I had asked was, If for the rest of your life you had to choose to either never listen to music ever again or never watch another movie again which would you choose to go without? All of these sorts of queries are disorienting because nearly everyone takes them seriously and works hard at discovering what their choice would be; as if it was actually plausible that you would be faced with this choice by an angry, jihad minded terrorist standing in back of you with a gun pointed at your head demanding you sacrifice either your rabid movie addiction or extensive music collection.
Our small, intimate fellowship unanimously decided on forfeiting movies due to our shared passion for music. I personally would never be able to give up my precious iPod, even if faced with giving up Star Wars forever; it's just the sort of sacrifice I'm willing to make. I am glad that if I am to be faced with this bizarre choice that it happened after I had a chance to see Batman Begins, a cinematic experience I am still reeling from. I have often preached on avoiding expectations but these sorts of life-shaping ideals are thrown out the window when I pay $7 for a freaking matinee showing with no hope of popcorn of frosty beverage unless I surrender an additional $10. I've recently become fond of the internet as a place for indulging my wanton cinematic desires but contrary to the MPAA's claims on the intentions of 'pirates', I still prefer a proper cinema as the venue for my introduction to any worthwhile movie.
Within our group who attended I had occasion to sit next to Ms. Vader who is notorious for her propensity for ruining perfectly good films with her uncontrollable desire to talk throughout the entire showing. This picture was so good it silenced her into a stunned open-mouthed gape that was occasionally interrupted by giddy outbursts of pure joy. Let those who know her bear witness...it's that good.
I won't give away any spoilers for the same reason why I hate the trailers before the film: it sucks when you're teased with just enough pertinent information to ruin the twists of a plot with none of the delicious details. And no, Hollywood, this doesn't entice me to see the movie, it does the exact opposite. I am now avoiding War of the Worlds for two reasons, the other being Tom Cruise's unabashed publicity whoring.
Let me just say this: director Christopher Nolan achieved the nearly impossible balance between creating a great movie with keeping the hardcore fans happy. The way the origin plays out is terrific and throughout the action packed feature there are small, delicious details that the truly dedicated fans will pick up on and relish with delight. Batman Begins was refreshingly void of unnecessary CG with live action photography and miniatures serving as the pillars from where the film's special effects found their foundation. That, combined with excellent casting, soundtrack, sound effects, pacing, fight choreography and character development made for a magnificent summer movie experience.
Since reading Dark Knight Returns I have been salivating for a movie remake of the comic book with Frank Miller as co-director and Michael Keaton returning as the man in black. Vader said this fantasy may become a reality. Please, Hollywood, say it is so....
Oh and if you have any great 'what if'/'would you rather' questions please post them in the comments section so we can all take part in the pointless speculative fun that has been at the heart of my existence for as far back as I can remember. Here's a few to get you started (all answers must be accompanied by an adequate explanation of course):
1. What ability would you choose: being able to fly at up to 150mph or instantly teleport anywhere on earth?
2. What ability would you choose: traveling back in time or traveling into the future? (NOTE: once you go into the past or future you cannot go back to the present because you can only move one way.)
3. If you could travel back in time (not related the previous question) and prevent World War II (and all its accompanying atrocities) by strangling one innocent person with your bare hands face to face would you do it?
4. If you could be in control of one person's body, living or dead (like George Washington or another historical figure. And no you wouldn't be in their casket, imagine you traveled back in time or something.) for 24 hours who would it be and what would you do?
5. Imagine you have the ability to give the gift of immortality to one person other than yourself, who would it be and why did you choose that person?
Well that's all for now, I have a whole bunch more but I want you to post your answers and any questions you can think up first. If it's a hit than I'll put up more later.
Posted by Jon at June 21, 2005 04:44 PM