Spring Break
The Daily OrangeSummer knights
Batman fights for box-office glory, 'Pineapple Express' gets stoned by critics
By Daniel Bortz
Posted: 8/26/08, 12:33 AM EST Section: Feature
This summer's blockbusters consisted of a wide array of films. From a superhero showdown to a raunchy comedy about marijuana, the sizzlers of 2008 brought diverse content to the box office. The D.O. takes a closer look at four of these movies.
dsbortz@syr.edu
"The Dark Knight"
Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Michael Caine
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Rating: 4 stars out of 4
This film is the epitome of "the summer blockbuster" done right.
From epic special effects to brand new "bat-gadgets" and Ledger's stunning performance as the Joker, "The Dark Knight" feeds moviegoers' appetites for action and suspense. It's not every day a two-and-a-half hour film keeps your eyes locked, your heart pumping and your hands gripped tight on the seat in front of you.
Some would argue that Ledger's death was the leading factor in the film's bloated box-office totals - and they're probably right. Performances from Bale, Caine, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Aaron Eckhart, Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman are all spot-on, but in the second installment of the newly revived Batman series, Ledger's Joker steals the show.
The late actor's sadistic laugh, scarred cheeks and sociopath tendencies redefine the pivotal role a villain can play in a movie's success. Though the villain doesn't serve as Ledger's first breakthrough role, it will most likely define his career.
However, the actor's stunning transformation into the sadistically humorous anarchist wasn't what made the film so enjoyable.
Credit director Christopher Nolan and the film's producers here for keeping their engaging and twist-filled storyline under wraps. Today's film trailers reveal far too much of the plot, to the point where there's nothing left for the moviegoers to find out when they actually go to see the film. By billing Ledger's performance and the film's top-notch visuals above all else, Warner Bros. Inc. managed to keep the film's many deeper, underlying conflicts secret.
dsbortz@syr.edu
"The Dark Knight"
Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Michael Caine
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Rating: 4 stars out of 4
This film is the epitome of "the summer blockbuster" done right.
From epic special effects to brand new "bat-gadgets" and Ledger's stunning performance as the Joker, "The Dark Knight" feeds moviegoers' appetites for action and suspense. It's not every day a two-and-a-half hour film keeps your eyes locked, your heart pumping and your hands gripped tight on the seat in front of you.
Some would argue that Ledger's death was the leading factor in the film's bloated box-office totals - and they're probably right. Performances from Bale, Caine, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Aaron Eckhart, Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman are all spot-on, but in the second installment of the newly revived Batman series, Ledger's Joker steals the show.
The late actor's sadistic laugh, scarred cheeks and sociopath tendencies redefine the pivotal role a villain can play in a movie's success. Though the villain doesn't serve as Ledger's first breakthrough role, it will most likely define his career.
However, the actor's stunning transformation into the sadistically humorous anarchist wasn't what made the film so enjoyable.
Credit director Christopher Nolan and the film's producers here for keeping their engaging and twist-filled storyline under wraps. Today's film trailers reveal far too much of the plot, to the point where there's nothing left for the moviegoers to find out when they actually go to see the film. By billing Ledger's performance and the film's top-notch visuals above all else, Warner Bros. Inc. managed to keep the film's many deeper, underlying conflicts secret.
Be the first to comment on this story