Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Beth — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:22:28 GMT

As a long time Batman fan I LOVED LOVED LOVED the first movie (Batman Begins). Finally someone got it right. No cheese (well not much) and unlike other Batmans, they show him actually not being perfect right out of the gate.
Even before I saw the previews, I was excited for this film, if it's 1/2 as good as the first, I'll love it. My only worries were Ledger as the Joker, but the previews have erased those!!!

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Liam Gallagher, Los Angeles, CA — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:54:31 GMT

The Dark Knight is going to rock. And although it will have trouble beating Spiderman 3's box office opening because of the "little kid factor," I have no doubt that it will be a far better movie.

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Jett, Houston, Texas — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:55:56 GMT

Oh, it's lives up to the hype. I saw it Saturday in LA and was totally and completely blown away. A masterpiece. Bravo Chris Nolan and company!

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

DH, Charlotte, NC — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:04:50 GMT

Why does every "Batman" movie have a token bad actress that has to be rescued?

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Eric, Houston — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:07:50 GMT

Not to get down on the film, but it really looks like a run-of-the-mill action movie. Ledger's performance isn't brilliant. It's just a guy running wild on screen. He's The Joker. Did anyone forget that? Jack Nicholson nailed him. And the only reason this is getting so much press is because he passed away. I hate that he did, as it was way before he should have. But it's wrong to praise something just because someone died. It happens. And why aren't they investigating the drug use? Let's celebrate an adult(who has the world in his hands), and who "accidentally" took too many pills! There are millions of people in this world who have HALF of what he had, and we don't "accidentally" kill ourselves! We actually work hard every single day to support our families! We don't have millions of dollars, or a penthouse! Where's OUR recognition???

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Joe — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:10:34 GMT

It's a Christopher Nolan movie, that's why it will be good, if not great like "The Prestige." I did not like any of the other Batman movies before Nolan made Batman Begins. Those other movies were a disservice to the character.

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Jamar Carlos, Merced, California — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:36:23 GMT

Eric you have know idea of what you are talking about, on the 19th of July lets see what your opinion will be of this movie and Ledger's final performance then. And don't you dare compare Jack's performance to Ledger's, any human being with an ounce of common sense can obviously see that Ledger's take on the Clown Prince of Crime is the best take ever, and has the possibility of being the best movie villain of all time.

On the 18th of July, "You'll see, and I'll show you"

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Eric, High Point North Carolina — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:43:53 GMT

Batman Begins was the best movie ever made!!! It should have won an Oscar for "Best Movie Ever Made." The Dark Knight is going to be epic. I can't wait...Its killing me inside....I'm seeing it 20 times

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Lynette Marie, Cumberland, Maryland — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:00:29 GMT

Jack Nicholson did NOT nail The Joker. He was a ridiculous cartoon character at best. The only person to get it right to date was Mark Hamill and he was only the voice in the animated series (which he was brillantly portrayed, by the way). Now THAT was The Joker as he was meant to be as was Batman. I think Heath Ledger's Joker will be the live version of The Joker fans of Batman have been longing to see.

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Blake — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:01:18 GMT

eric from houston, you are a moron. Jack didn't "nail" the role, he played Jack with make-up on. To say this is just an action film is an understatement. I've seen it and it is truly epic. If Heath doesn't blow you away I don't know what will. And don't say the only reason it's big is because he died, because people were raving about his joker before he died.

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:11:36 GMT

oh man this movie is going to be good, I've been waiting a year for this. Nicholson was alright as the Joker, but I never understood the hype for his performance...Heath Ledger's style of the Joker is much more engaging in my opinion and will fit into the realistic mood of the movie much better.
This is going to be awesome!

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

killa bee, eschewtupolis, CA — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:14:33 GMT

well i saw this movie and it was ok but not as epic as spider man 3, a true masterpiece. toby macquire just has such a more tough guy superhero presence when compared to christian bale who can be somewhat bland. plus, whats with all these superheroes having butlers. i want a working class here, ooh oo la ooh la ooh worrrkinggg claaas heeeerooooo do watta wop do yeah!

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Anthony, San Jose, Ca — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:27:24 GMT

Director Kevin Smith's review of the movie:

“Without giving anything away, this is an epic film (and trust me: based on the sheer size and scope of the visuals and storytelling, that’s not an overstatement). It’s the “Godfather II” of comic book films and three times more earnest than “Batman Begins” (and f---, was that an earnest film). Easily the most adult comic book film ever made. Heath Ledger didn’t so much give a performance as he disappeared completely into the role; I know I’m not the first to suggest this, but he’ll likely get at least an Oscar nod (if not the win) for Best Supporting Actor. F-----g flick’s nearly three hours long and only leaves you wanting more (in a great way). I can’t imagine anyone being disappointed by it. Nolan and crew have created something close to a masterpiece.”

here is the link: http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/06/29/kevin-smith-reviews-the-dark-knight-new-zack-and-miri-photo/

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

D-tox, earth — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:43:54 GMT

The first movie I had seen of Christopher Nolan was Batman Begins and I sure did tell then that this guy has got a vision and would direct great movies in the future. But to my surprise - He had directed Memento and The prestige and that made sure that I have to look out for his movies in the future.

Character Development, Perfect Dark Tone, Tight script, Tight Direction, less CGI and more on quality, Great Cast = Batman Begins. As per the reviews I have read and the trust I have in Nolan and now Heath, I am only concerned about how short/big of greatness its gonna achieve because I am very sure its in no way gonna be Bad

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Brice, Morgantown, WV — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:11:10 GMT

Christopher Nolan is brilliant and his Batman films are solid. Having said that, Jack Nicholson DID indeed nail the role of The Joker for those who seem to refer only to the back of a DVD box instead of the film. It's just that people are forgetting that there are/were many incarnations of the Joker. I'm not talking about the 60's camp "version" but to say Nicholson did anything less than a fantastic job is ridiculous. The stripped down junkie Joker of Heath Ledger is interesting but Cillian Murphy would've been a far more logical choice, at least looks-wise. C'mon, the guy's face organically looks like The Joker.

Also, Batman Begins was anything but a perfect Batman movie. It was dark and earnest as KS put it and the casting was decent but COME ON. What in the hell was he driving? Suddenly the Batmobile is some sort of Hot Wheels monstrosity? Yeah, THAT'S being faithful to Batman, isn't it? Far too many "fanboys" have hopped onto the Nolan bandwagon for the wrong reasons. We get it. It's not campy. It's dark. It's got great dialogue and decent casting. But in the end, it's just another director's re-interpretation (see "raping") of a legendary comic book franchise. Attention Hollywood directors: stop taking too many d***ed liberties with our Batman!

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Kat — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:51:34 GMT

Bloody hell am I seeing things or did I just see Spiderman 3 referred to as a "masterpiece". I genuinely think that was one of the most awful films I have ever seen. It doesn’t take a genius to figure that to construct a remotely descent screenplay having so many villains is just unfeasible. None of them can get the adequate amount of screen time to have a decent story arc and to generate a sense of fear in the audience- which is surely what the role of a villain is! Sam Raimi should be shot for inflicting that piece of turd on us! And to refer to The Dark Knight as “ok”. I’m sorry but no film of Nolan’s can ever be “ok”. The guy is truly incredible in his ability to create such wonders of his art. I have infinite admiration for him. Sod Spiderman. Batman Forever.

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Baj, Atlanta, Ga — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:00:21 GMT

First of all it's a pointless waste of time to keep comparing these new takes on the Batman legend with the old ones. Batman and Batman Returns were Tim Burton's visions of the character in the late 80's early 90's and they were their own films. We enjoyed them at the time (just like the cartoons) and I seriously doubt that Nolan has been remotely concerned about any of the previous installments. He went to the source material and in turn is adding his vision to the legacy.

Christopher Nolan doesn't make bad films and I'm sure this movie will be great. Although, just like every other movie made, whether you like it or not is completely up to you. Plus, it's stupid to think people are hyping the Joker just because Ledger died. Raul Julia died after making the Street Fighter movie but that movie and his role is still percieved as crap.

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Maria, New York — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:03:25 GMT

Before Heath Ledger died, my husband and I saw a trailer of his performance in Batman and we commented then that he definitely did a remarkable job. Jack Nicholson did a cartoon-y good job. He didn't quite get the mental trip Heath obviously captured. I love Jack Nicholson, but Heath's version looks dark and sinister... exactly what I pictured the Joker to be.

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Paige Newman — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:17:01 GMT

Batman fans, the L.A. Times has posted an interview with Christian Bale about Ledger, the new film and "Terminator 4" (very curious about why Bale signed on for this role). Here's a link: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedishrag/2008/07/heath-ledger-ch.html

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Mark, San Diego, CA — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:29:57 GMT

I'm looking forward to the film, but I actually prefer Cesar Romero's Joker to Nicholson's version, and I'm afraid Ledger's won't surpass it either.

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Lori, Cleveland OH — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:38:38 GMT

I don't want to belabor the point about how great "Batman Begins" was and how excited we all are for the next movie. I concur with everyone who hails the first movie as a masterpiece and eagerly await the new one. I do want to address a specific point made earlier about how the Batmobile from "Batman Begins" looks like a Hot Wheels creation. One of the things about the Batman universe that always troubled me was that he seemed to have every cool crime fighting toy he could dream up. In "Batman Begins", Nolan addressed this issue in a very realistic and feasible manner. Batman's tools are new technologies created by a corporation with an endless Research and Development budget, ostensibly for the purpose of military use. Genius!! I bought into it and that makes things like the Batmobile very realistic (or as realistic as a Batmobile can be!) and not just a cool, Hot Wheels-inspired toy.

Oh, and Eric from Houston is an idiot.

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Erica, Michigan — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:39:38 GMT

first off, i agree with kat's statement. i was thoroughly disappointed in spiderman 3, but i know that the dark knight will not disappoint. come on, the trailers look sooooo amazing. nicholson did an awesome job with joker, and so will ledger. it's just that there are so many sides to the joker, and they displayed those different measures perfectly. box office prediction: 100 mil opening weekend.

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Paige Newman — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:46:48 GMT

Let's settle this Joker argument via a poll: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25482684. Vote for your favorite Joker.

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Mark, San Diego, CA — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:50:48 GMT

Again, none of what anyone is saying about Ledger's Joker can compare to the portrayal by Cesar Romero. It will go down in Batman history as the finest version of the Joker ever (Vincent Price's 'Egghead,' a villain I hope will soon make a comeback in a future Batman film, runs a very close second to Romero).

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

just a girl — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:20:45 GMT

I think the hype surrounding the film is based on Heath Ledger's passing. That's all. The day he died the film was being hyped, and that was back in January. I'm not knocking any performances in the movie and undoubtedly it will be a good film but I just don't think it would be as big of a deal if Ledger hadn't died before it was released. The media is blowing it up as they do with everything else.

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

nicky b — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:35:33 GMT

after seeing this movie i agree with killa bee, spiderman 3 was a masterpiece especially with toby's performance, sorry fans but this movie really just is overhyped by the previews..this is one ill surely forget very soon

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Melissa, Manassas, VA — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 05:18:43 GMT

Putting aside the fact that Heath Ledger died and that MAY have something to do with the hype of this film, consider other roles he's played. I believe he is getting his props because not only taking on such a dark role, so very different than what he's done, but apparently he embraced it. A true breakout for what his future could have held? Who knows, I'm not too big on comic book movies unless they are made really well. The Spiderman movies made me gag, Burton's takes on Batman left me bored. But Batman Begins? I will watch the movie over and over again. It was humbling to see the beginnings and his struggles. I eagerly await July 18th...

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Eric — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 05:54:52 GMT

i've been waiting for this move since july of 2006! thats when the official press release was written spelling out who would play the joker and what the movie would be called etc. I bought my tickets the morning they went on sale on the internet. I've participated in the extensive viral marketing hosted by 42 entertainment and Warner Bros. I've never been more excited for anything in my entire life. Of course I'm ready for The Dark Knight! Why So Serious?

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Jamie, St. Louis, MO — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:28:12 GMT

Hey everyone, remember something here: we enjoyed the Spider Man movies because of what the actors made us believe in the characters. Tobey did a great job, and all the Spider Man movies were terrific. Christian was terrific in Batman Begins, and the hype for this movie is justified. The difference is the tone of the movies: Spider Man will never be as dark as Batman is (and probably should have been all along). And that's okay. I can't wait to see TDK - I think it will be the biggest movie of the summer, and it will probably be worth every bit of hype. And Spider Man will be the last thing on my mind, because there's no real comparison to be made, other than they're both superheroes.

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Gigi, Los Angeles, CA — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 07:18:45 GMT

Could Heath's Joker be Oscar Worthy? Or is it just hype? Judging from the trailers and the critics (excuse me, quote whores!), I'm guessing this movie is more than hype. LOVED the first Batman.... I love what Chris Nolan has done with this franchise.

Let me know what you think. Please visit my blog and give me your comments:
http://entertainmentoday.today.com/2008/07/01/heath-ledgers-no-joke/

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Jimmy, Parker, Colorado — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:51:20 GMT

Spiderman 3 was the farthest thing from a masterpeice. they made Venom into a joke and the entire time i had to listen to Kirsten Dunst i wanted to rip my ear drums out. TDK is going to be a masterpeice people. Jack Nicholson was good and all, but Ledger is going to blow him out of the water.

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

A. Hill, Richmond, VA — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:47:40 GMT

My wife has a long time ban running on super-hero movies and even she can't wait to see this one. I can't wait either!

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Rafael F, Dominican Republic — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:16:44 GMT

Anybody who has ever read a batman comic knows that the Joker is a complete force of unpredictability, mayhem and anarchy. He's even given Superman fits! Ledger's performance captures the essence of the Joker perfectly, as a force of nature, out of control and utterly unpredictable.

Kudos to Nolan and Ledger for understanding this and continuing Mark Hamil's interpretation of the Joker. And definitely kudos to Bale for being able to hold his own alongside the Clown Prince of Crime.

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Allan, Omaha — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:36:24 GMT

Per Eric in Houston:
"Ledger's performance isn't brilliant. . . Jack Nicholson nailed him. . . And why aren't they investigating the drug use?"
Regarding Ledger vs Nicholson, it's your opinion which one portrays it better. Nicholson is more of a drama actor playing a humor role. Ledger is playing it as a dramatic role. Regarding Ledger's "drug use", the drugs that he was using were legally prescribed drugs. Last that I saw, it said that it was *not* an overdose, it was just a bad combination of legally prescribed medications. They did not find large doses of one or many medications when they did an autopsy. In my opinion, this movie would be getting the same amount of press if Ledger were still alive referring to his portrayal of the character.

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Mark, DC — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:15:16 GMT

Ledger's Joker was being hyped well before he died. I remember seeing a short clip at some movie around christmas and I thought then that it looked intersting. Plus the studio is actually taking a fairly classy route with this. They could be hyping up the movie as Ledger's last, but instead they are focusing on Nolan and the movie itself. The critics are the ones focusing on it being his last role. I don't think mainstream America will like it because it will probabaly be a well told story. Take Memento, that was a great movie, but people didn't like it because you had to think and it wasn't all CGI. I'm glad there are still directors like Nolan who focus on the story and the charcters instead of trying to make everything a cartoon.

Also, Jack Nicholson's Joker was great, just different, not quite as campy as Romero and not quite as dark as Ledger. I think people forget those first two movies were actually pretty good. They get overshadowed becasue people only remember the crap that followed.

Finally, the people who think Spider Man 3 was a masterpiece probably also put the Matrix 3 on their favorites list. Their both crap, luckily I didn't waste money to see either of them in the theatres, so I could just end my misery and turn off the DVDs.

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Sean, Songtan, Korea — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:22:57 GMT

I can't believe the comments that I'm reading here. Do some of you actually believe that Spider-Man 3 was a masterpiece? THE MOVIE WAS ABSOLUTE PURE GARBAGE! Don't get me wrong, the first two flicks were great and enjoyable so I assumed that Spider-Man 3 was going to be great as well if not better, but I was dead wrong. Spider-Man 3 in my opinion was one of the biggest disappointments in movie history. All that hype and excitement for nothing! The Dark Knight will be nothing short of spectacular. Not only will it be a great comic book movie but it will also be considered a great movie all in it's own... you can quote me on that! Spider-Man 3 a masterpiece!? HELL NO!

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Dave, England, United Kingdom — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:26:39 GMT

I think as far as they hype goes, there may be an element of ledger's death creating hype.

BUT to be fair, his performance was already being highly praised before he died by diehard fans and movie fans. it is only since TDK has come to public prominance leading up to its release that they hype has "appeared" to the general public.

i for one remember discussing the first trailer with my work collegues during an evening shift at ASDA (UK branch of walmart) literally hours before the radio bulletin announcing ledgers death. i heard it in the way home in the car when i was parked at a gas station.

fact is we (all diehard batman/movie fans) were lording his joker before he died.

so you cant really say the hype is solely from ledgers death. i suppose it depends which way you look at it. i for once dont like nicholson's joker. have to say that so far mark hamill's animated joker is my favourite so far.

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Jessica, Southern California — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:12:35 GMT

I couldn't agree more with all those who posted remarks about Batman Begins being a masterpiece. I can still remember the first preview I saw for that movie and I get chills to this day. I cannot wait to see The Dark Night! Every new preview I see creates new waves of curiosity and excitement within me.

I truely believe that these movies are brilliant. As for my own vision of the batman series... Nolan has brought it to life perfectly.

I have always loved the Batman franchise and I find it unfair to compare Nicholson's Joker to Ledger's. The directors created very different movies with very different views and they both have to be taken as what they are individually.

In my opinion, Jack's portrail of The Joker was perfect for that installment. I believe no one could've cast a better Joker than Heath for The Dark Night. I had my doubts when I learned he was cast as the unforgettable villian (even though I am a true fan of his chick flicks) but the first time I saw him on screen I was completely convinced and left in awe.

Please go see this movie with an open mind and don't buy into the crap about it only being this hyped up because of Heath Ledgers unfortunate passing. The Dark Night will be, and always would have been, a completely success!

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Cody, SLC, UTah — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:39:55 GMT

Ummm, this film was hyped LONG before Heath's passing. The Comic Con stuff, the viral marketing that had everyone scouring the net for clues. AND once and for all. Nicholson DID NOT NAIL the Joker. Not even close, and this coming from an enormous Nicholson fan. He was all wrong with almost every part of the performance.

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

cody, slc, utah — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:41:22 GMT

How can anyone say Spiderman 3 was a masterpiece? That's a sarcastic joke right? Spiderman 3 was a train wreck and regarded by many as one of the worst comic book movies ever.

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Katie, Illinois — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:04:22 GMT

I don't believe that the hype all started and kept going only because of Heath Ledger's passing. Even before that, there was extreme buzz going around. I personally have been waiting for this film ever since the day I walked out of the theater after watching Batman Begins for the first time and seeing what was to come from that last scene 3 years ago.

While his death has definitely added some hype to see his last full performance, it's not the only reason why people are excited about this film. From the many trailers I've seen, the pictures and the 7 minute preview of the movie, it isn't your average, run of the mill comic book hero movie. It's about something much deeper than simply trying to stop a villain.

I agree with Lynette Marie that Mark Hamill, up until now, was truly what the Joker was all about. He may have only voiced the character in the Animated Series, but that Joker was how I have always pictured him since I was a little kid. And even then, I thought that Jack Nicholson was not as brilliant in that role as so many people thought. He was just a cartoon character...a spoof of what that character really should have been about. And that's why Heath Ledger's Joker is gaining so much popularity. It's the real version of what I, and so many other people, have always envisioned the Joker.

Then, to the person who called Christian Bale bland and actually said that Tobey Mcguire was more of a "tough guy superhero" than him, you make me laugh. Christian Bale is one of the best actors of his time. Like Heath Ledger, he's a chameleon when it comes to the roles he takes. He doesn't do what he does to become famous or rich. He does what he does because it's his craft.

And the idea of calling Spiderman 3 a masterpiece makes me laugh. That was easily the worst film of the series, one that did not live up to the hype that surrounded it at the time.

As for a box office predication for The Dark Knight's opening weekend, I'm going to say 110mil. This film is going to be insane.

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Katie, illinois, — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:54:25 GMT

actually after thinking it over, maybe nicky b and killa bee were correct. you know upon watching spiderman 3 again i really was able to pinpoint its originality and greatness, it wasnt just another slash and burn action movie but it had substance and personality, i cant see batman being even close.

Can 'The Dark Knight' live up to the hype?

Rob,Providence, Rhode Island — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:46:34 GMT

Spiderman 3 was one of the worst sequels to a superhero/ sci fi flick EVER ...along with Mortal Kombat: Annihilation and Batman and Robin [George Clooney haha]... Spiderman has been my favorite superhero and i loved the first two movies they were great BUT ...how about staying true to the comic book personas?? Peter Parker isn't a nerd the rest of his life and Eddie Brock/Venom isn't a wise cracking 130lb string bean. [next time "if there is one" take a page from x-men and don't have the characters dress exactly as they do in the comic (sandman) ... how dumb would wolverine have looked in yellow spandex?]

Aside from that...the comparisons to other superhero movies need to end. This movie won't have some catch phrase...or some little guy triumphing...or someone upholding "the American way"... this will be dark ..this will be about terrifyingly real as a comic movie could get ... this will be remembered

expect this joker to go down in history with ...darth vader, michael corleone, tony montana, hannibal lecter, and the queen from snow white