THE 'DARK KNIGHT' REVIEWED

by Rockin' Russ Tidwell (sometime after 3 AM on 7/18/08)

     Hi, my name’s Russ and for about as long as I can remember, I have been a fan of Batman.

     Like many of you probably I was first introduced to the Blue and Grey caped crusader who fought alongside his allies the Super Friends, and had colorful living comic book adventures on TV via reruns of the 1960’s TV Show. It was through the Batman that I discovered my love for comics, and even toys. I started out with the Mego Bats and Robin, then later cherished my Super Powers Dynamic Duo and their Batmobile; still one of my favorite toys to date.

     In the comics there was something special about Batman, something that set him apart from the other guys, even in the days of tamer story lines and comic strip art. No, it wasn’t just the fact that he was a had no actual ‘Super Powers’, although I still believe that to be why so many connect with him. It just seemed like Batman’s world was different. Gotham City wasn’t bright and shiny like Metropolis. It’s dark, dank, almost hopeless setting, at times, exuded a reflection of reality that I didn’t so much realize then, but fully appreciate now.

     As I have grown, and the world changed, thankfully so did Bats. It seemed there was always someone at the right times saying, “Let’s see how far we can take it; how far we can push him, before people start
saying, ENOUGH!”. A strange thing happened though...The never did. Batman started dealing with Death and personal conflicts. He fell in love, he had a kid. On a few occasions he seemingly lost everything, but someone always managed to scrap his way back up to the top of the pile again.

     No matter how the stories have changed though, one thing has always remained the same. The Characters in Batman’s world have always had an indestructible core of being. Batman is the orphaned boy who lost everything he loved at too young an age. He grew into a man of such heart and such integrity that he swore to do everything in his power to keep others from experiencing the same feeling of loss.

     On the other hand, The Joker has always been madness personified: a mysterious character whose origins are still debated, and whose true identity is still unknown to this day. Some say it’s because he’s so insanely brilliant; others think he may be the embodiment of Evil itself. The sick twisted demon who laughs as you cry and feels no remorse for his actions. His only goal is to destroy and do it in the most fabulous of ways.

     Harvey Dent was another true spirit, committed to good and everything that stood for it. A seemingly unstoppable force of Law and Justice that, unfortunately, was one day tested, and didn’t fare so well as
Young Bruce Wayne. People still love and relate to the character though because while Batman embodies everything we hope we’re capable of, and wish we could be, Harvey Dent, or Two Face is a closer reflection to who we actually are.

     This complex tapestry of ego’s and id’s is what has remained the same, while time and circumstance has changed around them. It’s the anchor of the character, the constant you rely on, and what truly personifies who they are.

     When it comes to Movies- more often than not- Other ego’s decide it’s ok to ignore continuity or rewrite who a character is to fit their purposes and it’s also why, in the past, Superhero movies and TV shows often we’re ill fated. It even almost killed the Batman franchise at one point. Lately though, it has seemed that the people who are making the movies, are the people like you and me. They have an appreciation for these characters, and they actually want to remain faithful to them.

     One such man, is Christopher Nolan.

     A lot will be said about ‘The Dark Knight’, the newest entry in the Batman franchise, penned and directed by Nolan. Some will say it’s too long. Some may say it’s too dark. It’s definitely not a movie you should take your kids to. But the one thing that’s constant and clear is that Nolan KNOWS these characters. He knows them, he loves them, and although it may be hard to see at times, he knows just where he’s taking them.

     Is ‘The Dark Knight’ the best movie in the world? No. Is it flawless? Of course not. Is Ledger as brilliant as they say? He is. But above all that, the one thing you should remember about this movie are the words
that make up the last 5 minutes. Pay attention to those words. Enjoy an outstanding piece of film, and be completely aware going in, that this is a ride that you will not be prepared for.

     Chris Nolan ‘gets’ Batman. And ‘The Dark Knight’ is Batman’s world at its best.