THIS was an extremely dark interpretation of this, now classic,
comic book hero. The undertones and ideology explored within this
film are amazingly far from the TV show, which many now think of
when the name Batman comes to mind. This truly is well worth a view
in the cinema, as I do not think a TV screen can deliver the emotion
in quite the same way as the cinema. It is a fantastic
interpretation of the story and if this had been the first, it would
have been extremely hard for the other films and TV programs to live
up to. I will not spoil the plot though, but I will say that if you
expect the follow up to "Batman Begins", you’re in for a surprise. "Batman Begins"
was a deeper take than in previous Batman stories
and opened up a new interpretation of this character. This new
offering, once again, embodies the dark undertone to the man behind
the mask and expands it. In this film you see Batman crossing the
world in his quest to fight a growing criminal threat, but the law
is on his tail. In my view, for Batman fans the most important part
of this film is the creation of Two-Face aka District Attorney
Harvey Dent, played by Aaron Eckhart. This helps you see the darker
side of Batman more clearly and conveys just how easy it is to be
evil. This development can now lead on to the development of other
more sinister films. Sadly, as the film has been troubled; with
Christian Bale being arrested in connection with an allegation of
assault. Also Conway Wickliffe, who was a New Zealand-born special
effects technician, died while working on the film, as well as the
highly publicised death of the Australian star, Heath Ledger, in
January 2008. On top of all this, in August this year, actor Morgan
Freeman was injured in a car accident. These events have lead to
many saying that the cast may be cursed... On a further serious
note, the tragic loss of Heath Ledger might be a very heavy blow to
productions of future films like this. From viewing the film, it is
not hard to see how it could have troubled Heath Ledger, who was
predicted to be up for an Oscar for his performance. It was
extremely touching to see that the credits on the closing of the
film carry a dedication, "In memory of our friends Heath Ledger and
Conway Wickliffe", to the two died. Christian Bale, who played Bruce
Wayne, aka Batman, was fantastic in this roll. He delivers a very
sinister character who is definitively grey in his moral
interpretation of the law. Heath Ledger again delivers a fantastic
performance as The Joker, a psychotic bank robber. With Alfred being
played by Michael Caine, I could not wait to hear the words "You are
only meant to blow the **** doors off", but alas it never cropped
up. All in all, this film is what action thrillers should be; well
delivered and with special effects that enhance the atmosphere, but
do not dominate. A good script that twists and turns keeps you
guessing what will come next. It did, however, surprise me that this
is a 12 rated film and it was not just me who questioned that. I
would have put it as an 18 and not a 12. I, for one, would not take
a child of 12 to see this, as its undertones and violence are far
more realistic than most action films of recent years that have been
rated 18. It has a truly warped view of the world that could upset
young minds. That is very unusual for me to say, but it should not
put adults off from seeing this great film. It really is a modern
masterpiece of celluloid entertainment. Well worth any action
film fan paying to see this, soon to be cult, film classic.
Out of five...
We would rate this film
5
out of 5
for adults....
But
2
out of 5
for
children, due to the films dark nature.
A few batty facts...
Did you know that the film is also known as:-
Batman Begins 2
(working title); Batman The Dark Knight (informal title); Untitled
Batman Begins Sequel (working title); Winter Green (USA) (fake
working title)...?
Screenplay by:- Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan.
Story written by:- Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer.
Characters by:- Bob Kane.
Tagline:- Why So Serious?
Runtime:- 152 min
Film studios and distributor:- Warner Bros. Pictures
British Resorts & Destinations Association Search for A STAR! (North
West Area Competition)
ON Thursday 14 August
2008 the Search for a Star BRADA (North West Area Competition) Heats
get underway. The event is always a fantastic event to watch and this
year should be no exception. Sadly it has been cut down to two heets
this year and then the final, but that only means competition for a
place in the final will be tougher then ever. So get on over to
Southport Arts Centre and take a look at what is going to be an
amazing show. If you can not make the first night then the following
Thursday (21 August 2008) will be just as good.
Dates, times and ticket information:-
Night
Event
Date
Times
Tickets
1st
Heat
Thursday, 14 August
2008
19:00hr - 22:00hr
£
7.00
2nd
Heat
Thursday, 21 August
2008
19:00hr - 22:00hr
£
7.00
Final
North West Regional
Thursday, 18 September
2008
19:00hr - 22:00hr
£
11.00
THE
FUN’S ALL FREE AT SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW!
FORGET the
credit crunch and head for family-friendly Southport Flower Show
this summer, for heaps of healthy fun and green activities for the
under 16s – most of which is COMPLETELY FREE!
• UNDERWATER STREET – A lively arts and crafts area themed around
flowers and the environment, where children can learn as they play.
• CRECHE - Free and fully supervised.
• BOUNCY FUN - Trampolines and an inflatable slide.
• ROAMING ENTERTAINMENT - Storyteller and entertainer, Mr Stix.
• Competition – David Bellamy will host his ‘Bellamy’s Budding
Gardeners’ competition on Sunday, 24 August 2008.
• AND MORE… including Punch & Judy, face painting, seed planting,
healthy eating and fresh fruit information.
Any child accompanied by a full paying adult will receive free
entrance to the show, which attracts around 80,000 visitors to
Southport’s Victoria Park from 21 August to 24 August 2008.
Chief Executive David Jackson said:- “We know that parents are
often looking for activities to do with their children during the
summer holidays, but that can often mean a lot of extra expense.
This year, we’ve geared a wealth of entertainment towards children,
much of which we’re providing free of charge. It’s an ideal
environment for children to learn about gardening from friendly,
down to earth experts, like David Bellamy.”
And for those parents who’d like a break to put their feet up among
the million blooms, there’s even better news:- even the crèche is
free!
Our live Southport
Webcam. To see click live, click on image.
SOUTHPORT CHAT
Show us your location
News Room Phone Number
(+44)
08443
244 195 Calls will
cost 7p per minute, plus your telephone company's
access charge.
Calls to
this number may be recorded for security, broadcast,
training and record keeping.
THIS was an extremely dark interpretation of this, now classic,
comic book hero. The undertones and ideology explored within this
film are amazingly far from the TV show, which many now think of
when the name Batman comes to mind. This truly is well worth a view
in the cinema, as I do not think a TV screen can deliver the emotion
in quite the same way as the cinema. It is a fantastic
interpretation of the story and if this had been the first, it would
have been extremely hard for the other films and TV programs to live
up to. I will not spoil the plot though, but I will say that if you
expect the follow up to "Batman Begins", you’re in for a surprise. "Batman Begins"
was a deeper take than in previous Batman stories
and opened up a new interpretation of this character. This new
offering, once again, embodies the dark undertone to the man behind
the mask and expands it. In this film you see Batman crossing the
world in his quest to fight a growing criminal threat, but the law
is on his tail. In my view, for Batman fans the most important part
of this film is the creation of Two-Face aka District Attorney
Harvey Dent, played by Aaron Eckhart. This helps you see the darker
side of Batman more clearly and conveys just how easy it is to be
evil. This development can now lead on to the development of other
more sinister films. Sadly, as the film has been troubled; with
Christian Bale being arrested in connection with an allegation of
assault. Also Conway Wickliffe, who was a New Zealand-born special
effects technician, died while working on the film, as well as the
highly publicised death of the Australian star, Heath Ledger, in
January 2008. On top of all this, in August this year, actor Morgan
Freeman was injured in a car accident. These events have lead to
many saying that the cast may be cursed... On a further serious
note, the tragic loss of Heath Ledger might be a very heavy blow to
productions of future films like this. From viewing the film, it is
not hard to see how it could have troubled Heath Ledger, who was
predicted to be up for an Oscar for his performance. It was
extremely touching to see that the credits on the closing of the
film carry a dedication, "In memory of our friends Heath Ledger and
Conway Wickliffe", to the two died. Christian Bale, who played Bruce
Wayne, aka Batman, was fantastic in this roll. He delivers a very
sinister character who is definitively grey in his moral
interpretation of the law. Heath Ledger again delivers a fantastic
performance as The Joker, a psychotic bank robber. With Alfred being
played by Michael Caine, I could not wait to hear the words "You are
only meant to blow the **** doors off", but alas it never cropped
up. All in all, this film is what action thrillers should be; well
delivered and with special effects that enhance the atmosphere, but
do not dominate. A good script that twists and turns keeps you
guessing what will come next. It did, however, surprise me that this
is a 12 rated film and it was not just me who questioned that. I
would have put it as an 18 and not a 12. I, for one, would not take
a child of 12 to see this, as its undertones and violence are far
more realistic than most action films of recent years that have been
rated 18. It has a truly warped view of the world that could upset
young minds. That is very unusual for me to say, but it should not
put adults off from seeing this great film. It really is a modern
masterpiece of celluloid entertainment. Well worth any action
film fan paying to see this, soon to be cult, film classic. 
A few batty facts...
