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David McK (3547 KP) rated The Dark Knight (2008) in Movies
Jun 23, 2019 (Updated Jul 23, 2024)
Summmer 2008: at the time of writing this, now 11 years ago (edit: now 16), and the cinematic landscape was rather different - the MCU was only just starting off (with Iron Man), and superheroes in the cinema were not as commonplace as they are today ( to the best of my memory).
While Christopher No.an had effectively rebooted perhaps DCs most famous character in Batman Begins, that film had (deliberately, IMO) kept the focus pretty much on Bruce Wayne/Batman rather than on his mos famous foes, ending with a deliberate tease of the introduction of the Joker.
And what an introduction he gets in this.
As portrayed by Heath Ledger (whose untimely death no doubt helped stoke the interest for this movie: his last full screen role), this Joker is very different than Jack Nicholson's 1989 portrayal. It's a definite magnetic tour de force from the actor, sure, although (personally) I've never really viewed the character as a Joker so much as as a genius psychopath.
"I'm an agent of chaos" he says at one point. "I'm a dog chasing a car. I wouldn't know what to do with one if I caught it". And that, to me, is what is missing from the character-as-written.
Alongside Ledger, Aaron Eckhart also puts in a brilliant turn as Harvey Dent, completely blowing Tommy Lee Jones portrayal of the same character (in Batman Forever) out of the water. It's a far more realistic interpretation of what drives Dent to become Two-face, with some frightenly realistic effects.
And, finally, it may be a small thing: but in this Batman gets and operates (briefly) out of Gotham city, making his world seem more 'real' as a result.
While Christopher No.an had effectively rebooted perhaps DCs most famous character in Batman Begins, that film had (deliberately, IMO) kept the focus pretty much on Bruce Wayne/Batman rather than on his mos famous foes, ending with a deliberate tease of the introduction of the Joker.
And what an introduction he gets in this.
As portrayed by Heath Ledger (whose untimely death no doubt helped stoke the interest for this movie: his last full screen role), this Joker is very different than Jack Nicholson's 1989 portrayal. It's a definite magnetic tour de force from the actor, sure, although (personally) I've never really viewed the character as a Joker so much as as a genius psychopath.
"I'm an agent of chaos" he says at one point. "I'm a dog chasing a car. I wouldn't know what to do with one if I caught it". And that, to me, is what is missing from the character-as-written.
Alongside Ledger, Aaron Eckhart also puts in a brilliant turn as Harvey Dent, completely blowing Tommy Lee Jones portrayal of the same character (in Batman Forever) out of the water. It's a far more realistic interpretation of what drives Dent to become Two-face, with some frightenly realistic effects.
And, finally, it may be a small thing: but in this Batman gets and operates (briefly) out of Gotham city, making his world seem more 'real' as a result.
Kym Penny (24 KP) rated Degradation in Books
Jul 23, 2017
Atypical characters (3 more)
Secondary characters were as interesting as the primary characters
Good humor
Empowered lead female
An easy read but a bit of an emotional rollercoaster.
Even though this story contains the overused character Mr. Billionaire Alpha Male, he manages to have a more unique personality. This coupled with a strong, charismatic female lead makes for a great multidimensional relationship. Their unique dynamic made for an interesting story and ,inevitably, an emotional rollercoaster. Although I was irritated and frustrated at some of the idiotic decisions the characters made, they were all very realistic stupid decisions that anyone would and does make. I don't think the main character, Tate, was intended to be a role model but I think she might just be my spirit animal. Let your freak flag fly you fictional character you.
jmercado (1 KP) rated Threat (Blood Riders MC #1) in Books
Jan 15, 2018
I actually really liked the book as a whole but there were just....Faults that i couldn't look over.
Threat is a MC romance that follows Nicole and Drake.
After the death of Nicole's father she decides to go undercover and seek out the answer to who killed.
That's when she meets Drake.
So when i initially went into this i was super excited about the premise, but it was very faulty with the insta-love (literally only 3 days) and as well as that i didnt find it realistic that they accepted her after they found out who she really is. I mean she did help in clearing their name but still. A cop's daughter who snuck into their Club and they still were okay with her staying?
The faults made me not want to continue on with the series.
Threat is a MC romance that follows Nicole and Drake.
After the death of Nicole's father she decides to go undercover and seek out the answer to who killed.
That's when she meets Drake.
So when i initially went into this i was super excited about the premise, but it was very faulty with the insta-love (literally only 3 days) and as well as that i didnt find it realistic that they accepted her after they found out who she really is. I mean she did help in clearing their name but still. A cop's daughter who snuck into their Club and they still were okay with her staying?
The faults made me not want to continue on with the series.
Jessica Erdas (463 KP) rated Where She Went (If I Stay, #2) in Books
May 16, 2018
Another amazing piece by Gayle Forman. Instead of following the life and thoughts of Mia, as the first book did, Where She Went follows Adam and his spiraling journey after the accident, gaining fame and his struggle with the lost connection with his dreams and the love of his life. As relatable as If I Stay in the realistic emotional and physical turmoil of mental health, waning friendships, exhaustion and so much more. Three years have passed since Adam saw Mia and their connection was seemingly destroyed. A chance of fate brings the two back together for one day to face the demons that brought their relationship a halt as their lives skyrocketed away from them both. Highly recommend a read, especially if Where She Went pulled at your heart strings and kept you turning page after page, as it did to me.
Sarah (7799 KP) rated Journeyman (2017) in Movies
Feb 16, 2019
Great performance from Paddy Considine
Paddy Considine really makes this film. I’ve always thought he’s a fantastic actor, and he proves it yet again with his performance in this film. Not only is his direction great, but his acting is truly superb. For me, the acting is the best part about this film and really what makes it better than average. Jodie Whittaker is also very good as Matty’s wife. The plot itself is good and definitely highlights the darker side of boxing, in a very stark and realistic manner. My issue is that boxing films have been done so many times before, and whilst this is a slightly different (and very good) take on the physical effects of boxing, I feel boxing has been done too many times before. Still worth a watch though for Paddy Considine’s performance alone.
Little Ray Of Sunshine (41 KP) rated The Long Song in TV
Mar 25, 2019
Amazing & Heartbreaking
I loved this 3 part drama on BBC. It really showed how black people where treated as slaves in the 19th century Jamaica. This programme need to be shared and show to us all. It was so heartbreaking to see that July have to give up her first child as she didn't want him to go into slavery. Also I loved the guy who she had her second child with but I was shocked how he turned on her and took her child with her owner. I am so happy to see that she met up with her first born and to see he lived a happy and free life with he's wife and 2 children. If you can find a way to watch please watch it! I recommend it!
Auburn (57 KP) rated Picture Us In The Light in Books
Apr 10, 2019
Picture Us in the Light is a heartbreakingly honest book that feels so real you may find yourself second guessing if it is actually fiction.
Crying, laughing, and feeling your way through this unputdownable book is normal.
The main character feels real and the relationships between characters are well thought out and developed. None are just stand ins that make you second guess the plot. The plot is solid if not heartbreaking.
I am normally not one to read really emotional books but after getting the first look at this one I had to know what would happen next. The full book did not disappoint.
Perfect for fans of realistic contemporary fiction. Just be aware that this is one book you may just have to read in one sitting so you can get all of the emotions out at once.
Crying, laughing, and feeling your way through this unputdownable book is normal.
The main character feels real and the relationships between characters are well thought out and developed. None are just stand ins that make you second guess the plot. The plot is solid if not heartbreaking.
I am normally not one to read really emotional books but after getting the first look at this one I had to know what would happen next. The full book did not disappoint.
Perfect for fans of realistic contemporary fiction. Just be aware that this is one book you may just have to read in one sitting so you can get all of the emotions out at once.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated The Bride Gift in Books
Jan 18, 2018
This novel was a delightful surprise. I really wasnt in the mood for historical romance, but after reading this, I am stuck in historical romance mode trying to recapture the feeling I received from this novel.
The plot isnt anything new to historical romance: heroine is married to hero against her will in order to protect her from someone/something and she eventually falls for him. Definitely not anything new by a long shot, but the characters and writing are what made this story for me.
I love the hero and heroine. They felt unique compared to characters in other historical romance heroes/heroines. They were tangible with realistic thoughts and actions. The male wasnt misogynistic and, while the female was hot headed, she wasnt annoyingly stubborn. They worked well together and I adored them.
The plot isnt anything new to historical romance: heroine is married to hero against her will in order to protect her from someone/something and she eventually falls for him. Definitely not anything new by a long shot, but the characters and writing are what made this story for me.
I love the hero and heroine. They felt unique compared to characters in other historical romance heroes/heroines. They were tangible with realistic thoughts and actions. The male wasnt misogynistic and, while the female was hot headed, she wasnt annoyingly stubborn. They worked well together and I adored them.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Silence of the Lamps (Caprice De Luca Home Staging Mystery #5) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
Silence of the Lamps is book #5 in the Caprice De Luca mystery series, and while previous cases are mentioned, you do not need to have read the earlier books in the series to enjoy this one. The interaction between Caprice and her sisters is so realistic you almost feel like part of the family while reading the story. And when one of her sisters is the prime suspect in a murder investigation, how can Caprice stay out of it? The more she asks around, the more she finds that her sister Nikki was far from Drews only enemy. With lots of clues to keep you guessing at the identity of the murderer, this was a fast paced, fun read.
NOTE: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts / opinions are my own.
NOTE: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts / opinions are my own.
Erika (17789 KP) rated Bumblebee (2018) in Movies
Jan 9, 2019
I was not expecting to like this film at all, I only went to see it for something to do. I'm not a huge Transformers fan, they've all been the same, except for that last one, it was just awful. Most of the Transformers films are filled with overlong sequences with whatever female character running around in very little clothing.
I was pleasantly surprised, this was essentially an 80s buddy movie. It had a great soundtrack and I've been listening to it on repeat for the past few days. The plot was fairly simple and predictable, but it was a joy to watch and I was entertained throughout. Hailee Steinfeld was a compelling lead and her character was realistic, which I really liked. Jorge Lendeborg Jr (Memo) was also really amusing, and one of my favorite characters.
I was pleasantly surprised, this was essentially an 80s buddy movie. It had a great soundtrack and I've been listening to it on repeat for the past few days. The plot was fairly simple and predictable, but it was a joy to watch and I was entertained throughout. Hailee Steinfeld was a compelling lead and her character was realistic, which I really liked. Jorge Lendeborg Jr (Memo) was also really amusing, and one of my favorite characters.