When it comes to comic book films, there's a certain level of entertainment that's expected to be provided to ensure a box office success.
The story should be simple, filled with enough action, and most importantly, it should be kid friendly and crowd pleasing, because after all, it's the boy (or girl) in you that started reading the comics when you were young.
Films like 'The Fantastic Four' and 'Spiderman' and its sequels have done so to a great deal of success, and when 'Batman Begins' came out, it was one best transitions from the comic book to the big screen.
Now comes the sequel, 'The Dark Knight', which not only is the opposite of kid friendly, but dark, mature and thrilling; it's also a comic book adaptation that succeeds on story, acting, and cinematography.
Folks may go into the film because of the hype surrounding Heath Ledger and his last performance here, but he's just part of an ensemble this makes film hard to miss.
From Christian Bale, Aaron Eckhart, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Maggie Gyllenhaal, director Christopher Nolan, and many others, all hands were on deck to make this film truly irresistible and one that folks will talk about long after leaving the theaters.
Nolan hasn't just created another comic book film, but a well crafted solid engrossing thriller
When last seen in 'Batman Begins', Bruce Wayne was just getting used to his alter ego Batman and saving Gotham City from crooked criminals like the Scarecrow and gangsters, but in 'The Dark Knight', he faces his deadliest foe. Seems like there's a villain in town who doesn't appreciate what Batman is doing to Gotham's underworld.
Batman's presence has made them fearful at night, and making them work twice as hard not to get caught.
The Joker wants to send him a message. He robs banks for fun and intimidates anyone to bend to his knees. With Gotham D.A Harvey Dent looking to be the white knight and rid the city of major crimes, the underworld reluctantly have no choice but to turn to the Joker for assistance.
With Dent, Batman, and Police Lieutenant Jim Gordon working together, one would think that the city is safe to walk the streets, but they have no idea who the Joker is, and what he will bring to the table. His level of chaos exceeds anything they have encountered and brings mayhem to the forefront.
Using the city as bait, as well as Dent and Batman's affection for Rachel Dawes, The Joker will stop at nothing until Batman comes out and reveals his identity.
From the moment he was cast as the Joker, many wonder if Ledger had the courage to be in the shadow of Jack Nicholson, who had previously played the role in the 1989 'Batman' film; and when Ledger died suddenly months before the movie's release, the film would take on a challenging marketing campaign.
No one wants to exploit Ledger's death to hype the film, but the Joker is a big part of the film and must be highlighted.
Not only does the late 'Brokeback Mountain' star bring the house down with his performance, he defies the conventional villain role. From his looks, his vocal tone, and his unrelenting, merciless attitude, Nolan has created one of the best villains on the big screen. His performance matches 'The Silence of the Lambs'' very own Hannibal Lecter for their dark, cold, and deliberate viciousness.
As mentioned earlier, The Joker is only part of the ensemble that makes this film work on all levels. Bale seems comfortable in both roles as Bruce Wayne and Batman. As with the sequel, the characters are more defined than introductory. Same goes for Oldman, who's Gordon character has been elevated from just being the cop who helps Batman to a career lawman looking to enforce justice.
As the lead female in the film, Gyllenhaal is an improvement over Katie Holmes and adds strength in her character instead of just 'window dressing'. Eckhart plays his part with gusto and his transition to Two Face is mesmerizing. Freeman plays Luscious Fox with finesse. He's the equivalent of 'Q' from the James Bond films.
Shot with IMAX cameras, Nolan captures lots of scenes with amazement. From the opening bank robbery to scenes of Batman flying in the sky to different shots of Gotham City, the visual effects is just electrifying. 'The Dark Knight' is more than Batman Vs. The Joker. It's filled with a high level of excitement. There a love triangle, plenty of fight sequences, and great acting.
At 2 ½ hrs, it doesn't feel long and it never wavers from being tense filled. This film will go from just being another summer film to being unforgettable.
Black Music Notes June 26
6/26/08: Jill Scott
Jill Scott's latest album 'The Real Thing' is coming to a television screen near you. And it's going to be a sight for your eyes and a pleasure to your ears. On June 29, TV One will premiere an original music concert special featuring the neo-soul high priestess in all of her glory. Titled 'Jill Scott: The Real Thing Tour (Live in Philly),' the one-hour special features the two-time Grammy Award winning wunderkind performing a mix of her classic hits such as 'A Long Walk' and 'The Way,' juxtaposed with material from her newer projects, including the inspirational anthem 'Golden' and the tell-it-like-it-is, take-no-prisoners 'Hate On Me.' The special (Scott's very first) was filmed in March 2008 at the Liacouris Center in Philadelphia. Encore airings of the show are scheduled to air on July 3, July 5, and July 11.
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6/26/08: D'Angelo
Despite going through legal woes over the past few years, neo-soul originator D'Angelo is back in the studio working on a new album. According to 'Billboard,' the singer is expected to release his new as-yet-untitled album next year on J Records. The company bought out his contract in 2005 from Virgin Records (who released his first two albums). Fans can expect the man legally known as Michael D'Angelo Archer to hook up with Raphael Saadiq once again, the two previously worked together on Saadiq's 2002 hit 'Be Here.' Although the album is still in its early stages, the 'Brown Sugar' crooner has plans to also land John Mayer on the opus, with a single to hit the airwaves by the end of the year. Until that time comes, fans can catch some of D'Angelo in his former glory with the recently released compilation, 'The Best So Far,' featuring hits, rarities and previously unreleased videos.
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6/26/08: Gerald Albright
This week, one of the most sought after saxophonists in contemporary jazz, Gerald Albright, will release his eleventh solo project titled, 'Sax for Stax.' The set features eight covers from the Stax Records catalog , in addition to three originals written by Albright. The multi-talented sax player reached out to vocalists Will Downing, Ledisi, and Philip Bailey to help recapture classic music such as Issac Hayes' top five hit 'Never Can Say Goodbye' and the Staple Singers' hit 'Respect Yourself.' "I went through two box sets with over 20 CDs to pick songs that felt good and would work well melodically for the saxophone," Albright said.
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6/26/08: Swizz Beatz
Just last year super-producer Swizz Beatz was hospitalized for exhaustion, and by the looks of it hasn't slowed him down a bit. The hip-hop hit-maker has been in the studio crafting hits for Jay-Z, G-Unit, Ludacris, T.I. , Alicia Keys, and surprisingly the icon himself Michael Jackson. The Bronx native (legally known as Kasseem Dean) recently revealed his plans to not only produce some music for the King of Pop, but produce his tour as well. "I'm probably gonna be producing his tour and everything," he explained to 'MTV.' "I'm designing planes for Gulf Stream and everything. They called me. I'm around different people. I'm around billionaires. I'm around people like that." This October Swizz Beatz plans to release his new studio opus entitled, 'Life After the Party.'
Film Magic
6/26/08: Erykah Badu
This fall, Erykah Badu is planning on bringing some of her voodoo experiences on the road the neo-soul diva was recently added to the tenth annual "Voodoo Experience Festival," held October 24-26 in New Orleans. In addition to Badu, Wyclef Jean, Joss Stone, and Lupe Fiasco are among the other acts on board to join alternative rock headliners R.E.M. , Nine Inch Nails and Stone Temple Pilots. Tickets are priced at $115, while a three-day VIP pass will available for a whopping $450.
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6/26/08: Ludacris
Trying to maintain a successful career in the music industry as well as Hollywood can be a bit strenuous for some rappers. But not Ludacris! Luda (as he is also known as) not only has his new album, 'Theater of the Mind' slated to hit stores in September, he's also in the process of filming a few movies. On Halloween, the actor/rapper will be appearing in Guy Ritchie's new film 'RocknRolla.' He also recently finished shooting 'Max Payne,' a crime thriller fronted by Mark Wahlberg. When asked which profession he likes most, he simply replied: "Music is still my number-one love. I just balance a lot of different things now." Hollywood is still calling him, though. To date, Ludacris has starred in the Academy Award winning movie 'Crash,' the John Singleton-produced 'Hustle & Flow' and 'Fred Clause,' alongside Vince Vaughan.
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6/26/08: Ne-Yo/Keyshia Cole
The 2008 Reggae Sumfest is guaranteed to kick off with a bang! On July 18, new-school R&B superstars Ne-Yo and Keyshia Cole are tapped to headline this year's international night at the Montego Bay festival, which takes place from July 13-19. Reggae Sumfest will also showcase the best of the best in Dancehall and Reggae music including Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, and Lady Saw, among many others.
Film Magic
6/26/08: Will.I.Am
Crafting hit music for The Black Eyed Peas and Justin Timberlake can only inspire an artist/producer such as Will.I.Am (born William James Adams Jr.)to go beyond the music industry. Fans can expect to see the Black Eyed Peas front-man in the forthcoming X-Men movie, 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine,' playing a role opposite of Hugh Jackman. Will.I.Am recently revealed to 'MTV News' that the character he'll be playing is a teleporter by the name of John Wraith. In addition to 'X-Men,' the producer also landed a role in the 'Madagascar' sequel. "With 'Madagascar 2,' I think there has to be an angel or something or my grandma's prayers guiding that," he says. "It's pretty, pretty dope. And I'm grateful and happy about it all." 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' is expected to hit theaters in May 2009.
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6/26/08: Mashonda
After releasing her debut album 'January Joy' internationally, Mashonda returns with two new singles 'All or Nothing' and 'No Panties' from her forthcoming untitled album. The Harlem reared singer describes her first single 'No Panties' as being "all about giving your man whatever he desires; no limits." In addition to her new music hitting the radio airwaves, the ex Mrs. Swizz Beatz (real name: Mashonda Tifrere-Dean) is the creative director and model for an upcoming coffee table book entitled, 'Alter Ego Revealed.' Mashonda's new album is set to drop in early next year.
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6/26/08: Lauryn Hill/Kanye West
'Entertainment Weekly' magazine recently unveiled its 'New Classics' list in which they ranked the best in music, movies, TV shows, and books from over the past 25 years. Lauryn Hill's mega-selling solo debut 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill' landed at number two slot behind Prince's timeless classic 'Purple Rain,' which held down the top spot. Other artist that made the list included Kanye West (No. 4), Jay-Z (No. 7), Outkast (No. 12), Beyonce (No. 19), Mariah Carey (No. 21), Nas (No. 28), and The Notorious B.I.G (No. 40), among many others.
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