Director Christopher Nolan's sequel to his own 'Batman Begins' sees Gotham's avenging angel squaring-up to a new kid on the block - psychotic prankster, the Joker (Heath Ledger, in the role that won him a posthumous Oscar for Best Supporting Actor). In the space of a year, Batman (Christian Bale), aided by Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman) and new District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), has managed to rid Gotham's streets of the organised crime gangs that once ravaged the city. Things seem to be looking up, although on the personal front, Bruce Wayne discovers he has a rival in his affections for main squeeze Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal) in the shape of the new D.A., who, as a political climber, likes to keep his cards close to his chest. But just when the authorities think they're finally making progress in their fight against crime, the appearance on the streets of a sinister new figure, with a demented grin and a passion for chaos, causes panic among the good people of Gotham, and leads to a battle of wits between Batman and the Joker which threatens to get extremely personal.
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The key word at the end of Christopher Nolan's "Batman Begins" was 'escalation'. A little tease that implied a reaction ...
The key word at the end of Christopher Nolan's "Batman Begins" was 'escalation'. A little tease that implied a reaction from within the criminal fraternity to combat the threat of the rampaging Caped Crusader. Here, that reaction is given a voice. And it's one hell of a reaction! Nolan, along with muse Christian Bale, have escalated things to the tipping point…and then Heath Ledger's Joker pushed. "The Dark Knight" starts at a blistering pace. Introducing us to The Joker in a spectacular manner. The opening heist, followed by Batman's continued efforts to return the escapees of Arkham Asylum, literally leaves you breathless. Such pace would be impossible to maintain but then "The Dark Knight" plays its wild card. It's the quieter moments of contemplation between the new band of heroes; Batman, Lieutenant Jim Gordon (the returning Gary Oldman) and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), that will send fans of the characters reeling. This trio find themselves awash in corruption, fighting against the tide of dirt coursing through the city. Not even the symbol of Batman is enough for some people. There decisions not only inform the trajectory of the entire film but also its ethos. If they are in a world without rules then it's the arena they choose to play in. They're as much a part of this world as The Joker is. To say the film belongs to Ledger's Joker may be putting too finer a point on it - and unfair to the other players. But Ledger's maniacal creation cuts a swathe through the film that is impossible to ignore. It's a monumental performance full of tics and idiosyncrasies that exposes the heart of this comic icon. From his disappearing pencil routine to his multiple choice family anecdotes - The Joker is a law unto himself, the perfect counter symbol to Bale's ardent and forthright Batman. Accompanied by James Newton Howard's unnerving harpsichord score, The Joker will make you physically fear for your own safety every time he shuffles onto the screen. He's not only playing with all of Gotham but also with you too, The Joker is always three steps ahead and only by making some tough decisions will the Knights of the city be able to counter his particular brand of terror. Of course, that's not to say that Bale is a peripheral figure in his own film. His Batman is still the force of nature so vividly brought to life in "Batman Begins". Only here does Bale allow himself to cut loose more with his Bruce Wayne alter ego as well. Most surprisingly perhaps is just how well Aaron Eckhart gauges his Harvey Dent. Eckhart tugs voraciously at the sleeve of the character until he just snaps. There are just too many standout moments to recount here. You could plot a timeline of the film and randomly select any point on it - the chances are you'll be presented with awe inspiring scene after thrilling scene. The 'good cop, bad cop' interrogation is so good you only wish it lasted longer. The Joker's flagrant disregard for hospital policy meanwhile will have you laughing…although somewhat nervously. There are just too many to list. Nolan's escalation is epic, twisted and wonderful. "The Dark Knight" will go down as the film that all other action/adventures have to aspire to. And they'll come up wanting. Until that is Nolan decides to push things even further. There are simply no chinks in this Dark Knight's armor.
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Press Association
Hip indie director Wes Anderson (The Royal Tenenbaums, The Darjeeling Limited) is an odd fit for Roald Dahl's classic children's ...
Hip indie director Wes Anderson (The Royal Tenenbaums, The Darjeeling Limited) is an odd fit for Roald Dahl's classic children's story. The film-maker certainly brings his offbeat and distinctly adult sensibilities to bear on Fantastic Mr. Fox, creating another portrait of familial dysfunction and miscommunication. Anderson imprints his personality so indelibly on the script, co-written by Noah Baumbach, that it's hard to see children enjoying the film. The simplicity and sweetness of the original story, which ran to less than 100 pages with illustrations from Quentin Blake, becomes obscured by rewrites and additions. Unlike his previous films, Anderson chooses stop-motion animation as his medium here and it works a treat. Visually, the months of painstaking effort have been worthwhile, including fast-paced action sequences of the wily vulpine sneaking around farmyards in search of a tasty treat. Mr Fox (voiced by George Clooney) is never content with his life, always looking to move up in the world with his long-suffering wife, Mrs Fox (Meryl Streep). He plots a daring raid on the chicken coop only to get caught in a trap. "If we're still alive tomorrow, I want you to find another line of work," seethes Mrs Fox. Two years later, Mr Fox has followed his wife's dictate and is the bread-winner for his family, including a disgruntled son Ash (Jason Schwartzman) who just wants to win the respect of his old man. Tension between the generations flares when nephew Kristofferson (Eric Anderson) comes to stay and puts poor Ash in the shade. Mr Fox cannot completely shy away from his animal instincts, and he turns to stealing from farmers Bunce (Hugo Guinness), Bean (Michael Gambon) and Boggis (Brian Cox), ropi, ng in Kristofferson to his hare-brained schemes. Having been humiliated by the fox, the trio lay siege to the trees where the family resides and open fire on Mr Fox, shooting off his bushy tail. Luckily, neighbouring critters including Badger (Bill Murray) rally around Mr Fox in his hour of need to help him elude the pursuers. Fantastic Mr. Fox is a visual triumph, let down slightly by a screenplay that doesn't know to which audience it is trying to appeal. The articulated characters have plenty of personality and there are some neat flourishes like when Mr Fox compliments his wife, "You're practically glowing, maybe it's the lighting", and her head is suddenly illuminated from within. The climactic escape is mind-boggling, leading to another cute gag reminiscent of Wallace and Gromit when Mr Fox races towards Bean's motorcycle and sidecar and drives away in an exact miniature replica hidden behind the hulking machine. The vocal performances from Clooney and Streep lend warmth to their warring couple, with fine support from Schwartzman, Murray and co, who are all regular collaborators on Anderson's films. For its technical ingenuity, Fantastic Mr. Fox is a film you admire and marvel at rather than unreservedly love.
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