Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

Title: Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

Directed by: Guy Ritchie

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Noomi Rapace, Steven Fry, Jared Harris, Kelly Reilly, Rachel McAdams, Eddie Marsan

Genres: Adaptation, Action/Adventure, Sequel

Running Time: 2 hours. 9 minutes

Release Date: December 16th, 2011

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows' has a lot of things going for it. It is funny, at times hilarious, the directorial style of Guy Ritchie suits the story and add interest, Robert Downey Jr. is the perfect Holmes, and the charming rapport between the characters, established in the first film, continues seamlessly in the sequel. The result is a highly entertaining film, with plenty of loose ends that sets up another sequel.

I do wish the story line would have been a bit stronger. Here, we're thrust into an already on-going case, where Holmes is already heavily involved in a "game of brains" with the villain. I would have much rather been along for the entire ride, and seen Holmes start this case from the beginning. It would have made for a stronger story, and a better film. It's a shame, because the potential to be an '8 or above' flick is obviously there, so I do feel a little cheated.

And now, I can't help to wonder about Adler. Is she, or isn't she? What do you think?

Grade: 7

Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol

Title: Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol

Directed by: Brad Bird

Starring: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Paula Patton, Michael Nyqvist, Vladimir Mashkov, Josh Holloway, Anil Kapoor

Genres: Action/Adventure, Adaptation, Sequel, Thriller

Running Time: 2 hours. 12 minutes

Release Date: December 16th, 2011

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: If you enjoyed the previous 'Mission Impossible' movies, you will like "MI4". The flavor is clearly that of another installment in the popular series, but a few things have been shaken up. This time, Tom's team are on their own, without an agency with resources to help them. Of course this bring a whole new set of problems, with continuously failing electronics, tools, computers, etc. which adds a lot of humor to the film.

However, it seems it is not only the equipment that is failing. The team, supposedly highly trained agents, the best of the best, are falling on their face over and over. Throughout the film I'm sitting there in my seat, wondering why the hell Agent Hunt (Tom Cruise) wouldn't be able to catch a middle-aged Swede (played by Michael Nyqvist which some might recognize from the Swedish 'Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' films), who plays a physics professor with a pot belly & no special training. Over and over again, this professor beats the shit out of Agent Hunt. I find that odd.

Of course, this is a movie, and things happen in movies that wouldn't happen in reality. That goes with the territory. Reality is one of those things one has to temporarily let go of in order to absorb the reality the movie is selling, it's an essential part of appreciating the typical Hollywood action flick. If we start comparing our reality to the one they are selling us in films like this, the enjoyment falls away. However, I am not fact checking this agains our reality, just against the one that has been portrayed in the MI movie series. I do not think that the fact that Agent Hunt can't beat an old man gelled very well with the history of this character, or the reality created in the films.

Besides that, take into account that this is the fourth sequel of the series, something that doesn't happen everyday, it isn't a bad flick, and it's sure to delight fans of the series.

Grade: 6

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1

Title: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1

Directed by: Bill Condon

Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene, Jackson Rathbone, Nikki Reed, Kellan Lutz, Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser

Genres: Drama, Romance, Sequel, Adaptation

Running Time: 1 hour. 57 minutes

Release Date: November 18th, 2011

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: Once again, I find myself in the midst of Twi-hard mania at midnight on a Thursday night, waiting for the squeals of delight to begin. This being fourth film in the series, the level of frenzy has been building with each installment, and now, almost at the conclusion of the story, the theater is literary vibrating with excitement. Breaking Dawn is the thickest book in the series, and it's packed, so I understand the decision to make it into two films. However, holding off on the second part for another year, might constitute torture for some die hard fans.

The film itself is quite true to the book, and fairly well made (especially compared to the first horrible flick). The special effects have improved exponentially, from crazy road-runner-esque and throughly hilarious home-video quality of effects, to the amazing work we see in this installment. I'm particularly referring to Bella's transformation in this film, which is very well done, and leaves quite a strong impression. The wolves are visually satisfactory, although the portrayal of the pack-mind leaves a little something to be desired. I literary laughed out loud in the theater (not something that was very well received) the first time the pack-mind came on the screen.

The supporting cast of Bella's school friends, although having a very small part in this film, bring their usual funny quips, which got some laughs. We also do get to see a bit more of Bella's new family vampire members, which has been largely missing from the previous films. As in any film adaptation, quite a bit is missing "for movie making reasons", and what we do get to see is alright. I would have liked to have more. The film is not exceedingly long, and I do think they could have included a bit more.

All in all, Part 1 does won't disappoint fans, at least not very much. The wedding is beautiful, the dress is very Bella, Isle Esme is actually just as advertised, and everything that follows is a fairly accurate adaptation of the book. One guaranteed disappointment is the anticlimactic wedding night sex, which due to the MPPA rating was down grated to a mild make-out session, and then skips to the next morning. Although, that is of course exactly as in the book, and the one detail they should have changed in Hollywood. If you haven't read the book, you might find yourself a bit confused, not to mentioned floored by the crazy turn the story takes after the Honeymoon.

Grade: 8.5

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2

Title: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2

Directed by: David Yates

Starring: Daniel Radcliff, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ra;ph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Tom Felton, Bill Nighy, Bonnie Wright, Jason Isaacs, John Hurt

Genres: Action/Adventure, Fantasy, Adaptation, Sequel

Running Time: 2 hours. 10 minutes

Release Date: July 15th, 2011

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: 'Part 2' is here, and I am thorn between wanting to see this story to the end, and not wanting it to end. This is the end years in the making, and it this is a final film worthy of this amazing saga.

War is upon Hogwarts, and it is epic. Gone is the slow, depressing pace of 'Part 1'. We get answers to questions that have been left hanging for years, our heroes gets to fight back, and our villains get what they deserve. For instance, seeing Mrs. Weasley kicking Bellatrix's ass, and Neville getting his revenge, were both thoroughly satisfying moments. We also get the final verdict on Snape, and his story is surprisingly soft-hearted. After all, this is a story about love and friendship, and we feel it in this film. All in all, a deeply satisfying final movie in the series.

Grade: 9

X-Men: First Class

Title: X-Men: First Class

Directed by: Matthew Vaughn

Starring: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Kevin Bacon, Rose Byrne, Caleb Landry Jones, Jennifer Lawrence, January Jones, Zoë Kravitz

Genres: Sequel, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Adaptation, Action/Adventure

Running Time: 2 hours. 12 minutes

Release Date: June 3rd, 2011

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: 'X-Men: First Class' shows us the beginning, before Charles Xavier & Eric Lensherr took the names Professor X & Magneto. Before they were archenemies, and the war between Magneto's Brotherhood and Professor X's X-Men began, they were close friends, working together, with other Mutants.

I will admit to be somewhat of a sucker for comic adaptations, and this one was no exception. 'X-Men: First Class' is an entertaining flick for fans of Marvel, although, I would recommend leaving your comic nerd fact checker at the door.

Grade: 7

Fast Five

Title: Fast Five

Directed by: Justin Lin

Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Jordana Brewster, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Matt Schulze, Tyrese Gibson

Genres: Action/Adventure, Crime, Sequel

Running Time: 2 hours. 10 minutes

Release Date: April 29th, 2011

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: Much to my surprise (and embarrassment) I actually enjoyed 'Fast Five'. Of course, it is absolutely preposterous, and completely detached from reality, but that comes with the territory. If you're looking for a realistic action flick that sticks to reality in their car chases, you've come to the wrong place (and where in Hollywood would you find an action flick like that, anyways?).

This is action through and through, from the first moment to the last minute. In my opinion, it's the best 'Fast' yet.

Grade: 6.5

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1

Title: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1

Directed by: David Yates

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Tom Felton, Bill Nighy, Bonnie Wright, Jason Isaacs, John Hurt

Genres: Action/Adventure, Fantasy, Adaptation, Sequel

Running Time: 2 hours. 30 minutes

Release Date: November 19th, 2010

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: "The End Begins", and I am so sad to be this close to the end of Harry Potter. In the first part of the final chapter we see Harry, Ron & Hermione searching for the Horcruxes. And this time, we don't get to go to Hogwarts, because Harry & co are in the wind, pursued by all sorts of dark forces, while desperately trying to accomplish their difficult task with no outside help. And it's a lonely, dreary search with no sure path. It's depressing, and difficult on our beloved heroes, and we can feel just how much it is costing them.

'Part 1' is part slow, dreary, darkness, and part exciting, breakneck speed, edge-of-your-seat tension, and not without sadness. The first part of the end of this epic story, does not disappoint, and I am left with warring desires to see the rest, while never wanting it to end. That this is one not to miss goes without saying.

Grade: 9

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest (Luftslottet som sprängdes)

Title: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest (Luftslottet som sprängdes)
Directed by: Daniel Alfredson
Starring: Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace, Lena Endre, Hans Alfredson, Lennart Hjulström
Genres: Foreign, Thriller, Crime, Drama, Adaptation, Sequel
Running Time: 2 hours. 28 minutes
Release Date: October TBA, 2010 (United States)
MPAA Rating: R


Review: While currently not yet released in the US (the exact release date is still a bit murky, but it should hit select theaters this fall), this film is available in Swedish, and since I do speak the language, I decided to watch it.

The last installment of the Millenium trilogy is like a continuation of the second film, starting from the moment the last one ended (which were quite the cliff hanger). And while the the middle child of the series was a step down from the first film, 'The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest' brings the series right back up to previous glory.

For the third time, Noomi Rapace is the perfect fit for the female lead, although in this film, it is the rest of the cast that really drives the story line this time. The gritty Scandinavian film style is there, as always. The gripping tension is back, and 'The Hornet's Nest' really is a great end to the trilogy.

Grade: 8

The Girl Who Played with Fire (Flickan som lekte med elden)

Title: The Girl Who Played with Fire (Flickan som lekte med elden)
Directed by: Daniel Alfredson
Starring: Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace, Lena Endre, Peter Andersson, Georgi Staykov, Paolo Roberto
Genres: Foreign, Thriller, Drama, Adaptation, Sequel
Running Time: 2 hours. 9 minutes
Release Date: July 9th, 2010 (United States) (Limited)
MPAA Rating: R


Review: Again, Noomi Rapace makes 'The Girl who Played with Fire (Flickan som lekte med elden) worth watching with her captivating performance. She is born to play this role. The second film in the trilogy gives us more of the same raw, explicit Scandinavian film style as the first installment did, but the change in director gives the audience a more streamlined and clear experience. Furthermore, getting a bigger window into who Lisbeth Salander is, and how her past shaped her, is great.

The suspence, which was gripping in the first film, is less so in 'The Girl who Played with Fire (Flickan som lekte med elden)', but not absent. I still found myself at the edge of my seat, waiting for the story to unfold, and that is after I have read the books! I'm hoping the third film cranks the suspense up to previous levels.

Grade: 7.5

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

Title: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Directed by: David Slade
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Green, Jackson Rathbone, Nikki Reed, Kellan Lutz, Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser, Dakota Fanning,
Genres: Drama, Romance, Adaptation, Sequel,
Running Time: 2 hours. 4 minutes
Release Date: June 30th, 2010
MPAA Rating: PG-13


Review: Once again I thought I would find myself in an unbearable crowd of screaming Twi-hards for the midnight premiere of 'Eclipse', but thankfully, for the 3rd installment of the Twilight Saga my local movie theater have started with "VIP" movie watching passes, which effectively removed the entire pain-in-the-ass aspect of catching that very first, frantic, middle-of-the-night screening (Thanks again, F!). To make the deal even sweeter, they also screened the previous two installments of the saga before the midnight premier. This whole "VIP" passes might be the best improvement to movies since popcorn!

So what about the movie?!? Anticipation has been high for this one, and both Twi-hards & Twi-haters has dubbed it with record-breaking labels. So, where did it fall? Was it "The Best Twilight So Far"? Or was it "The Worst Movie EVER"? For me, it was the best Twilight movie in the series so far, but that does not say much, since its predecessors were not exactly Oscar-worthy.

Some positives: 'Eclipse' is funnier than its prequels, thanks to the addition of witty, self depreciating quips to the dialogue. It is nice to see that these particular Twi-creators do not take themselves too seriously. Jacob and Charlie, in particular, were quite snarky. Also, the increased character development of some of the saga's supporting roles adds a lot of interest to the story. Another addition, that previously has been completely ignored, is the actual dialogues from the book. Both in 'Twilight' & 'New Moon' you see a lot of soundless lips moving while music plays, instead of hearing the actual conversations between the characters. This is something that has annoyed me throughout the film-series, since a lot of these conversations were very important for the story development, and outlined in great detail in the books. Finally the audience actually get to hear these conversations, instead of just seeing them play out silently.

Some of the negatives: One of the biggest negatives of 'Eclipse' is the lack of a decent soundtrack, which has been one of the notable strengths of the franchise in the past. 'Twilight' started things off decently, and the use of music in 'New Moon' defined the whole film. In 'Eclipse', however, the music is a non-participant, and that really subtracted significantly from the over all experience. Another pet-peeve were the wolves. While the face-colorings have improved in this installment, the general appearance and movement of the wolves has decreased, and their awkward lopes bugged me throughout the film. Then there is the [huge] issue of the creative eye of director David Slade; I can't say that I am a fan of the look that he choose for the film, and compared to 'New Moon' we're definitely moving backwards. The same goes for Slade's territory-marking efforts of altering previously set details, in his efforts to make the story his own.

Overall, though, I was generally pleased with the film. The alterations to the storyline were generally to improve the film-experience, and most of them worked well. All in all, 'Eclipse' doesn't disappoint, and it should do extremely well at the box office.

Grade: 8.5

Iron Man 2

Title: Iron Man 2
Directed by: Jon Favreau
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Mickey Rourke, Sam Rockwell
Genres: Action/Adventure, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Adaptation, Sequel
Running Time: 2 hours. 5 minutes
Release Date: May 7th, 2010
MPAA Rating: PG-13


Review: 'Iron Man' kicked asses, and as expected, its sequel is not as good. They almost never are. However, on a sequel standard it isn't too bad. As with its prequel, Robert Downey Jr. is charming, snarky, and likable, the action is plentiful, and the special effects a great. But it is not enough to measure up to expectations. Both Mickey Rourke and Scarlet Johansson, normally good at their craft, are boring and predictable. Overall, 'Iron Man 2' is somewhat entertaining, but comes off as mostly a set up for 'Iron Man 3'.

Grade: 7

The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Title: The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Directed by: Chris Weitz
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene, Michael Sheen, Dakota Fanning, Nikki Reed
Genres: Adaptation, Romance, Sequel
Running Time: 2 hours. 10 minutes
Release Date: November 20th, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: I've been holding off a few days to write this review (not somehting I normally do), in order to let the film sink in a little bit. And to recover from my up-all-night New Moon hang-over. Because I am definitely hung over. Holy crap! Apparently, I am getting a bit old for waiting in line for hours on end, just to see a midnight showing of a new movie. Not that I needed this morning's hang-over to tell me that. It was pretty clear last night, as I sat there in line, like an idiot, among the gazillion tweens & teens, all of us dressed for the event (I know, I am so ashamed!), our squeals of delightful anticipation growing louder and louder as the clock ticked closer to 12.01 am.

But yes, since I've already confessed, there I was, and it was fantastic! There is nothing quite like seeing a brand new installment of a popular series with a bunch of screaming fans, all decked out in fan boy paraphernalia. There were squeals of delight, running commentary, ooohs & aaaahs, applauds, and laughter. Some people even cried. Of course, if you are not fanboy material, I would advice staying away from the midnight showings, since I can imagine it gets incredibly tedious otherwise. It is definitely one of those "If You Can't Join Them, Avoid Them" cases, hence the absence of the husband. He got enough of screaming fans at the HP midnight extravaganza a few months ago.

So, now to the film. We all know that the Twilight book series is one of my guilty pleasures, but I HATED the first film adaptation. Hated it. Of course I had high hopes that take 2 would produce a much better film, as well as a faithful story adaptation. And 'New Moon' delivered. It is no action film, and I've heard of plenty of non-fanboys who have been less than impressed by the film, but for fans, I do think it is a win. If you are a Twi-hater, obviously avoid this movie. But if you are a Twi-lover, or even a Twi-read-it-and-kinda-like-it, I would definitely see this one in the theater (and then a gazillion times on DVD. Just kidding... kind of....).

Grade: 8

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Title: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Directed by: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Tom Felton, Helena Bonham Carter
Genres: Action/Adventure, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Adaptation, Sequel
Running Time: 2 hour. 33 minutes
Release Date: July 15th, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG

Review: I have waited so long for this film, and I am so excited it is finally here! Of course, I managed to successfully convince Hubby that the Tuesday night midnight showing was the way to go. Seeing the very first screening of each new HP film is kind of a tradition of mine, usually involving braving incredible crowds and a loudly chattering/cheering crowd during the film, but its usually really fun. As we arrived at the theater one hour before they would start letting people into the theater, and took our disgruntled places at the far back of a line that looked a mile long - and that was only the for theaters 9 & 10! - and settled in for a long wait among throngs of drunk teenagers, fanboys in full Griffindor gear, and parents with small & very excited/exhausted/wired on sugar kidlets usually way too young for this time of night.

By the time they started to let our line into the theater, more people had filled in behind us, and our back-of-the-line position had been made into middle-of-the-pack. Still, as we filed into the theater all remaining empty seats were either "saved" for someone using sweaters, shoes, and what have you, or spaced out one by one in between scores of filled seats. We managed to find two seats next to each other in the front row, aka The Worst Seats On Earth, and settled in for the previews, fully knowing that we would feel thoroughly crippled by the end of the night from sitting completely deformed, necks tilted at a full 90 degrees, in order to see anything at all.

As soon as the movie started, however, I forgot all about the awful seating arrangement, and got completely absorbed in the sixth installment of one of my favorite book series. I do love these characters, and how well they have been made to come alive by these perfect-for-the-part actors, and how true they are to the original material. I love how the films capture their charm, humor, and love for each other. The casting has been brilliant throughout all the films, and veterans and newcomers alike did a fantastic job once again! Visually, as well, HP6 is just as stunning as the previous installments. Stunning!!! For me, these films truly captures the essence of the books, completely bringing them alive, and 'The Half-Blood Prince' is not exception.

However, the deviations from the original material was not appreciated, nor necessary, but really quite disappointing. I would have hoped that Mr. Yates would have known better than that, especially since this is not his first go at the franchise. The deviations really bothered me during the film, even though I have not read the book in a very long time, certain omissions were blatantly obviously absent, particular regarding the end of the film. And, actually, as I drove home and the razzle dazzle of seeing this film for the first time wore off, I realized more and more hugely important details were missing. Today, I'm feeling quite annoyed about those missing pieces that really should have been included.

I am quite puzzled why Mr. Yates decided on these changes. They seem to serve no other purpose than to mark his territory. They only subtracted from the story, in some cases very much so, and I'm sure many fans will be irritated by it. Keeping the integrity of the material intact, especially in a multi-directorial, epic and very loved series like this one, and thus preventing yourself from indulging the need to be different just to be different from your predecessors (Alfonso Cuaron - I'm looking at you), is hugely important! Any & all dick-measuring contests and urine-marking territory battles should be avoided at all costs, and I really wish a contract stating so would have been enforced as Mr. Yates was hired in the first place. I am a bit boggled by his decisions, especially since the majority of the film is superb, as was his previous work with the series.

However, after all that praise & complaining, I will say that I really did enjoy the film. For the most part it is great, and definitely worth both the ticket price, and the wait.

Grade: 8.5

The Hangover

Title: The Hangover
Directed by: Todd Phillips
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Heather Graham, Justin Bartha
Genres: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Adaptation and Sequel
Running Time: 1 hour.39 minutes
Release Date: June 5th, 2009
MPAA Rating: R

Review: 'The Hangover' has some really funny moments, it was even straight up hilarious at a few places, but that still does not make a great comedy. It was not as funny as its trailer lets on, and it was nowhere near as funny as the people who made this film though it was. But yeah, it had quite a few laughs, and it made for a very relaxing and decently entertaining Summer morning in the movie theater.

Grade: 7

Star Trek

Title: Star Strek
Directed by: J.J. Adams
Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, John Cho, Ben Cross, Bruce Greenwood
Genres: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Adaptation and Sequel
Running Time: 2 hour. 7 minutes
Release Date: May 7th, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG-13


Review: In retrospect, I don't know why I went to see this movie. I have never seen a Star Trek episode in my life, and what I know about Star Trek lore & history, I have learned from "Trekkie" ridicule in Star Wars-loving films, such as 'Fanboys'. To demonstrate how well my sources have educated me in the ways of the Trek, let me tell you this: I were honestly surprised when the characters did the "Spock-finger-splitting-greeting" and they did not say "Nano nano", like I, for some reason, expected them to. Clearly, I did not belong in that theater. So why go? What can I say? I was desperate. There has not been a good movie out in the theaters for what feels like ages, and it had a B+ rating. Yes, that is my defense.

But for all you Trekkies out there, looking for a review from someone who actually has a clue, this is not it. Please look elsewhere. This one is for all the clueless movie lovers.

So, how was it? Well, besides the [plentiful] inconsistencies in story line, crimes against science/logic (I know, I know... clearly, I mean, for being Sci-Fi), and some just plain silly/dumb details, is was exactly the summer blockbuster, razzle dazzle, shiny action flick I expected. If a popcorn action is what you are looking for, then this one is just as much explosive, mindless fun as any. Does it bring anything spectacular to the table for the uninitiated movie-watcher. Not really.

Grade: 5

Quantum of Solace

Title: Quantum of Solace
Directed by: Marc Forster
Starring: Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Giancarlo Giannini, Jesper Christensen, Mathieu Amalric
Genres: Action/Adventure, Sequel
Running Time: 1 hour.45minutes
Release Date: November 14th, 2008
MPAA Rating: PG-13


Review: I haven't seen a movie in an unusually long time, but here is a delayed review of the "new" Bond.
I don't really like Daniel Craig as 007; he's hardcore (doing all his own stunts & getting pretty banged up in the process) enough, but he lacks the classy element that comes with the role - he is too much "wrong side of the tracks" - and he also lacks (or does not have enough of) that dry, British humor that has been a huge part of the character for such a long time. Obviously times change, and i get that, but even if he makes a great action movie start, he is no Bond. Period.
The movie it self is OK, but certainly not great. The action is spread on thick, but there is not much else in this flick, unfortunately. The story is thin and feels choppy - like some over zealous editor cut too much of the good bits out too fit the break-neck-speed action. I was not bored during the film, mainly because something was always getting blown up or killed, but i walked away feeling like i could have been watching a stunt documentary.

Rating: 6.5

The Dark Knight

Title: The Dark Knight

Directed by: Christopher Nolan

Starring: Christian Bale, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Heath Ledger, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart

Genres: Action/Adventure, Crime, Superhero, Sequel

Running Time: 2 hours. 32 minutes

Release Date: July 18th, 2008

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: The second installment in Christopher Nolan's trilogy, following 'Batman Begins' in 2005, and it is excellent. It's dark, violent, terrifying, explosive, and clever. It is well acted, and well directed. 'The Dark Knight' is epic, through and through.

Even if this was not Ledger's last role before his sad, and untimely death in January, his portrayal of the Joker would still go down in the annals of film as one of the most un-hinged, dark and creepy bad guys ever seen on the big screen. Heath Ledger IS the Joker, and for the first time, this character has been portrayed with debt and complexity beyond the one-dimensional comic-book villain seen in the past.

Just as in 'Batman Begins', Bale is great as the Batman, and while Bale's love interest has been upgraded from Katie Holmes to Maggie Gyllenhaal, the difference is surprisingly negligible. All in all, 'The Dark Knight' is a comic-book film that has greatly surpassed it's genre.

Bring on part three. I, for one, cannot wait!

Grade: 8.5