Movie Review: ‘The Dark Knight’

I got an e-mail alert the other day that “The Dark Knight” is second only to “Titanic” in all time top grossing films. It’s hard to believe since the ‘Batman’ sequel opened Friday, July 18 — about a month ago.

For some reason, I wasn’t ready to see this film when it opened. I think it was the death of Heath Ledger coupled with the darkness of the Joker. I just wasn’t ready to go there.

I saw the “The Dark Knight” Monday. The Joker is one twisted sister — no question about it. I found myself compelled to watch him while wondering where he would take us next. I agree with the critics, Ledger’s performance is Oscar worthy.

It makes sense to me that Ledger may have struggled to find himself after such a role. To play such a believable psychotic character, you have to immerse yourself to be as good as he was.

I also have kudos for Aaron Eckhart who played the role of Harvey Dent — the courageous public defender who put away the bad guys. Eckhart typically plays the Bill Pullman role of the nice guy. This wasn’t the case in “The Dark Knight.” He did for awhile — until an accident of the Joker’s making, turned Dent into Two Face. It was fun to see the darkness of his personality emerge.

I can’t put my finger on it, but there was a difference between the darkness of the Joker and Two Face. The Joker was real — Two Face, a character.

I also enjoyed Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman. Both are very accomplished actors that added polish to this production.

I wasn’t impressed with Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel Dawes, the love interest of both Bruce Wayne and Harvey Dent. It was a throwaway female role that just about any young actress could play. Katie Holmes played the role of Rachel in “Batman Begins.” She turned down the sequel after her involvement with Tom Cruise. Too bad.

I’m also not that impressed with Christian Bale. Yes, he’s very good looking and wears a suit well, but I don’t think it takes a lot to play Batman.

I didn’t enjoy this movie very much. It was too long, but more than that I’m tired of comic book characters. This summer I've spent time with Iron Man, the Hulk, Hellboy, Speed Racer and Batman. I'm also underwhelmed by car chases and explosions. How many different ways can you blow up a building?

Not that long ago, I saw the documentary “Young@Heart.” It was the story of the Young@Heart Chorus — a choir of people with the average age of 80 who sing punk and rock 'n' roll songs. The film had a real story with real people. No special effects. No big name stars. Not a lot of action, but plenty of drama.

I wonder where have all the storytellers gone?

(Kay Johnson is a staff writer at the Hutchinson Leader. She can be reached at johnson@hutchinsonleader.com).