Review - G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra

"G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra" is based on the Hasbro toy line, as well as a 1980's animated series and comic book. A convoy carrying a top-secret bioweapon is attacked by a heavily armed and well-organized group...and is just as quickly rescued by the same. The two surviving members of the convoy, Duke and Ripcord, are recruited into a top-secret multi-nation military group led by General Hawk. Along with Scarlett, Heavy Duty, Breaker and Snake Eyes, they must attempt to recover the stolen weapons from the hands of Cobra.

Anyone who remembers G.I. Joe from their childhood will get a kick out of this movie. The action sequences are spectacular, and despite introducing several characters in such a short time span, they not only do so, but give detailed backstories for several. The new backstory between Duke and the Baroness is different...but it does work for the story. There is just enough of a plot and some humor inserted in opportune moments.

Granted, some of the performances are not incredible. I refuse to believe Marlon Wayans was the best person they could find to play Ripcord, and Channing Tatum's Duke was more wooden than Pinocchio. Rachel Nichols was amazing as Scarlett, and Sienna Miller just about stole the movie as the Baroness. Ray Park and Byung-hun Lee were both outstanding as Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow respectively.

All in all, a solid and fun summer action movie. With any luck, this won't be the last time we see these characters on the big screen.

Review - 28 Weeks Later

"28 Weeks Later" is the sequel to the surprise science-fiction hit "28 Days Later". In the beginning, we see a small house in England. Six people are holed up, trapped by the infected people running the streets. A small boy manages to find them...only to lead the infected to them. One lone man manages to escape. We fast-forward seven months, and people are being allowed back into London, which has now been declared free of infection. The US Army has been cleaning up, and believes that the Rage virus has been eliminated. Unfortunately...they're dead wrong.

This movie can easily be categorized in the same genre as "Outbreak". A fictional movie, certainly. However...both are easily possible, and even plausible. Watching the movie gives you a certain feeling of dread, considering how such a disease may already exist...or someday could. The cast is decent, and the ending leaves a potential third movie wide open.

All in all, a movie as good as the original (a rare thing indeed). A definite one to watch...if you can handle it.

Review - Knowing

"Knowing" is a science-fiction movie with an unusual twist. Nicolas Cage plays a tormented MIT astrophysics professor who lost his wife in a tragic hotel fire. He muddles through his existance (mostly with the assistance of alcohol). But his life changes drastically when his son receives an unusual note from a school time capsule. Fifty years ago, a young woman frantically scribbled numbers onto a piece of paper. In doing so, she chronicled every major disaster for the next fifty years...perfectly. Now, he must discover what the last three predictions are...before it is too late.

This was a good movie that could have been a great movie. Unfortunately, a bizarre plot twist takes what could have been great...and diminishes it. The characters in the movie are decent enough, but it's actually difficult to feel any true sympathy for them.

Good, but not great. Worth a rent, but not much past that.

Review - The Taking Of Pelham 123

"The Taking Of Pelham 123" is a remake of a novel by John Godey. The original was made in 1974 and starred Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, Hector Elizondo, Earl Hindman, and Lee Wallace. The premise remains the same - four armed men hijack a New York City subway train. Their only contact with the outside world is Walter Garber (played by Denzel Washington), a NYC Transit official. The gang's leader, Ryder (played by John Travolta), gives him an ultimatum - ten million dollars in one hour...or hostages will be excecuted.

As usual, Washington and Travolta turn in excellent performances. Washington's Garber is a man facing demons of his own...and is now faced with huge responsibility. Travolta plays Ryder with his usual manic flair...but like Garber, there is more to him than there appears. An excellent supporting cast includes Luis Guzman, John Turturro, and James Gandolfini as the Mayor of New York (nice to see Tony Soprano found work after the mob!).

You would like to learn a little more about some of the characters in the story...but they do fill you in on just enough that you don't leave the theater scratching your head in confusion. The original was good...but I actually believe this was better. And yes...I did see the original!!!

A tense thrill-ride from start to finish, don't miss the train for "Pelham 123".

Review - Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen

The Transformers return in spectacular fashion in the big-budget sequel to the 2007 mega-blockbuster. Sam Witwicky is preparing to go off to college, while Mikaela is running her family's auto shop. The Autobots are helping the US Government hunt down the remaining Decepticons. However...one of the Decepticons leaves a warning...about the return of the Fallen.

This is everything you want a summer movie to be - big, loud, and over the top. The action comes early and often, and all the familiar faces return...including a few new Transformers. These include Mudflap and Skids (a pair of jive-talking Autobots), Arcee (who changes into three separate motorcycles), Soundwave (the Decepticon communications master), and Jetfire (an old Decepticon who changed sides...and now uses a cane to get around).

Some of the comic moments are a little forced, and I may not be alone in saying that I enjoyed watching Shia LeBeouf getting hunted down by the Decepticons. Is there any possible way he could be left out of the sequel? Oh, yeah...Transformers 3 is scheduled for a 2012 release.

Not quite as good as the original...but still, definitely worth the trip to the theater! Once again, "Transformers" delivers!

Review - Star Trek

The long-anticipated and much-hyped reboot of the "Star Trek" series arrived this summer. As a long-time Trek fan, I walked into the theater with a mixture of anticipation and dread. To my delight...the anticipation and hype were all worth it! To this point, this is hands-down the best film of the summer!
This is not so much a new chapter with the old Star Trek characters...but a reimagining of the old storyline. The same characters from The Original Series...but completely different. A fascinating concept (as Spock might put it), but it works. And what helps the most is an unbelievable cast! I never thought I would live to see the day I said someone out-Spocked Leonard Nimoy...but Zachary Quinto pulls it off! Chris Pine captures the charismatic swagger of Kirk. Karl Urban almost steals the movie as the crusty "Bones" McCoy. My only complaint on the casting goes with Anton Yelchin as Chekov. They seemed to play him more for comic relief than anything else.
Easily, no contest, the best movie of the summer (so far)!!

Review - Terminator: Salvation

The much-anticipated sequel to the first three "Terminator" movies finally arrives! John Connor, now an adult, fights a losing war against Skynet and the machines it controls. The human resistance finally catches a break with a discovered tool that stops the machines in their tracks. But the sudden appearance of a mysterious figure...as well as the capture of John's father, Kyle Reese, complicates matters.
I find it unusual that of all the "Terminator" movies to get a PG-13 rating...they chose this one. I think that this is the one movie of the series that needed an R rating the most. The visions of the future from the first two movies compared to this one seem to have changed drastically as well. In the first movie, mankind was living underground like moles, starving and filthy, poorly equipped. Suddenly, they have planes, helicopters, and a small arsenal at their disposal (including nuclear submarines).
While there is a great deal to nitpick with this movie...there is no denying that it is a far better movie than the third installment (although that isn't saying much). I would even go as far as to put it close to the second movie...but nothing will ever touch the greatness of the original.
In summary - good story, good acting, lots of action. Definitely worth the trip to the theater.

Review - X-Men Origins - Wolverine

Everyone knows the man. The cigar-smoking, metal-laced, berserker mutant known to some as Logan...and to everyone as Wolverine. In the first big movie of the summer, we explore the background of how Logan became what we know him as today.
This movie spans a great deal of time quickly before the opening credits are through. From Logan's childhood in Canada, to stints in every major war from the Civil War to Vietnam, and finally, Logan's leaving a top-secret military group which features fellow mutants Sabretooth (half-brother Victor Creed), John Wraith, Agent Zero, and Deadpool. We see how Logan has the one true love of his life taken from him...and his joining the now-infamous Weapon X program to avenge her.
On some levels, this movie succeeds greatly. We finally get to see Gambit (played excellently by Taylor Kitsch). Liev Schreiber gives a much better performance as the sadistic Sabretooth, and of course, Hugh Jackman turns in another great turn as Logan. The big problem here is...it's the classic case of Hollywood hype fallen short. As great as this movie could have been, it just wasn't what we were promised. Ideally, this should have been two separate movies (the first one could have lead up to Logan joining Weapon X, the second finishing off the story).
All in all, good, but could have been much better. Decent start to summer 2009.

Review - Cloverfield

"Cloverfield" is a most unusual and heavily hyped sci-fi movie. It takes place over a couple of days in New York City. We begin the movie with a going-away party for a young man who is moving to Japan for a new job. Suddenly, all hell breaks loose. Things begin to explode, people begin to panic...and the characters find themselves in a race against time...and something else.
This movie had been previewed for months...with very little information given about the movie itself. In the back of my mind, I started wondering, "Am I witnessing another "Snakes On A Plane"...or will this movie actually live up to the hype?" The short answer...kind of. Imagine if the people who shot "The Blair Witch Project" made "Godzilla". You now have a pretty decent idea on what "Cloverfield" was like.
I liked the idea of the first-person perspective on the movie...and how there was still interaction between the characters and the surroundings. However...there were times where another characters perspective would have been appreciated. And it leaves the movie-goer with many questions about what actually happened.
All in all...not a great movie...but a good one. The characters were likeable and well played, the story moved along well, and unlike "I Am Legend", the special effects were a lot better.

Review - Spider-Man 3

"Spider-Man 3" is the third installment on the classic Marvel Comics series.
Life is finally looking up for Peter Parker. His girlfriend, Mary Jane Parker, is a star on Broadway. He is planning on asking her to marry him. And Spider-Man is finally becoming popular. Little does he know how much trouble awaits him. Harry Osborn is still obsessed over the death of his father...and becomes the New Goblin to hunt down Spidey. Small-time criminal Flint Marko has an accident with a science experiment...turning into The Sandman, who is literally made of sand. Pesty photographer Eddie Brock is hounding both Spider-Man and Peter. And when Spider-Man finds himself covered in a mysterious black substance that augments his powers...but also starts to change him for the worse...can he find a way to make everything right again?
I waited a long time for this movie. And it was entertaining...don't get me wrong. But...I found myself drawing the unfortunate comparison to "Star Wars Episode III". Essentially, they tried to do too much. Too many characters...too many sub-plots...too much in too little time. You have Spider-Man battling both the New Goblin, Sandman, and towards the end of the movie, Venom (who deserved an entire movie all to himself). You have sub-plots involving Mary Jane's acting career, a possible second love interest in Gwen Stacy, the rivalry and animosity between Peter/Spidey and Harry/Goblin, the distraction of Eddie Brock. By the end of the movie, you almost need a scorecard to keep it all straight.
The inevitable comic book geek nitpick - Topher Grace as Venom?????? In the comics, Eddie Brock is a weight-lifter of near Olympic levels. Grace is only two and a half inches taller than Tobey Maguire...and let's face it, folks...he doesn't look like a weight-lifter to me. While he does capture Brock's trademark arrogance...he just doesn't have the physique to make it convincing.
All in all...an entertaining movie...but it should have been so much better. "Spider-Man 3"...we can only hope "Spider-Man 4" is better.
Starring - Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Topher Grace, Thomas Haden Church, Bryce Dallas Howard, Rosemary Harris, J.K. Simmons, James Cromwell, and Theresa Russell. Directed by Sam Raimi.
Time - 2 hours, 20 minutes. Rated - PG-13 (Comic book violence, some language)

Review - The Condemned

"The Condemned" is an action-thriller brought to us courtesy of World Wrestling Entertainment.
Ian Breckel is a television producer with a revolutionary new concept: He will take ten death row inmates from various Third World countries. He places them all on an island covered in cameras. The sole survivor after thirty hours leaves the island with their freedom and a million dollars. Among his "contestants" are a husband and wife, a monstrous Russian, a martial artist, a psychotic ex-British Special Forces soldier...and Jack Conrad, who was sitting on death row in Central America. But Conrad isn't what he appears...and neither is the contest. Who will survive? And how many people will tune in?
In the right hands, this could have been a very interesting movie. The concept alone is unique, a commentary on our lust for violence...and the willingness to pay to watch it. In that aspect, it is ironic that the WWE produced this movie, seeing as they charge $35 for people to watch men beat each other up as "sport". And that becomes the movie's biggest problem...because it plays out almost like a WWE pay-per-view.
The acting is almost non-existant. There is a weak subplot involving Conrad and his ex-girlfriend...and even the fight scenes aren't that spectacular. In several of them, you can barely make out what is happening. One of the few highlights of the movie is Vinnie Jones, playing Ewan McStarley...and he delivers his parts with venomous relish. Unfortunately, that's about all you can really say about this movie.
"The Condemned" should be just that...to a video store bargain bin near you with all speed.
Starring - "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Vinnie Jones, Rick Hoffman, and Dasi Ruz. Directed by Scott Wiper.
Time - 1 hour, 53 minutes. Rated - R (Language, extreme violence, a scene of suggested rape)

Review - Spider-Man 2

"Spider-Man 2" is the sequel to the popular comic book movie, "Spider-Man."
We once again join up with our old friend Peter Parker...who now struggles through his complicated double life. He tries the usual things...holding down a job, taking care of his Aunt May, making time for Mary Jane Watson...but when you're also trying to save the world as Spider-Man...it gets a little hectic. Peter gets a chance to meet one of the great scientists of the world, Doctor Otto Octavius. Dr. Octavius is about to experiment with a highly unstable element...and has four metallic arms to assist him. Unfortunately, an accident leaves his wife dead...and the arms permanently fused to his body. Going mad from the input from the arms, Octavius transforms into the evil Dr. Octopus. As if that isn't enough for Spider-Man to deal with...he must also contend with Harry Osborn, his best friend who blames Spider-Man for the death of his father (who we all know was the Green Goblin...except Harry does not know this). It all becomes too much for Spider-Man...who hangs up his costume and turns his back on his life as a super-hero. Will he unretire in time to save the city from Dr. Octopus?
Many people consider "Spider-Man 2" to be better than the original. There is a deeper storyline, which focuses on Peter's dual existance...and the toll it takes on his life. One can only imagine what that must be like...to live with such amazing abilities...but to have to pay such a high price for having them. Tobey Maguire gives an outstanding performance as the ever-conflicted Peter/Spider-Man...to the point where you can feel for him wanting to go back to his "normal life" as a college science geek. Alfred Molina also gives a great performance as Octavius/Doc Ock...a classic case of a man who isn't truly a bad guy...but extraordinary circumstances have driven him to do things he ordinarily would not do.
As with the first movie, the special effects are fantastic and the action sequences are top-notch. But again, it is the performances that set this one apart from the original.
For a web-slinging good time, "Spider-Man 2" is second to none.
Starring - Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Alfred Molina, James Franco, Rosemary Harris, J.K. Simmons, and Donna Murphy. Directed by Sam Raimi.
Time - 2 hours, 7 minutes. Rated - PG-13 (Action movie violence, some language)

Review - Catch Me If You Can

"Catch Me If You Can" is a drama film, based on the real-life events of Frank Abagnale, Jr.
Frank Abagnale, Jr. was not your typical American teenager. By the time he was nineteen years old, he had been an airline pilot for TWA, a pediatrician in Atlanta, and a lawyer in Louisiana. He also managed to swindle millions of dollars in elaborate check fraud scams. All the while, he managed to stay one step ahead of the FBI...and the dogged investigation of Special Agent Carl Hanratty.
The most amazing part of this entire movie is the fact that everything that happened in the movie really did happen. It makes for an incredible film...and the story keeps you wondering what is going to happen next. The casting for the film was perfect...and everyone gives amazing performances. Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio both give great performances, and Christopher Walken received an Academy Award nomination for Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Frank Abagnale, Sr.
A great cat-and-mouse chase story...with great characters and an absolutely unbelievable plot. "Catch Me If You Can" is worth the chase.
Starring - Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen, James Brolin, and Jennifer Garner. Directed by Steven Spielberg.
Time - 2 hours, 21 minutes. Rated - PG-13 (Language, mild violence, some sexual content)

Review - Bandidas

"Bandidas" is an action/adventure/comedy, following two very different women on the same path.
Maria is a simple farmer's daughter. Sara is the educated daughter of the local bank owner. But their worlds collide when a New York bank decides to take over several farms in order to put down a new railroad. Sara's father is murdered. Maria's is shot...and her home burned to the ground. The two women choose the same response - to rob the bank that crossed them both. After some training from a former well-known bank robber...the two blaze a trail of revenge across Mexico. But can their totally opposite personalities keep them out of trouble?
This isn't a terrible movie...but it isn't a very good one, either. The premise of the story is interesting...and that is a shame, because this could have been a good movie. But for whatever reason...it just doesn't work. The stars do their best with what they have...and despite some good performances, it just isn't enough. You can just about predict from the opening credits how the movie will turn out.
The movie has a few good points...but a few good points aren't worth sitting through an entire movie. In the end, the only thing "Bandidas" will steal is a chunk of your time.
Starring - Penelope Cruz, Salma Hayek, Dwight Yoakam, Steve Zahn, and Sam Shepard. Directed by Joachim Roenning and Espen Sandberg.
Time - 1 hour, 33 minutes. Rated - PG-13 (Violence, nudity, some sexuality)

Review - The Reaping

"The Reaping" is a horror/thriller, which focuses not only on the ten Biblical plagues, but also on faith.
Katherine Winter is a professor and former ordained minister. After a tragic and brutal personal loss challenges her faith, she now travels from place to place debunking so-called "miracles". She is then called with her assistant Ben to Haven, a small town in Louisiana. A two-mile stretch of a local river has seemingly turned into blood. At first, Katherine approaches this with her usual skepticism. But as the plagues add up...and signs point towards a mysterious young girl as the possible key...can Katherine regain her faith?
This movie works in several aspects. The loss of Katherine's faith...and her slow struggle with what she wants to prove and what she knows is the truth in her heart...is a powerful battle on the screen. Actress Hilary Swank provides an exceptional performance and that gives this movie a real bonus. A lesser actress in the same part would have brought this movie down several notches. The story keeps the audience guessing...and jumping at the right spots. And there are several plot twists that you won't see coming.
There are some disturbing moments in the movie...and those on the squeamish side may want to give this one a miss. But anyone else looking for a good jump-out-of-your-seat thriller..."The Reaping" delivers.
Starring - Hilary Swank, David Morrissey, Idris Elba, Stephen Rea, and AnnaSophia Robb. Directed by Stephen Hopkins.
Time - 1 hour, 36 minutes. Rated - R (Violence, some language, some sexuality, disturbing images)

Review - Pathfinder

"Pathfinder" is a historical action/adventure, based on the Vikings who first invaded North America.
An American Indian woman discovers the wreckage of a Viking ship. On board, she finds a young orphaned Viking. Adopting him as one of their own, Ghost grows up as an outcast...not a member of this world...but knowing little of the world he came from. Inevitably, the "dragon men" return...and when his village is destroyed and everyone he ever knew is slain...Ghost must look for vengeance against his own people.
A popularly told tale...the misfit outsider who gains a chance at acceptance through the return of his former people. However...in this case, it was not particularly well-told. There are some spectacular battle scenes. Unfortunately, the rest of the movie isn't very entertaining. Parts of the movie reminded me of "First Blood"...the lone warrior in the woods battling a numerically superior foe, picking off enemies one by one.
The unfortunate part is that this could have been a very good movie. But..."Pathfinder" is best left for a Saturday night video rental.
Starring - Karl Urban, Russell Means, Jay Tavare, and Moon Bloodgood. Directed by Marcus Nispel.
Time - 1 hour, 39 minutes. Rated - R (Brutal and graphic violence)

Review - Pulp Fiction

"Pulp Fiction" is a drama/action movie, with several storylines carrying on simultaneously and occasionally overlapping. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress. It won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.
Ringo and Yolanda are in the middle of holding up a diner. Jules and Vincent have to retrieve a briefcase for crime boss Marsellus Wallace...as well as deal with a small problem with their car. Butch takes money to fix a boxing match...only to double-cross the fixer. Vincent has to take Marsellus' wife Mia on a date...and hunt down Butch, who double-crossed Marsellus. And Marsellus and Butch have a small problem...not only with each other, but with a couple of psychos and "The Gimp".
This is arguably Quentin Tarantino's best movie. Although it is slightly confusing at times...certain scenes take place out of order...and if you don't pay attention, it can make you question what is going on. But the cast for this movie is spot-on...and there are some of the most quotable moments in movie history taking place. The best scenes take place between Jules and Vincent...two professional hitmen who carry on conversations over just about everything...from foot massages to charming pigs to what you call a Big Mac in France.
Great dialogue, great casting..."Pulp Fiction" is a modern classic.
Starring - John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Ving Rhames, Bruce Willis, Christopher Walken, Tim Roth, Amanda Plummer, Eric Stoltz, Rosanna Arquette, and Harvey Keitel. Directed by Quentin Tarantino.
Time - 2 hours, 34 minutes. Rated - R (Violence, language, drug use, adult situations)

Review - The Crow

"The Crow" is a dark drama/action film, based on the comic book by James O'Barr.
Eric Draven is a guitarist and singer in a band called Hangman's Joke. He is engaged to be married to his girlfriend, Shelly Webster. Unfortunately, on Halloween Eve, known as "Devil's Night"...the pair is attacked in their apartment. Shelly is beaten and raped, and later dies in the hospital. Eric is beaten, and thrown out a window...where he falls to his death. One year later, guided by a mysterious crow, Eric returns from the dead to seek revenge on the men who killed him and his fiancee. One by one, Eric works his way through the ruthless killers...but can he save another life as well?
"The Crow" is not your typical comic book movie, in that the story is a very dark one. This is reflected well into the movie...which almost comes across as black and white. It rains almost constantly for the entire movie, which only serves to increase the dreariness and despair that shows in both the city and the people who inhabit it. Brandon Lee, who was tragically killed in a stunt accident gone wrong, is perfectly cast as Eric Draven/The Crow. He brings the right blend of driven avenger and reluctant comic...a poetic soul with a dry sense of humor.
This is not a movie for everyone. The story is based on darkness and revenge...horrible violence and tragic death. But it also shows that even in the worst tragedy...love survives...even beyond the grave. To me, one of the most powerful scenes of the movie is when the battered and exhausted Eric collapses next to Shelly's tombstone...and she walks towards him in a simple white gown, gently caressing his cheek...calling him back to her arms.
For a most different love story, in a dark and violent comic book setting..."The Crow" is a true classic.
Starring - Brandon Lee, Ernie Hudson, Michael Wincott, David Patrick Kelly, and Tony Todd. Directed by Alex Proyas.
Time - 1 hour, 42 minutes. Rated - R (Violence, language, drug use, adult situations, depictions of rape)

Review - Ferris Buellar's Day Off

"Ferris Buellar's Day Off" is a classic 1980's comedy, written and directed by John Hughes.
Ferris Buellar is not your typical high school student. He has his life planned out pretty well...and today, that involves taking the day off from school. Along with his hypochondriac best friend Cameron and his girlfriend Sloane, Ferris looks to take the city of Chicago by storm. However, Ed Rooney, the high school principal with an axe to grind, is looking to bring Ferris down hard. In addition, Ferris must also contend with his easily irritated sister, Jeanie. But, with his laid-back attitude and quick wit...Ferris keeps one step ahead.
John Hughes is one of the most noted directors of the 1980's, and "Ferris Buellar" is quite possibly his masterpiece. He uses every set to the fullest, and brings out both laughs and sympathy for his characters. Granted, he does stretch reality to a degree...but that is what makes Ferris Buellar so appealing. He is larger than life, a legend and an icon...and he knows this. Ferris' impromptu conversations with the audience makes you feel as if you are along for the ride...and there are some true gut-buster moments. Most of them revolve around clueless principal Rooney...and watching as his day gets progressively worse as Ferris has the time of his life is true poetic irony.
There are movies that you can watch a thousand times...and they are just as great the one thousand and first time as it was the first time you ever saw it. "Ferris Buellar's Day Off" is one of them.
Starring - Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, Jeffrey Jones, Jennifer Grey, Kristy Swanson, Ben Stein, and Charlie Sheen. Directed by John Hughes.
Time - 1 hour, 42 minutes. Rated - PG-13 (Mild comedic violence, language, adult situations)

Review - Batman

"Batman" is an action/adventure movie based on the legendary DC Comics character created by Bob Kane.
As a child, Bruce Wayne witnessed the brutal murder of his parents. Now a grown and tortured man, he stalks the night as a fearsome figure of justice...the Batman. Gotham City is his hunting grounds...and now, he has a new foe - The Joker, a homicidal prankster who resembles a terrifying clown. Throw in a love interest and everyone viewing Batman as a vigilante...can he stop the Joker's evil plot?
The Batman always made for an interesting character, in that he wasn't your regular superhero. He has no powers...he can be hurt...and can be killed, just like a regular man. It is his training, his "wonderful toys", and most importantly...his dedication, that makes him what he is.
I will be the first to admit...when I first heard Michael Keaton was going to play Batman, my immediate reaction was, "You have got to be kidding me." To this day, I still believe there had to be someone better...but for the sake of giving the devil his due...Keaton did a good job. Tim Burton lent his usual quirky style to this movie. But it is Jack Nicholson's Joker who grabs this movie by the throat and doesn't let go. He steals every single scene he is in...and has to easily be the best portrayal ever of the Clown Prince of Crime.
Granted, this movie does drag in a few parts...and the supposed love interest between Bruce Wayne and Vicki Vale seems more forced than genuine. But, overall...an outstanding movie with spectacular performances.
"Batman"...always brings a smile to my face...
Starring - Michael Keaton, Kim Basinger, Jack Palance, Robert Wuhl, Billy Dee Williams, and Jack Nicholson. Directed by Tim Burton.
Time - 2 hours, 6 minutes. Rated - PG-13 (Violence, language, adult situations)