An unbiased (?) critique of the latest Batman flick ...

Rating: 8/10 (24 July 2008)

We are all biased in one way or another, but I still cannot understand why people go around giving everything a 10. That leaves no room for a truly great movie (which this was not). There are movies that bring tears to your eyes (this was not that type of movie or failed to reach deep enough into the viewers hearts). There are movies that leave you feeling energized and/or motivated ... (nope). Let's examine what makes this a good movie ... astounding special effects. Yes, it is worth viewing based on that alone. Today's cinema has taken special effects to heights (pun intended) never before imagined. Study the mannerisms, actions, and words of the Joker. He is by far the best actor in this film. The joker makes this film. Remember the 'old' joker decades ago in the TV series? Well, this Joker is a real human being with mannerisms of a demented criminal (great job). The storyline overall was nothing new, though it did carry some surprises (enjoyable to me, perhaps disgruntling to some viewers, but surprises nonetheless). A bit confusing for the younger audience or those not paying attention closely. Learn the characters quickly. There are several that play a big role and you will find yourself thinking back to remember. This is just a comment, not good or bad. It would make me want to go back and see the film a second time, only it wasn't interesting enough for me to want to do so. Once is enough. A Batman fanatic may feel differently. At the same time, a Batman fanatic would fail to give this flick an unbiased rating. Let me compare the recent Spiderman with Batman. I am a die-hard fan of neither. Spiderman touched my heart. The girl touched my heart. Even certain scenes of the movie touched my heart. Batman failed to do that. I know this is science fiction, and I do have a great imagination, but I found this film just too far fetched to grasp. The film never really pulled me inside. Spiderman did. The 'old' (old? not so old!) Superman with Marlon Brando pulled me in big time. Understand the difference? Superman had a way of making you believe the movie is real, even if only until the credits roll and the film ends. I give this film a very high rating of 8 because of superb special effects, great acting by the Joker, and a good storyline with some surprises.