Big Mike's Lil' Update 8/1/08

- Just wanted to do a little Dark Knight wrap up. It's been a week and I haven't seen another film in the theatre beside it. Seven times, and I still have to take my parents to it.

- As of this writing, Thursday night, Dark Knight as grossed $342 and a half million dollars, making it the thirteenth highest grossing film of all time and it will probably cross the $400 million dollar mark this weekend. Suddenly, Titanic doesn't seem so far away, now does it?

- I think I may have finally gotten Batman out of my system, so next week, there will be some new things coming up, including getting into that whole Criterion/Janus thing I was talking about the other day.

- Please check out the LAMB Action Hero and vote for me and John McClane! You must vote, it's your sacred franchise!

- And for those of you who think I maybe too far in my devotion to Batman...

You may be right!

The Dark Knight

The Dark Knight is everything is has been hyped up to be. Any perceived flaws in the film were invisible to my eye, which may have been looking through rose colored lenses. But, I think it only speaks to the film’s story, characters and grip on my attention that I could not see past what was directly in front of me.

And I saw it in IMAX.

I know that I have helped in building this film up before even seeing it, but I can honestly say that it was the greatest movie going experience of my life. Better than seeing T2, Revenge of the Sith or The Departed. Never before have I wanted to see a film so badly and held such high expectations for it, only to have those shattered by the film giving me everything I hoped for and more. The Dark Knight delivers in ways that I have never seen in my life. It is The Godfather Part II and it is The Empire Strikes Back. It will be the film that turns the generation behind me into film makers.

I have to start with the sheer technical brilliance of the film and Christopher Nolan’s incredible job of directing. There is not a split second, not a single frame wasted in the movie’s entire run time. He directs the film brilliantly and effortlessly through the story, really making it much more of a crime drama with a few action sequences, rather than the other way around. The story informs the manner of storytelling and Nolan makes sure that we are given everything we need to understand our characters and their motivation. I used to say that Nolan is a master at what he didn’t show you. I still think its true, but he pulls the curtain away in this film and brings us even deeper into Gotham. It is true that the city becomes a character itself and for good reason. Like anyone else in the film that we are meant to care about, Gotham City is what Bruce, Harvey, Gordon and Rachel all love so much that they are fighting with their lives to protect it. The city is their home and by showing us so much of it, Nolan would have us identify with it and care about whether or not it would be burned to the ground by anarchy.

We will never be able to say enough good things about Heath Ledger’s performance as the Joker. Yes, it is brilliant, yes, he steals the movie and yes, he deserves every award he will and will not win. I still cannot say for sure if his death has affected my judgment in anyway, but I could not take my eyes off him and marveled at his talent. I never forgot that Heath was underneath that makeup, but I did forget that he was gone. I celebrated that man’s life tonight and I think he would have preferred that to the alternative.

Everyone in the cast is outstanding, but will be overshadowed by Ledger. I’m sure they’re fine with that, but kudos to Christian Bale for giving us real heart and pathos to Bruce Wayne that are usually only reserved for scenes of him as a child. Never before has Bruce been so tortured by his deeds and so willing to pull of the cowl and lay himself bare for the good of others concerned. He is the best Bruce Wayne. Likewise, though they are given much smaller roles than the first time around, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Maggie Gyllenhaal are superb in their roles, supporting Batman. We know that they empathize with Bruce, but cannot even come to grips with the best way to help him or to show him that he is not alone. As for Aaron Eckhart, he comes across as a revelation. He plays Harvey Two-Face as he was always meant to be. A twisted man hell bent on his own sense of justice. He is perfect, making us truly empathize with Harvey and so regretful when he becomes Gotham’s fallen white knight.

I walked out of the film slightly unsure of it. I knew that I had seen one of the greatest films I had ever seen. I knew I would be back the next day to watch it again. And I knew that Heath’s Joker had become the new Jack Sparrow. I was delighted that a huge summer blockbuster ‘comic book movie’ had not only become a masterful example of the true capacities of the medium, but had really, truly had something to say about our own world. Gotham City was a mirror of our own society and everything that was said about its citizens, about us as a people rang true to me. Sadly, I think most of this will be lost on a younger audience who will not see the forest for the trees. Nolan has been amazingly subversive in using his huge Warner Bros. franchise to explore our morality, our darker side and ourselves as well. I hope as many people go to see it as I plan to, because maybe then, they can discover the real meaning behind the title. Perhaps when we can see what we make of our heroes and the people brave enough to defend us, we can begin to change our world into one where those people can take off their masks and live a life in which the risk they put themselves in is no longer necessary.

Batman Blog-A-Thon Day 3

- Tomorrow is the big day! Finally! Amid the frenzy surrounding Dark Knight, people may have missed the final trailer. Although long and at some points it repeats shots from earlier trailers, this final Dark Knight trailer shows some pretty impressive stuff without spoilers. Check it out.

- Make you sure you check out my brother's entry below and if you haven't already, Fletch's post over at Blog Cabins. Thanks to both of you guys, really great stuff.

- Aw, hell, I don't have anymore to write, I'm too excited! This is like the night before Christmas, except I already know what's under the tree! and it's going to be bitching!

Batman Blog-A-Thon Day 2

- Now that The Dark Knight is releasing this week, more and more information is coming out about the film, even information about the time in between the two productions. Apparently, Warner was unsure about doing a sequel to Begins because of it's relatively modest grosses and was looking at going a different direction. Here was something they had in mind.





So, my friend Robert and I (going to TDK in IMAX on Thursday) were looking at my Lexus today and we both decided that it was both entirely feasible and not at all difficult to get a new black paint job, fix the ground effects and throw a Batman logo on the front of that bad boy. Are we serious? You will soon find out, dear readers.





- Check out Fletch's contribution to the blog-a-thon at Blog Cabins. It's a very clever piece, but then again, most things that dude writes is clever. Thanks, Fletch!


- The guys over at Digital Bits have posted their review of Dark Knight after attending a screening I missed out. It had to do with this whole deal about emails and printers, but anyways, they dug it and if you can't trust the guys at the Bits, who can you trust?

Batman Blog-A-Thon Day 1

- Firstly, check out Ryan McNeil's blog, Dark of the Matinee. I read his stuff all the time and in showing that great minds think alike, he's on a Bat blog binge this week as well. And I love the tricked out look for his site!

- It had to happen eventually and it finally did. Someone wrote a negative review of The Dark Knight. David Edelstein of the New York Magazine has called the film "noisy, jumbled and sadistic." The only other well known critic to be unfavorable to the film is David Denby from the New Yorker. You can read his review here in which he describes it as "constant climax; it's always in a frenzy and it goes on forever." Besides jumbled, are any of these things negative?

- A friend sent this to me today. It's a rather cool thing about a Dark Knight screening. You can read it at the link if you cannot read it well here.




All rather cool stuff indeed.

Big Mike's Lil' Update 7/4/08

It's the Fourth of July, Independence Day. So, which movie should be watched today, Independence Day or Born on the Fourth of July? Hmm...

- OK, I know not everybody loves Spaced as much as I do, but there are several events coming up this month if you do. In Los Angeles, there will be a signing at Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash followed by a screening at the Hollywood ArcLight with Edgar, Simon, Jessica and Kev Smith in attendance. Will you be as well?






- Yes, I saw Hancock, yes, a review will be forthcoming and yes, I have a man-crush on Jason Bateman. This is NOT a bromance, just a man-crush.






- Helena Bonham Carter in Terminator 4? This week has no lack of good news for me.


- I was getting ready to get into my fall/winter preview, but most of those films still don't even have one-sheets out yet, like Harry Potter. Oh well, I guess I will put if off for a few weeks.


- I'm not sure which is odder, David Gordon Green directing Pineapple Express or Huey Lewis doing the theme song? Yea, it's David Gordon Green.


- So, if it is generally held that Batman Begins is basically Batman:Year One and The Dark Knight is The Long Halloween, then would it be all bad if the next movie were based on Dark Victory? Could Bale's insistence on not bringing in Robin merely be an attempt to throw us off the trail, akin to Raimi expressing disinterest in Venom? Would a young Robin actually work for Nolan's Batman? Do you think he will shoot the third movie entirely in IMAX? What's your favorite Batman comic? Who writes him better, Kane, Miller or Loeb? Will Nolan bring in Scarlett Johansson to play Selina Kyle or fulfill my wishes/internet rumors and cast Eva Mendes instead? Or does she just play Renee Montoya? Is it possible for Dark Knight to NOT live up to the hype? Does Heath get the Oscar or just a nomination? If everybody is comparing it to Godfather II and Empire Strikes Back, can I be the first to compare it to Aliens? Have you told all your friends about the Batman Blog-A-Thon? If I got a Batman tattoo, would I get the new logo or the classic 1989? If I were Chandler Bing, could I ask anymore questions?














-Oh, and for the first question, I'm going with neither. I just got Control. Hooray for British black and white musical bio docudrama!

Big Mike's Lil' Update 6/20/08

What's been going on this week?

- Ok, so I've been reading a lot this week about the division growing between fans of the new Hulk and the old Hulk (who all came out of the woodwork this week after five years keeping mum). I enjoyed the new Hulk, if you haven't read my review (then read it here) but I don't think the first one was THAT bad. It just wasn't AS good as this. It's not even a good Ang Lee movie, even though all his themes of family, romance, emotion and character are there. So, I got to thinking, what if Lee stopped carrying over those themes and just carried over the Hulk to his movies instead?

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Hulk

Smash and Sensibility

Eat Drink Hulk Betty

The Hulk Storm

Smash, Caution

and of course, the obligatory,

BrokeHulk Mountain


We can dream, can't we? Also, I happened to catch Ang Lee's version on Sci-Fi Channel last night. I guess I must have blocked out most of this movie, because it seems very weird and unrecognizable. Sorry, Mr. Lee.

- Get Smart tomorrow. I love Steve Carell, The Rock (regardless of what he's calling himself now) and Alan Arkin. But, damn, Anne Hathaway is smoking hot!



- Speaking of hot chicks, Nicole Kidman turns a stunning, STUNNING 41 today. Happy Birthday, beautiful.



- We are officially less than one month away from The Dark Knight. All other movies will bow to it. Although I could've done without all that myspace stuff.



- Oh and in the meantime and in between time, we got Wanted and Hancock.

Big Mike's Lil' Update 6/13/08

Been awhile since I put up an update, but things are going on friends. Let's get into it.

- Loved Iron Man, can't say enough good things about it. So, what's with Marvel STUDIOS lowballing Jon Favreau? If reports are to be believed and I do believe them, Marvel thinks Favs is not worth a modest pay increase and can make Iron Man 2 with anyone. Wonder what Robert Downey Jr. thinks...

NOTE: Apparently, today is was reported that Marvel has made a substantial offer to Favreau to direct the sequel. However, this does come after the dust up online.



- Iron Man and Batman are kind of like Han Solo and Lando Calrissian. I know that in my heart, I AM Lando/Iron Man, but I still wish I were Han/Batman.

- Check out the new trailer for the Miracle at St. Anna, the new World War II movie from Spike Lee. Looks exciting!



- Ok, so I've written about going to the charity screening of Blade Runner this weekend, but I have also scored tickets to a special screening of Spaced with Edgar Wright and Matt Stone. Super stoked and will be blogging about both, I promise.



- So not only have then been floating a picture of the new Terminator poster online, but rumors abound that a teaser will be in front of The Dark Knight. Good Lord, I think I just wet myself.

- Finally, I wasn't really excited to see Wolverine, until I saw this picture below! I love World War II!



A lot of comic book related stuff, but last thing, I am really looking forward to The Incredible Hulk tomorrow.

My Top Ten Movies of Summer 2008

Summer kicks off officially on May 1 at 8:00 Pm in select cities with the release of Iron Man. But, is Iron Man the movie that I’m most excited to see this summer? Read on…

10. Towelhead

I was fortunate enough to catch a test screening of this film last year with my brother and Alan Ball in the audience. The movie centers on a young Arab girl living in Texas with her father during the first Gulf War. Neither the girl nor her father is a well known actor, but Aaron Eckhart, Toni Collette and Maria Bello also star. So, why would I want to see it again? Alan Ball is probably best known for writing American Beauty and Six Feet Under and he both writes and directs this film. If that’s not enough to get you to go, then remember that you heard it hear first, Peter Macdissi, who plays the girl’s father, will be nominated for Best Supporting Actor. Opens in limited release August 8.

9. The Incredible Hulk

I really feel like the first Hulk movie from Ang Lee was a lot like an HJ from a hot girl inasmuch as sure, you’re digging it, but you can’t help but think there is something more that you’re missing out on. This one looks to be more action packed, as I hear that the final battle between the Hulk and Abomination in downtown Manhattan lasts twenty three minutes and hopefully they crush a martini bar with the women from Sex and the City inside. Kidding, unless you’re gonna do it. Plus, I am a big fan of Edward Norton and am really encouraged by the fact that he had a hand in working on the script. Throw in a cameo from Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark and I’m there. Opens June 13.

8. Wanted

Lord knows, I’m not the biggest Angelina Jolie fan in the world, but the Lord also knows that nothing is hotter than hot women with guns, peace be with you. I like James McAvoy and looking forward to seeing him in fun like this, plus the action and violence look so over the top, similar to Shoot ‘Em Up last year, it’s enough to get me into the theatre, even if the poster is lacking. It’s the day before my birthday and I’m not going to see Wall-E. One question though, does this mean Jolie will break up McAvoy’s relationship? Too soon? Opens June 27.

7. Get Smart

Of course, I’m too young to really remember the original series, but I did watch them on Nick at Nite and what can you say about a television series created by one of the all time heavyweight champions of comedy, Sir Mel Brooks? Steve Carell is hilarious in everything he does and from the interviews at Comic-Con last year it is clear he has a unique take on the movie that I’m looking forward too. With Anne Hathaway and The Rock co-starring as C.O.N.T.R.O.L. agents, there’s something for guys and girls to look at the whole movie! Opens June 20.

6. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Why is Indy so far down the list? Despite my highest hopes and against my better judgment, I have to side with George Lucas who downplays the importance of this movie, calling it, “just a movie”. Spielberg seems in touch with his inner geek, but something tells me that this movie will be good, but not great. But, every Indy movie is great, so that makes for some kind of math that I cannot even calculate. Of course we’re all going to go see it? That’s doesn’t mean its any good. *cough Phantom Menace!

Excuse me. Opens May 22.

5. Tropic Thunder

I’m not the biggest Ben Stiller fan but this looks to be absolutely genius. Ben Stiller doing what he does best, playing against type as an actor, Jack Black as Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr. as a black man, Nick Nolte as a crazed Vietnam vet, Steve Coogan as a perfectionist director and a cameo from Tom Cruise to boot. I think that just about makes something for everybody in this movie. Wow. Opens August 15.

4. Hancock

Will Smith as a superhero on Will Smith Weekend. A superhero with some un-Will Smith problems like alcoholism, no people skills and a terrible smile. There’s the rub. Need more? How about Charlize Theron as his love interest? More? Fine, two words. Jason Bateman. Thursday, midnight, mark it dude. Opens July 2.

3. Pineapple Express

I’m almost sure this will be funnier than Hancock. Stoner action? Like if Half Baked had been all about the heist and not about selling drugs? Any movie with Seth Rogen and Craig Robinson in it will be worth catching, so here’s an early announcement for the two of them along with Elizabeth Banks in the new Kevin Smith movie, Zach and Miri Make A Porno, coming in October. But back to this one. Just go see it already. Opens August 8.

2. Iron Man

I have personally been waiting on this one a long time. I love Robert Downey Jr. and feel a personal connection to both him and the character of Tony Stark. I’m also really excited to see Jon Favreau take on a comic book movie, because he is one of the few directors that I have absolute faith in. Marvel has put all their marbles on this one, along with Incredible Hulk to launch their own studio and I believe it will payoff for them, big time. Oh yes, it also features Academy Award winners Gwyneth Paltrow and Hillary Swank and Oscar nominees Jeff Bridges and Terrance Howard. Did I mention the Oscars? Downey was nominated for one as well. Opens May 2.

1. The Dark Knight

Let’s be frank, the hype surrounding this movie has not changed despite Heath Ledger’s death, or even because of it. The man was amazing as an actor and I truly mourned his passing. I loved Batman Begins so much that I’ve been waiting three long, dark, cold years for this movie. They’re doing such a great job with the marketing the film that nobody is still really sure what it’s about. And even though we still haven’t seen any pictures of Cillian Murphy, Anthony Michael Hall, Michael Jai White, Eric Roberts but that IMAX teaser was more than enough to hold me for the past four months. Quick question – when will Christian Bale get an Oscar… nomination?! Opens July 18.

I hope I’ve given you something to look forward to this summer, besides escalating gas prices and another Red Sox World Series run. Please drop back in, as I will most likely be reviewing all these films. I would love to find out what you thought of them if you get out and catch any or all of them. The last item for this post is, of course, the special mention. The Special Mention Summer Movie of 2008 is… Son of Rambow!

Opens in limited release May 2.