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1. Manjit Singh Says:
   October 20th, 2006 at 17:10

   This movie should be great, DC has gone through a recent renaissance with great movies, Superman Returns, Batman Begins, and V for Vandetta!
   
   Don't know if I agree with the author who says number threes go wrong. It depends on who is directing, and usually invovles a switch in movie directors. Superman 3 was kind of a switch, even though the same guy who did 2 directed 3, but no Donner at all hurt that movie. Batman Forever sucked because of Burton's absence. X-Men 3 sucked because of Singer's departure and Ratner taking over. So lets see what happens as long as Nolan stays by Batman 3 should be good, and same with Singer and Superman. Finally, Spiderman 3 looks good, and its kind of odd that Raimi is directing this since most comic directors tend not to make three movies of the same hero.

1. Josh Says:
   October 20th, 2006 at 17:12

   Majit, keep in mind that I never said 3s go wrong BECAUSE they are 3s. I just said they go wrong.
   
   And what you've said supports that. All those #3 movies you listed sucked... whatever the reason.
   
   Hopefully, Spidey 3 will break that trend.

1. Nick Says:
   October 22nd, 2006 at 00:24

   I'm afraid I'm gonig to have to disagree with Josh on many points here.
   
   First off, forget Katie Holmes getting wacked. Her character served her purpose in Begins and doesn't need to come back. Even the final scene with her and Bruce together pretty much says that she's done with him until he no longer needs to be Batman. So having her come back to get killed would be pretty pointless. I'll be honest and say that I didn't think Holmes did a bad job at all. Maybe when you compare her to the top A-list actors around her she did a bad job, but on her own, she did a fairly decent job and if Dawes has to come back for a sequel or two, then I would perfer Holmes repraise her role (I am a fan of continuity).
   
   As for the fight scenes, (this is all in the eye of the beholder) I like them. Sure, they weren't flashy or entertaining like The Matrix, but in the case of Batman, are they really supposed to be? The fight scenes were shot and edited as they should be; gritty and chaotic. Why would Batman worry about dazzle and flash when fighting a criminal? He would just knock them out cold and be done with them. And why would we pull the camera back just to see Batman knock a guy out with one blow? It's just a waste. Not only were the fight scenes gritty and chaotic, but they really had a hard hitting impact that worked very well with the world and the type of character Chris Nolan is trying to create with Batman. I'm pretty sure if Nolan was making a Matrix style movie, he could film spectacular looking action scenes with ease, but when it comes to Batman, I felt he made the right decision in how he filmed the fight scenes. When I want to be entertained by action in a Batman movie, I'll look to the extravagant action scenes (The Tumbler chase in Begins, for eample).
   
   As for Ledger as The Joker, I feel that it's inspired casting. First off, Ledger has proved that he can act (Brokeback Mountain). Secondly, I believe that if Chris Nolan cast an actor who has played a role like this before, then we'd know what to expect right off the bat. But since he cast Heath Ledger, who we've never seen play a role like The Joker in any of his movies, we wont know what to expect and we'll be completely taken off guard by what he'll do with the role. And thirdly, would a fine director like Christopher Nolan miscast (arguably) *the* biggest villain to ever grace the silver screen? It really is too important role for someone like Christopher Nolan to screw up on. Not only am I happy that they've found an actor who can A) act, and B) disappear into the role of The Joker, but also someone who is very passionate about the role, like Ledger is, and not just in it for the money (like Jack Nicholson, with his $60 million dollar paycheck + a percentage of Batman'89, and its sequels, box office gross).
   
   And finally, out of the four sequels you mentioned, I think Superman 2 is the only decent one there. I did not dig Spider-Man 2 and X-Men 2 at all (not to say they're bad movies, I just didn't dig them), but I do happen to think of Batman Returns as one of the worst comic book adaptations ever; if I want to see cool looking Tim Burton visuals, I'll watch Bettle Juice, but they do not belong in (and overshadow) a Batman film.
   
   And maybe the third films fall apart because they're just too eager to wrap things up...I don't know...I'm just guessing on the subject.
   
   And yes, The Dark Knight will rule. With a writing talent like Jonathan Nolan on board writing the script, you can expect a great story with much better dialogue than Begins. It will surpase Begins with ease.

1. Josh Says:
   October 22nd, 2006 at 00:28

   Bad news Nick, rumor has it that Katie will be back That was actually the only reason I brought her up. Not because I want her back, but because it looks like she will be whether we want it or not.
   
   The fight scenes are in the eye of the beholder I guess. I think they're crap.
   
   My problem with Heath is that while I think he's a good actor, I've never seen anything from him to indicate that he can pull off this kind of role. Which is why I mentioned Casanova, a movie which required something more akin to this from him, and I don't think he gave it. Maybe he can do it, I just don't see anything to make me think he can.
   
   And you realize you're FAR in the minority on all of those number 2s? That's fine, but those are generally acknowledged as the high water marks of their respective franchises. I don't always pull this stuff out of my ass... ha!

1. Dave Says:
   November 6th, 2006 at 16:31

   I would just like to say that i agree holmes should be absent from the dark knight. Batman should not have a reccurring love interest it would remove his edge and make him appear softer. When i heard that ledger was playing the joker i was in dis belief although i like some of his work he has no charisma! yes its good he didnt cast some one likely i kow alot of people who wanted cristian slater for obvious reasons, i would like to say to nick that burtons visual's created gotham and did not over shadow the dark knight! unlike the most pointless long visuals in superman where they were just showing off how much money they had, in my opinion it weas the poorest comic book movie yet and i am including the justice league and the flash in that!!

1. the cow Says:
   November 26th, 2006 at 16:57

   Micheal Bay is the antichrist.... i mean, moooooooooo.
   
   sorry, had to go for the Speak & Say joke there. but on a more serious note, I also feel the fights(all four of them) were well done in context. the prison yard fight was actually rather well-covered, the fight at the docks wasn't about the fistfight, it was about Batman striking swiftly from the shadows like a movie monster. that fight was deliberately hidden from view because it was subjective to the perspective of the criminals(like Falcone, who was watching whilst hiding from a distance). and once again, the final fights in the Narrows really weren't that bad either.
   
   as for Heath, i trust Nolan. this is the guy who gave us Cillian Murphy as the Joker, Bale as Batman, Caine as Alfred, and Liam Neeson as a badass villain. the man's had nothing but fantastic casting in all of his films, he's not gonna drop the ball on THE ultimate Batman villain.

1. Mark Says:
   December 5th, 2006 at 13:26

   The problem with Rachel Dawes isn't simply one of Katie Holmes' acting ability (or lack thereof apparently) but rather one of the character herself. She's a completely useless character who spouts poorly written dialogue in a weak attempt to provide the "moral center" of the film.
   
   This brings me to another problem with Batman Begins (which I actually highly enjoyed and readily added to my small DVD collection): the dialogue. Clunkily written as if ripped straight from the pages of a poorly written comic book (nothing against comic books in general, mind you), this film provided some of the weakest and most awkward dialogue since the last two Batman films.
   
   My final problem with Batman Begins had absolutely nothing to do with the fight scenes. It is that this was NOT a dark film. Despite the hype and the cool look and feel of the film, this film was not dark in any way. If anything, it was just another morality tale. Batman's darkness, as the film makes abiundantly clear, was all smoke and mirrors, whereas Keaton's Batman was definitely a troubled soul. When you combine these problems with the fact that Bale, despite a very solid performance, still paled somewhat beside Keaton's far darker and more withdrawn interpretation, it actually does the film great credit that it still managed to be as good as it truly is, despite these complaints.
   
   Like Josh, I also carry deep reservations about the ability of Heath Ledger to play The Joker. It's not that he is necessarily a bad actor, although I personally felt he was awful in Brokeback Mountain. It's not even that he isn't lively enough, for he was entertaining in 10 Things I Hate About You and Knight's Tale. I just have a very difficult time seeing him as being able to pull off the dark humor necessary to play the psychotic Joker. Nick makes a fair point about a possible surprise, but that will require strong acting ability, and I don't see Heath Ledger as good enough to pull it off. The role fit Jack Nicholson like a glove, and the results were legendary. The comparisons with Jack will inevitably come (in fact they already have), and Heath will pale in comparison.
   
   Nevertheless, I look forward to seeing this film. Nolan brought new life to a franchise that everyone, including myself, left for dead after Joes Schumacher did everything he could to bury it. I still prefer the Burton films simply because they are darker, and that suits this character perfectly. However, I still enjoy what Nolan has done, and I expect to see a quality film in a year and a half.
   
   By the way, Nick is absolutely wrong, and Josh is absolutely right. The sequels are definitely the best. Great 2nd films include not only those Josh listed but also others outside the comic genre like Empire Strikes Back and Godfather Part 2.

1. michael Says:
   December 22nd, 2006 at 00:22

   they coulda gotten someone dark but sometimes humorous like johnny depp.

1. Quinn Says:
   January 5th, 2007 at 09:05

   I'm probably the only person who thinks this but I think Heath Leger is a perfect fit for The Joker with the direction that Nolan is going. Leger played straight guys whose the villain, and Bale played bad guys who is the hero. I really feel that LEger's lack of darkness in roles was more of the studios wishes and not his own. Except one movie you havent mentioned is Lords of Dogtown which is shows him with energy and a mischievios side. I cant wait to find out more about who is going to round out the cast as well as see the final product.

1. Al Says:
   January 8th, 2007 at 20:55

   I love Batman Begins, BUT, cut out the "I'm Batman/Time for my enemies to share my dread/Nice Coat" type lines, they belong in Batman and Robin. If I want cheese whiz and corn I'll go see RV or some other generic crap movie for kids. Quit trying to juggle making the film for kids AND adults, all it does is make kids go see movies they shouldn't and make adults shake their heads.

1. jokerfather Says:
   January 27th, 2007 at 14:05

   if you have seen more of Ledgers more unaccounted films you know he can take a challanging role and give it life. I am a big Joker fanitic and I fully support the idea of Ledger as the Joker. I may not be a big fan of Gay Back Mountain. But Ledger has most deffinetley wone my choice for the role of The Joker. Instead of looking to main stream like they did to cast Baile for the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman. They relised they needed someone with some unknowen film flair to once again deliver and impacting role straight from the cronicles of the Joker history. Espically after Jack Nickoleson's well renowened portrayel. They could deffinetlet not go mainstream and deliver something with a total new impact adn not have it compared to Nickoleson.

1. Mary Romaine Says:
   February 1st, 2007 at 13:33

   I hate to say it but I will have a hard time watching The Dark Knight just because Jack Nicholson personified the Joker, and I hate the fact that anybody realy has the gull to redo a Tim Burton film anyway. They need to pick up where he left off! The Batman movies just started to fall after he stopped making them. Don't get me wrong I did enjoy Batman Begins, but why redo perfection. Can you honestly tell me you do not get chills when you hear Nicholson ask, "Have you ever danced with the devil by the pale moon light?"

1. Neil Says:
   February 5th, 2007 at 11:51

   Well looks like Rachel Dawes will be back, but it won't be Katie Holmes.
   
   I am a huge fan of Batman Begins, in fact, my friends and I have this thing where we watch it every 3 months. Nerds, I know, but whatever. I agree with the author about the fighting scenes. The only two scenes that really worked were the car chase scene (which I guess doesn't count as a fight scene) and the scene between Bale and Neeson on the ice (although that one worked more because of the dialogue). Anyways, I originally took issue with Heath Ledger being cast as the Joker, but then I decided to put some blind faith in Nolan since his casting decisions (minus Katie Holmes) in Begins were spot on. Obviously the title indicates a theme centered around darkness, so perhaps a "straight" Heath Ledger would be more appropriate than an energetic villain? There are comic interpretations of the Joker that focus on a villain who is just insane, not at all laugh out loud funny since his humor is just his own. Perhaps Ledger fits that role.

1. Tony Says:
   February 11th, 2007 at 14:50

   As a huge Batman fan and movie dork I absolutely loved Batman Begins and know it is the best adaptation of the Dark Knight - ever. Before you judge let me add that I also own every big screen version of Batman all the way back to the 1940s serials and have been a Bat-fan since I was a kid in the 1970s - so there. As for Katie Holmes, in no uncertain terms, she sucked and had zero-value-add for the movie and it is a shame she is returning. As for the fight scenes, I thought they were in the mark, but there could have been more of them. I am very hesitant about Heath Ledger as the Joker since the Joker is the coolest sadist ever to grace the comics and Heath, well I just dont know if he can pull of the sardonic-psychotic we have all grown to love over the years. I expect a great movie from Nolan and crew, but am holding my breath for the life of the Joker. Oh, and as far as sequels go - I agree every third hero flick blew starting with Superman III and ending with X-men III. I really hope Spidey III rocks since the second was even better than the 1st!

1. Fahad Says:
   February 14th, 2007 at 17:05

   ok guys ... i've read everything what you said and what josh tyler has given in the preview pulp. what we need to undertand is that there are many reasons to watch a particular movie. y do we watch a comic book movie ?!! its because we want our comic book hero to come to life or someone else who is not a comic book fan watching a comic book movie bcoz he/she enjoys it (meaning it really is that good ) ... what burton started and what schumacher destroyed was my favorite hero ... the batman . until nolan gave him life again . I enjoyed the dark theme of begins and for the first time i really understood what the dark knight was all about .. if ur a true fan of the hero u should enjoy begins . There is so much talk abt ledger playing the joker and comparisons with nicholson. hey guys that was burton's joker this is nolan's joker ..no doubt he is one of the biggest villains in comic history but for all those who have doubts abt ledger's joker should now be anticicpating wat it is going to be and nolan is a real pro ...the guy knows wat he is doing . i hope all true fans support ledger's joker and just dont compare him to nicholson's . I hope that nolan does put more action sequences in this one than begins ..and also would want to see eckhart as harvey dent if the rumor is true. just becoz ledger does'nt have it to pull this one off means that no one will watch it ?!!!.... i would have to reserve my comments untill and unless i see it and hope that it betters batman begins in all aspects

1. Steve Says:
   February 23rd, 2007 at 00:32

   i dont know about you guys but ledger was a pretty big nut in Lords of Dog town, check it out :).

1. Batman Nick Says:
   February 23rd, 2007 at 23:17

   I just read some of the rumors about the next Batman movie. Ok why bring back Dawes? Like the other Nick I have to agree. What is it, dramatic effect? Kill off his childhood friend? He already witnessed his parent's murder is that not enough drama that they have to kill off his "lover" and childhood friend. It all sounds like a game of twos to me. If we killed his parents last time lets kill everyone else who means something to him other than Alfred, that is just a little lame. All being said if this new plot twist is true then the director had better send Batman off the deep end.
   As for Ledger playing the part of the Joker there I can think of one question. WHY!!!!!?????!!! Ledger has to try and fill Jack Nicholson's shoes. I'm sorry but for a guy who played a DECENT role in Broke Back Mountain. How could he even think; he could hold up to a man who was nominated for an acadamy award for the SAME PART nearly twenty years ago. There were other actors who could have given old Jack a good run for his money. For example, Hugo Weaving (Agent Smith in the Matrix movies) would have been a more likely choice due to his enthusiastic personality not only as hero but villian along with an affiliation with DC comics (V for Vendetta). Or even Jude Law, who like Ledger had a role in, "A Knight's Tale". He pushes his characters to the edge without going too far and has a face that with a dash of make up screams "JOKER". Both men would have been better picks than Ledger. But hey, I'm not the director. I have also read rumor that this movie is being based off the comic book, "The Killing Joke" why? I don't know, a better pick would have been, "The Long Halloween" but once again I am not the director, any who, I digress and I will finishing by saying. " I have confidence in Christopher Nolan as a director and let us Batman fans bow our heads and say an altered version of the Pilot's prayer... Lord, please don't let them screw this up. Amen!"

1. shawn Says:
   March 27th, 2007 at 13:28

   I have to say i have art background and big into comics. I dug the previous Batman flicks ( Tim Burtons Batman and Batman returns). After those i felt they declined, they were awesome from a comic book look and feel, but Batman is more realistic character. I thought they did awesome job on Batman Begins and will do incredible on next, Heath Ledger wouldnt be casted for the role if he couldnt do it? that is a big pair of shoes to fill and Nolan wouldnt take that risk?. In past films the only things which lacked was the plots and storylines, for those of us who are into comics thats not how the story goes. These movies stick to the actual plots as it should be and from what i have read, it sounds they will follow "The Killing Joke" as a good part of storyline. I have witnessed few views of Ledger in make up (as examples) and he looks the part and dont think Mr Eckhart will take the flip of the coin til the third?. I cant wait for this movie and am glad to finally see it done from realistic views one request i have is if they stick to storylines...bring in harley quinn.

1. Mark Says:
   April 2nd, 2007 at 12:08

   Well i agree that Heath Ledger was a bad choice for joker. but who knows, i was unsure about Cillian Murphy for scarecrow and he did a good job. Nolan is a good director and im sure he will be able to whip Ledger in shape for the joker. Crispen Glover would have been a good choice for the spot of the joker. but oh well. we will just have to see what nolan can do.

1. PAT O Says:
   April 7th, 2007 at 19:10

   OK OK batman is the best super hero hands down the dark knight can kick both code name v and supermans ass at the same time. for the broke back mountain homo sure he can do it, the joker is a a very deep dark charter but that dude kissed racheal dawsons brother in real life ,thats deep and dark right idk. i read all the comics and all that goods shit and the first of this series batman begins was a kick ass movie. michael keaton was a good batman but bruce wayne doesnt have a curley fro like he does christian bale is awesome perfect for it. and plus my main man morgan freeman is in it he makes any movie better and you all know it besides u jews haha well none of u know what u r talkin about and i do
   

1. Cory Says:
   April 11th, 2007 at 22:11

   It would actually be a nice turn to see a dark menacing Joker with a little humor here and there. But we're thinking too linear to just compare The Joker to Jack Nicholson's character. I think it would be much wierder to have a much more homicidal creepy Joker. Sure I love the original Batman franchise, at least the first 2. But this is a more original grounded version of Batman's world, not a redo. If you think of them that way then it helps. In all I agree completely with Josh

1. Madman K. Says:
   April 13th, 2007 at 15:47

   I think Jack Nicholson's great and loved him as the Joker, but at the same time his Joker's focus was on the comic side, yeah he mutilated some models and tried to gas the city but this was all done with a pop soundtrack from Prince. He didn't actively fight Batman himself and used an extending boxing glove to blow up a telly. I don't think that Heath Ledger could ever fill Nicholson's shoes in the exact same role but there is room for a different Joker, a darker one that, with a bit of help from Nolan, Ledger might be able to pull off.

1. Heath Ledger Says:
   April 30th, 2007 at 01:07

   Hey guys!
   
   I know you have this idea of me that's basically A Knights Tale, some forgettable epics, and Brokeback Mountain. But I did this other movie called LORDS OF DOGTOWN in which my character was somewhere between Jack Sparrow and drug-addict brooding. It may surprise you. I may surprise you! And I'm training! YEAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! SEE??

1. cory Says:
   May 12th, 2007 at 10:47

   1. Katie Holmes is rather useless to the Batman flicks. There really is no need for her in the Sequel. I was thinking their plan is to have Joker shoot her much like he shot Barbara Gordon in Killing Joke and use it against Batsy to try and turn him mad....any other reason for her is useless.
   
   2. I grew up with Burton's rendition of Batman and I enjoyed it, but after reading Frank Miller, Alan Moore, Geoff Loeb, and other big-wig's take on the Bat I can't help but think of how much better Burton could've done. The most important point I want to make is that Burton, as many morons in Hollywood, killed the villain. Burton just HAD to kill off the Joker. It's entirely plausible that Ras Al'gul escaped in Begins and nothing was said about Scarecrow. THIS ALONE MAKES NOLAN THE MOST QUALIFIED PERSON TO DO DARK KNIGHT!
   
   3. The third installment of comic movies always blow and Spidey-3 was no exception. What a waste of half a billion dollars....
   
   4. Nicholson was a horrible Joker. He was short and stalky and he sounded like NICHOLSON, not the Joker. Nicholson is old and should be dying sometime soon (especially after the last movie he did). My point is no matter who does the Joker, it's not going to be Nicholson so go cry somewhere else. Any other villain you'd just complain it's not like Danny Devito etc.. They're making another Bat-film, it has the Joker in it. It's gonna rock, deal with it.
   
   5. Ledger is going to be a great Joker. I just wish Mark-Hamil could do his Joker laugh for the film.
   
   

1. Nunez Says:
   May 16th, 2007 at 07:34

   Begins was pure brillant and I am sure the dark knight will be even better.
   Ledger has a nasty smiking grin and from looking at the old comics I think the Joker is going to more an inward thinking physco,whose actions are flamboyant but whose general persona will be more dark and fearful, where as Jack was Jack.

1. shaun Says:
   June 9th, 2007 at 18:34

   I just wanna put my two cents in here. I thoroughly enjoyed Batman Begins. I also enjoyed Batman and Batman Returns. But honestly, Begins was a much better "Batman" movie. 89 and Returns had their moments and I grew up loving the movies. I also enjoy Tim Burton as a director, but 89 and Returns aren't "Batman" movies so much, as they "Tim Burton" movies. Yes, they're dark films. But they're also campy. Nicholson's Joker was cool, but was essentially a homicidal version of the 60's TV Joker. And they had plenty of goofy dialogue and moments. "Where does he get those wonderful toys?" The penguin eating the fish heads? Very goofy. If I want to watch "Batman" I'll watch Batman Begins, if I want to watch "Tim Burton" I'll watch 89 or Returns.

1. Brian Says:
   June 20th, 2007 at 11:32

   I would first like to say that I was a big doubter of batman begins and I thought the movie was going to bad but boy I was proven wrong the movie brought back out something inside me something I have not felt since early childhood it brought out the Batman fan inside me all over agian, I must agree with shaun that this version of batman is closer to the character we know and love.
   
   let me first say this b/c I want to, the score to batman begins is awsome I must adit though in the movie it was hard to hear but if you listen to the soundtrack it really captures this batmans theme,I know many people want Danny elfmans theme but his theme is for a Tim Burton movie (I do like his theme though)I just doesnt fit the movie at all.
   The joker in 89 batman was a darker version of the 60s cartoon joker and that joker was put to death in that movie and fans just leave it at that this joker will be our joker not the kind that always makes jokes and laughs all the time If you seen the latest pic then you know that we are in a whole new ball game, Ive that a certain somone is suppose to be in this movie dealing with the joker and Ill give a hint "Mister J". :)
   
   I have no major problems with the fights being like they are but if they can some how work it like they did in the last and still show who is getting hit, once again I will say that the score for this film is great and I expect more of it in the Dark Knight 2008 it belongs to Batman and democrats!
   
   
   
   

1. Pachi Says:
   June 20th, 2007 at 22:52

   I just wanna say that Batman Begins was the real batman movie. I tried watching the other batman and they are a joke.

1. ABOMINATION Says:
   November 27th, 2007 at 21:13

   From what I've read, people are going to be suprised on Ledger being the Joker. Michael Caine (alfred) has stated that he is scary and it's the best work that he has ever seen him do. He said we won't be dissapointed. I hope they keep this movie grounded like the last one but give it better fight scenes. Batman Begins was awesome because it wasn't cheesey like the other batmans (with the exception of the first one with Michael Keaton). The one with the "Govenator" was by far the gayest Batman of them all. Uma Therman was a Hot Poison Ivy though.

1. Ryy Says:
   May 12th, 2008 at 12:32

   The Dark Knight as am i sure anyone can see sets to be amazing, i would like to see two face maybe as a co-star to the joker. its ashame theyll have to not birng back the joker in later films, but im sure two face will be as good as the new joker. Christian bale looks to do another amazing job portryaing batman. harley quinn is suppiosed to be in this film aswell. hope she does good aswell.

1. Daniel Says:
   May 16th, 2008 at 15:37

   So ummm...Josh...still uncertain that Ledger was a good choice? I'm already convinced that he did a hell of a lot better job than Jack Nicholson, who didn't even bother changing his voice for the role.

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