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 There’s no more highly anticipated movie this summer than Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight,” the sequel to 2005’s “Batman Begins.” And the film (screened yesterday for local critics) delivers on that anticipation. It’s a (mostly) fast-paced, intelligent action film; leave out the fact that its main character dresses up in a bat costume, and it’s still an exceptionally executed action thriller. Some quick highlights: 1.
ACTING: Yes, Heath Ledger’s jittery, unhinged portrayal of the Joker (pictured) is every bit as arresting as early reports have indicated. I’ve not always been a huge fan of Ledger’s past work, but his turn raises “The Dark Knight” several levels above just another ordinary superhero movie. With his creaky voice (which reminded me a bit of Peter Lorre), roughly applied makeup and menacing stare, he’s simply magnetic; it’s impossible to notice anything else when he’s onscreen.
But Ledger’s isn’t the only impressive performance. In keeping with the growing trend of casting talented actors in thoughtfully written comic-book films (“Batman Begins,” “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk”), “Dark Knight” boasts a top-caliber cast, none of whom simply cashes a check. Gary Oldman, in particular, shines as Batman’s police ally Jim Gordon, fully inhabiting this slightly schlumpy, dedicated cop; a wrenchingly emotional scene toward the end of the movie shows that Oldman takes his work here seriously.
Aaron Eckhart (as crusading district attorney Harvey Dent) and Maggie Gyllenhaal (taking over for Katie Holmes as Batman/Bruce Wayne’s kinda/sorta love interest, Rachel Dawes) also deliver strong performances; Gyllenhaal, in particular, has a brief but heartbreaking scene that will stay with you long after the film ends. Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine execute their supporting roles with aplomb. Even smaller roles are impressively cast. (Oddly enough, star Christian Bale isn’t given all that much to do, comparatively, but he turns in solid work nonetheless.) 2. ACTION: There’s plenty of it, from an opening bank robbery (with William Fichtner as a bad-ass bank manager) to an assault on a Hong Kong office tower that would feel at home in a James Bond film. And there’s a high-speed car chase, of course, the main attraction of which is the introduction of the BatPod, basically an economy-size motorcycle. 3. TONE: Take the “Dark” part of the title seriously. The cinematography boasts a modern urban palate of dark shadows, dim lighting, concrete and steel, especially the streets of Gotham City, which forsake the ornate structures and murky, nightmarish feel of Anton Furst’s designs in the Tim Burton “Batman” movies for a more conventional but still slightly imposing cityscape. On the story side, there’s a fair amount of violence (but little blood or gore—with one notable exception—to endanger the PG-13 rating), and a few very intense moments not recommended for small children (especially involving Eckhart and Gyllenhaal). The Joker’s twisted manipulations are far more chilling than anything in any of the “Saw” movies. And thematically, the film deals a lot with the idea of what it means to be a hero, in some gloomy ways, but without falling into easy postmodern cynicism. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures 1. LICKING THE SNOW: For just under two bucks, you can’t beat the big-kid sno-cones at Cajun restaurant Just Loaf’n to battle southern summer heat. www.justloafn.net. 2. HIDING OUT AT THE CHOP HOUSE: The best place to be if you want to chill out with a drink during a Braves game. But get there early, because once the outside temp hits 90 degrees, the place fills up fast. www.braves.mlb.com. 3. VISITING THE FROZEN TUNDRA: Fernbank’s IMAX theatre lets you choose between screenings of “Antarctica” (pictured) or “Alaska: Spirit of the Wild” all summer long. Air conditioning included in ticket price. www.fernbankmuseum.org. 4. SAMPLING INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS: Scoops of the tasty Limoncello and Green Tea gelatos at Paolo’s Gelatos sure hit the spot—and watching the irrepressible Paolo Dalla Zorza in action is a treat in itself. www.paolosgelato.com. Enjoy live entertainment, video games, prizes and more at the REGULAR GUYS ALL-NIGHTER, kicking off at 11 p.m. tonight at the StarTime Entertainment complex in Roswell. Guests get access to the staff of Rock 100.5’s “Regular Guys,” a $50 game card for arcade games, live-band hard rock karaoke courtesy of Metalsome, a DJ and dancing, shooter girls and screenings of “The 40 Year Old Virgin” and “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” For more information, call 770-817-4242 or visit www.regularguys.com. Shoulder pads, Dr. Ruth and “Dynasty” are just a few artifacts from the ’80s unlikely to make a comeback anytime soon. Certain classics, however, will always remain timeless—and E.T.: THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL is one of them. Head out to Centennial Olympic Park tonight for an evening of nostalgia with Screen on the Green’s showing of this classic family film. Show up at 7 p.m. to kick back and enjoy the sounds of local pop/rock artist Bria Kam. Admission is free (but don’t bring any glass containers, alcohol, grills or pets, please). 404-575-7888. www.peachtreetv.com. If you’re a fan of Athens’ music scene—and who isn’t?—you’re going to be pretty busy this weekend. ATHFEST, the city’s annual celebration of its musical heritage, runs today through Sunday in historic downtown Athens, with more than 175 bands showcasing the best local, regional and nationally recognized Athens-based talent. There’s also a juried artisan market, a kid’s fest, film events, the Flagpole Music Awards and more. Some events may require a small fee. For a full listing of events and band schedules, visit www.athfest.com. What’s better than enjoying a flick at the Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival at the Fox Theatre? How about enjoying two Academy Award-winning classics? There’s no arguing that 1942’s CASABLANCA, which screens tonight, deserves its spot on the roster—the timeless love story set against a Moroccan backdrop during World War II is one of the greatest movies of all time. And we’re pretty confident that last year’s superlative NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, which screens Wednesday, will attain similar status. Both evenings include wine tastings, a singalong, a classic cartoon and, of course, music from Larry Douglas Embury on the beloved “Mighty Mo” organ. 404-817-8700. www.foxtheatre.org. Grab your picnic basket and get ready for a night of celebrity and scandal as SCREEN ON THE GREEN presents CHICAGO tonight at Centennial Olympic Park. Packed with fishnets aplenty, a crooning Richard Gere, waifish Renée Zellweger, and the strikingly seductive Catherine Zeta-Jones, the movie starts at 8:30 p.m. Set up your lawn chairs early to enjoy a pre-show performance by musician Damian Carter at 7 p.m. Admission is free. If you can’t get enough of cinematic explosions, man-eating zombies, post-apocalyptic Manhattan or Will Smith’s chiseled physique, you’re in luck. FLICKS ON FIFTH presents a screening of I AM LEGEND tonight at 9 p.m. in Tech Square. Check out some of 5th Street’s restaurants for dinner, and be sure to bring your own blankets and chairs (no coolers, umbrellas or pets, please). The event is free. 404-894-2805. www.flicksonfifth.gatech.edu. Feeling romantic? Rekindle the passion (or fire up a new flame) with a love story, a glass of wine and the luxurious Fox Theatre for a great midsummer date. The COCA-COLA SUMMER FILM FESTIVAL hosts a screening of ATONEMENT Saturday evening, June 8, at 7 p.m., preceded by a 5 p.m. wine tasting, a 1930’s-inspired sing-along organ performance and a vintage cartoon. Film tickets are $7 and wine tasting tickets are $10. 404-881-2100. www.foxtheatre.org. We know your shame. You long to walk amongst others who enjoy dressing up as Klingons as much as you do, to discuss “Heroes” and Harry Potter lore in a safe setting, to chat with comic book artists, authors, actors and filmmakers who share your interests. Well, cheer up— SCI-FI SUMMER CON is here for you. Enjoy gaming, film screenings, discussion panels and even live music, tonight through Sunday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Marietta. For information on tickets and other information, visit www.sfscon.net. PARTY FOR A CAUSE: Eat, drink and be the cause of merriment at the LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA SOCIETY BENEFIT at Five Seasons Brewing in Sandy Springs tonight at 7:30 p.m. A $20 wristband scores you unlimited rounds of local brews, in addition to tasty bites from the kitchen. The event includes a silent auction and a raffle to win a deluxe Braves ticket package. 404-255-5911. www.5seasonsbrewing.com. COMEDY CAMPAIGN: Fans of radio and television talk-show host GLENN BECK, and especially subscribers to his magazine Fusion, are familiar with the commentator’s comedic side. The rest of us might be surprised to learn that Beck crisscrosses the country on a comedy tour each summer. His current tour focuses on (what else?) politics, promising nonpartisan insight. It comes tonight at 7:30 p.m. to the John A. Williams Theatre at the Cobb Energy Centre. Tickets range from $35-$90. 404-249-6400. www.cobbenergycentre.com. A FAR CRY FROM HOTEL RWANDA: The High Museum kicks off its CLOSE UP—DON CHEADLE film festival tonight at 8 p.m. with a screening of “Talk to Me” at The Woodruff Arts Center’s Rich Theatre. This film finds the Golden Globe Award-winning actor in the role of ’60s Washington, D.C. radio DJ “Petey” Greene, alongside Cedric the Entertainer and Vondie Curtis Hall. Tickets are $7 for adults, $6 for students. 404-733-5000. www.high.org. |