The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005–2012)

The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005–2012)

Batman Begins (2005)

C – 140m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Batman Begins: The Imax Experience, The Intimidation Game, Batman: Intimidation, Batman 5
Characters By: Bob Kane
Story By: David S. Goyer
Screenplay By: Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer
Dir.: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Christian Bale, Sir Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes, Gary Oldman, Tom Wilkinson, Rutger Hauer, Morgan Freeman, Larry Holden, Sara Stewart, Richard Brake, Matt Miller, John Burke, Spencer Wilding and Mark Rhino Smith.
Cinematography By: Wally Pfister
Music By: James Newton Howard and Hans Zimmer

After training with his mentor, Batman begins his fight to free crime–ridden Gotham City, from the corruption that Scarecrow and The League Of Shadows have cast upon it. A tad overlong, with a deliberate slow pace but when action is around it has an adrenaline rush to it. The performances are fine… Hindsight being 20/20 this film struck the right tone for the evolving dystopian society that was morphing into existence after 9/11/2001. See this one! 

Trivia:

Christian Bale hated wearing the Batman costume and used his distain for it to fuel his character’s foul mood. Christian Bale lost his voice three times while filming this movie, after altering his voice for playing Batman. Though Bale performed most of his own stunts, he was not allowed anywhere near the Batmobile. Reportedly a drunk driver crashed into the Batmobile while the production was shooting in Chicago, IL. He was quoted as saying that he crashed into the Batmobile because he believed it was an invading alien spacecraft.

There was no second unite on this film, which forced Christopher Nolan to over see every shot of the film for the entire 129 day shooting schedule. Both Tim Burton and Michael Keaton, from Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992), stated that they were, “impressed,” by this film. Heath Ledger was considered for the role of Bruce Wayne / Batman while this film was in development. He was later cast as The Joker in the next entry in the Trilogy, The Dark Knight (2008). David S. Goyer stated that his favorite pre–audition choice for Batman was Jake Gyllenhaal but was swayed into Christian Bale by watching his audition tape. Sir Anthony Hopkins was offered the role of Alfred but declined and Laurence Fishburne was considered for the role of Lucius Fox. Gary Oldman agreed to play James Gordon without reading the script.    

Oscar® nominated for: Best Cinematography – Wally Pfister.
Followed by: The Dark Knight (2008) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012).
Rated: [PG–13] – Intense Action Violence, Disturbing Images & Some Thematic Elements
Available on 4K & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Dark Knight (2008)

C – 153m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen / 1.43:1 – Fullscreen (Imax Scenes) / 1.78:1 – Widescreen (Imax Scenes)
A.K.A.: The Dark Knight: The Imax Experience, Untitled Batman Begins Sequel, Batman: The Dark Knight, Batman Begins 2, Rory’s First Kiss, Winter Green
Characters Created By: Bob Kane
Story By: Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer
Screenplay By: Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan
Prod. – Dir.: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Sir Michael Caine, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Eric Roberts, Ritchie Coster, Anthony Michael Hall, William Fichtner, January Stern and Robert Patrick Stern.
Music By: James Newton Howard and Hans Zimmer
Sound Editing: Richard King
Film Editing: Lee Smith

A menace known only as The Joker starts terrorizing Gotham City while Harvey Dent seeks appointment to a higher office until he has something happen that scars him for life and a new foe is born, Two–Face. Batman must try to stop the increasing number of bad buys in Gotham before the city meets a dark and twisted end. Some people describe this film as dark and disturbing. They are right! This was the next to darkest Batman film but one that should be admired. Everything works here. Only the length may be a hindrance to some people, though not to this reviewer. There is action and suspense to spare in this nail-biting sequel to: Batman Begins (2005). This reviewer would argue that this is the BEST of the trilogy it is a part of. Haunting performances are given all around, particularly by Heath Ledger who posthumously won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar®. Two–Face’s face is hair–raising to say the least. See it! 

Trivia:

It was Sir Michael Caine’s opinion that Heath Ledger topped Jack Nicholson as The Joker. He felt that Nicholson’s portrayal was just nutty where as Ledger’s was psychotic. In preparation for his role of The Joker, Heath Ledger secluded himself into a motel room for about six weeks and worked on the voice, mannerisms and look of The Joker. This film was dedicated to Heath Ledger, who died of an accidental drug overdose before the film’s release, and Conway Wickliffe, a stuntman who died while doing a car crash stunt for this film. This film featured scenes shot on Imax cameras, hence the ever–changing widescreen aspect ratios during the film. Heath Ledger’s Oscar® win was the first time a comic book film won in a major category at The Oscars®.

Christopher Nolan offered the chance to reprise the role to Katie Holmes, who turned it down. Sarah Michelle Gellar, Isla Fisher, Emily Blunt and Rachel McAdams were all considered as replacements for her before Maggie Gyllenhaal got the role. This was the highest grossing Batman film. Matt Damon was offered the role of Harvey Dent but turned it down to make Invictus (2009) with Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman. Aaron Eckhart said he based his portrayal of his character in part on Robert F. Kennedy. Bob Hoskins and James Gandolfini auditioned for the role that went to Eric Roberts.

Oscar® winner for: Best Supporting Actor – Heath Ledger and Best Sound Editing – Richard King. Additionally Oscar® nominated for: Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing – Lee Smith, Best Art Direction, Best Makeup, Best Sound Mixing and Best Visual Effects. Golden Globe winner for Best Supporting Actor – Heath Ledger.

Sequel to: Batman Begins (2005), and followed by: The Dark Knight Rises (2012).
Rated: [PG–13] – Intense Sequences Of Violence & Some Menace
Available on 4K & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

 C – 164m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen / 1.43:1 – Fullscreen (Imax Scenes) / 1.78:1 – Widescreen (Imax Scenes) / 1.90:1 – Widescreen (Imax Scenes)
A.K.A.: The Dark Knight Rises: The Imax Experience, Magnus Rex, Batman 3, T.D.K.R., Gotham, Arkham
Characters Created By: Bob Kane
Story By: Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer
Screenplay By: Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan
Prod. – Dir.: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Christian Bale, Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, Joseph Gordon–Levitt, Anne Hathaway, Marion Cotillard, Morgan Freeman, Sir Michael Caine, Matthew Modine, William Devane, Joey King, Liam Neeson and Aaron Eckhart (Archive Footage, uncredited).  
Music By: Hans Zimmer
Film Editing By: Lee Smith

Eight years after The Joker’s reign, Batman must help Catwoman and is forced from his exile to save Gotham, which is on the edge of annihilation from Arkham escapee Bane and his followers. Deadening in its level of bleak material. This film is overlong, more than sluggishly slow and the CGI is way more obvious that the previous two entries in the Nolan Batman Trilogy. Acting is the saving grace here and even that leaves this film dangling by a thread. If you were to skip this one, you’d be a wiser film buff than this reviewer. Not that it is a feat worth bragging about. SKIP this one!

Trivia:

Reportedly Christopher Nolan considered using a mix of CGI and deleted scenes from The Dark Knight (2008) to have Heath Ledger’s Joker appear briefly in this film. He reportedly decided it was disrespectful to Ledger to do so, and did not do it, as can be seen in this film. Gary Oldman said that Christopher Nolan told all the actors the end of the film verbally so that there would be less likelihood of it being leaked. According to producers the line, “That’s a lovely, lovely voice,” was improvised by Tom Hardy. Each entry in this trilogy is 12 minutes longer than it’s predecessor: Batman Beings (2005) – 140m, The Dark Knight (2008) – 152m (153m), and this film is 164m. The first draft of the script was reportedly 400 pages.

Rated: [PG–13] – Intense Sequences Of Violence And Action, Some Sensuality & Language
Available on 4K & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Dear Dictator (2017 / 2018)

Dear Dictator (2017 / 2018)

C – 90m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Screenplay By: Lisa Addario and Joe Syracuse
Prod.: Lisa Addario
Dir.s: Lisa Addario and Joe Syracuse
Starring: Sir Michael Caine, Odeya Rush, Katie Holmes, Seth Green, Jason Biggs, Adrian Voo and Jackson Beard. 

An American teen girl who is a misfit, who wants to be a rebel, corresponds with a dictator from another country who is on the verge of having to flee his country for his life while her mom has relationship issues. When the dictator does flee his country he seeks shelter in America with the teen girl with whom he corresponded. Together they form an unlikely bond and teach each other a bit about life and how to live it. A comedy that sounds like it will be goofy and have few laughs actually has wit and is a decent coming of age story. The cast is a delight, particularly Caine and Rush. There are a few moments of gallows humor that may not sit well with some but this reviewer liked it. Although this film was released NOT RATED, this reviewer would suggest 13 and up for viewers.

Trivia: Michael Caine previously was in Batman Begins (2005) with Katie Holmes, and Austin Powers In Goldmember (2003) with Seth Green. Katie Holmes and Odeya Rush previously starred together in The Giver (2014). Seth Green replaced Jason Biggs as the voice of Leonardo in the 2012 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, after Biggs made some controversial remarks on twitter, which caused him to exit the show towards the end of season 2. “Homeland or Death,” is the literal translation from Spanish: “Patria Or Muerte,” the Cuban national motto under Fidel Castro and his brother. 

Rated: [NOT RATED]
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

Jack The Ripper: (1958/1959, 1976 & 1988)

Jack The Ripper (1958/1959)

B&W / C. – 84m.
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1 – Widescreen.
Starring: Lee Patterson, Eddie Byrne, Betty McDowall, Ewen Solon and John Le Mesurier.

Jack The Ripper murders five prostitutes and is chased by Scotland Yard. For those who don’t know Jack The Ripper was a real-life serial killer in London, England in the year 1888. His crimes spanned from August to November of that year. This film calls the prostitutes, “Concert Hall Singers & Dancers,” due to the censorship of the day in which it was made. It also leaves off the Anti-Semitic aspect of the case. While this is far from a perfect Ripper film (changing the names of the prostitutes and the order in which they are killed, etc.), it does have atmosphere, a key element of telling the story of Jack The Ripper. The final scene has a shot in color. The film in European release as a different score than the USA release. The composers of the US score teamed with entertainer Steve Allen, who wrote a novelty song titled: “Jack The Ripper” for sale as a single 45 RPM record. Nino Temp performed the song for RCA Records. The Blu–ray had two releases. A limited edition was the first one: it came with three cuts of the film; two on Blu–ray and one on DVD and a collector’s slipcover. The second release was a standard Blu–ray with two cuts of the film; no slipcover and no third cut on DVD. No pun is intended in using the word, “cuts,” for this movie.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.  

Jack The Ripper (1976)

C – 92m (Full Cut) / 87m (US Cut) / 82m (Heavily Edited Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 1.75:1 – Widescreen
Starring: Klaus Kinski and Josephine Chaplin

A serial killer who’s mother was a prostitute pays his mother back for his abuse towards him by killing prostitutes. A sick and twisted version of the tale of Jack The Ripper tries to make the viewer feel a sense of empathy for the killer. All it succeeded in doing is repulsing this reviewer. 

Rated: [R]
Available on DVD & Digital Copy

 

 

 

 

Jack The Ripper (1988)

C. – 182m. (Broadcast) / 188m. (DVD – USA)
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 – Fullscreen (Broadcast) / 1.78:1 – Widescreen (Intended / DVD)
Starring: Sir Michael Caine, Armand Assante, Ray McAnally, Lewis Collins, Susan George, Jane Seymour and Harry Andrews.

An angry, alcoholic Scotland Yard Inspector hunts Jack The Ripper and the trail leads all the way up to the Queen of England. A made for TV version of the Jack The Ripper story benefits from period details and fine performances. Though one could argue that Sir Michael Caine’s performance is one-noted as his character is mad all the time, but let us not split hairs. This reviewer’s opinion is that the identity of the killer should have been left a mystery. Had that been the case, the star rating would have been higher for this reviewer. However it is well enough as is. 

Incidentally it is reported that four different endings were shot for this film in order to throw off the actors, crew and press about who the real murderer was in the film. This is also the 2nd Victorian England film that Sir Michael Caine made in 1988. The other was the theatrical film: Without A Clue (1988), with Sir Ben Kingsley. Viewers will notice that the extended cut is on DVD.

Available on DVD through The Warner Archive Collection & Digital Copy.

Austin Powers Trilogy

Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery (1997)

C – 89m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen (Original) / 2.35:1 – Widescreen (Blu–ray)
A.K.A.: Austin Powers
Co – Writer: Mike Myers
Dir.: Jay Roach
Starring: Mike Meyers, Elizabeth Hurley, Michael York, Mimi Rogers, Robert Wagner, Seth Green, Mindy Sterling, Charles Napier, Will Ferrell, Clint Howard, Cindy Margolis, Barbara Ann Moore, Brian George, Burt Bacharach, Tom Arnold, Carrie Fisher, Susanna Hoffs, Richard Joel, Mike Judge, Rob Lowe, Michael McDonald, Christian Slater and Sterling Wolfe.

After being cryonically frozen in the 1960’s and released in the 1990’s the swinging 1960’s spy Austin Powers, now paired with his former partner’s daughter, chases his old nemesis Dr. Evil, who was also frozen in the 1960’s and released in the 1990’s. The first Austin Powers film is smart and fresh, despite being another parody of the popular 1960’s spy films. The cast is game and the material is fun. One trivia note: Mike Myers wanted Jim Carrey to play Dr. Evil but Carrey passed due to scheduling conflicts with his own film, Liar Liar (1997).

Rated: [PG–13] – Nudity, Sex–Related Dialogue & Humor
Out Of Print on VHS but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)

C – 95m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen (Original) / 2.35:1 – Widescreen (Blu–ray)
A.K.A.: Austin Powers 2: The Spy Who Shagged Me, Austin Powers 2: It’s Shagging Time, The Return Of Dr. Evil, It’s Shagging Time, Austin Powers 2
Co – Writer: Mike Myers
Dir.: Jay Roach
Starring: Mike Myers, Heather Graham, Michael York, Robert Wagner, Rob Lowe, Seth Green, Mindy Sterling, Verne Troyer, Elizabeth Hurley, Kevin Cooney, Clint Howard, Jeff Garlin, Jennifer Coolidge, Michael McDonald, Steve Wilkos, Burt Bacharach, Elvis Costello, Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, Kristen Johnston, Charles Napier, Willie Nelson, Tim Robbins, Rebecca Romijn, Jerry Springer and Fred Willard. 

Dr. Evil travels back to 1969 and steals Austin Power’s mojo while Powers is frozen. The current day Powers suffers from it and in turn travels back to 1969 to stop Dr. Evil’s 2nd attempt and world domination; he (Powers) is paired with Felicity Shagwell. Oscar® nominated for Best Makeup. The makeup is impressive and the gags are abundant. Rarely is a sequel better than the original but this is the case here. Almost everything works.

Trivia: It took 7 hour for Mike Myers to get into the Fat Bastard suit and makeup. Reportedly Heather Graham was about to accept an offer to appear in a softcore porn film until she landed the role in this film. Additionally it is reported that she used some of the money she made from this film to buy a copy of the said film that she would have been in. And finally it is reported that Mike Myers partially based Heather Graham’s character, Felicity Shagwell, on the title character in Barbarella (1968).

Rated: [PG–13] – Sexual Innuendo & Crude Humor
Out Of Print on VHS but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Austin Powers In Goldmember (2002)

C – 94m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen (Original) / 2.35:1 – Widescreen (Blu–ray)
A.K.A.: Austin Powers: Never Say Member Again, The Third Installment Of ‘Austin Powers’, The Next Installment Of Austin Powers, Austin Powers: Goldmember, Austin Powers 3, Austinpussy
Co – Writer: Mike Myers
Dir.: Jay Roach
Starring: Mike Myers, Beyonce (Knowles), Seth Green, Sir Michael York, Robert Wagner, Mindy Sterling, Verne Troyer, Sir Michael Caine, Fred Savage, Kevin Cooney, Clint Howard, Mandy Moore, Tom Cruise, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin Spacey, Danny DeVito, Steven Spielberg, Quincy Jones, Britney Spears, Nathan Lane, Katie Couric, Michael McDonald, Ozzy Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne, Kelly Osbourne, Jack Osbourne, John Travolta, Burt Bacharach, Rob Lowe, Will Ferrell and Heather Graham.

Dr. Evil teams with 1970’s whack–job Goldmember for world domination and kidnapping Austin’s father. Once again Austin Powers must travel back in time, to stop Dr. Evil, Goldmember and rescue his father. He does so only to learn some long buried truths about his family. The third outing in the series is tired and it shows. The humor appears to be recycled from the first two films but the added laughs of poking fun at Hollywood for music videos and films were / are welcome. The cast is game even if some of the material is subpar. Worth a watch just to complete the series.  

Trivia: Heather Graham reprised her role in a scene that was ultimately cut from the film and so did Will Ferrell, this time answering the question he was asked four times. Sir Sean Connery was considered for the role that went to Sir Michael Caine. Sir Michael Caine used his glasses from The Ipcress Files (1965), which Austin Powers’ glasses were modeled after. And finally: Director Jay Roach’s first cut of the film ran three hours.  

Rated: [PG–13] – Sexual Innuendo, Crude Humor & Langauge
Out Of Print On VHS but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy