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Thursday, 10 July 2008 14:53 |
Early reviews of "The Dark Knight" are making their way online, and the word is the movie
image property of warner bros.
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is not just good but brilliant. However, all the critics have also agreed that the PG-13
movie is very dark. One critic went so far as to say, and I'm quoting him, "No one under
the age of 13 should see this movie, and even that's pushing it."
Wow! I never thought Hollywood would have the nerve to make a summer blockbuster starring a 69-year-old comic book icon "too dark" for teens. The movie has been primarly marketd toward adults, but anyone who has been to Wal Mart can see that merchandise for the movie (i.e. toys, games, clothes) is aimed for the younger crowd. Kids know this movie is coming out, and they probably want to see it.. But with a unsettling performance from the late Heath Ledger as Batman's nemesis the Joker and the introduction of the gruesomely disfigured Two-Face, parents have to ask themselves, "should I let my kid go see this?"
Midnight screenings totally 1,500 screens are close to selling out, and some theaters will be holding 3:00 A.M. and 6:00 A.M. screenings to accommodate demand. In short, the movie is tracking to open huge, but will people be turned off by the much talked about darker themes of the picture?
I'm not so sure. Since 9/11, we have seen a tsunami of superhero movies coming out of Tinsletown. Spiderman, X-Men, Superman, Ironman, Hulk, and even Hellboy to name a few. Plus, we have Captain America, Thor, and The Avengers to look forward to in the next few years. It's clear to see with today's world that the public is longing for good to triumph over evil. If "The Dark Knight" does not pull any punches with this struggle and shows the consequences of facing such villiany (which the movie has hinted at doing in a fairly heavy-handed way) then I think moviegoers will appreciate it greatly.
What do you think? Should a Batman movie deal with the post-9/11 world? Should kids be allowed to see it?
Will the movies box office be hurt by the dark tone?
Let's put a smile on that face and discuss...
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I'm glad you and your sister enjoyed the movie with your dad. I have to admit that even I was blown away by it (and I was anxiously awaiting its release!) I don't believe it was as dark as I was expecting. I know when I was your age (and even younger) I saw movies much more graphic and scarier than The Dark Knight. Also, I totally agree with you about Heath getting the Oscar. If he doesn't, I want to see the performance that bests him. Even if there is one, I'm sure it will not be remembered as long as Heath's take on the Joker will be (most memorable villain since Hannibal Lecter and Darth Vader.)