Best Albums Of 2009 (Volume One)

Best Albums Of 2009
-Volume One-

Here we are, practically one third of the way through 2009 and there have been some great albums released so far. So, for those of you who can't be bothered to keep up on the music scene or just don't have time, I'll attempt to help you out. I'm going to go over some of what I consider some of the best albums of the year thus far. Bear in mind, this only covers 2009. Although there some great releases in the latter half of 2008 that will be up for awards in the upcoming awards season, any albums released in 2008 won't be on this list. So, if you're a huge Britney Spears fan and wondering why Circus isn't on this list,that's probably why. That way you can wonder if it would've made the list anyway, but don't ponder too long. Instead, read this list of great music and then work on getting them from your nearest record shop or online retailer, such as Amazon or Itunes.

For your listening pleasure, here are -

The Best Albums Of 2009 (So Far)
(Arranged Alphabetically By Artist)

Get Guilty
By A.C. Newman
While A.C. Newman spends a great deal of his time as the lead singer for supergroup The New Pornographers, he also has taken some time out to establish a successful solo career. Following up his previous release from 2004, the Slow Wonder, he has shown himself to be a genuine purveyor of pop perfection. (Say that five times fast). Even better, listen to this album five times fast.
Standout Tracks
- The Heartbreak Rides
- Changeling (Get Guilty)
- Submarines of Stockholm
Rating: 3.75 out of 5.

Noble Beast
by Andrew Bird
Andrew Bird has been a classically trained violinist since the age of four and uses all of those talents to incorporate strings into his repertoire in various ways to fashion some wonderfully creative melodies that help create what is, in my opinion, his most complete album yet in his long career. It may take a few listens, but you won't be disappointed by the time you're through with this fantastic album.
Standout Tracks
- Oh No
- Masterswarms
- Anonaminal
Rating: 4 out of 5.

Meriweather Post Pavillion
by Animal Collective
Animal Collective has been making records for quite some time and this appears to be the critically acclaimed record that really breaks them into the public consciousness and rightfully so. In doing so, though, they've sacrificed none of their committment to create their own unique musical style of electronic pop, but the album instead feels like the culmination of all their previous albums to reach this apex that is both accessible and inherently enjoyable.
Standout Tracks
- Brother Sport
- Summertime Clothes
- My Girls
Rating: 4.5. out of 5.

Grr...
By Bishop Allen.
Bishop Allen has made the transition from independent treasure to making its way to a larger audience, through a number of well-placed commercial songs and an appearance in the hit movie Nick And Norah's Infinite Playlist. This seems designed to capitalize on that appeal and one can only hope it works. This is a band that I feel deserves to be known with their catchy hooks and positive music. Although this isn't their best album and they don't tread any new innovative ground, the phrase if it ain't broke, don't fix it comes to mind.
Standout Tracks
- South China Sea.
- Don't Hideaway
- Cue The Elephants.
Rating: 3.5 Out of 5.

The Law Of The Playground
by The Boy Least Likely To.
Boys will be boys and I couldn't be any happier about it when it comes to this group. Their first album, The Best Party Ever, was an undeniably happy and nostalgically infectious album that couldn't help but make this reviewer smile. Nothing has changed this time around as the songs are still just as optimistic, making this album even more relevant in this time of uncertainty. If you enjoyed their debut, don't miss this charming album.
Standout Tracks
- A Balloon On A Broken String
- When Life Gives Me Lemons I Make Lemonade
- A Fairytale Ending.
Rating: 4 Out Of 5.

Working On A Dream
by Bruce Springsteen
I can't help myself but include the newest record from the Boss. However, his inclusion on this list is not a matter of respect for his iconic status but because this is a really fun album. As the title might suggest, this is a hopeful album, with plenty of rollicking rock numbers. After watching his Super Bowl halftime performance and hearing of a new cd, I sought this one out.
I am definitely glad that I did.
Standout Tracks
- Lucky Day
- The Last Carnival
- The Wrestler
Rating: 3.75 out of 5.

My Maudlin Career
by Camera Obscura
Following up on the stellar album Let's Get Out Of This Country wasn't going to be an easy task, but thankfully, Camera Obscura is certainly up for it. Making it seem almost effortless as they churn out a number of songs that are the equal of anything found on the last disc, but rather than just recreating the timeless melodies there, they have expanded into another record that is brave, tragically beautiful and very worth listening to. Thankfully, this career of this group, maudlin or otherwise, shouldn't be ending anytime soon.
Standout Tracks
- French Navy
- Swans
- Honey In The Sun.
Rating: 4 out of 5.

Davy
by Coconut Records.
Actor Jason Schwartzman has made a mark in not just the acting industry (Rushmore, Darjeeling Limited) but in the musical industry as well, with his work on the band Phantom Planet, who are probably best known for their theme song to the hit show The O.C., "California". However, whereas he is the drummer for that group, Coconut Records is an independent solo project. This is the second album from Coconut Records and one that displays his love and knack for 60's pop to its fullest. It's one of the shortest albums you'll find this year, but make no mistake, it's a complete and delightful album to listen to.
Standout Tracks
- Microphone
- Drummer
- Wandering Around.
Rating: 3.5 Out of 5.

Hazards Of Love
by The Decemberists
When The Decemberists first moved to Capital Records, I remember being mildly worried that being signed to a larger label might kill their fiercely independent streak but their first album, The Crane Wife, dispelled that notion. Then now, their second album under a major record label is their most indepedent and ambitious album yet. The whole disc is basically an epic love story, telling about a young girl named Margaret, who falls in love with a shape-shifting forest dweller, but encounters opposition with a jealous forest queen along with a whole host of recurring characters. It works rather well as an enchanting fairy tale, although there are no obvious singles that stand out from the disc but the entire album is a treat to listen to as a whole. A rock-opera well worth listening to.
Standout Tracks
- Just listen to the whole album.
Rating: 4 out of 5.

Tonight: Franz Ferdinand
by Franz Ferdinand
While their first two highly successful albums came in a flurry, with their second album coming a mere eighteen months on the heels of their debut album, Franz Ferdinand took their time with this album and it shows. Although not quite the danceable masterpieces of their first two albums, this one comes off smarter and a little more cohesive, save a few indulgences on songs like the experimental "Lucid Dreams". The wait definitely pays off as it's a absolutely enjoyable way to spend about 45 minutes, although it still feels like the band is only scratching the surface of its potential. However, I'll be waiting eagerly for the next installment.
Standout Tracks
- Ulysses
- Send Him Away
- No You Girls.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Middle Cyclone
by Neko Case
Middle Cyclone represents another strong entry into the catalogue of Neko's work and one that is just as fiery as her hair. Neko Case is definitely an independent artist who typically ignores the typical song and chorus familiar to most listeners, perhaps exemplified by the fact that the album ends with thirty minutes of cricket and frog noises recorded on her farm (which I have listened to). However, I think this just shows the dedication and determination that Neko is to her journey on the album and it's a journey well worth taking.
Standout Tracks
- People Got A Lot Of Nerve
- I'm An Animal
- This Tornado Loves You.
Rating: 4 out of 5.

Living Thing
by Peter Bjorn and John.
If you're not deaf, then you heard the breakout hit from this band in "Young Folks", which was an indescribably catchy number which helped them break into the mainstream. However, fans expecting more of that little slice of pop nirvana are likely to be a little disappointed, but this album, while not as upbeat as that song, is just as good. Make no mistake, there are a number of intelligent and enjoyable songs with clever pop beats on this album, but even without a sure breakout hit like Young Folks, it's a rewarding album and a very consistent followup.
Standout Tracks
- Nothing To Worry About.
- Living Thing
- Just the Past
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Now You Can See
by The Thermals
If you think politics and punk rock can't mix, then you haven't heard The Thermals. Their albums frequently take on heady topics such as energy conservation, Christianity, selfish spending and the aforementioned politics. They set such topics of universal interest through power-pop melodies and guitar riffs, which are surprisingly catchy and enjoyable. Especially in times such as today when these topics are at the forefront of everyone's thoughts, it's just a minor shame that the album is not nearly as cohesive or exciting as their earlier albums. But, that doesn't diminish their fire to tackle some heady topics and create some good music at the same time.
Standout Tracks
- Now You Can See
- You Dissolve
- At The Bottom Of The Sea
Rating: 3.5 Out Of 5.

No Line On the Horizon
by U2
After the lackluster response to 1997's album Pop, U2 declared that they were "reapplying for the job of best band in the planet". U2 got the job back with a return to form with the 2000 release of All You Can't Leave Behind and then got further job security with their following release How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. This album is their third killer album in a row, certainly better than their previous cd, filled with classic moments of those catchy rock numbers and alternately, moments of quiet contemplation as well. U2 handles both sides well, although there are a few missteps along the way. However, despite a momentary stumble or two, they stand strong by the end of the album with their musical icon status intact.
Standout Tracks
- White As Snow
- I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight
- Breathe
Rating: 4 out of 5.

It's Blitz!
by Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
The Yeah Yeah Yeahs have been one of the most consistently entertaining bands thus far in the decade, with lead singer Karen O. being one of the most gifted female vocalists in rock, drawing comparisons to Joan Jett and Chrissie Hynde. On this particular album, the group veers away from the rock and punk notions that have fueled their first two releases, moving towards the closest to a disco album the Yeah Yeah Yeahs may ever reach with some slick synth grooves and dance floor sounds. It's also a more introspective and quieter work than either of their two previous releases, but the sum of the album feels more like a expansion in this case than a detour. But, even if it is a disco-themed detour, Karen O is a great siren to follow on the trip.
Standout Tracks
- Zero
- Heads Will Roll
- Hysteric.
Rating: 4 out of 5.

So, there you have it. Those are just a few of the best artists and albums that have come out this year. Certainly there are plenty of other musical choices that I haven't even touched or explored in this blog, but in a future blog, I'll try to suggest some ways to discover new music and how to keep up with the music scene. But for now, this should be a good way to enjoy the new year in style. Kick back and listen.

Seakittens

-Seakittens-

In October 2008, scientists at the University Of Wufflesworth, studying dangerous levels of snuggability, discovered sea kittens. It was indeed a dramatic and exciting discovery for everybody involved, as one individual proclaimed, "Sea kittens talk to each other through squeaks, squeals, and other low-frequency sounds that humans can only hear through special instruments. Most ichthyologists—scientists who specialize in sea kitten biology—agree that this is just about the cutest thing ever." I know I'm a little late in reporting on the phenemenon, but in my defense, I wasn't blogging in October of last year. If was, I would've. But, now it's time to discuss sea kittens, which are literally, the kittens of the sea. Are they the cutest thing ever? Let's find out...
As you have hopefully realized by now, Sea Kittens are not real. Sea kittens are the brainchild of PETA (People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals), in an effort to rebrand fish so that people will choose not to eat them. After all, as one PETA spokesperson has suggested, "And who could possibly want to put a hook through a sea kitten?"

This is real by the way.

As the film Finding Nemo made popular, "Fish are friends, not food", would be the type of goal that PETA has here as they try to make fish appealing as possible. However, other people might find that this is a pretty weird way to go about it - and those people would be right. I have no problem with animal rights - I support animal rights, but there are right ways and wrong ways to go about it. . The reaction to sea kittens has for the most part been one of mockery and rightfully so.

The Sea Kittens website has a number of intriguing features where you can help do your part to help promote ending the murder of our scaly friends, which they say is both senseless and savage. For example, you could create your own Sea Kitten, where you can put lipstick on them (as long as it hasn't been tasted on animals) or dress them in people clothes Alternately, or if you want to raise compassion for sea kittens with your kids, you can read them Sea Kitten Bedtime Stories. However, I will caution against that. The website tells us that, "You can learn a lot about a culture from its bedtime stories. Find out what keeps the sea kittens up at night." And if you read these stories, you won't have to work to find out what keeps your kids up at night. For example, here is an excerpt from one such story which seems to promote the hunting of what Stephen Colbert has dubbed "land fish". If I were you, I'd just scroll past it though - you can't unsee this.


That's perhaps the most entertaining and cynical of the group, which depicts a fish or 'sea kitten' plotting a recipe for "kitten souffle", but all of these tales have similarly depressing endings. It's a bold move in bedtime stories - I'll admit I haven't seen enough revenge in children's stories lately. I'll also admit I'm not sure the point of these stories. In fact, I'm not sure of the point of this campaign. Let me state right now that I am in full support of animal rights - I don't want to see any animal hurt just so we can have better perfume or something like that.

But, this whole "sea kitten" thing is at best a bizarre publicity stunt and at worst, an act of sheer idiocy and stupidity. If it's to cause people to laugh, then label it a success. If it's to raise awareness of the plight of fish, then mission achieved. But, the renaming of fish as "sea kittens" is never going to happen and they have to know that. It simply isn't going to catch on.

Imagine the Godfather having one of the famed mobsters tell them that their rival is "sleeping with the sea kittens". Imagine going to a local restaurant and asking for a "Sea Kitten" sandwich. (in fact, if anybody does this - please let me know). Telling your kids they can have "sea kitten sticks" for supper or tell them that that we're going "sea kittening" this weekend. It just isn't going to happen.

That doesn't even cover real ichthyologists, who now must have their taxonomy of fish completely destroyed by PETA since real cats and fish are not anywhere related. (In fact, it would raise a whole host of disturbing issues if they were, since cats eat fish or "sea kittens" quite frequently). The Sea Kitten campaign also ignores the fishing industry in general, deciding to not take into account the fact that entire areas and families are depending on the fishing world for survival. Also, they choose to conveniently overlook the fact that hunting and fishing are actually necessary since without them, the sea would fall completely out of balance. It also seems to ignore the lake and freshwater fish as well.

From the start, it was a misguided and doomed campaign. Trying to keep people from fishing by labeling them "sea kittens" is just creepy, although, if you don't take it seriously, it's hilarious. I find many of the methods used by animal activists fairly extreme as these are usually the people who end up throwing buckets of blood on people who wear fur, but of course, disturbing tactics can be used in any type of activism and are certainly not limited to animal activists, but that's a discussion for another day.

While the campaign is certainly not going to bring about any real change, it's an interesting move by PETA and one that has certainly brought it a fair amount of attention. It's also brought quite a bit of derisive mocking, people laughing out loud and a lot of head shaking, but that comes with the territory I suppose.

I really believe that the entire campaign should be ignored and through this blog about it, I'm actually raising awareness, but I couldn't help myself. Seriously, you should check out the website though - words can only do so much. It's certainly good for a laugh - just don't take it too seriously. You can't take a campaign seriously that looks as if somebody at PETA lost a bet. I've worked with kids for years and heard a number of things that just make me shake my head, but this could very well be the dumbest thing I ever heard. The only person happy with this whole idea would be ALF.

Now, I have to go - writing this whole post has put me in the mood for Red Lobster.

(As an added bonus and to prove my point, you can see some proof here that the whole idea of branding fish as "sea kittens" may have actually backfired with children. It's obvious here that Kids Love Sea Kittens!)

Slumdog Millionaire

Slumdog Millionaire
(Film Review)

After my choice for Best Picture, The Dark Knight, was shut out in virtually all of the important categories at the Academy Awards, I certainly was not a happy camper. As critics piled on accolade after critical praise after success upon its release, the Dark Knight was virtually ignored come Oscar time. Whether it was a victim of the traditional dismissal of comic book movies perpetrated by the Academy, a result of the inevitable backlash that usually comes from becoming extremely successful or just a casualty of releasing too early in the Academy Award season, we'll never know. Personally, I believe, it was a combination of all of these and probably more factors than we'll ever be aware of.

However, just as the Dark Knight was the undisputed juggernaut of 2008, it seemed that the closer we got to the highly anticipated Academy Awards, another train was picking up steam. Released by Fox Searchlight, it had quietly been building into a surprising success for the studio on the heels of positive buzz and word-of-mouth, almost echoing the theme from the movie as it grew from an independently released film to an Oscar favorite. However, despite the love lavished on it from audience members, critics and Academy members alike, was it a worthy movie to steal the thunder from what should have rightfully been the year of the Dark Knight?

It was through that lens of disillusionment from watching the Academy take away our best chance yet to receive critical Oscar success and skepticism over the success of Slumdog Millionaire that I rented the movie shortly after it came out. Would I come away
A) Disappointed, B) Apathetic, C) Angry, D) Elated? That is the million dollar question.

Slumdog Millionaire

Released: November 12, 2008.
Starring: Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Anil Kapoor, Madhur Mittal, Irrfan Khan.
Running Time: 2 hours (120 Minutes)
Director: Danny Boyle

If you haven't watched "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?", then I'm willing to bet that you're at least familiar with the format of the game show and the excitement that can accompany it. The success of the show and game shows in general are all about the idea of overnight success, of how somebody ordinary can become a star, the thrill of winning it all, the heartbreak of losing it and the breathless anticipation that comes from such a challenge. Although I don't really watch game shows at all, I can understand the appeal of them. Slumdog Millionaire takes the appeal of those, to combine with classic Bollywood films and some updated Dickens, in a strange hybrid which shouldn't work, but does.

The movie starts towards the end as it follows India's newest sensation, Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) as he stands on the brink of achieving the unthinkable - winning 20 million rupees on India's version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?", hosted by Prem Kumar (played excellently by Anil Kapoor). It's a moving tale of suspense as the film jumps back and forth between the past and present, showing how the life experiences he's undergone has prepared him for such a pivotal moment in his life. It also explores the intriguing relationship he has with his brother, Salim, a former "slumdog" himself, who is played by Madhur Mittal as well as the underlying pursuit of his dream girl, Latika (Freida Pinto).

Many of the scenes can be truly harrowing to watch as it shows a very unflinching portrayal of poverty in the slums of Mumbai as Jamal and fellow children are victims of some true cruelty, suffering losses and enduring tragedy in their early years that we'll most likely never know in our entire lifetimes. However, that serves as a definite counterpoint to the overall uplifting theme of the movie, which is part of what makes the movie so good. Just as the movie is in its depiction of torture and tragedy, Slumdog Millionaire is just as dedicated in showing how one can rise above it as the heads towards a surprisingly gripping conclusion.

The success of the film definitely relies on the strength of its three leads, none of whom are household names yet although some of them will certainly have a chance after the success of this film. The main actor of the film, Dev Patel, is quite believable as the young man who grew up from the slums of Mumbai and convincing with his determination to achieve what he believes is his destiny. Madhur Mattil plays his older brother and with his performance, has created a character who is completely despicable and unlikeable, but certainly not beyond redemption. And of course, the third musketeer in the cast, played by Freida Pinto, is amazing. The love interest of the film and the girl of Jamal's dreams makes a stunning and memorable film debut. In her first role, I hesitate to use the word revelation, but I will say I was left very impressed.

The answer to the question at the beginning of the blog would be D) Elated, when it comes to Slumdog Millionaire. I wasn't quite sure what to expect of the film, coming from Danny Boyle, who has always been a great director in my opinion. Probably best known for the films Trainspotting and the 28 Days Later franchise, I wasn't sure how he would handle the film considering it might require a more light hand as a director. However, Boyle sacrifices none of his frenetic energy in making the film and guides the film (and the viewer) exactly where he wants you to go, which is on the edge of your seat.

As I mentioned before and as is very popular in the world today, this film is a hybrid. It relies on many of the elements that make up traditional Bollywood films and in fact even has a big Bollywood dance number playing over the end credits. However, it draws from Hollywood as well, making a number of stylistic choices that will be immediately recognizable to followers of film here in the United States. The film is both tragic and yet relentlessly upbeat in its determation throughout. This result is a film that is both moving, infectious and ultimately, rewarding.

If you've followed movies at all, you should know by now that Slumdog Millionaire, much like the rags-to-riches story of the film, did go all the way to take Best Picture at the 2008 Academy Awards. While I still believe that the honor bestowed by the Academy could have and should have gone to The Dark Knight, perhaps it was destiny that the spot went to Slumdog Millionaire after all. I will say that if one other film from the past year took what should've rightfully belonged to the Dark Knight, I'm glad it was this one. A great film.

Rating: HIGH FIVE! (FIVE STARS)

(As I mentioned before, there is a big Bollywood dance scene at the end that plays through the ending credits and for your viewing pleasure, here it is. You get to see the cast and crew dance their way in a big closing number, set to the tone of the rather catchy "Jai Ho". It's really enjoyable to see the actors from the film dancing and especially the child actors, many of whom are actually from the slums. Just a good way to end a great film - Slumdog Millionaire Dance. )

Top Five Friday (No. 1)

Top Five Friday
-Number 1 (One)-
Top Five Comic Book Movies

The inspiration for what I hope will be a recurring feature is the movie High Fidelity, which if you haven't seen it yet, you should go see right now before reading this blog. Watching that movie is not a requirement for reading my blog, but it is definitely one of those movies where you will be a lesser person for not having seen it. This is a movie that sadly many people are not going to be familiar with, so if you're still reading this (if you haven't rushed out to go rent High Fidelity from your local video rental store or called to borrow it from a friend who is obviously cooler than you), I'll try not to ruin anything for you.

However, part of the film does revolve around "Top Five" lists, as the main characters (including John Cusack and Jack Black), frequently fill up their time making top five lists. Such top five lists mentioned in the film would be "Top Five Musical Crimes Perpetrated by Stevie Wonder in the 80's and 90's" or "Top Five Songs To Play On A Monday Morning". Given that the main characters worked in a record store, inevitably, many of the top five lists revolved around music. As a big fan of music, I will certainly be putting some musical top five lists and more music features on the blog, but for now, I'm going to continue with the current theme of movies based on comic books or graphic novels.

If you've been following my blog for my first few posts, then my inaugural Top Five List here will come as no surprise as I'm covering my current Top Five Comic Book Movies Of All Time. This was a hard list to come up with as many deserving films were unable to make the top five but in the end, I believe that this is a definitely worthy list to comprise my favorites. Now, just bear in mind, that this is simply my current list of favorites and I reserve the right to change this list as new superhero films come out. In fact, given the current upcoming film slate regarding movies based on comic books, I fully expect there to be some changes on the list, but for now and the foreseeable future...

-Top Five Comic Book Films-

1. The Dark Knight
"Out of the darkness...there comes the Knight."
This is the reigning champ and the first film here to receive the coveted "High Five" perfect ranking. While it won't be the last, it will take a very special film to knock Batman off the top of the list. Batman soars over the competition as it's a movie that had so many classic moments from beginning to end. In fact, there could be a top five list of classic moments from that movie alone. So far, I've watched The Dark Knight countless times and I've never, never failed to enjoy it yet. For the moment, simply untouchable here at the top.

2. Spider-Man
"With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility"
Spider-Man earns his position as the second best comic book film adaptation on the sheer fun factor of the movie alone. That, along with the fact that he is my favorite comic book character ever (a list for another time), certainly helps him swing above the rest. It's a great film that really shows off everything that is great about heroes. I can't say enough good things about Spider-Man.

3. Watchmen
"Who Watches The Watchmen?"
This earns the third spot on the list due to the epic scope of the moment, the excellent strength of the source material and the way that they adapted what I thought was going to be impossible for the big screen. Condensing the novel into such a fantastic and entertaining moment earns it a great deal of praise from me. As I've mentioned before, everybody needs to watch the Watchmen - at least once, if not more.

4. X-Men
"Join the Evolution."
I really wish that I could've ranked X-Men higher, but make no mistake about it, X-Men is still obviously a stellar film. The tagline for the film is exactly correct as this was definitely the evolution of superhero movies into the new millenium. We owe a huge debt of thanks to this film for saving the genre and resurrecting it like the proverbial Phoenix. Without X-Men, I'm not sure there would be any of those other movies on the list. Thank you, X-Men. Thank you.

5. Iron Man
"Heroes Aren't Born, They're Built"
It's a credit to the director, Jon Favreau and Robert Downey Jr., who gave perhaps what is the best performance in any superhero movie to date, that they have managed to take what was a character not recognizable to the general public and turn him into one of the biggest known comic book franchises yet. Managing to be both hilarious and heroic, Iron Man is one of the best entries in the genre to date. Definitely built to last.

I know that this was the first maiden voyage of Top Five Fridays and I know I played it safe. However, I wanted to kick it off right as we've explored top five comic book movies that worked and are, in my humble opinion, the standard bearers for the genre. Not to say that these are the only ones worth watching. There are so many others that are great films in their own right, but as it goes with these lists, there can be only five. Hopefully you enjoyed this first of what I hope will be many Top Five Fridays.

No matter what though, just enjoy the weekend and stay classy.

The Dark Knight
(Film Review)

Since the moment of the closing sequence of Batman Begins, in which ally cop James Gordon hands Batman a Joker card, anticipation had been high for the sequel. Batman Begins had been, in my humble opinion, the first great live action Batman adaptation ever released in theatres and the idea of a new reinterpretation of the Joker had me positively ecstatic over the idea. Following up on a great film is always a difficult prospect and I certainly had moments of doubt as I followed every news story I could.

Perhaps my biggest moment of worry came when they announced Heath Ledger as the Joker. I scoured message boards for some proof that this wasn't true as supporters pointed to films such as "10 Things I Hate About You" and "A Knight's Tale" as proof that he could handle the role, which only made me more angry. My faith in Christopher Nolan and his vision for the direction of our favorite vigilante was certainly shaken. Still, of course, looking forward to the film as they announced Aaron Eckhart for the role of Harvey Dent and replacing one of the weaker points of the first film with Maggie Gyllenhall. Even with the rest of the support I was still dubious, however, about the casting of Heath Ledger, even as raves and discussions of an Oscar-worthy
performance starting to filter through.

However, just as the foundations started to crumble, they were quickly shored up again by this trailer, which revealed the Joker in all his insanity. The final line of the trailer is "Let's put a smile on that face of yours..." and this trailer certainly did. My faith renewed and my anticipation reached heights not seen for films since Spider-Man 3 (let's not discuss how that one ended). As the viral marketing and reviews for the movie continued, I was looking forward to this movie more than I could stand and eventually ended up watching at a midnight film showing. Even so, could the Dark Knight possibly match or even exceed my lofty expectations?

Let's find out - and here...we....go!

The Dark Knight
Released: July 18, 2008.
Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Gary Oldman, Micheal Caine, Maggie Gyllenhall.
Running Time: 153 Minutes (2 Hours and 33 minutes).
Rating: PG-13.
Director: Christopher Nolan.

"You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain." - Harvey Dent.

As the opening credits roll, we're immediately drawn back into the gritty world of Gotham City as it picks up not too long after the film. Following the events of the first film, organized crime apears to be in their final days as Batman has left them with a tenous group on the city they once controlled. With a new crusading District Attorney who is determined to put an end to crime through the legal system, Bruce Wayne dares to dream of a world in which in Batman is no longer needed and reunited with his love, Rachel Dawes, who is the only woman who knows his secret. However, as the opening scenes establish, this will be harder to accomplish than anticipate as one of the prominent themes from the first movie, escalation, comes into play and enter the Joker. All of the problems in the city can be solved with one simple and elegant solution, "Kill the Batman."

Obviously emboldened by the success and critical reception to the first film, Christopher Nolan appears determined to escalate things as well. Nolan and company have an incredible vision for our caped crusader and one that's not just content to view this through the lens of being just a comic-book film. Instead, it sets out to view what things would be like in the real world if a man decided to dress up like a Bat to fight crime and a man dressed up like a clown sought to destroy him and everything he stood for? On paper, it may sound implausible but on the big screen, the results are nothing short of breathtaking. It's a heartbreaking and entertaining decision into one man's descent into what it will take to save his city.

As the movie progresses, it's evident that Batman is more than just one man's crusade to end crime. To a city long starved of hope and decency, Batman is a symbol - one that has inspired many of the residents of Gotham City and in particular, Harvey Dent, as they oppose the mob. If the theme of the first movie was about fear, this second one is about chaos. By introducing chaos into the city, the Joker seeks to destroy not the city or the man behind the mask, but the symbol itself and the decency it represents. The scale of the Joker's assault on the city is ruthless in its complexity and scale, forcing Batman to examine what he's willing to risk, examining the repurcussions of his actions on those he cares about and on Gotham itself. This is a movie that works because of the performances from the cast and what a set of performances it is.

As the lead character, Christian Bale does a fantastic job portraying a man who has to consider his decision and where to place his moral compass as he realizes what he'll have to do to save his city from these new types of criminals, ones whose motives aren't quite so easy to discern. Christian Bale plays both parts well, the billionaire playboy who is never taken seriously and the masked vigilante he moonlights as. Bale portrays both sides of the equation at a crossroads, showing both the resolve and the doubt that sometimes threatens to bubble to the surface as his character is at a definite crossroads. However, despite it all, there is no question that he remains dedicated to the ideals and code of conduct he represents for Gotham.

On the opposite side of the coin, you have the Joker, played in what was one of the most buzzed about performances of the year and ultimately an Academy award-winning one for Heath Ledger. What I feared might be the anchor that weighed down the film is the best thing about it. Some have suggested that the goodwill towards Ledger's performance as the Joker can be attributed to his death and I think that is simply an embarassing idea. Heath Ledger simply disappears into his malevolent on-screen persona, a self-proclaimed "agent of chaos", who simply puts any previous on-screen incarnations of the Joker to shame. Heath Ledger isn't just the best comic book villain of all time, but certainly deserves to be mentioned in the same breathe as other classic villains such as Hannibal Lecter. Heath Ledger's Joker owns the film from the moment he makes his classic debut until his climatic confrontation with Batman. Although there will be some who will attempt to dismiss his work here as some morbid fascination with him in the wake of his death, there is no doubt that Heath Ledger committed completely to the role and as a result, portrays one of the great on-screen villains in film history. Simply amazing.

Often lost amidst the revelation of the Joker, completely reinvented for the modern age, is the unsung performance of Aaron Eckhart, who delivers one of the most gut-wrenching performances of the year as Harvey Dent, the 'white knight' of the city, the district attorney. A true idealist, his desire to help his city finds himself considering his own moral compass as he forms a loose partnership with both Batman and Comissioner Gordon. While the movie mostly focuses on the intense rivalry between Batman and Joker (and rightfully so), the underlying plot of the film is the personal journey of Harvey Dent. It's an amazing performance and one that I can't imagine played by anybody else. Building on past smooth-talking performances like the one in Thank You For Smoking, he portrays confidence in his beliefs while also experiencing some profound changes that will have him undergoing a distinct personality change that is explored throughout the film, especially the latter half. However, thoughout it all, Aaron Eckhart is a man who is determined to make things better for the city, even if he's not sure he's up to the task.

Replacing what I really considered one of the only weak performances from the first film is Maggie Gyllenhall as Rachel Dawes. The previous Rachel was played by Katie Holmes, who I believe is a much better actress than people give her credit for, but simply felt out of place in the first film. Maggie Gyllenhall does a much better job in the scenes that she's in, portraying what is often a thankless job as the middle setion of a love triangle. However, Maggie does a great job as Rachel, showing her sincere affection towards Bruce Wayne and a great chemistry with Eckhart's Dent. As Rachel, Maggie builds up what is convincing chemistry with both men and adds a real depth to the role that simply wasn't present in the first film.

Of course, you cannot ignore the contributions from your award winning supporting cast for a second. Basically playing the role of Q for our hero, Morgan Freeman comes in to provide not just gadgets, but dispenses advice as well. Yet, his real gift is running the Wayne Enterprises boardroom and providing technology for Batman. My personal favorite for this film is the Batpod. Not to be displaced as the voice of reason which continually rescues Batman from the abyss, Micheal Caine returns as Alfred, who continually helps Batman. Some of his little nuggets of wisdom are some of the best moments in the film. Special notice has to go to Gary Oldman, who plays Commissioner Gordon, as he examines his own partnership with Dent and Batman, who has to examine his own responsibility and motives as he recognizes Batman as a force through which he allows to bend the rules and help enforce the law.

Hopefully my review doesn't lead you to believe that this is just a philosophical examination of morality, decisions and the responsibility that accompanies them. While that is certainly one of the main themes of the film, it is explored in a decidedly mature and entertaining way. Throughout the entire running time of the film, the movie never lags for a second as it has a number of great action set pieces and fights to keep things going. There is a feeling of tension in every moment of the film, even in the more subdued moments as it feels a volcano of violence lurks right beneath the surface, threatening to explode at any moment. And when it comes to violence, the Dark Knight doesn't relent at all. I would say the limits of the PG-13 rating were certainly pushed a bit. The feeling of palpable uncertainty isn't helped at all by the haunting soundtrack provided, once again by James Newton Howard & Han Zimmer.

Overall, this is just a movie that deserves to take its ranks among some of the best films of not just this year, but of all time. The Dark Knight manages to entertain, but also engage audiences as it interests them and then forces them to ask some seriously thought-proving questions that should stick with them long after the movie is over. As Batman stands at the top of the tallest building in the city, he might as well be looking down not just over those who depend on him to protect them but on every other superhero film ever made. The Dark Knight exceeds them all by not sticking to the conventional comic book formula, but by making a serious film that explores the true nature of good versus evil. Watching this film, you can be reminded why we need heroes, which is one of the many triumphs of this particular movie. In terms of scope, ambition, imagination, plot and in virtually every category, this is without, a doubt, the best superhero movie ever made. However, through sheer excellence, it is elevated even above that auspicious compliment as it is a true masterpiece of film-making that I am certain will definitely stand the test of time. Overall, this is just a movie that deserves to take its ranks among some of the best films of not just the superhero genre or of this year, but ever.

Rating: HIGH FIVE! (Five Stars).

(Keeping with past posts, I've decided to include this fairly humorous spoof of one of my favorite scenes in the movie, even though I don't completely agree with it. However, it's one that my brother introduced me to and it's one that I find myself quoting it with him from time to time. It's a heavily viewed video on YouTube and you may have seen it already. Regardless, for your viewing pleasure here it is - Batman Interrogation Spoof)

X-Men

X-Men
(Film Review)

By the time the new millenium rolled around, the once promising superhero film industry had been murdered. The industry had been dying a slow death for a while now - beaten mercilessly by poorly handled adaptations such as Superman III & IV, The Toxic Avenger, Captain America, Nick Fury, The Punisher, The Phantom, to name a few. Then, the latter two Batman films by Joel Schumacher, Batman Forever as well as Batman & Robin, decided to kill the industry for good. I would suggest that Batman & Robin didn't just kill it - they set it on fire, beat it with a sledgehammer, boiled it in acid, ran it over with a semi truck and the for good measure, set it on fire again. Then, shot it in the head - just to make sure it wouldn't get up again. (We can discuss the autopsy later).

However, like the fabled Phoenix, superhero films would rise again, thanks in no small part to the X-Men. In 2000, the excellent adaptation and success of the first X-Men films would lead to a resurgence of the genre which has certainly had its share of hits and misses. Even today though, X-Men is still a great representative of the best the superhero genre has to offer.

X-Men
Released: July 14, 2000.
Starring: Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellan, Hugh Jackman, James Marsen, Famke Janssen, Anna Paquin, Halle Berry, Rebecca Romjin-Stamos, Ray Park, Tyler Mane and Shawn Ashmore.
Running Time: 120 Minutes (2 Hours).
Rating: PG-13.
Director: Bryan Singer.

When the X-Men first burst onto the comic book scene in the 1960's, the civil rights movement was in full swing as the country dealt with issues such as prejudice and intolerance. In the world of the X-Men, as the opening narration explains, mutants are people who are alienated and set apart simply because they find themselves receiving powers as a result of mutation. People always fear what is different and this is no exception. When it comes to fear, there are certainly different reactions to it and different ways of handling it. X-Men sets up the dynamic extremely well as it shows a number of competing idealogies. For the sake of this review, I'll focus on the main three which are espoused by Senator Kelly, Magneto and Professor Xavier.

Senator Kelly: "We must know who they are, and above all, what they can do. "
In Washington, Senator Kelly (played ably by Bruce Davison), who is whipping up fear and mistrust towards mutants as he attempts to get passage for the Mutant Registration Act. This act would attempt to require mutants to reveal both their identities and abilities to the public, something that many feel would make those who comply targets. Senator Kelly genuinely feels mutants are a threat - one that needs to be dealt with as swiftly as possible. Exploiting the fear, he is using a largely anti-mutant platform to try to remove or at the very least control what he feels is a mutant menace.

Magneto: "We are the Future, Charles, not them. They no longer matter."
Magneto (Ian McKellen) is the villain of the film, who believes the only way to avoid cruelty at the hands of humankind is by force. Magneto, whose real name is Eric Lensherr, has a unique perspective as we see from the start of the film as he is a survivor of the Holocaust. Here, he seems humanity repeating their mistakes from the past and is determined not to let this occur again. To assist his cause, Magneto has assembled the Brotherhood of Mutants, who is composed of Mystique (Rebecca Romjin-Stamos; ability to shapeshift or assume the likeness of others), Sabretooth (Tyler Mane; an individual with superhuman strength and animal appearance) and Toad (Ray "Darth Maul" Parks; as his namesake implies, can jump real high and has a sticky tongue). Magneto, whose ability is to exert control over anything metal, feels that a war is brewing between mutants and the rest of humanity. Rather than wait, Magneto wants to fight back now and has devised a plan to level the playing field.

Charles Xavier: "Humans aren't evil, just....misinformed"
On the opposing side is Professor Charles Xavier (dream casting of Patrick Stewart), who believes that harmony between mutants and humans is possible. Due to the anti-mutant fervor sweeping through the nation, he has set up a haven for mutants in the form of a school for the gifted, where mutants can learn to develop and use their powers safely. This is also the home base for the X-Men, the heroes of the film, an assembled team of heroes whose roster includes Cyclops (James Marsden; who can shoot laser beams out of his eyes), Jean Grey (Famke Janssen; who is telepathic), and Storm (Halle Berry; whose abilities are controlling the weather). Together, the X-Men fight to defend a world which largely fears and hates them.

These three opposing viewpoints are the conflict for the film as the viewer is allowed to explore each of them, taking time to understand each of them as they apply to relevant issues that are faced in the real world. To help the audience pick a side, there is a suplot that eventually ties into the main plot involving Rogue (Anna Paquin), a mutant whose ability is to suck the life force or powers out of anybody she touches. Rogue's ability really reinforces the theme of isolation that all individuals experience as she fears getting close to anybody and is unable to physically touch them in any way. Forming a unique bond with her is Wolverine, who is perfectly cast as Hugh Jackman. Hugh Jackman was a virtual unknown at the time and his role as Wolverine allowed him to shoot to superstardom, which was a blessing for X-Men fans. (Before Jackman, the role was supposed to go to Dougray Scott, who in my opinion, is one of the most boring actors in the world and would've killed the film.) Wolverine's powers include regenerative powers and can make sharp claws emerge from his knuckles. Together, they have yet to choose one way or the other, functioning as a kind of outsider's view into the conflict and making it accessible to the audience.

The premise may, of course, sound a little far-fetched but it doesn't keep it from being fantastic or fun. Underneath all of the action, drama and banter are some serious allegorical undertones which discuss the larger issue of intolerance that we've faced in this country repeatedly. The messages proposed in this film are clear, obviously promoting against prejudice, letting us know that if anybody is going to solve the issue, it won't be through violent means. However, the message is never hammered in, but done in pretty subtle fashion, a testament to Bryan Singer.

This was Bryan Singer's first foray into the comic book world and it's a fantastic entry into the genre. Bryan Singer had already proved himself a talented filmmaker with earlier films like the Usual Suspects and Apt Pupil, but here he shows a real gift for action scenes and with his pacing, as the film moves pretty smoothly throughout. It's actually one of those rare films I think could've been longer and I wouldn't have minded a bit.

Casting as I've already mentioned is really very impressive, as it assembles a great roster of actors and actresses. When the idea of an X-Men movie was first introduced, my friends and I would discuss casting ideas and of course, Patrick Stewart was the first and often only choice for Professor Xavier. Ian McKellen is an great decision for Magneto and I've already mentioned Hugh Jackman, who even though his character would end up monopolozing the later films to an extent, was a great addition. Every other character was cast as well as I could've hoped for, although I do have a minor complaint with Anna Paquin. Although I am a big Anna Paquin fan, she doesn't represent the Rogue from the comic books at all and I feel was slightly miscast. For this film, it worked, since it was meant to represent early Rogue and I hoped she would eventually change into the Rogue we all love and know from the comic books, but that never came to be. However, I digress, as this is one of the best cast comic book movies ever.

One aspect I always look forward to with each comic book movie and movies in general is the music and this one doesn't disappoint, with great scoring by John Ottman. John Ottman has worked with Bryan Singer for most of his film career, although he has branched out in the comic book industry by also scoring for the Fantastic Four films. Ottman's work here is consistently good, creating identifiable themes which I really enjoyed listening to both separately and in the context of the film. John Ottman creates a score that compliments what is already a great film.

Excelling in virtually every category, X-Men is certainly a classic film, setting up a highly plausible world in which the characters are fairly realistic and believable. X-Men uses the characters and the plot to reinforce the themes, tell a serious message and still make an entertaining movie. X-Men created a real blueprint for future comic book adaptations and one that still sets a standard even today. The opening narration discusses how every once in a while, evolution takes a leap and for superhero films, this was a huge leap forward.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

(In discussing with a few friends about reviewing this film, I was still surprised by how many people had yet to see this film. Some of them had not seen any comic book films because they are simply opposed to superhero films on general principle, but this would be a fantastic entry into the world of comic book movies and so, if you're one of those people who haven't seen it, I'm very sad for you. If my review didn't convince you, then here is a trailer for the first film which is excellent: X-Men Trailer. Don't fear what's different - embrace it and enjoy this movie!)