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Mama (Movie Review)
Karen Posada
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2013/01/17 at 12:00am

Reviews

Mama (Movie Review)

01.17.2013 | By |

I would say that ‘Mama’ which is presented by executive producer Guillermo Del Toro is not rightly labeled as a horror film because it is more of a fantasy and supernatural thriller than it is scary. Argentinian director Andrés Muschietti made a short film in Spanish in 2008 titled ‘Mamá’ along with his sister Barbara Muschietti, Del Toro saw something he liked and convinced them to make it into a full-length film. The film approaches what we’ve come to expect from Del Toro such as beauty even in the darkest scenes, an interesting plot, and weird supernatural characters. The film is entertaining in its own right, but for those that are looking to get spooked, you will only be startled and will be taken in a completely different direction. Read More

Django Unchained
Karen Posada
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2012/12/24 at 12:00am

Reviews

Django Unchained

12.24.2012 | By |

Django Unchained

I bow down to Quentin Tarantino for having given us some of the best movies I’ve ever seen and some of my favorites such as ‘Inglourious Basterds’, ‘Kill Bill: Vol. 1 & 2’ just to name a few and now comes ‘Django Unchained’ also written and directed by the master himself. This one has his name written all over it and it belongs in this category. To take on the subject of slavery is not an easy task, Tarantino gets around it by concentrating more on a love story, which is what drives the main character; but he does touch upon the brutality of it while not really depressing us with the subject. In fact there’s a lot of comedy, which keeps the film light hearted. While the 165 minutes duration might not be attractive to many, the director’s fan base will be in all the way and will be highly rewarded for it. I encourage everyone to oversee the longevity of it, because thanks to that we get a well played out film that is not rushed. To summarize my point it has been three years since the last Tarantino film and this one makes up for the wait, it’s in line with what we’ve come to expect from him and will remind us why we idolize him.

 

Set in the South of the United States during slavery in 1858 two years before the civil war, we meet Django (Jamie Foxx), a slave that gets some training from German bounty hunter Dr. Schultz (Christoph Waltz). Django’s only dream is to be reunited with his wife Broomhilda (Kerry Washington), with the help from his mentor they go on to look for the woman only to encounter a mighty obstacle, Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio) the owner of an infamous plantation called “Candyland”.

 

Waltz is phenomenal and easily carries more than the first half of the film, his eloquence once more is magnificent as is his performance and I’m happy to see him in a role as one of the “good guys”, where we as an audience can actually like him. He certainly is my favorite part of the film. Foxx takes the backseat for a while there, which is understandable seeing how his character goes through a transformation and once he does, oh boy Django or better yet Foxx is unstoppable. DiCaprio as a bad guy?! Yes please! He’s exceptional and is not a pretty boy anymore but a brutal, elegant, aristocratic man who’s used to getting his way.

 

There are a couple of great cameos in the film one of the best ones is Don Johnson with his character of Big Daddy, owner of the Evergreen Plantation. This was one of the biggest plantations in the South, which is now a historic landmark, and I’m sure a very depressing site to visit, which Foxx himself felt on seeing the slave quarters. Here, thankfully Johnson’s bit with Jonah Hill provides comedic relief in a violent situation. The best surprise comes from Samuel L. Jackson as Stephen, Candie’s Butler. The make up work on him is unbelievable, but his character is hilarious and dislikable all at once, everything he does with it is brilliant. 

 

There’s a lot of humor in this film, which for this kind of subject one would think it would be difficult to intertwine the two, but Tarantino does it effortlessly, not only is it given to us in the form of dialogues but with attire, props, it’s all around us even in some of the violent scenes. Because of this the movie never gets heavy, although there certainly are a handful of extremely violent and difficult scenes to watch. There’s even beauty in some of the death scenes, Tarantino believes in the magic of effects being crated without CGI and he’s able to create many magical moments.

 

The film was shot in various locations, among them Grand Teton and these beautiful, majestic winter sceneries give a great contrast to the ones in the South in the plantations. Tarantino exposes some interesting things about slavery, in the case of Candie he takes slavery back to the way many Romans treated it by having their slaves be gladiators; it was an interesting juxtaposition. Tarantinto punches these slave owners with words, best put in the mouth of well-spoken Waltz. The music also gives it a light heartedness and pushes that western feel that the director wanted to give the film.

 

I do wish that the main character wouldn’t be as selfish, he’s not out to end slavery but he’s only out to save himself and his woman and that holds back the story for me. However, this does give it a higher focus otherwise we would probably get a four-hour film and a different movie. Tarantino says it took him ten years to write this picture and being a fan of westerns decided to make one as he believes they are a good depiction of good and evil and that clearly comes out in this one.  

 

The look of the film as a western, along with the heavy subject treated with comedy, violence and beauty make for quite an entertaining movie. Any one that has ever enjoyed Tarantino’s work will without a doubt enjoy this one. For those that aren’t too familiar with him the main thing I can tell you is that this director doesn’t hold back when it comes to violence and for any of his films you have to expect it because it is always there especially in the form of blood. This is not a film for the squeamish, but for those that can take it I recommend it for its originality, laughs and amazing performances. 

This is 40
Jack Rico
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2012/12/21 at 12:00am

Reviews

This is 40

12.21.2012 | By |

This is 40

This is 40, the sequel to Knocked Up, is an honest, mature effort by it’s director Judd Apatow to tell an unfiltered, comedic look inside the life of a married couple with kids who are about to hit the “dreaded” 40 years of age. Whether he is directing or producing, Apatow still carries a reputation of creating comedies, mixed in with a high dosage of raunchiness, that become instant classics. Which is why it is disappointing that This is 40 is his second film that doesn’t reach superlative heights (the first being “Funny People”). Between hit and miss laughs, an obvious lack of rhythm, and an over-welcomed duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes, the movie never quite gels as a whole. 

 

The plot has Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann reprising their roles as Pete and Debbie from Knocked Up, a husband and wife both approaching a milestone meltdown. After years of marriage, Pete (Paul Rudd) now has a house full of females: wife Debbie (Leslie Mann) and their two daughters, eight-year-old Charlotte (Iris Apatow) and 13-year-old Sadie (Maude Apatow). As he struggles to keep his record label afloat, he and Debbie must figure out how to forgive, forget and enjoy the rest of their lives…before they kill each other. 

 

In his fourth directorial outing, Apatow returns to the problems that afflict adults, in particular, marriage. All marriages go through some difficulties and drawbacks, but sometimes some couples succeed in surviving their stumbles and getting back to their loving ways. That is what emerges here, told in an honest portrait of the challenges and rewards of marriage in 2012. What This is 40 has going for it is its likeable characters, its Apatow-honest dialogue and its uneasy, tense situations. But despite the charm of its leads, Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann, the film is hindered with pacing issues. Apatow, whose job as a director is to make sure that the flow from scene to scene never loses its energy nor intensity, overextends several scenes to the point of exhaustion. Much of this could be because his wife and kids are in the film or it could be because he thinks his script is extremely funny and god forbid his “hilarious” jokes are cut out.

 

Successful comedies are those that manage to make the best use of the funniest moments within a story in perfect flow. This is usually why the best comedies are 1 hour 30 minutes to 45 minutes, any more and those jokes aren’t cracking ribs anymore. Apatow gives us a whopping 2 hours and 15 minute duration betting that every scene, every joke, every situation is rip-roaringly funny. At that length, it’s most likely that moviegoers will hit a wall in the middle that will take them out of the flow. Not aiding the pacing are the numerous subplots that sidetrack you from the core of the fragile relationship and home affairs.

 

The best parts of the movie figure Apatow’s kids, in particular, Maude Apatow (Judd and Leslie’s older daughter) who was a scene stealer. Her rants are memorable and laugh out loud funny. My guess is she’s going to be a funny and or great dramatic actress. She has the chops to do it. 

 

As moments and fragments, This is 40 offers some very good laughs, with some soul, but it is the whole that doesn’t leave a solid impression. In terms of laughter, if you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, Ted, 21 Jump Street and Silver Linings Playbook do a much better job for your money. This is 40 is better viewed on Blu-Ray where the price doesn’t burn your pocket. 

The Guilt Trip
Karen Posada
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2012/12/17 at 12:00am

Reviews

The Guilt Trip

12.17.2012 | By |

The Guilt Trip

‘The Guilt Trip’ completely took me by surprise, I actually enjoyed it because it’s funny, sweet and it has an easy way of connecting with the public. No matter where you’re from or how old you are you can relate to this movie because of the relationship between mother and son. Most mothers treat us like children, give us advice and love us even when we are mean to them and that’s where this movie strikes gold. This is almost like your typical buddy comedy, but with a son and mother duo, which is the fun twist.

 

Andy Brewster (Seth Rogen) is a scientist who decides to have a cross-country road trip to sell his latest invention. He first lands at mom’s house, Joyce (Barbra Streisand) who’s happy to have her baby boy home. Unexpectedly Andy decides to bring his mom on his weeklong road trip, where they’ll get on each other’s nerves, but will also get closer.

 

This movie has plenty of laugh out loud moments, because we’ll all be able to say “my mom does that same thing!” The situations will make you nod in agreement and they will also make you feel embarrassed for poor Andy, but will also make you feel bad for lonely Joyce. The interesting thing about this comedy is that it also gets emotional; our mother is one of the people that pushes our buttons and we are irritated by easily, but no matter what they still love us and we are reminded of that here. You will probably be a little more considerate to mom after this and you will just want to call her or go on a road trip with her shortly after.

 

This isn’t the funniest movie of the year, but it certainly is one of the funniest movies these two have done in a while and director’s Anne Fletcher‘s unlikely pairing is what makes it special. It gets more fun after the first half, where Andy feels more at ease and let’s loose. Scriptwriter Dan Fogelman based this film on his own experiment of taking a two-week road trip with his mom across country. Streisand is the strongest part of the film, naturally behaving like a mom being funny and emotional all at once. Rogen takes a little while to find his footing, acting awkwardly at the beginning of the film, but making us laugh with his sarcasm.

 

There are some fun cameos throughout the film, which complement the story. The movie is entertaining because it’s unpredictable and you’re wondering what this pair will run into next. It reminds us that our parents have their own lives, problems and are wise even though we don’t often take their advice. This is an enjoyable one to take your mom to or your teens; it’s a good feel family movie for the holiday season. 

The Impossible (Movie Review)
Karen Posada
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2012/12/17 at 12:00am

Reviews

The Impossible (Movie Review)

12.17.2012 | By |

‘The Impossible’ or ‘Lo Imposible’ is a well-crafted natural disaster movie that’s touching, beautiful and definitely haunting. Just from seeing the trailer you know you will need tissues for this one, you would probably need a lot more tissues if the trailer didn’t give most of the movie away. Most films that are based on real life are able to get to the audience and this one certianly is the tear-jerker of the year. The Tsunami this film is based on hit South East Asia 8 years ago, although it might sound like it was a while ago this film makes it feel much more recent because the images and plot are so haunting. One thing to remember though is that wanting to keep so close to the real facts limits the story in itself.

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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Jack Rico
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2012/12/14 at 12:00am

Reviews

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

12.14.2012 | By |

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Finally, the long awaited prequel to “The Lord of the Rings,” “The Hobbit” is finally here. Is it worth going to see? Yes, but… Is it worth paying $20 to see its industry changing 3D? Yes, but… Ok, because of it’s 2hrs and 49 minutes duration will the length make you snore at some point? Maybe… So what’s the deal here!? Bottom line is this: If you like epic fantasy adventure, especially the ones like LOTR, then you will enjoy “The Hobbit”. If you’re not into any of these genre films, you’re going to be annoyed and irate at the experience.

 

This first of three movies, “The Hobbit” focuses on the life of Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), a Hobbit who journeys to the Lonely Mountain with a vigorous group of Dwarves to reclaim a treasure stolen from them by the dragon Smaug.

 

Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, who at one point was directing this movie, is now the co-writer and has gifted us with a fun action-adventure tale full of imagination and ingenuity. Regrettably, there is excessive character developments in the first half hour that are just too mentally fatiguing, but from there, it’s a slow, steady climb to a rousing climax. Helping the proceedings is the action sequences that seem to be relentless, and in certain instances, overwhelming. Fortunately, del Toro writes in some spots to allow “breaks” to catch our wind and re-immerse ourselves in the plot. 

 

On the other side, director Peter Jackson, director of the previous three “The Lord of the Rings” (LOTR) films, has improved the visuals from his former trilogy, but not necessarily the pacing. Nevertheless, his use of special effects is a crowning cinematic achievement of epic proportions worth watching. 

 

The LOTR movies are targeted for everyone, but in particular to young adult men. It seems that the more adult working moviegoer, male or female, are not very attracted to anything these films have to offer, especially its duration. They find it too long and complicated to keep up with them. Unfortunately, they are right and Jackson would do better, in broadening the audience, if he did make these films shorter and subtracted some of the excess characters. I’m sure Tolkien purists would disagree.

 

“The Hobbit” no longer carries the hype status that it’s predecessors did back in the early 2000’s, much perhaps because this is the fourth go around, as opposed to a new vision for fantasy that the previous LOTR films promised, yet director Peter Jackson does promise some new tricks up his sleeve.

 

New to the mix is Jackson’s much talked about visuals shot in 48fps and HFR 3D. What does that all mean? It means a higher, clearer resolution of image and a more brighter sharper 3D. This is all true except that the film ceases to look like film and assumes the  appearance of television video. Moviegoers are divided on this. Old school cats are not going to like the way “The Hobbit” looks, but the LED TV owners aren’t going to mind it at all, since it is what they’re used to seeing it at home. Ultimately, there is nothing like seeing film as part of the theatrical movie experience (I own a plasma for the purposes of conserving the film aspect). 

 

Despite the new 3D which looks like LED TV imagery, the action is the centerpiece of the film. It is an assault on the senses and it is much more abundant than the previous three.  

 

The movie is a fine collection to the pantheon of the LOTR series and purists will definitely enjoy this prequel.

Ted
Jack Rico
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2012/12/11 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

Ted

12.11.2012 | By |

Es difícil ver en tiempo real un clásico instantáneo, pero eso será lo que usted experimentará cuando vea la comedia clasificada R – “Ted”. Es discutiblemente la mejor comedia de 2012 y una de las mejores desde “The Hangover” del 2009. La cinta es pura ‘shock comedia’ y sumamente chistosa, logrando producir risas que te harán llorar, toser fuertemente y hasta… ofenderte. Sin embargo, pudo haber sido aún mejor si la duración del filme fuese un poco más corta. Hubo momentos en que era obvio que no había mucho material jocundo para sostener un film de 1 hora y 46 minutos. 16 minutos menos hubiese hecho toda la diferencia.

En esta comedia de acción real y de animación digital, vemos la historia de un niño de Boston, John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg), que convive con un adorable osito de peluche que cobró vida después de un deseo infantil… y que, desde entonces, se niega a abandonarle. La mayor parte de la película transcurre con un adulto John de 35 años de edad y Ted (voz proporcionado por Seth MacFarlane) dando vueltas fumando marihuana. Ted inexplicablemente continua fumando hierba y perico, seduciendo a prostitutas, corrompiendo a John con fiestas llenas de alcohol y usando un vocabulario tan obsceno que el film debería de ser clasificado NC-17. Ted también se convierte en un importante obstáculo en la relación romántica entre John y su novia de cuatro años, Lori (Mila Kunis). Eventualmente, ella se vuelve tan cansada de las payasadas de Ted y la irresponsabilidad de John, que le exige escoger entre Ted o ella. Esto solo le complica las cosas más a John. 

La comedia aquí es espectacular y se puede describir como “shock comedia” – aquellos chistes que ofende con su sexualidad gráfica, situaciones perversas y depravadas y dialogo altamente cargados con obscenidades. Pero son dos factores que claramente establecen las risas y el éxito del film. La primera, y la más importante, es el oso de peluche Ted. La asociación que tenemos con peluches es algo infantil, sano e inocente.  Colocandolo en extremas situaciones contradictorios como las susodichas, inyectan una inquietante y nerviosa risa involuntaria difícil de cohibir. El segundo factor al éxito y risas incontrolables es ver a un macho-man musculoso comportandose como un pleno niño. Wahlberg nuevamente nos sació y atontó con su talento cómico y actúa estos personajes cómicos con mucha autenticidad y convencimiento. Si vas con un amigo o amiga, será inevitable no reirte.

Seth MacFarlane, el creador de la serie “Padre de familia”, hace su debut como director y pega un jonron como guionista, director y la voz de “Ted”. Aunque no catalogaría la película como una obra maestra cómica, se aproxima muy cercano a ella. Él nos provee con una historia original y un humor refrescante que no podremos olvidar por semanas. Pero con el fin de estirar la duración del largometraje, MacFarlane inserta algunas subtramas impares que apaciguan el ritmo cómico del film. Además, muy buen toque de darnos una fuerte dosis de nostalgia de los años 80 y apariciones especiales que incluyenNorah Jones, Tom Skerritt, y Ryan Reynolds. 

Mila Kunis por su parte desempeña un papel de tercera a Ted y Wahlberg. Si su trabajo en ‘Friends with Benefits’ es alguna indicación de su talento en comedias bruscas, ella fue un total desperdicio aquí. Mejor hubiesen escogido a una cara menos relevante. El guión, sin duda, defrauda a Kunis y su papel requería más que solo un aspecto atractivo.

Los efectos especiales del oso Ted son increíbles. Uno se olvida por completo que es un efecto creado en un ordenador especial. Los detalles de su pelo, ojos y sus manerismos lo dejarán patidifusos. 

Fuera de poder mantener el tempo jocoso por casi dos horas continuas, y una que otras deficiencias minúsculas no merecedoras de resaltar aquí, “Ted” es un clásico de la comedia para los próximos cuantos años hasta que llegue su secuela.  Eso sí, por favor tenga cautela que este osito no es Winnie the Pooh, es más bien el Diablo dentro de Winnie the Pooh. Muchos padres podrían malinterpretar el avance y pensar que es una película de familia. Este largometraje es exclusivamente para adultos con un sentido de humor muy fresco y experimentado. Sin mentirles, “Ted” es tan buena, que merece ser vista múltiples veces!

Ice Age: Continental Drift
Karen Posada
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By

2012/12/11 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

Ice Age: Continental Drift

12.11.2012 | By |

‘Ice Age: Continental Drift’ is 94 minutes of fun for all; this might be the best out of the last two sequels. It’s hard for three main characters to entertain over so many movies, perhaps the reason why it works here is because they take a back seat at points and let the new characters tell the story. This movie combines drama with comedy very well, so that even in the most dramatic moments there’s an upside to it all. Also, the 3D works well throughout the movie, but it works best in the first part where there are a lot of objects popping out of the screen.

 

In this chapter thanks to Scat’s (Chris Wedge) endless pursuit of the acorn, he triggers a continental drift. As Manny (Ray Romano) is learning to deal with his teenage daughter Peaches (Keke Palmer), Sid (John Leguizamo) is reunited with his Granny (Wanda Sykes) and Diego (Denis Leary) ferociously helps them both. The gang all learn a lesson after they get separated from part of their pack and they face a rare group of pirates that use an iceberg as a ship. Their captain, Captain Gutt (Peter Dinklage) rules the oceans and with the help of his best crew members Shira (Jennifer Lopez) and Squint (Aziz Ansari) he will fight anyone that gets in their way.  

 

My favorite new character is Sid’s Granny, everything she does and says it’s adorably cranky and funny; she’s one of those old people that don’t hold back. Also, the tiny hyraxs (chipmunk like animals) are awesome with their ‘Braveheart’ skit. One of the most substantial new characters is Louis (Josh Gad), a molehog who is Peaches’ best friend.

 

The new group of villains is an interesting mix but Captain Gutt is the only that’s worth mentioning, his yellow teeth really shine with the 3D making him all the more disgusting and scary. One thing I could have lived without is the pirate jig they use to introduce Gutt. Manny still has a lot of screen time and is certainly the leader, but Sid and Diego really are secondary characters. There are also appearances by Nicki Minaj and Drake, which obviously were just added to the film to draw in a bigger audience.

 

What makes this movie more entertaining than the 3rd part is the fact that there are two simultaneous stories developing, the action shots of one complements the heart of the other. The introduction of new characters that lead the story gives it a more refreshing look. Of course Scrat is basically a third part of the story that always makes it all the more interesting as he’s the catalyst to everything that occurs.

 

If you are a fan of The Simpsons make sure to arrive early as there’s a short 3D film ‘The Longest Daycare’ with Maggie. This movie is better rounded than the last one of the series and there’s a lot more humor that will keep you and your children entertained. There are a few lessons the film tries to teach as an undertone, but they don’t over take the movie, this is more fun, action and laughter than anything else.

Heleno
Karen Posada
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2012/12/05 at 12:00am

Reviews

Heleno

12.5.2012 | By |

Heleno

There have been countless movies made about star athletes that have revolutionized certain sports and most of them have such a phenomenal life story that they deserve to have their life captured on film. Unfortunately, ‘Heleno’ which captures some of the life of one of Brazil’s top soccer players, Heleno de Freitas, doesn’t fall under this category, as it’s tragic yet unextraordinary story. The interesting part of the tale comes into seeing how fame, money, stupidity and pressure can lead someone down a disastrous path. This is not a story about the sport itself, but about the biography of one of the best soccer players to have ever existed, if that sparks your curiosity this is one to watch on DVD.

 

In the form of flashbacks we get to see Heleno (Rodrigo Santoro) at the height of his career and his life in the 1940’s, where he often finds himself in a love triangle with Silvia (Aline Moraes) and Diamantina (Angie Cepeda). The film switches back and forth from his present to his past showing us how this troubled man dealt with everything fame and fortune brought him, along with his poor decisions in life.

 

José Henrique Fonseca gives us a film that is all shot in black and white and this is a rare thing to experience nowadays, it’s refreshing and beautiful. It gives us a small glimpse of how Rio must have been in this era, with its blissful beaches. As the title suggest the film mainly rotates around Heleno and Santoro does a fantastic job portraying this arrogant, hotheaded soccer player. Santoro with out a doubt shows skills here; he is almost unrecognizable in some of the scenes. He easily portrays the highs and the lows, giving the public a reason to watch this film, making me a fan of his and wanting to see grander roles for him. This is a film worth seeing him in, unlike ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’, where he plays JLo’s love interest.

 

Moraes is stunning and she gives us some balance, although she has very few chances to show us her acting skills, but she breaks through a bit at the end. Cepeda, the Colombian actress has more weight than Moraes and she uses her sensuality to show how exhausting and frustrating it’s to love this man. Unfortunately, we don’t get much more about these ladies lives, as that’s not a focus of the story.

 

Heleno was one of the first athletes to get paid an obscene amount of money; the movie doesn’t show in any way what his talent must have been like, it only focuses on what this talent gave him. Apparently Heleno wasn’t someone likeable, he was arrogant, wasn’t’ a team player, had a temper, and basically believed himself to be a god. All of this makes us feel little sympathy for him, so we are taken into a tragic, depressing journey that many might not want to take.  

 

Aesthetically the movie is pleasing, beginning with the black and white format, continuing with the location and gorgeous looking cast. The issue is the story itself, it doesn’t capture the pressure that drove this man mad, it leaves unanswered questions about his childhood as well as some gaps within the story; it doesn’t make us feel compassion for Heleno and leaves us depressed, but I appreciate that it shows that in real life not everything has a happy ending; but it fails to show us why this man became a myth and a legend.

The Dark Knight Rises
Karen Posada
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By

2012/12/04 at 12:00am

DVD ReviewsReviews

The Dark Knight Rises

12.4.2012 | By |

‘The Dark Knight Rises’ is by far the best action movie of summer 2012, while it does have some flows they are easily overseen. For those of you that have been waiting for the final chapter of the trilogy I suggest you do it right and watch it in IMAX, because it truly takes the film to an unbelievable level. Director Christopher Nolan really completed the task of the Batman trilogy on a high note, this was such a delicate project that could have easily gone wrong, but now that it is complete we can be happy to say that Nolan didn’t harm it but enhanced it. The beauty of the trilogy is that they complement each other, as some offer better things than others so there’s not really a point in comparing them; but I can say this one offers the most action out of the three.  

 

The story picks up eight years after the Dark Knight (Christian Bale) damaged his reputation in order to give the city of Gotham a more appropriate hero in his opinion. Bruce Wayne is urged to come out of retirement when Selina Kyle aka Catwoman (Anne Hathaway), a young police officer John Blake (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and entrepreneur Miranda Tate (Marion Cotillard) show up at his doorstep. The final push come when him and Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman) quickly realize that they merely put a lid on crime when Bane (Tom Hardy) the ultimate villain arrives to Gotham with catastrophic plans.     

 

Villain wise there’s no comparison to the Joker (Heath Ledger), he was such a well-rounded and unforgettable character that is hard for any of the new villains to match up to him. Nonetheless, Bane is a different type of character because what he may lack in wit he makes up for in strength, and his plans in large scale are what makes him the ultimate villain when at times even Batman doesn’t seem like a fair adversary. Hardy certainly became the monster behind the mask with his brute strength and cold heart, something he gave us a glimpse of in one of the best movies of 2011 ‘Warrior’. Hathaway is one of the best actresses in Hollywood because of her versatility and she proves that once more as Catwoman, she obviously dazzles in the cat suit but also gives depth to a character that we are not told much about, I won’t give much away about her performance except that she steals every scene she’s in, even some of the ones where Batman is present.

 

The best thing about ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ are all the surprises it delivers, it is so engaging that once it’s over you won’t feel like you spent almost 3 hours of your day in a dark movie theater. With all its up an downs it is a bit draining but quite fulfilling. Some scenes are painful to watch but the ones where there’s redemption and action truly make up for it. There are also some emotional moments that give the film a more rounded feeling. The new ride “The Bat” is quite awesome to see in action, as well as “the Batpod” showing off a couple of new tricks. The nicest thing about this film is that although Batman is the main character, and Bale was born to play the role as he shows endlessly time and time again it is not all about him. Some of the new characters such as Blake easily get our attention and that surely was done on purpose. Gordon-Levitt was the perfect choice for the role as he’s shown aptitude for these types of films like he did in ‘Inception’.

 

Although Bane is an excellent bad guy especially because of his look he is very hard to understand when he speaks, his speech is supposed to be sophisticated and intelligent and there were various angry comments about it when the prologue was shown last year; they went back to the studio to change it and it makes a huge difference but at times it’s still he’s hard to understand in a theater surround sound and all. Some scenes might disappointing the comic book fans, but honestly some of the changes help make the movie uplifting, relevant and even humorous. This is not a PG-13 type of movie like ‘The Avengers’ in every sense is more dark and needs every moment of comedic release it can get; this is definitely for a more adult audience. By Now Nolan has created his own world of Batman that can stand on its own, but here the complicated parts of the story come from the interaction between some of the new characters and the old ones as some seem forced, also some parts of Bain’s sinister plan get too convoluted. Finally, reality is forgotten at times which can be annoying but this is a movie after all.

 

Batman’s greatest appeal is that he’s a superhero without superpowers and that’s exactly what makes this last chapter the more appealing, because everyone that comes in to complement the story such as Catwoman, Bain and Blake are humans with different gadgets and abilities that cater to the audience. Nolan is a cinematic genius and he proves it once more by giving the viewers chills in some of the scenes, you get so invested in the story that there’s a connection with what happens in it; also because of the familiar landmarks shown that makes it the more real, although it takes away the whole “Gotham” myth which may bother some. To me this last part of the trilogy fulfilled all my expectations and the fact that a movie can keep you entertained for so long says a lot. Get ready to enjoy the most anticipated movie of the summer and the last chapter of a trilogy that many will cherish and already do.

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