The 7 Batman Films
Batman has always been my favorite superhero/comic book based film series. The older ones and then Nolan’s reboot was exactly what I wanted to see. I cannot really explain where, when and why my love for Batman started but it did and still exists. I still love the older films and bought the DVD box set years ago. Yes I do have a soft spot for Batman Forever and even slightly for Batman & Robin – yes I do realise that people are going to judge me for that but I remember seeing that film at the cinema just before my 10th birthday and let’s face it I probably hadn’t seen anything like that at the time. I know now it is so cheesy and just not in the same league as the other films but I cannot help but remember what it was like watching it for the first time in the cinema, it was exciting. I saw Batman Begins in the cinema on its release and the same with The Dark Knight, which I then saw another two times making that my record of three times for a film at the cinema. The Dark Knight Rises I attended a 5 am screening and will be heading back to the cinema this afternoon for a second viewing. It’s not only Batman that I find myself loving but the villains are always so interesting and brilliant as well. The actors who have been in the films always seem to be spot on with it and create something really special to watch from start to finish.
Celebrate the Movies
In a build up to this year’s Oscars they have released images celebrating the movies which have let a lasting impression, telling us what we learnt from that particular film. Obviously most of these films are previous Oscar winners, some of which are my favorite films.
A Life in Movies
The latest blogathon event around the film-blogging world is ‘A Life in Movies’ this quite simply means I have picked a film from each since I was born. That year being 1987. The approach I have taken to this post is to document the films which have meant something to me. Mainly from that time (although the first couple of years will be that I watched them when old enough to remember).
I always enjoy doing blog posts like this one as it always lets you take a trip down memory lane when it comes to certain films. Also the thought of then posting them the same day as many other blogs and then having the chance to compare and see if they have chosen any of the same films in their list as well.
Most of the films in my list consist of my most watched films ever. Mainly because of over watching as a child and not being able to pass the film over if it is on TV now. So here goes my life in movies . . .
Day 5: Favorite action
The Dark Knight is such a fantastic film, it really does have pretty much a bit of everything and is definitely one of my favorites. I even went to see it three times at the cinema! Yes it was really that great on the big screen. The return of the Joker in what was Heath Ledger’s final finished role and no-one could have ever expected him to be so sinister and brilliant. The action in this film is constant and at times does not allow you to take a breath. Such an incredible film!
Top 10 – Anti-Valentine’s Day Films
Well let’s just say that I pretty much hate Valentine’s Day! So decided to do an anti-Valentine’s day list of films, because lets face it real life isn’t all flowers and chocolates! People get hurt and hearts are broken, so I don’t understand why we should have one day that is supposed to be when we declare our love for someone?!?! If we truly loved them wouldn’t we just randomly buy them gifts and tell them of our love whenever we felt like it?
Anyway check out the following 10 films which have made my list . . . not for the people wanting to see love in a nice way with the happily ever after ending!!!
What are your favorites?
Batman 3 – Return of the Riddler?
The third installment of Christopher Nolan’s Batman franchise really is going to have a massive following and build up after the success of Batman Begins and then The Dark Knight in recreating the Batman series the third installment which is currently slated for a 2012 release, has been creating press since The Dark Knight’s credits rolled. Heath Ledger’s death which occurred before the release of The Dark Knight, the ending which had us wondering The Joker’s fate, yet we knew we would never see the character in that form again. A sad moment for so many reasons, Ledger’s Joker gained an Oscar and so much critical acclaim and was definitely one of performances of the decade if not all time. This has then all raised the very good question of which villain shall be making an appearance in this third film in the series. Apparently the answer to that question is THE RIDDLER.
The Riddler was last seen in Batman Forever portrayed by Jim Carrey, in a fun crazy way. Very light and comic book like, seemed as though he came straight from the pages of the comics these films are based on. I can’t deny that I have always loved Jim Carrey’s Riddler for the age I was when Batman Forever was released and class that film as a very guilty pleasure now. But we have already witness that Nolan’s Batman films aren’t like anything we have ever seen before, they are darker and not going for obvious laughs in a fun way. They are more serious and after what he did with The Joker, we can only begin to imagine how sinister and evil he could make The Riddler.
Top 10 – Best Films of 2009
The 10 films I found the best from the year 2009. Yes you may think its now April, but I was trying to keep it to films from 2009 based on the year they were made rather than UK release date as that is often different to the US release date. Anyway I didn’t want to end up with a confusing list not containing some of the best of 2009 because I saw them at the beginning of 2010.
Check it out see if you agree with many of the films! As I am sure some of the films included would not have been expected.
Desert Island DVDs
Whilst trying to decide which films to include, I decided the biggest factor had to be if your able to watch it over and over again. I mean your only going to have 8 DVDs to chose from. Pointless having DVDs in there if you could not watch them over and over.
In putting together my list they had to have a good story, acting and interesting characters who you could either relate to or are very likeable.
My initial idea was to narrow it down towards the 8 films by separating the films into different genres. Then attempting to have at least one from each genre, giving a wider variety of film choice. But I am not entirely sure that actually happened when I look at my finished list.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
-
Thought provoking and complex with a very interesting concept.
-
Brilliant performances from Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey
-
Has to be watched many times for you to really notice a lot of things in it.
-
Makes you wonder if you would erase someone
-
Confuses you so much throughout
American Beauty
-
“Look Closer . . . ” – tagline really explains it all, that you must look closer as life isn’t always what it first appears.
-
You must look closer at everything.
-
Brilliant performances from all members of the cast, who work so well together.
-
How midlife crisis can go
-
You will never look at a plastic bag blowing in the wind in the same way again!
The Sound of Music
-
Feel good film you can sing along to and enjoy at any ages.
-
The love story, between Maria and the Captain.
-
This is the film I watch when I feel a little down or ill, as it makes me smile.
-
Julie Andrews being just amazing
-
Heartwarming
The Dark Knight
-
Amazing performances and storyline
-
I saw it 3 times at the cinema (holding the record for most cinema viewings for a film)
-
The Joker & Batman
-
Thought provoking in the sense of terrorism
-
Amazing Batman installment
Million Dollar Baby
-
I tried to resist all temptation of including my favorite film in this list, but the pressure got to me and I decided to include it.
-
Amazing performances and a storyline which really got to me.
-
The score by Clint Eastwood is just brilliant
-
The trio of Swank/Eastwood/Freeman
-
Best Picture Oscar winner
As Good As It Gets
-
Jack Nicholson at his very best in a best actor winning role.
-
Such a funny film with sarcastic and very witty humour used.
-
Helen Hunt in an Oscar-winning role
-
The dog - amazing in so many ways
-
The amazing lines Nicholson delivers
Beaches
-
The ultimate tale of friendship lasting and how you get past disagreements and heartache.
-
Tear-jerking
-
“Wind Beneath My Wings”
-
Bette Midler putting in a believable and brilliant performance
-
Totally heart-breaking
Rocky Horror Picture Show
-
Yes I am very much part of the Rocky Horror fan club
-
This has to be one of the ultimate cult films.
-
Launched the Time Warp
-
Brilliance of Tim Curry in Drag
-
“Give yourself over to absolute pleasure”
Pretty Boy Actors: A Curse?
Being an actor and being attractive at the same time and in some cases being labelled a “pretty boy” can place a lot of extra pressure on the actor. After so long if they are not already showing brilliant acting roles they hit a point when their good looks no longer cut it in the world of film. This could be related to that if they are a young actor their “fan girls” grow up and they are still trying to do the same type of roles, this loses some of their fan base and its either show you can act or the work will dry up and you will slowly be forgotten about. But if they can act and show they can act what a career they will have!
Movie Quote of the Day 61
Today’s quote is just brilliance from The Joker in “The Dark Knight”.
“I believe whatever doesn’t kill you simply makes you . . . stranger.”
Movie Quote of the Day 37
Today’s quote comes from The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.
“Nothing is permanent, not even death.”
Best Films of the Decade 2000’s – 40-31
Now to the second part of the countdown . . . films 40-31 . . .
The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus (2009) Review
Eventually after what has felt like forever, Heath Ledger’s final role (although uncompleted) has eventually been released and I have just returned from a showing tonight (edit. I started the review when I first got back). I really have no idea where to start in this review as there really is so much to cover and say about this movie. I really do think it will need a few viewings to really see everything it has to offer as so much goes on and quite a lot of information to take in for each of the characters stories.
The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus (2009) Poster
Just come across another poster for “The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus”. I think I like this poster the best (so far) and think it really catches the craziness which is shown in the trailer for the movie. It really is building up suspense for the release, I for one cannot wait til it comes out.
The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus (2009) Pictures
With the release of this most anticipated film approaching, the final appearance of Heath Ledger with his role being completed by Jude Law, Colin Farrell and Johnny Depp. I have come across quite a few pictures from this film and decided to post some of my favorites.
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009) Trailer
Just watched the trailer for Heath Ledger’s final film, with his role also completed by Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell. I think it looks very different, and I for one cannot wait to see this film.
News: Stars Invited To Join Oscars Organisation
I think this is very interesting to see who will be able to vote for future Academy Award winners.
Heath Ledger’s ex-girlfriend Michelle Williams, Casey Affleck and Emily Blunt are among the 134 stars and moviemakers who have been invited to become members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences – the organisation behind the Oscars.
The celebrities, executives and behind-the-scenes experts invited to become a part of the Academy Awards will be able to vote for the winners of the 2010 prizegiving in March.
Academy President Sid Ganis says, “These filmmakers have, over the course of their careers, captured the imagination of audiences around the world. It’s this kind of talent and creativity that make up the Academy, and I welcome each of them to our ranks.”
New members will be welcomed into the Academy at an invitation-only reception at the Fairbanks Center for Motion Picture Study in Beverly Hills in September.
Other invitees include Michael Cera, 2009 Oscar nominees Taraji P. Henson and Viola Davis, James Franco, Anne Hathaway and 2009 Oscars host Hugh Jackman.
100 Sexiest Actors – 10
Into the top 10 . . . which is going to contain more detail and more pictures . . . coming in at number 10 is none other than . . . Heath ledger
News: Depp Honours Ledger With Snorkelling Cove
Awww I think this is really lovely and just so heartwarming <3
Johnny Depp has paid a personal tribute to the late Heath Ledger by naming a section of his private paradise island in the Bahamas after the tragic actor.
The Pirates of the Caribbean star owns Little Hall’s Pond Cay in the Caribbean and frequently travels there with his girlfriend Vanessa Paradis and their two children, Lily-Rose, 10, and Jack, seven.
Depp reveals he has renamed a prime snorkelling spot Heath’s Place, in memory of his pal, and admits the sunshine getaway provides the perfect place to unwind and escape from the pressures of Hollywood.
He tells Vanity Fair magazine, “I don’t think I’d ever seen any place so pure and beautiful.
“(Pond Cay life) is my decompression. It’s my way of trying to return to normalcy. Escapism is survival to me. You can feel your pulse rate drop about 20 beats. It’s instant freedom. …And a little morsel of anonymity.
“Whenever I was getting frustrated about being ‘novelty boy’ and making movies, I told myself, Calm down. I can come down here and disappear. I spent the Christmas season here with Vanessa and the kids. You can feed hot dogs to the nurse sharks in the Exumas (the outer islands of the Bahamas) – but it’s best to not swim when doing it.”
Ledger died from an accidental prescription drug overdose in January 2008.
Depp is one of three actors who have stepped in to take over Ledger’s role in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, his last unfinished project, alongside Colin Farrell and Jude Law.
MTV Movie Awards 2009 – Best Fight – Twilight
I am going to predict that this is the start of the Twilight sweep of awards.
Looking at the other nominations, I would have gone for the fight between Batman and the Joker in “The Dark Knight”. Dont get me wrong I love Twilight and a bit of Edward Cullen aka Robert Pattinson but BATMAN !!!
MTV Movie Awards 2009 – Best Villain – Heath Ledger
Another awards show and another rightly given award to the brilliant Heath Ledger, for his potrayal as the Joker in “The Dark Knight”. I love that this was voted for by the fans, everyone sees how incredible this performance is.
