The Dark Knight

Monday I went to see the latest Batman movie, The Dark Knight. This version of Batman was a dark, disturbing and more violent telling of the story, which transcended its comic book roots. Christian Bale was well cast as Bruce Wayne/Batman. He has the right look to play the character and in this movie has a more serious demeanor. The Joker, played by the late Heath Ledger stole the show. He played the psychopathic, sadistic, and sinister Joker with a manic intensity, which made him a truly menacing figure. It was a powerful performance. Jack Nicholson's Joker in Batman, though putting on a fine performance was comically evil, and not as complex a character. It was an action-packed, special effects-laden film, but the real srength of the film was its deep, psychological dimension which drew me into the story.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Today I went to see the movie, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. I was excited to see the return of Indiana Jones after all these years (I was dissappointed that they didn't continue the series after the third movie, The Last Crusade) , but I was unsure what to expect. It's been a long time since Indiana Jones last appeared on the screen and Harrison Ford is older now. The movie turned out to be a pretty good return to the screen. It had what one would expect from an Indiana Jones movie: edge-of-the-seat action, daring escapes, thrilling chases, improbable stunts, mysteries to be solved and discovered. Harrison Ford, though older, still delivered as the brave, wise-cracking, intelligent, bull whip cracking hero. Of course, there were some moments that were too campy and corny which the movie could have done without. The story was not as good as Raider's of the Lost Ark, and The Last Crusade, but it was not another Temple of Doom --the weaker of the three original movies. It was still entertaining, especially if you suspend disbelief and just enjoy the story. I was not greatly dissappointed, but I did expect a lot more from the movie.

The Chronicles of Narnia:Prince Caspian

Yesterday afternoon I went to see the movie, Prince Caspian, the second movie in The Chronicles of Narnia series. It was not as good as the first movie: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, but was still worth seeing. The film was full of stunning scenery, battle scenes, talking animals, and mythical creatures. All the elements one would expect in a fantasy movie. It was a little darker and more militaristic than the first one. There was violence, but it wasn't gory at all. The story line was coherent and the special effects helped to bring the land of Narnia alive. The movie kept my interest most of the time and the over two hour movie went by quickly. It was nostalgic for me since I read the whole series of books as a 10 year old. I was not dissappointed.

Iron Man

Today I went to see the movie, Iron Man. I admit it: I'm a sucker for superhero films (it must be my inner child). It did not disappoint. The movie was action-packed and full of explosions and great special effects. But, special effects aside, the story had some substance to it. The main character, Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey, Jr., is the billionaire head of a weapons manufacturing company who has a change of heart about the nature of his business and its complicity in worldwide violence. He decides to fight this violence with his alter-ego, Iron Man. Unlike most superheros, he didn't have any super powers; his powers came from technology. Also, Tony Stark was an imperfect person; he was shallow and arrogant, but his conscience moved him to do good. I find it more interesting when superheroes are not one-dimensional and have flaws like most humans. It makes them seem more real. Robert Downey, Jr was well cast in the role. He had the right look and projected just the right amount of attitude without overacting. Gwyneth Paltrow played his trusty assistant, Pepper Potts. She didn't do a whole lot, but she served the purpose well. It was an enjoyable two hours of escape. Sometimes it is nice just to sit back and be entertained. The viewing experience was enhanced by the DLP digital projectors which provided for a sharp, clear picture and awesome surround sound. It also helped that the wheelchair seating at this theater is very good.

Darius Goes West

Last night I watched a wonderful documentary on DVD called Darius Goes West. It is the story of Darius Weems, a 15 year old from Athens, Georgia with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy who had never gone anywhere outside of his own town. In the summer of 2005, he travelled west to California in an accessible RV with a group of dedicated friends with the goal of being on the MTV show, Pimp my Ride to have his power wheelchair customized. He is a young man with a great love of life who doesn't let his disability hold him back. The documentary chronicles his adventures during his trip and how accessible the country is for people using wheelchairs. It is funny, touching, and inspiring. After seeing the movie I felt uplifted. His comments at the end of the movie sum up his great philosophy on life

"This is to all the people in a wheelchair: You don't have to stay at home. You can get out and see the world. Don't let your life pass by you, and just sitting there looking like a bump on the wall! Just do what you can, and always remember, just thank people who are in your life to help you, and don't be mean to people, and just try to do your best, to live your life to the fullest,
if you don't have long to live."

All the procedes from the sale of the DVD go to Charley's Fund a non-profit organization to help fund research to find a cure or treatments for DMD.