Hey Peeps
There were, in my opinion, 3 perfect movies that came out in the year 2005. By perfect, I mean that they were lacking in no area. The two that came from published works were faithful to them in every respect.
In the order that they were released:
1)
BATMAN BEGINS
This is by far, the most faithful adaptation of the Batman mythology to date. Granted, I will always think of Michael Keaton as Batman, but what can ya do? Christian Bale is a great runner-up. And really only a runner-up do to childhood nostalgia. He brings the exact mix of brooding and heart to the role of Bruce Wayne. He's very believable as the young man waging a war with himself as well as with those who harm others. And the scene where he strings up the fat corrupt cop in the alley way is pure unadulterated Dark Knight.
The city is in fact, Gotham, it's not just New York or a series of set pieces. It's believable.
My biggest kudo to
Warner Brothers is the casting of Gary Oldman as Jim Gordon. I always liked the Gordon of the comics or the
Animated Series. But, the fat old guy from the previous movies just never did it for me. Oldman was Gordon is every way, he looked exactly like the comics version. Even the report he has with Batman, not sure if he's totally on the level was well done.
Katie Holmes is just simply HOT. And a good actress.
All the other actors add to the great foundation to make it a great film. My only gripe is that it ended and I have to wait a few years for more.
2)
SERENITY
Now, to begin with, I had virtually no knowledge of the story of
Firefly, the precursor TV series. JD had to fill me in on the way to the movie. Not having seen anything before the movie, I was surprised by how much I was liking it. The acting was great. I think Nathan Fillion was awesome and will likely be seen more often now. As the basic anchor of the film, he did a great job. Summer Glau as River was great and she needed to be. Not only can she kick some serious highney, but she's very good at playing the crazy girl with a serious need for a therapist.
Joss Whedon, who excelled at
Buffy and
Angel did a fine job with his direction, it was superbly filmed. While it is another in a slew of "spaceships in space" films, it didn't seem typical to me. I loved the whole Reaver chase sequence.
The Operative, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, was excellent. I loved the samurai aspect they applied to him. The nobility he put in his cause and the "good death" ideology, especially the fights with Mal and his decision at the end of the film. Very cool.
3)
HARRY POTTER and the GOBLET of FIRE
Alright, I am a big
Potterhead. The movies are great and the books are great. The movies have gotten progressively better and more intense.
Prisoner of Azkaban was awesome.
Goblet of Fire took all that and cranked it up a notch. All the actors were better. The main trio was good as always, but were improved where they needed to be. I was really impressed with the secondary students, like Neville and the Weasley twins.
The new actors this time around were great. I loved Mad Eye Moody. Brendan Gleeson was a great choice. The new students were just right. I especially felt the Harry/Cho awkardness was genuine. Kudos to them.
Now, to Voldemort. As I am sure everyone who has followed the books did, I went into it hopeful, but not sure if I'd like the interpretation of
He Who Must Not Be Named. Would he look like I imagined, or would it just look like Ralph Fiennes in make up? When he emerged from the cauldron's flames, he was so slimy and nasty. It was excellent. I literally thought to myself, "Nice!". Ralph was spot on. "Skin and bones", snake-like without the nose. I still don't know how they did that so well.
Anyways, can you tell I was impressed? Again, my only gripe was that it ended. Another year or two until
The Order of the Phoenix. Can't wait.
That is all.
