Batman - The Dark Knight
Awesome...but not for the little ones.
With so much buzz about this movie, I wanted to issue a spoiler-free caution to anyone considering going to see the new Batman flic. The Focus on the Family review is very helpful but also contains a few spoilers.
I saw the movie last night and was absolutely thrilled. Although it's rated at PG-13 and will undoubtedly be marketed, both directly and indirectly to the masses, this movie is not for the masses. Despite being a comic book on the big screen, this film is simply not for young kids. It is also not for anyone upset by both graphic and suggested violence in films.
The movie is extremely dark, and the bad guy is one of the most convincingly sinister characters I can remember. The knowledge of Heath Ledger's miserable death as you watch his portrayal of The Joker almost adds to the madness of the character. That he did not live to see the accolades for his performance will be one of the many sorrows for Heath Ledger.
The Dark Knight intelligently dances around the concepts of good and evil. But evil is on display in many shades; evil for personal gain, for self-preservation, and just pure evil. At times, I found myself charmed by The Joker despite his menacing appearance and terrible acts. Good is tinged with wrongdoing in even the most admirable characters. To dwell in this realm for very long can be provocative but also upsetting. I won't give away any more.
Although, I don't think this is a Christian film nor does it attempt to deliver a Christian message, I do think there are some things Christians can reflect on and take away some healthy self-examination. The Dark Knight is truly a blockbuster that deserves the buzz. But be careful about who you take to the theater.
I saw the movie last night and was absolutely thrilled. Although it's rated at PG-13 and will undoubtedly be marketed, both directly and indirectly to the masses, this movie is not for the masses. Despite being a comic book on the big screen, this film is simply not for young kids. It is also not for anyone upset by both graphic and suggested violence in films.
The movie is extremely dark, and the bad guy is one of the most convincingly sinister characters I can remember. The knowledge of Heath Ledger's miserable death as you watch his portrayal of The Joker almost adds to the madness of the character. That he did not live to see the accolades for his performance will be one of the many sorrows for Heath Ledger.
The Dark Knight intelligently dances around the concepts of good and evil. But evil is on display in many shades; evil for personal gain, for self-preservation, and just pure evil. At times, I found myself charmed by The Joker despite his menacing appearance and terrible acts. Good is tinged with wrongdoing in even the most admirable characters. To dwell in this realm for very long can be provocative but also upsetting. I won't give away any more.
Although, I don't think this is a Christian film nor does it attempt to deliver a Christian message, I do think there are some things Christians can reflect on and take away some healthy self-examination. The Dark Knight is truly a blockbuster that deserves the buzz. But be careful about who you take to the theater.