The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Romulus]

The Ghost Writer (2010)

Whenever I was trying to tell my friends about this film, all they heard were the dreaded words "Ghost Rider" and immediately associated it with Nicolas Cage. Not to worry though, The Ghost Writer offers a solid entry into the mystery genre (with no Nicolas Cage in sight!).

This story from acclaimed director Roman Polanski follows an un-named ghost writer (Ewan McGregor) who is assigned to finish the memoirs of former British Prime Minister Adam Lang (Pierce Brosnan) after the death of the previous ghost writer, who was found washed up on shore. After he arrives at Lang's private estate to finish the memoirs, Lang's life unravels as he is accused of torturing terrorists and is to be tried on war crimes.

Throughout the film I couldn't help but feel that this was the closest modern day equivalent to a Hitchcock film. What stood out the most for me was how similar the soundtrack was to a Hitchcock film. The soundtrack sounds like it could have been directly taken from North by Northwest or Rear Window. Some classic Hitchcock themes that involve voyeurism rear their head throughout the film, so I'm just going to assume that Polanski did this as a homage to Hitchcock. While their are many similar elements to Hitchcock films, don't assume that this film is a great as one.

I felt like they could have gone a little bit more in depth with the plot. As a modern day mystery film, it never begs us to solve out the mystery with the ghost writer. At the end of the film I couldn't help but notice to myself "Well... that was a pretty good story", only to go on and barely think about the film in detail.

The Ghost Writer is a solid flick, I would recommend fans of Hitchcock or mystery films in general to give this a spin. Everything about the film is solid, it just doesn't do anything particularly exceptional.

3.5/5

[menaceuk]

Originally Posted by Romulus

The Ghost Writer (2010)

Whenever I was trying to tell my friends about this film, all they heard were the dreaded words "Ghost Rider" and immediately associated it with Nicolas Cage. Not to worry though, The Ghost Writer offers a solid entry into the mystery genre (with no Nicolas Cage in sight!).

This story from acclaimed director Roman Polanski follows an un-named ghost writer (Ewan McGregor) who is assigned to finish the memoirs of former British Prime Minister Adam Lang (Pierce Brosnan) after the death of the previous ghost writer, who was found washed up on shore. After he arrives at Lang's private estate to finish the memoirs, Lang's life unravels as he is accused of torturing terrorists and is to be tried on war crimes.

Throughout the film I couldn't help but feel that this was the closest modern day equivalent to a Hitchcock film. What stood out the most for me was how similar the soundtrack was to a Hitchcock film. The soundtrack sounds like it could have been directly taken from North by Northwest or Rear Window. Some classic Hitchcock themes that involve voyeurism rear their head throughout the film, so I'm just going to assume that Polanski did this as a homage to Hitchcock. While their are many similar elements to Hitchcock films, don't assume that this film is a great as one.

I felt like they could have gone a little bit more in depth with the plot. As a modern day mystery film, it never begs us to solve out the mystery with the ghost writer. At the end of the film I couldn't help but notice to myself "Well... that was a pretty good story", only to go on and barely think about the film in detail.

The Ghost Writer is a solid flick, I would recommend fans of Hitchcock or mystery films in general to give this a spin. Everything about the film is solid, it just doesn't do anything particularly exceptional.

3.5/5

This movie did nothing for me, Didn't get an sense of tension or danger and the acting just seemed a bit ordinary to me, except for Olivia Williams, who I thought was decent.

It kind of reminded me of Alan wake for the xbox 360, some parts were very similar such as location and some of the events.

[Romulus]

Alan Wake is a fantastic game though! At least that's what I thought...

You bring up an interesting thought, though. It's of course hard to compare a video game to a film. When I was playing Alan Wake I tried to think what it would be like as a film, and I constantly couldn't envision it being a very good one. At least with a game, you have to interact with it so in a sense you are more bound to be involved with story and characters.

[Show spoiler]The Ghost Writer could have used an awesome chase scene through the forest.

[menaceuk]

Originally Posted by Romulus

Alan Wake is a fantastic game though! At least that's what I thought...

You bring up an interesting thought, though. It's of course hard to compare a video game to a film. When I was playing Alan Wake I tried to think what it would be like as a film, and I constantly couldn't envision it being a very good one. At least with a game, you have to interact with it so in a sense you are more bound to be involved with story and characters.

[Show spoiler]The Ghost Writer could have used an awesome chase scene through the forest.

If you mixed Ghost Writer with the vanishing on 7th street, you would get an Alan wake movie

Trailer for the vanishing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQpwz5L6d5I

[Diesel]

Gone Baby Gone

• 2007 | R | 114 minutes
  
  
• Director: Ben Affleck
  
  
• Starring: Casey Affleck, Ed Harris, Michelle Monaghan
  
  
• Crime | Drama | Mystery

Another movie that I really didn't know anything much about going in. I knew Ben Affleck directed it and...well that's pretty much it.

The film follows a Boston detective (Affleck) and his girlfriend (Monaghan) as they work a case of a missing child. Patrick has many connections on the streets of the city and uses them to help solve his cases. Along the way they work with the local police in the case (Harris, John Ashton, Morgan Freeman) to help find the girl. Patrick soon uncovers deeper and darker secrets than he ever expected to find.

This movie for the first half or so was very good and I was really enjoying it...but the second half thew some serious curve balls at me that I honestly did not see coming at all. The

[Show spoiler] revelations that are made; Remy knowing Lionel, knowing Ray; Doyle being involved, Lionel being involved, Remy being involved. What Patrick first believes really happened at the quarry after a few of the revelations, and then what really happened.

Great stuff, some people probably saw some of it coming, but I sure didn't.

Then there's Patrick's

[Show spoiler]choice: Leave the girl with Doyle or call the police and get her back to her mom. I wasn't sure what was going to happen, and I was that they actually had him make the tough choice and stick up for what he thought he needed to do. I was SO glad they didn't make him take a stand to Freeman about what he was going to do and then back down after talking to Monaghan. Instead they went the tough way and brought the girl back to the apparently neglectful mother instead of with the people who were taking good care of her (but stole her) and gave up his relationship with his girlfriend. What would I have done in the situation Patrick was in? I honestly can't say that I know for sure which I would do. Gut reaction says calling the police/FBI/Whoever would be the "right" thing to do because these people did some pretty bad things to get this girl out of there. Then you think about the things we know about her mother and the home she would be raised in and the probable future that is waiting for her and then things all of a sudden aren't as clear cut as they were before... What option would you choose if you were in Patrick's situation in real life? Would you stand up for the law because you think it is right or would you bend/break the rules to give the girl a home with people that not only say they love her but show it? Some might be able to say easily which choice they would make...but when put in the position, I highly doubt it would be a clear cut choice for ANYONE.

I thought it was executed very well in the film and really makes the viewer squirm a little when thinking about the choice.

Squid mentioned that the movie Blood Diamond tackles some pretty heavy issues, but I said that didn't mean it made for a good film. Gone Baby Gone tackles some pretty heavy issues as well AND makes for a great film.


The acting in the film from the main characters were all very strong.

Casey Affleck was definitely my favorite; he handled the character exquisitely. His delivery of the dialog wasn't his strongest aspect in the film (though that was very good), it was his visual acting. His face was telling in the movie, when he is conflicted, when he is horrified, when he is truly sad. Great job

Monaghan worked very well along side of him. The two had very nice chemistry and fit nicely together.

Morgan Freeman...well, he was Morgan Freeman. 'Nuff said.

Ed Harris was probably my second favorite in the film behind Affleck. Whether it was the script or his performance...probably both...

[Show spoiler]I never for a second thought that he was involved with any of the stuff that was going down until he made the drunken slip to Patrick. There are many, many characters in movies that you can spot from a mile away, "Yep, he's got something going on with him..."; well not this time. I was when the revelation was made.

I see that Amy Ryan was nominated for an Oscar for her performance and also nominated/won many other awards. That really, really surprises me. I thought she did pretty good as the mother, but not THAT good. If anyone would have been nominated for anything I would have expected it to be Affleck.


Ben Affleck did a great job directing as well. The movie has a constant pace, it never lags or goes too fast; he keeps things nice and tight and moving along at the perfect speed that they should be at.


If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend checking this one out.


Rating - 4.75/5

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by Diesel

Gone Baby Gone

[Show spoiler]

• 2007 | R | 114 minutes
  
  
• Director: Ben Affleck
  
  
• Starring: Casey Affleck, Ed Harris, Michelle Monaghan
  
  
• Crime | Drama | Mystery

Another movie that I really didn't know anything much about going in. I knew Ben Affleck directed it and...well that's pretty much it.

The film follows a Boston detective (Affleck) and his girlfriend (Monaghan) as they work a case of a missing child. Patrick has many connections on the streets of the city and uses them to help solve his cases. Along the way they work with the local police in the case (Harris, John Ashton, Morgan Freeman) to help find the girl. Patrick soon uncovers deeper and darker secrets than he ever expected to find.

This movie for the first half or so was very good and I was really enjoying it...but the second half thew some serious curve balls at me that I honestly did not see coming at all. The

[Show spoiler] revelations that are made; Remy knowing Lionel, knowing Ray; Doyle being involved, Lionel being involved, Remy being involved. What Patrick first believes really happened at the quarry after a few of the revelations, and then what really happened.

Great stuff, some people probably saw some of it coming, but I sure didn't.

Then there's Patrick's

[Show spoiler]choice: Leave the girl with Doyle or call the police and get her back to her mom. I wasn't sure what was going to happen, and I was that they actually had him make the tough choice and stick up for what he thought he needed to do. I was SO glad they didn't make him take a stand to Freeman about what he was going to do and then back down after talking to Monaghan. Instead they went the tough way and brought the girl back to the apparently neglectful mother instead of with the people who were taking good care of her (but stole her) and gave up his relationship with his girlfriend. What would I have done in the situation Patrick was in? I honestly can't say that I know for sure which I would do. Gut reaction says calling the police/FBI/Whoever would be the "right" thing to do because these people did some pretty bad things to get this girl out of there. Then you think about the things we know about her mother and the home she would be raised in and the probable future that is waiting for her and then things all of a sudden aren't as clear cut as they were before... What option would you choose if you were in Patrick's situation in real life? Would you stand up for the law because you think it is right or would you bend/break the rules to give the girl a home with people that not only say they love her but show it? Some might be able to say easily which choice they would make...but when put in the position, I highly doubt it would be a clear cut choice for ANYONE.

I thought it was executed very well in the film and really makes the viewer squirm a little when thinking about the choice.

Squid mentioned that the movie Blood Diamond tackles some pretty heavy issues, but I said that didn't mean it made for a good film. Gone Baby Gone tackles some pretty heavy issues as well AND makes for a great film.


The acting in the film from the main characters were all very strong.

Casey Affleck was definitely my favorite; he handled the character exquisitely. His delivery of the dialog wasn't his strongest aspect in the film (though that was very good), it was his visual acting. His face was telling in the movie, when he is conflicted, when he is horrified, when he is truly sad. Great job

Monaghan worked very well along side of him. The two had very nice chemistry and fit nicely together.

Morgan Freeman...well, he was Morgan Freeman. 'Nuff said.

Ed Harris was probably my second favorite in the film behind Affleck. Whether it was the script or his performance...probably both...

[Show spoiler]I never for a second thought that he was involved with any of the stuff that was going down until he made the drunken slip to Patrick. There are many, many characters in movies that you can spot from a mile away, "Yep, he's got something going on with him..."; well not this time. I was when the revelation was made.

I see that Amy Ryan was nominated for an Oscar for her performance and also nominated/won many other awards. That really, really surprises me. I thought she did pretty good as the mother, but not THAT good. If anyone would have been nominated for anything I would have expected it to be Affleck.


Ben Affleck did a great job directing as well. The movie has a constant pace, it never lags or goes too fast; he keeps things nice and tight and moving along at the perfect speed that they should be at.


If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend checking this one out.

Rating - 4.75/5

No go get into that big debate thread about the ending of the film. Would u have made the decision that Affleck made at the end or would u have done otherwise? Got Em!!

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by CZAR

No go get into that big debate thread about the ending of the film. Would u have made the decision that Affleck made at the end or would u have done otherwise? Got Em!!

Looks like you didn't read my whole review since I have a 300 word paragraph about just that

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Diesel

Gone Baby Gone

• 2007 | R | 114 minutes
  
  
• Director: Ben Affleck
  
  
• Starring: Casey Affleck, Ed Harris, Michelle Monaghan
  
  
• Crime | Drama | Mystery

[Show spoiler]Another movie that I really didn't know anything much about going in. I knew Ben Affleck directed it and...well that's pretty much it.

The film follows a Boston detective (Affleck) and his girlfriend (Monaghan) as they work a case of a missing child. Patrick has many connections on the streets of the city and uses them to help solve his cases. Along the way they work with the local police in the case (Harris, John Ashton, Morgan Freeman) to help find the girl. Patrick soon uncovers deeper and darker secrets than he ever expected to find.

This movie for the first half or so was very good and I was really enjoying it...but the second half thew some serious curve balls at me that I honestly did not see coming at all. The

[Show spoiler] revelations that are made; Remy knowing Lionel, knowing Ray; Doyle being involved, Lionel being involved, Remy being involved. What Patrick first believes really happened at the quarry after a few of the revelations, and then what really happened.

Great stuff, some people probably saw some of it coming, but I sure didn't.

Then there's Patrick's

[Show spoiler]choice: Leave the girl with Doyle or call the police and get her back to her mom. I wasn't sure what was going to happen, and I was that they actually had him make the tough choice and stick up for what he thought he needed to do. I was SO glad they didn't make him take a stand to Freeman about what he was going to do and then back down after talking to Monaghan. Instead they went the tough way and brought the girl back to the apparently neglectful mother instead of with the people who were taking good care of her (but stole her) and gave up his relationship with his girlfriend. What would I have done in the situation Patrick was in? I honestly can't say that I know for sure which I would do. Gut reaction says calling the police/FBI/Whoever would be the "right" thing to do because these people did some pretty bad things to get this girl out of there. Then you think about the things we know about her mother and the home she would be raised in and the probable future that is waiting for her and then things all of a sudden aren't as clear cut as they were before... What option would you choose if you were in Patrick's situation in real life? Would you stand up for the law because you think it is right or would you bend/break the rules to give the girl a home with people that not only say they love her but show it? Some might be able to say easily which choice they would make...but when put in the position, I highly doubt it would be a clear cut choice for ANYONE.

I thought it was executed very well in the film and really makes the viewer squirm a little when thinking about the choice.

Squid mentioned that the movie Blood Diamond tackles some pretty heavy issues, but I said that didn't mean it made for a good film. Gone Baby Gone tackles some pretty heavy issues as well AND makes for a great film.


The acting in the film from the main characters were all very strong.

Casey Affleck was definitely my favorite; he handled the character exquisitely. His delivery of the dialog wasn't his strongest aspect in the film (though that was very good), it was his visual acting. His face was telling in the movie, when he is conflicted, when he is horrified, when he is truly sad. Great job

Monaghan worked very well along side of him. The two had very nice chemistry and fit nicely together.

Morgan Freeman...well, he was Morgan Freeman. 'Nuff said.

Ed Harris was probably my second favorite in the film behind Affleck. Whether it was the script or his performance...probably both...

[Show spoiler]I never for a second thought that he was involved with any of the stuff that was going down until he made the drunken slip to Patrick. There are many, many characters in movies that you can spot from a mile away, "Yep, he's got something going on with him..."; well not this time. I was when the revelation was made.

I see that Amy Ryan was nominated for an Oscar for her performance and also nominated/won many other awards. That really, really surprises me. I thought she did pretty good as the mother, but not THAT good. If anyone would have been nominated for anything I would have expected it to be Affleck.


Ben Affleck did a great job directing as well. The movie has a constant pace, it never lags or goes too fast; he keeps things nice and tight and moving along at the perfect speed that they should be at.


If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend checking this one out.

Rating - 4.75/5

great review Diesel! and glad you enjoyed it

Gone Baby Gone is one of those films that, while it won't get much play time in my home (only because it's not the type of film you throw in any day of the week, like The Fast and the Furious would more likely to be, as an example) it definitely is great and worth deserving to be bought and owned.

i was surprised at how great Affleck's directing was. and if you enjoyed Casey in this, i think you will love The Assassination of Jesse James. both he and Pitt give amazing performances

i haven't seen Gone Baby Gone in about two years so i don't know if i like it better than The Town, but The Town is definitely easier to watch - story wise. not as many heavy issues dealt with. as for the big "what would you do?" question

[Show spoiler]i myself don't know either. i think overall i keep coming back to leaving the child in the position that is best for the child, and that's away from her terrible mother. yes, it's her mother, and that relationship is necessary and important, but does that ONE aspect overcome the rest of the aspects that the other "family" could give her? i think not. where she is / was, she had a chance at a normal, peaceful life that could give her an education and a much better future than with her mom.

of course, nothing is guaranteed. she could still end up just like her mother, but i think i would have her miss out on her relationship with her mother (and knowing what her mother is like) for the chance to have a normal, better life, albeit, mother-less.

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by Diesel

Looks like you didn't read my whole review since I have a 300 word paragraph about just that

Czar has just been

[Show spoiler]SCHOOLED!

[Moefiz]

Originally Posted by CZAR

No go get into that big debate thread about the ending of the film. Would u have made the decision that Affleck made at the end or would u have done otherwise? Got Em!!

Has a parent you really ask yourself if he did make the right decision at the ending...

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by Diesel

Looks like you didn't read my whole review since I have a 300 word paragraph about just that

Haha my bad I did skim through it. I got u now. Got Em!!

[CZAR]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Czar has just been

[Show spoiler]SCHOOLED!

Just like high school, tryin to take the short cut lol. Got Em!!

Originally Posted by Moefiz

Has a parent you really ask yourself if he did make the right decision at the ending...

Tough choices man. Got Em!!

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

great review Diesel! and glad you enjoyed it

Gone Baby Gone is one of those films that, while it won't get much play time in my home (only because it's not the type of film you throw in any day of the week, like The Fast and the Furious would more likely to be, as an example) it definitely is great and worth deserving to be bought and owned.

Definitely not a movie you just decide, "Oh, let's watch this guys!"; but very much worth checking out and a recommendation.

i was surprised at how great Affleck's directing was. and if you enjoyed Casey in this, i think you will love The Assassination of Jesse James. both he and Pitt give amazing performances

Squid recommended this movie to me based on my love of 3:10 to Yuma. I need to look into it sooner or later.

i haven't seen Gone Baby Gone in about two years so i don't know if i like it better than The Town, but The Town is definitely easier to watch - story wise. not as many heavy issues dealt with. as for the big "what would you do?" question

[Show spoiler]i myself don't know either. i think overall i keep coming back to leaving the child in the position that is best for the child, and that's away from her terrible mother. yes, it's her mother, and that relationship is necessary and important, but does that ONE aspect overcome the rest of the aspects that the other "family" could give her? i think not. where she is / was, she had a chance at a normal, peaceful life that could give her an education and a much better future than with her mom.

of course, nothing is guaranteed. she could still end up just like her mother, but i think i would have her miss out on her relationship with her mother (and knowing what her mother is like) for the chance to have a normal, better life, albeit, mother-less.

You're sitting in pretty much the same mindset that I am then

When just watching a movie about it I can't make a decision on which is what I would do; I don't think I would know unless I was actually in that position.

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

Czar has just been

[Show spoiler]SCHOOLED!

Did I...

[Show spoiler]Get Em!!!?

Originally Posted by CZAR

Haha my bad I did skim through it. I got u now. Got Em!!

[iam1bearcat]

THE WRESTLER (105 minutes)

Film #15

Year: 2009
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Starring: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, and Evan Rachel Wood
Genre: Drama

What Made Me Want to See This? Darren Aronofsky and Mickey Rourke! Duh!

Late last night was my second viewing of The Wrestler, the terrific kind of bio-pic of professional wrestling, and focusing on, Randy the Ram (played brilliantly by Mickey Rourke, who deserved the Oscar for Best Actor) an aging wrestler who just cannot give up wrestling, because it’s really the only thing he knows.

First time through I didn’t expect the film to be so sad, and on so many levels. It was sad enough to see Randy go through matches in gyms and lower level arenas, so far away from the once bright lights of the main event, big time stage, but also his

[Show spoiler]interactions with his daughter and their defunct relationship

were very crushing. I can admit I teared up numerous times during the film and even just thinking about it kind of devastates me. Few films have that kind of impact and ability. However, while it came off as "sad" to me that Randy was wrestling in such 'lackluster' areas, he loved it. As did all the wrestlers, because much like anyone, if you're doing what you love, you don't care where you're doing it, as long as you are i fact, doing what you love.

I love the odd relationship between Randy and Cassidy (Marisa Tomei in a terrific performance), and I missed it the first time, but it’s strange and unique how both characters make their living by using their bodies. Cassidy being a stripper, and Randy being a wrestler. Both past their primes, but both don’t know how to do anything else, can’t and won’t give it up and know little else outside of this.

Out of the “only” 15 films I’ve seen, it’s probably gonna jump to #1 on that list. Emotional, touching, personal, and devastating, the film is brilliantly executed on all levels.

EDIT! after looking at my first 15 films, The Wrestler is not #1, it is #2 behind Lost in Translation. here is the list of the first 15 films i've "seen":

[Show spoiler]Lost in Translation
The Wrestler
The Box
Brothers
The Town
Psycho
Easy A
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
The Hurt Locker
Salt
Funny People
Inception
The Lovely Bones
Ghost in the Shell
Scott Pilgrim vs the World

Major +1 for the “behind the shoulder” directing style that Aronofsky uses. The film feels less like a film and more like a documentary on the sport and on one man’s life and his refusal to let go of his love. I almost felt at times like I shouldn’t be watching this because it was too intimate. Never had that happen before. An easy addition to the collection and one that will easily stay in my top 50 (once a top 50 is necessary) for quite some time, if not for all time.

Recommendation: Very High.

PQ: 4.5/5
AQ: 4.5/5

Technical Score: 5/5
Enjoyment Level Score: 5/5 “love it”

Final Verdict: 5/5

[iam1bearcat]

Originally Posted by CZAR

Just like high school, tryin to take the short cut lol. Got Em!!

Originally Posted by Diesel

Definitely not a movie you just decide, "Oh, let's watch this guys!"; but very much worth checking out and a recommendation.

exactly.

Squid recommended this movie to me based on my love of 3:10 to Yuma. I need to look into it sooner or later.

it's a slower paced film, but incredibly awesome.

You're sitting in pretty much the same mindset that I am then

When just watching a movie about it I can't make a decision on which is what I would do; I don't think I would know unless I was actually in that position.

i think it would also be different thinking if we

[Show spoiler]had kids.

...not together of course! but you know what i mean

Did I...

[Show spoiler]Get Em!!!?

you... did...

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Diesel

Gone Baby Gone
Rating - 4.75/5

Great review, even despite the slanderous jabs at my opinions.

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by iam1bearcat

exactly.



it's a slower paced film, but incredibly awesome.

You shall now be held accountable if the film is anything but

i think it would also be different thinking if we

[Show spoiler]had kids.

...not together of course! but you know what i mean

[Show spoiler]

you... did...

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Great review, even despite the slanderous jabs at my opinions.

"I resent that. Slander is spoken. In print, it's libel"

[QuasidodoJr]

Sorry... haven't watched Ghost in the Shell, yet. But I have watched a few others.

Batman: Under the Red Hood
Warner Bros./75 min./PG-13/2010

Even though they're just direct-to-video releases, Warner Bros. animation studios have consistently impressed me with their handling of the DC comics characters. I can honestly say there have not been any of the DTV releases that I have not enjoyed, so far. And the newest Batman outing, Under the Red Hood, certainly doesn't break that trend.

The film is based on the "Hush" storyline, which ran in comic form during 2002 and 2003, and was written by Jeph Loeb. Without spoiling any of the surprises, The Red Hood comes along and starts making his presence known in Gotham City. After a brief run-in with the Red Hood, Batman finds something about him to be extremely familiar from his own past. Revelations are made and Bruce is literally rocked to his core.

Writing duty for this animated version of the story was handled quite expertly by another well-known comic book scribe, Judd Winick. Unfortunately, a lot of unnecessary changes were made, but the basic plot and structure of the story remain intact. My guess is that the changes were made for the sake of brevity. Most of these DTV animated releases are barely over an hour (this one clocking in at an hour and 15 minutes), and to cover the Hush storyline in entirety would probably take a few hours. Overall, the characters are spot-on, the dialog is engaging and witty, and the reveal doesn't lose any of its impact.

While the story still works and the animation looks spectacular, the only problem I had being drawn into this animated Batman tale was being distracted by the voice-over cast. Bruce Greenwood does an adequate job of voicing the Dark Knight, but, by now, everyone and their grandmother knows that Kevin Conroy IS Batman, in all forms animated. Also, no offense to John DiMaggio, whom I usually enjoy, but Mark Hamill's work on the Joker was legendary to me. The high pitch, nasally tone and the overall nuttiness that Hamill imbued into his performances makes it hard for me to listen to anyone else as the Joker. If you were never a big fan of the animated series that ran throughout the 1990's, you probably won't care, but I personally had a hard time NOT being distracted by it.

In closing, Batman: Under the Red Hood is still an excellent piece of hand-drawn animation, and at its comfy budget price, totally worth your time and money. If you're a long-time fan of the Bat and remember back when "A Death in the Family" was originally published, you'll definitely get a kick out of this story.

Score: 4 out of 5 - Recommended

[Hep]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

So, do you think it was intentional? Or was that just a successful strategy you adopted?

Maybe I should watch it again. Heck, I actually bought Indianna Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull just to watch all the mistakes.

I like to think of it more as a survival strategy - not for me but for M. Night. If it wasn't intentional he would be dead to me .

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Diesel

"I resent that. Slander is spoken. In print, it's libel"

Damn, you got me.