A book I’ve recently read is, wait for it, Camp Foxtrot by Bill Amend. I wish I could say it was my tenth reading of War and Peace by Tolstoy (fancy that) or pondering Dante’s Inferno and his idea of purgatory, but it suffices to say that I’ve just finished a 250 page collection of Foxtrot comics. Classical literature, it is not.
But what an amusing and addictive read it has been. Perhaps it pertains to my immature sense of humour (I have some sort of secret satisfaction in watching sibling rivalry) and an understanding of the horrifying experience that is high school (which is a small blip on my otherwise spotless record of sanity), I have just enjoyed the book so much. I found myself chucking along, guffawing occasionally or howling in laughter at the antics of Paige (typical teenager), Jason (whiz-kid) and Peter Fox (eldest child with a bottomless pit for a stomach), none of whom seem to have grown out of their terrible twos. Parents Andy and Roger, former English major and paper-pusher extraordinaire respectively, deal with their children’s shenanigans with dry wit and admirable tolerance.
The artwork is funny, simple and very clean – nothing overdone or elaborate, just enough detail to explain a situation or establish setting, or perhaps introduce the punchline and add comical effect. In Foxtrot comics, the emphasis does not lie in artistic ability but the dialogue in the panels.
Overall, it was a hilarious read, nothing stimulating, but just perfect for lazing around on a shaded patio with lemonade in hand. It is a relaxing, entertaining read and certainly something any reader would enjoy – be it young children wanting bedtime stories to elderly as well.
Wednesday, 8 June 2011
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
no fingers.
Not too long ago, I had a few random strangers come up to me in school and let me know something along the lines of, “You look like a doll! I love your style! You should totally be a model, blah-blah-blah.” I was genuinely surprised and thankful, but couldn’t help the small inkling of suspicion that rose up, couldn’t help wondering if they had some sort of secret agenda or ulterior motive.
But wait, let me backtrack a bit.
It all ties into my personality and how the day started. When I picked out my outfit in the morning (belted high-waisted black pants with a collared, sculpted-sleeve persimmon-coloured top) I wasn’t dressing the way I was for compliments or attention. Not once since I was 12 have I dressed for anyone other than myself. When I firmly expressed to my parents that no, I was not going to wear those hideous orange pants Grandmother had bought for me when I was seven and she had gone shopping after losing her glasses, and to stop buying me countless pairs of too-short corduroy overalls, that was that. I dress simply for myself. Some people say that that’s not true, people who pay attention to their appearance do it for attention and are narcissistic and shallow. But I don’t look through my closet thinking “hmm, I wonder what jeans Carla-Mark-whoever would like today.” I wear it because I myself like it – like those thrifted granny sweaters, the long, shapeless cardigans and clunky combat boots. They’re not mainstream, so how do you figure that I dress for others? Is it so terrible and shocking to want to look nice to feel good about myself? Honestly, it is a personal choice and none of their business – if they like it, that’s fine, I’m flattered, if they don’t, big deal, who gives a flying duck? I say that those who impose their unwanted opinions and observations to others may have bigger problems than me because I take pride in the way I look. Its always been a pet peeve of mine that people judge based on the way one dresses – um hello, wasn’t there an infamous serial killer a couple of decades back that was very friendly, charming, well-dressed, and uh, maybe also happened to murder dozens of people? Appearances are deceiving. That boy with the pocket protector and thirty five blue pens in his pencil case in your math class that you automatically labeled “dweeb” on the first day of school could have the funniest sense of humour of anyone you know.
Which leads me to my next point – my suspicion at hearing praise. Maybe it’s the fact that I was raised in a Chinese household, with distinctly Chinese values of humility and demure action. If a houseguest ever complimented my mother on a dish she made, “what are you talking about? The meat is overcooked, it is too bland..” or if a family friend remarked on the good grades of myself or my brother, “oh no, they always cause lots of trouble, they never study, are never at home…” Never once do you hear a direct acknowledgement of praise – it is simply not done. Doing so makes you appear boastful and arrogant – a big faux pas among Chinese folks. Growing up Chinese in a distinctly Western society has made me inclined to giving out compliments to others, with honest intentions, but also react badly to receiving them myself. Perhaps that is why hearing someone speak of myself in a positive manner makes me revert to my upbringing and vehemently deny such words. Even if, secretly, while leaving out the door and strutting down the street in my new outfit, I’m humming “feeling so fly like a G6” by Far East Movement.
But wait, let me backtrack a bit.
It all ties into my personality and how the day started. When I picked out my outfit in the morning (belted high-waisted black pants with a collared, sculpted-sleeve persimmon-coloured top) I wasn’t dressing the way I was for compliments or attention. Not once since I was 12 have I dressed for anyone other than myself. When I firmly expressed to my parents that no, I was not going to wear those hideous orange pants Grandmother had bought for me when I was seven and she had gone shopping after losing her glasses, and to stop buying me countless pairs of too-short corduroy overalls, that was that. I dress simply for myself. Some people say that that’s not true, people who pay attention to their appearance do it for attention and are narcissistic and shallow. But I don’t look through my closet thinking “hmm, I wonder what jeans Carla-Mark-whoever would like today.” I wear it because I myself like it – like those thrifted granny sweaters, the long, shapeless cardigans and clunky combat boots. They’re not mainstream, so how do you figure that I dress for others? Is it so terrible and shocking to want to look nice to feel good about myself? Honestly, it is a personal choice and none of their business – if they like it, that’s fine, I’m flattered, if they don’t, big deal, who gives a flying duck? I say that those who impose their unwanted opinions and observations to others may have bigger problems than me because I take pride in the way I look. Its always been a pet peeve of mine that people judge based on the way one dresses – um hello, wasn’t there an infamous serial killer a couple of decades back that was very friendly, charming, well-dressed, and uh, maybe also happened to murder dozens of people? Appearances are deceiving. That boy with the pocket protector and thirty five blue pens in his pencil case in your math class that you automatically labeled “dweeb” on the first day of school could have the funniest sense of humour of anyone you know.
Which leads me to my next point – my suspicion at hearing praise. Maybe it’s the fact that I was raised in a Chinese household, with distinctly Chinese values of humility and demure action. If a houseguest ever complimented my mother on a dish she made, “what are you talking about? The meat is overcooked, it is too bland..” or if a family friend remarked on the good grades of myself or my brother, “oh no, they always cause lots of trouble, they never study, are never at home…” Never once do you hear a direct acknowledgement of praise – it is simply not done. Doing so makes you appear boastful and arrogant – a big faux pas among Chinese folks. Growing up Chinese in a distinctly Western society has made me inclined to giving out compliments to others, with honest intentions, but also react badly to receiving them myself. Perhaps that is why hearing someone speak of myself in a positive manner makes me revert to my upbringing and vehemently deny such words. Even if, secretly, while leaving out the door and strutting down the street in my new outfit, I’m humming “feeling so fly like a G6” by Far East Movement.
just something so amazing.
Just something so amazing.
The majority of time, when I turn on the news or read the newspaper, the headlines are crawling with reports of violence, murder, corruption, disaster. Hardly anything good occurs. Its always the folly of mankind, our inability to deal with or cope with tragedy, our propensity for hurting other people. So when I recently heard about the relief efforts in Japan to rebuild after the devastating earthquake, subsequent tsunami and nuclear plant crisis (that'll cost $247 billion dollars,) it made me regain a bit of faith in humanity.
I read an article about the scientists at the plant working to control the nuclear cooling systems and how in ONE HOUR THEY ARE EXPOSED TO THE SAME AMOUNT OF RADIATION THE AVERAGE PERSON IS EXPOSED TO IN A YEAR. In ONE HOUR. That is so incredibly selfless and amazing. I cannot begin to articulate how much sacrifice and dedication they must put into their work. Knowing that they are likely the only ones with the knowledge to curb or stop it from melting down, knowing that international scientists are improbably willing to help, knowing that they need to risk their lives to protect others, they worked tirelessly. Things like this just astound me and prove that not everyone is all me-me-me and devoted to self-satisfaction. In the world I live in, where it is your assets and possessions that determine your value or use to others, and not your character or personality, this was a refreshing and welcome revelation – good and unselfishness does exist out there. We just have to find it. We just have to remind ourselves that altruism and sacrifice is out there, and that we best not forget those acts of kindness, nor the people that provide them.
Another recent report that made me sit down and reflect a bit was news that a group of elderly Japanese citizens had volunteered for cleanup efforts, most of them in their 70s and 80s and at a time when they should be relaxing and enjoying the fruits of their decades of labour. So they’re volunteering, like many seniors do. What’s the big deal? How about the fact that they are volunteering for radiation clean-up duty? Basically a group of 200+ retirees are volunteering to expose themselves to high levels of radiation so the younger men and women don’t have to. Mr Yamada, summed up his involvement like this: “I am 72 and on average I probably have 13 to 15 years left to live. Even if I were exposed to radiation, cancer could take 20 or 30 years or longer to develop. Therefore us older ones have less chance of getting cancer.”
I must say that after reading this, it made me feel ashamed for going about my daily business as usual with nary a second thought to the earthquake and disaster in Japan in weeks. I did donate twenty dollars, but what’s a couple of bills when someone half a world away is donating 10, 20 years of their lifetime? I realize that after facing destruction and devastation, we need to move on and return to our lives before the event to gain closure and rebuild – but sometimes to me I feel that step forward equates to disregard or ignorance of the issue. In instances of disaster like the Earthquake in Japan, the aftermath brought forth a lot of humanitarian aid and world-wide concern – selfless acts abounded and it seemed to bring forth a closer-knit community in the affected areas, small comforts in a ravaged war-like zone. It also brought a lot of apathy or hateful bigotry (many “remember Pearl Habour? This is karma” sort of comments proliferated on the Internet), but touching and heart-warming stories like the scientists and elderly group outshine those small, insignificant ignorant online. I, for one, certainly counted my blessings and was reminded of many things to be thankful for – writing about the impacts of the earthquake rather than living it; sleeping in a warm shelter at night; food in my belly. It seems that natural disaster occurring continents away can have a profound effect on those not directly affected, in good, eye-opening ways.
The majority of time, when I turn on the news or read the newspaper, the headlines are crawling with reports of violence, murder, corruption, disaster. Hardly anything good occurs. Its always the folly of mankind, our inability to deal with or cope with tragedy, our propensity for hurting other people. So when I recently heard about the relief efforts in Japan to rebuild after the devastating earthquake, subsequent tsunami and nuclear plant crisis (that'll cost $247 billion dollars,) it made me regain a bit of faith in humanity.
I read an article about the scientists at the plant working to control the nuclear cooling systems and how in ONE HOUR THEY ARE EXPOSED TO THE SAME AMOUNT OF RADIATION THE AVERAGE PERSON IS EXPOSED TO IN A YEAR. In ONE HOUR. That is so incredibly selfless and amazing. I cannot begin to articulate how much sacrifice and dedication they must put into their work. Knowing that they are likely the only ones with the knowledge to curb or stop it from melting down, knowing that international scientists are improbably willing to help, knowing that they need to risk their lives to protect others, they worked tirelessly. Things like this just astound me and prove that not everyone is all me-me-me and devoted to self-satisfaction. In the world I live in, where it is your assets and possessions that determine your value or use to others, and not your character or personality, this was a refreshing and welcome revelation – good and unselfishness does exist out there. We just have to find it. We just have to remind ourselves that altruism and sacrifice is out there, and that we best not forget those acts of kindness, nor the people that provide them.
Another recent report that made me sit down and reflect a bit was news that a group of elderly Japanese citizens had volunteered for cleanup efforts, most of them in their 70s and 80s and at a time when they should be relaxing and enjoying the fruits of their decades of labour. So they’re volunteering, like many seniors do. What’s the big deal? How about the fact that they are volunteering for radiation clean-up duty? Basically a group of 200+ retirees are volunteering to expose themselves to high levels of radiation so the younger men and women don’t have to. Mr Yamada, summed up his involvement like this: “I am 72 and on average I probably have 13 to 15 years left to live. Even if I were exposed to radiation, cancer could take 20 or 30 years or longer to develop. Therefore us older ones have less chance of getting cancer.”
I must say that after reading this, it made me feel ashamed for going about my daily business as usual with nary a second thought to the earthquake and disaster in Japan in weeks. I did donate twenty dollars, but what’s a couple of bills when someone half a world away is donating 10, 20 years of their lifetime? I realize that after facing destruction and devastation, we need to move on and return to our lives before the event to gain closure and rebuild – but sometimes to me I feel that step forward equates to disregard or ignorance of the issue. In instances of disaster like the Earthquake in Japan, the aftermath brought forth a lot of humanitarian aid and world-wide concern – selfless acts abounded and it seemed to bring forth a closer-knit community in the affected areas, small comforts in a ravaged war-like zone. It also brought a lot of apathy or hateful bigotry (many “remember Pearl Habour? This is karma” sort of comments proliferated on the Internet), but touching and heart-warming stories like the scientists and elderly group outshine those small, insignificant ignorant online. I, for one, certainly counted my blessings and was reminded of many things to be thankful for – writing about the impacts of the earthquake rather than living it; sleeping in a warm shelter at night; food in my belly. It seems that natural disaster occurring continents away can have a profound effect on those not directly affected, in good, eye-opening ways.
neon trees - animal
Released just last year by the quartet from Provo, Utah just after they were signed to major record label Mercury Records, this eight song album is 37 minutes of pure punky, pop-rock anthems and feel good music. Many have compared the group to The Killers and Muse – all known for catchy hooks and clean vocals.
Neon Trees’ debut single “Animal” has been playing on airwaves in the US and Canada for some time now. Its catchy chorus, quick-throbbing bass and stellar guitar accompaniment along with lead singer Tyler Glenn’s strong vocals add a unique touch to a rather commercial, punchy song. The lyrics detail the ups and downs of love relationships in ones’ youth, and are sure to strike a chord with many listeners.
Although the album is short, the songs are solid and enjoyable. Try listening to “1983,” “Sins of My Youth,” and “Animal.”
My favorite songs however, are “Your Surrender,” “Girls and Boys in School,” “In the Next Room” and of course, the title track. “Your Surrender” builds up to a memorable chorus and bridge, speaking of mind games, dishonesty and denial in a relationship. “Girls and Boys in School” is nostalgic and speaks strongly of the post, borrowing in fluencies from the punk scene in the 80s, and my all-time favorite, “In the Next Room”, includes lyrics of two people dancing around each other, neither giving in to their attraction nor projecting that onto others. The chorus and amazingly addictive, it is an easy listen and perfect for summer.
The thing I love about this group is they don’t try too hard to be experimental or risqué, but simply stick to good music with talented musicians and a killer lead singer. Compared to their earlier indie albums, this LP is more polished, put together and stands a greater chance at commercial success. Already known underground before their major record label debut, I hope they gain more recognition because I enjoyed this album immensely. My only complaint is that it is too short – a debut album should have more food for thought (or listening) in order to create a stronger fanbase.
Overall, I would give this album an A-.
Neon Trees’ debut single “Animal” has been playing on airwaves in the US and Canada for some time now. Its catchy chorus, quick-throbbing bass and stellar guitar accompaniment along with lead singer Tyler Glenn’s strong vocals add a unique touch to a rather commercial, punchy song. The lyrics detail the ups and downs of love relationships in ones’ youth, and are sure to strike a chord with many listeners.
Although the album is short, the songs are solid and enjoyable. Try listening to “1983,” “Sins of My Youth,” and “Animal.”
My favorite songs however, are “Your Surrender,” “Girls and Boys in School,” “In the Next Room” and of course, the title track. “Your Surrender” builds up to a memorable chorus and bridge, speaking of mind games, dishonesty and denial in a relationship. “Girls and Boys in School” is nostalgic and speaks strongly of the post, borrowing in fluencies from the punk scene in the 80s, and my all-time favorite, “In the Next Room”, includes lyrics of two people dancing around each other, neither giving in to their attraction nor projecting that onto others. The chorus and amazingly addictive, it is an easy listen and perfect for summer.
The thing I love about this group is they don’t try too hard to be experimental or risqué, but simply stick to good music with talented musicians and a killer lead singer. Compared to their earlier indie albums, this LP is more polished, put together and stands a greater chance at commercial success. Already known underground before their major record label debut, I hope they gain more recognition because I enjoyed this album immensely. My only complaint is that it is too short – a debut album should have more food for thought (or listening) in order to create a stronger fanbase.
Overall, I would give this album an A-.
Monday, 6 June 2011
why i love tumblr
You often can learn a lot about a person based on their hobbies and interests – their skills, weaknesses, preferences, passions. Especially nowadays – what they do on the internet. So when I say one of my favorite pastimes is Tumblr, the “hipster” version of photo-sharing and social networking sites (also known as microblogging-on-steroids), I doubt I am alone. More pictures and fiddly content than Twitter and Facebook, more social connections than Flickr. There are a number of reasons I spend probably 99% on Tumblr (and the remaining 1% sleeping), but here are my top 10.
1.) The microblogging aspect – you can post short messages concisely like twitter, giving a sense of immediacy.
2.) Uploading pictures, videos and whatever other things is amazingly simple. You can reblog other usewrs’ content as well, sharing it on your own blog.
3.) The DASHBOARD. Kind of like a facebook homepage or newsfeed, you are updated on the activity of people you follow. It is more often than not highly visually appealing – I follow high fashion, couture, travel and photography blogs so every time I am bombarded with gorgeous pictures.
4.) You can link your tumblr to twitter and facebook: all your posts are double posted in real time on various other platforms, without having to install third party applications or pay for extra services. YOU CAN ALSO TUMBLR POST FROM YOUR PHONE.
5.) You can tag your posts like #this is win #need to get off tumblr #tumblrngggg and such. Clicking on such a tag will launch a search for similar posts posted by others, like a much-welcomed google feature. Its also incredibly for organizing your posts as well.
6.) People from all over the globe use the site for various different things – follow your favorite cooking recipe blogs, fashion houses, animal lover sites, political discussion, sports analysis – anything you can thing of. There is something to interest everyone.
7.) You can comment or “like” posts as well. There is also an “ask” box feature that may be enabled for suggestions, comments or venom from anonymous trolls. You can carry a conversation with others through the Ask box.
8.) Customization – making your site has never been so easy. With free themes, you can change backgrounds, fonts, data counters, graphics and other pretty things quickly and easily. You have complete control over how your blog will look.
9.) Unlike facebook, you can actually add music to your profile and present viewers with auditory background. Playlists can also be created as well, or replayed.
10.) Its just so damn easy to use. Even a computer-illiterates can catch on quickly – its as simple as post, reblog, like, follow. And repeat.
The only problem I have with tumblr – because it is designed as a micro-blogging website, there isn’t opportunity to have long, in-depth, meaningful conversation with those who follow you or whom you follow. Its also for the most part, very anonymous, but also the only sites where you need to have real-life friends on to interact with others.
1.) The microblogging aspect – you can post short messages concisely like twitter, giving a sense of immediacy.
2.) Uploading pictures, videos and whatever other things is amazingly simple. You can reblog other usewrs’ content as well, sharing it on your own blog.
3.) The DASHBOARD. Kind of like a facebook homepage or newsfeed, you are updated on the activity of people you follow. It is more often than not highly visually appealing – I follow high fashion, couture, travel and photography blogs so every time I am bombarded with gorgeous pictures.
4.) You can link your tumblr to twitter and facebook: all your posts are double posted in real time on various other platforms, without having to install third party applications or pay for extra services. YOU CAN ALSO TUMBLR POST FROM YOUR PHONE.
5.) You can tag your posts like #this is win #need to get off tumblr #tumblrngggg and such. Clicking on such a tag will launch a search for similar posts posted by others, like a much-welcomed google feature. Its also incredibly for organizing your posts as well.
6.) People from all over the globe use the site for various different things – follow your favorite cooking recipe blogs, fashion houses, animal lover sites, political discussion, sports analysis – anything you can thing of. There is something to interest everyone.
7.) You can comment or “like” posts as well. There is also an “ask” box feature that may be enabled for suggestions, comments or venom from anonymous trolls. You can carry a conversation with others through the Ask box.
8.) Customization – making your site has never been so easy. With free themes, you can change backgrounds, fonts, data counters, graphics and other pretty things quickly and easily. You have complete control over how your blog will look.
9.) Unlike facebook, you can actually add music to your profile and present viewers with auditory background. Playlists can also be created as well, or replayed.
10.) Its just so damn easy to use. Even a computer-illiterates can catch on quickly – its as simple as post, reblog, like, follow. And repeat.
The only problem I have with tumblr – because it is designed as a micro-blogging website, there isn’t opportunity to have long, in-depth, meaningful conversation with those who follow you or whom you follow. Its also for the most part, very anonymous, but also the only sites where you need to have real-life friends on to interact with others.
Thursday, 2 June 2011
the dark knight: movie review
So I realize that this movie has been out for years; quite possibly 99.9% of the world’s population has watched it at some point, and yet I only managed to watch the film in its entirety very recently.
It started with an English class presentation I had to do regarding archetypes in literature. My topic was on Devil Figures. So, basically EBIL, capitalizing the E. Underlining the evil. Someone with clearly no sense of remorse for their actions and commonly offering trade-offs to the protagonist in return for his/her integrity or soul – any of this ringing a bell? While doing research for this archetype I suddenly had a MAJOR epiphany and was reminded of the Joker from Batman. Which gave me an excuse to see the movie. So after searching it up online and watching it illegally on a random movie sharing site (I clearly did not have the $20ish bucks needed to buy the DVD, owing to my pitifully light wallet post-prom shopping - but that is another matter entirely), I am absolutely inspired. I cannot believe I have not watched the movie before. Where has the Dark Knight been all my life!?
It was basically 2 and a half hours of pure, unbelievable cinematic action and philosophical food for the soul – my oh my. There was just so much about it – the tragically beautiful role played by Heath Ledger as the Joker, whose acting was so inspired I cannot for the life of me figure out if he was a half-crazed psychotic murderer or some misguided fanatic. I am so sorry I was not able to see more of his work before he passed away. And Batman, leading the double-life of an extremely wealthy and sophisticated heir by day and shedding those gorgeous custom Gucci and Armani pressed suits for Gotham City’s token superhero-slash-vigilante cape and leathers by night. There was suspense, there was drama, there was a love line, it was heartbreaking, it was moving. But enough gushing. Here is why it makes my top 10 favorite films of all time:
1.) Christopher Nolan. (need I say more?)
2.) THE JOKER. So different than other portrayals of Joker in the past, but it hits the mark so well. Even Batman himself is made to feel like a secondary character. The Joker is easily the most memorable character in the film.
3.) The cinematography. It was crisp, clean, never too over the top or cheap, and was consistently stark and hinting at underlying emotions and scenes.
4.) Rachel Dawes, played by Maggie Gyllenhaal, was a much stronger, confident individual this time around. Wonderful contrast to the moral corruption presented in the film.
5.)Its emotional impact. Brings up a long list of social/societal issues that filmmakers are generally scared of, so as to avoid controversy. But the issues brought up are important ones and makes it a film to ponder and think about long after you have watched it. Any movie that makes me think is a good one.
If I had to list some things I didn’t like about the Dark Knight, it would have to be the length. While every minutes was very vital to get down all the detail and action, I felt it dragged on just a bit, and cutting it down a bit would have made it more enjoyable.
It started with an English class presentation I had to do regarding archetypes in literature. My topic was on Devil Figures. So, basically EBIL, capitalizing the E. Underlining the evil. Someone with clearly no sense of remorse for their actions and commonly offering trade-offs to the protagonist in return for his/her integrity or soul – any of this ringing a bell? While doing research for this archetype I suddenly had a MAJOR epiphany and was reminded of the Joker from Batman. Which gave me an excuse to see the movie. So after searching it up online and watching it illegally on a random movie sharing site (I clearly did not have the $20ish bucks needed to buy the DVD, owing to my pitifully light wallet post-prom shopping - but that is another matter entirely), I am absolutely inspired. I cannot believe I have not watched the movie before. Where has the Dark Knight been all my life!?
It was basically 2 and a half hours of pure, unbelievable cinematic action and philosophical food for the soul – my oh my. There was just so much about it – the tragically beautiful role played by Heath Ledger as the Joker, whose acting was so inspired I cannot for the life of me figure out if he was a half-crazed psychotic murderer or some misguided fanatic. I am so sorry I was not able to see more of his work before he passed away. And Batman, leading the double-life of an extremely wealthy and sophisticated heir by day and shedding those gorgeous custom Gucci and Armani pressed suits for Gotham City’s token superhero-slash-vigilante cape and leathers by night. There was suspense, there was drama, there was a love line, it was heartbreaking, it was moving. But enough gushing. Here is why it makes my top 10 favorite films of all time:
1.) Christopher Nolan. (need I say more?)
2.) THE JOKER. So different than other portrayals of Joker in the past, but it hits the mark so well. Even Batman himself is made to feel like a secondary character. The Joker is easily the most memorable character in the film.
3.) The cinematography. It was crisp, clean, never too over the top or cheap, and was consistently stark and hinting at underlying emotions and scenes.
4.) Rachel Dawes, played by Maggie Gyllenhaal, was a much stronger, confident individual this time around. Wonderful contrast to the moral corruption presented in the film.
5.)Its emotional impact. Brings up a long list of social/societal issues that filmmakers are generally scared of, so as to avoid controversy. But the issues brought up are important ones and makes it a film to ponder and think about long after you have watched it. Any movie that makes me think is a good one.
If I had to list some things I didn’t like about the Dark Knight, it would have to be the length. While every minutes was very vital to get down all the detail and action, I felt it dragged on just a bit, and cutting it down a bit would have made it more enjoyable.
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